“Where are you staying?” Lettice’s former enthusiasm had been replaced by concern after she had heard about the dangers to Anne.
“Tonight in the Tower, tomorrow at Westminster, then I will return home, and we may head back to Suffolk!”
Lettice nodded; even she was now keener to see Green Hollow than she was to remain.
Thomasin turned back to Giles. “Where will you watch the procession?”
“I think the safest place will be nearest the Tower, soon after the procession departs. There is much open space, fewer opportunities for concealment. No one would be foolish enough to misbehave so soon on the journey. We will stand on Tower Hill to watch you pass.”
Thomasin ran her hands over her borrowed gown. “I cannot calm my stomach.”
“Mint leaves?” said Lettice. “Shall I run to the kitchen for some?” But she was already on her way before her sister could object.
Giles pulled her towards him and wrapped her in his arms. “Do not fear. The eyes of the entire court, the entire world will be watching: the mayor, sheriffs and aldermen, all the guards walking on either side of you. None of you will come to any harm; these people are more hot air and words than action. News of Barton’s arrest will have subdued them.”
“It would be such a huge event, regardless of all this.”
“Yes, a queen’s coronation! You will never forget this.”
“And such a queen!” said Thomasin, touching her ruby brooch. “Throughout all the struggles of the late queen, I never thought to see this. I hope my going will not hurt Catherine; it would seem to her that I support Anne’s queenship if she knew.”
“Who is there to tell her? You are not going to support Anne, but to assist her mother. You were commissioned by Lord Thomas, and he can hardly be refused.”
“Still, I feel like a traitor.”
Giles sighed. “This is a difficult time. Allegiances change, old masters and mistresses pass out of our lives and we must adapt to survive. Everyone does it; it is the way of the world, Thomasin.We are merely servants of the crown, no matter who is wearing it. You cannot blame yourself, or else you would retire from life entirely.”
This advice sounded much like the words Rafe had once spoken to her, but she shook the memory off at once.
“I am there as a kindness to an old lady who has requested my support.”
“Exactly so. Remember that. Now, I think I hear the carriage arriving to take you to Durham Place.”
Thomasin hesitated. It was the first time they had been parted in a long time. “I will miss you.”
“No, I will miss you! You will be so caught up in all the festivities, you will not give me a moment’s thought.”
“That is untrue! I shall be watching for you on Tower Hill.”
Lettice came flying back with a little silk pouch, which she pressed into her sister’s hands. “Mint leaves from the garden to calm your nerves.”
“Thank you, Lettice. That is most considerate of you.”
A sound was heard at the door, and a small boy approached at speed. With a swift gesture, he threw something into the hall, then turned on his heel and disappeared out through the gates.
“What in God’s name was that?”
Giles bent to scoop up the item, which proved to be a piece of paper crumpled into a ball. He smoothed it out carefully and read the words within, then screwed it up in his hands again.
“Utter nonsense. Now, you must be on your way. Do not keep Lady Boleyn waiting.”
Thomasin knew him better than that. “Come now, you do not think I shall leave this house without knowing what was on that paper?”
“Just more nonsense, nothing to concern yourself with.”
“Show me, please. I am not leaving until I know.” Thomasin rarely used her stern voice with him, so it was clear that this time she was serious.
He shook his head. “Well, if you must, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
