“I saw you across the garden earlier, but I had not imagined you would return so soon. Was not your other visit enough to satisfy your curiosity?”
“Oh, I am endlessly curious, especially about the whereabouts of your mother. Does she have no companion today?” She could see the blow struck home.
“My wife is indisposed today and dines at home,” Sir Thomas put in. “She was grateful for your company the other day but found the whole experience very tiring.”
“I wonder you have not employed a nurse for her; I would think it comforting to her to have someone by her side at all times.”
“She has her people about her.”
By people, she knew he meant servants, not a nurse or companion to reassure her.
“So what brings you back to court?” Mary pressed again.
“An absolute love of intrigue,” Thomasin shot back. “But I have brought my sister to see the place.”
“Your sister?” asked Hatton at once.
“Yes, my younger sister, Lettice,” said Thomasin, indicating the girl. “It is her first time at court, and being young, she needs much supervision.”
Hatton was staring at Lettice, who kept her eyes upon Mary, oblivious to his interest.
“Lettice, may I introduce the queen’s sister, Lady Mary, and her father, Sir Thomas Boleyn.”
Lettice dropped her extravagant curtsey again. “It is a pleasure to meet you.”
“You have enjoyed court?” asked Sir Thomas, formally.
“I love it. I am so glad to have seen the queen, although I thought she looked sad.”
“You enjoyed the meal, did you not?” Thomasin jumped in at once, suppressing ripples of embarrassment.
“It was wonderful. I wish we could eat here every day.”
“Well, you would need to be employed at court for that — as a lady’s maid,” Sir Thomas humoured her.
“Just like Thomasin used to! I can hardly dream of that. I wonder if the queen needs anyone.”
“She is quite amply provided for,” snapped Mary sourly.
“Although there may be space,” said her father, turning to her tersely, “if you go into the country as you intend.”
Mary’s lips pursed. “I think it would be Anne’s choice, Father, if I was to be replaced. She has the daughters of the nobility of England clamouring for a position with her; there is quite a waiting list, and many young women have been disappointed.”
“How is your family?” Hatton blurted out.
“They are very well,” Thomasin replied, silently urging him to stop.
“And your other sister?”
“In good health.” She refused to meet his eyes.
“The king is off to play tennis,” said Sir Thomas. “Will you come and watch?”
It was on the tip of Thomasin’s tongue to refuse at once, but Lettice beat her to it.
“I would love to! Tennis? Is it the most wonderful game?”
Thomasin sighed, mirroring the resignation in Giles’s eyes.
