Thomasin had no reply to this.
“All I ask of you is that whatever happens, you look to her health and calmness of mind. Do your best to pour balm on troubled waters.”
“I will do my best in that, I can promise you.”
“I knew you would.”
He smiled at her, perhaps overlong. “I do not think you have always liked me as a man, Thomasin. Perhaps you still do not.”
“I barely knew you, my lord.”
“Oh, that is not sufficient excuse. I stood between you and young Rafe Danvers once, I believe.”
“That is in the past now.”
“But you conceived a dislike before that, did you not?”
“As I said, I did not know you.”
“What do you want most in the world, Thomasin?”
He had put down his knife and was leaning back, looking at her.
“I cannot say. I think I already have it.”
“Nonsense. Besides the king, and Norfolk, I am the most influential man in England. Whatever you wish for, I can provide it. Lands, houses, gold, clothes? What do you desire?”
Thomasin shifted uneasily in her seat. “I desire to finish this good meal before it grows cold.”
He laughed. “Of course you do. But do not forget what I have said.”
There was something horribly compelling about him, despite everything. For a moment, a little flame inside her burned with ambition. What if she accepted his offer? Where might she go?What might she do with that amount of money? But then she shook it away.
The servants brought more wine, wafers, candied fruits and a syllabub of rose and cream. Rich delights for a rich man’s table.
When they had finished, Thomasin rose to her feet. It was dark outside the window and the scent of the roses below stole in upon the evening air.
“Thank you for that lovely dinner; I do appreciate your kindness. I should retire if I am to be ready for Anne’s arrival tomorrow.”
But Thomas was on his feet and crossing the room. He took her by the hand. “Perhaps I am a foolish old man, letting the wine speak for me, but I must confess that I admire you, Thomasin. I am in a position to give you so much more than you might ever have dreamed of, if you are minded to look upon me kindly.”
“I do look upon you kindly, sir,” she replied, trying to recover her arm.
“I mean as a man, and you as a woman, Thomasin. And perhaps I can give you the thing you desire most.”
He was very close now. She could see the flecks in his eyes, the smooth hairs in his beard, mixed with grey. His mouth smelled of wine. It was a strange sensation to realise what he was suggesting.
“A child, Thomasin. I could give you a child. I am inviting you to share my bed.”
“Yes, my lord, I know.” She stepped away. “But I am a happily married woman.”
“So are many. And I am a happily married man. It is no barrier. My favour would bring you much advancement.”
“I would rather have your favour for my abilities than for sharing your bed, my lord.”
“You think me too old?”
“I love my husband. I thought you could see that.”
