“No doubt you are wondering at my sudden appearance,” he began at length. “I confess it was not so much coincidence as design. I was needed in Norfolk, to oversee some renovations at Blickling, as we are rarely ever there now, but I had already resolved to call in to see you before I left London.”
“Oh?”
“I find myself again in need of your assistance.”
It was on the tip of her tongue to tell him to stop there, not to voice his request, but to mount his horse again and ride away, but their respective social positions would not allow it.
“I am about to ask too much of you, but in truth, there is no one else I would ask, for the sake of your good qualities. Thomasin, the last time you were in London I was well placed to observe your calm, rational good sense, your sensible head in a crisis, and your gentle compassion towards my wife. Now I dare to ask for those same qualities in the service of my daughter. Anne is due to enter her confinement in two weeks. She has midwives and women about her, but none whose judgement I trust as much as yours.”
Thomasin waited.
“Anne is unsettled. You saw what she was like before the coronation, and now her fears are getting the better of her. Henry is —” he paused, seeking the best word — “distracted. His attention wanders and she feels this most keenly. To add to her fear of the impending confinement, there are certain rumours in the city, unpleasant predictions. We think they’re coming from supporters of the maid Barton, but it is sending Anne into a state most undesirous, considering her position. Lady Waterson, Thomasin…” He stopped, forcing her to do the same and face him. “I will offer any incentive you wish to name, should you agree to be Anne’s companion in these weeks ahead, to be with her in her confinement, at her side until the child is safely delivered.”
Thomasin thought of the herbs she had strewn across her bed in hope. “I know nothing of childbirth, sir.”
“You need not. That is why her midwives will be present. I want you for your good sense and reason. Will you consider it?”
Thomasin remained silent. Every part of her wanted to refuse his request. Although she had felt pity for Anne upon her last visit, the memories of her former cruelty remained, especially the way she had treated her rival queen.
“I see you are hesitant. Reluctant, perhaps.”
“I had not intended to go again to court, my lord.”
“No, I understand that. This would be a personal favour to myself, Thomasin, and to the king.”
“The king?”
“Yes. He is aware of my request. He adds his pleas to mine.”
She dug the toes of her boot into the ground. A plea from the king was not to be refused and Sir Thomas knew it. It was practically a command. She felt a wave of frustration rise within her.
“This is not my wish, sir.”
“I know that. But it might be for three weeks, or a month at most. The birth of a future king is at stake here, Thomasin!”
“But he will be born, whether I am there or not!”
“I left Anne in a fevered condition. Her fears and fancies will put the child at risk, and nothing seems to calm her.”
“Why do you think she will listen to me? She has always loathed me.”
“She is a changed woman. You saw her at the coronation. She is worse than that, tormenting herself with fears. She spoke recently of the kindness you showed to her mother.”
Thomasin was caught. She could feel the net drawing in around her.
“I know this is a task you relish not. I promise I will make it worth your while.”
“Look around you. I have all that I desire, sir.”
“Do you? There is nothing in this world that you lack?”
She was silent again and turned half away.
Sir Thomas took a step closer and dropped his voice. “How long have you been wed now? Four years and no child? It must be a source of sorrow. In London, I can arrange for you to see the best physicians, herbalists, astrologers.”
“This is too much, sir!”
“Tell me I am wrong.”
