The moments stole away. The torches burned low so that the servants carried them away and the jugs were empty.
Finally, the women heard a heavy tread upon the floor outside. Henry looked jubilant, his cheeks flushed as he entered, full of wine and the good wishes of his kingdom.
“That is that,” he announced. “The child is christened, the guests have departed and we must resume. When will you schedule your return? You can be churched here in the chapel. Cranmer will do it. I am thinking of a progress during these autumn months, around the southern counties. What do you think?”
“When she is quite recovered, my lord,” urged Lady Elizabeth. “There is no cause for haste.”
“Shortly,” said Anne, smiling winningly, “that would be most welcome.”
THIRTY
Thomasin waited at the back of the hall. Henry had summoned the midwives to bring his ten-day-old daughter out to show her off in front of all the court. It was a good sign, she thought, meaning he was softening towards the baby, with its down of red hair, pouting mouth and tiny hands. Anne hadn’t minded letting her go for half an hour. She took it as an encouraging sign that the king was proud of her. Thomasin could see in her tired eyes that it gave her a glimmer of hope that things would improve.
Mistress Blackwood held up the child in its bundle of blankets. In an unprecedented gesture, Henry came down the steps of the dais and scooped her up in his arms.
“Good morning, Elizabeth,” he said, looking down into the little face.
Thank goodness the child was quiet, Thomasin thought. She had already proved she had a good pair of lungs, and this scene would not have gone so well if she had started screaming.
“See how strong she is,” Henry said to those gathered around, “how blessed and healthy a child God has given me.”
“My lord, God has truly shown his approval of all you have done,” said Du Bellay, almost sweeping the floor with his elaborate bow. “The king of France sends his good wishes and two dozen of his best hounds for your stables.”
Henry nodded. “And the sons will follow. Plenty of sons to ride beside me in the hunt.”
Cromwell was standing to the side, speaking with Archbishop Cranmer.
“Behold, my lords,” called the king, “the princess of England.”
Both turned, bowing their approval.
“I am blessed,” said Henry, as if he was trying to convince himself. “I am blessed!”
The crowd began to clap in response, causing the baby to let out a small wail.
“Now, now, you will not cry at the king!” Henry laughed, looking round for the midwife. “Madam?”
Mistress Blackwood darted across to take Elizabeth back into her arms. Her familiar smell calmed the child at once.
“See,” said Henry, “what a good, obedient daughter she is like to prove.”
Thomasin felt the sting in this. The unspoken implication was that his other daughter, Princess Mary, was less than good or obedient. Poor Mary, who had not been allowed to visit her mother. Thomasin would have to try and speak once more on her behalf, and not be so easily dissuaded.
Elizabeth was carried from the hall, back up to Anne’s apartments.
Now Thomasin was able to approach the king and kneel before him. The bulk of him rustled before her, draped with velvet, gold and brocade.
“Mistress Waterson, what means this?”
“My lord, my duties to your wife the queen are now performed, and I come to ask your permission to leave court and return to my estate in Suffolk.”
His feet stopped in front of her. He said nothing at first, yet she could feel his eyes staring down at her.
“You have acquitted yourself well. Your services were much appreciated. Rise, please.”
She did as he bid.
“So you are to leave us and return to the country. I hope not for another four years this time?”
