He drew himself up to his full height — still a tall, handsome man for his age, unaccustomed to being denied.
“This is not coyness? You are resolute?”
“I am. I thank you for your attentions, which flatter me in the extreme, but I have no wish to break my marriage vows.”
“Not even for a child, or the sake of your husband’s advancement?”
“No, my lord.”
Sir Thomas sighed. He nodded towards a small black bag on the table which she had not noticed. She understood it was her payment for her services to his family.
“I regret it has come to this, Thomasin,” he said, more softly, “but your refusal only increases my respect for you. I hope this will not colour your intentions to return to court in future.”
“Should I choose to return to court, it will be for other reasons not concerning yourself.”
“And if I should ask you to return, perhaps for Anne’s next lying-in?”
“Then I should consider it, so long as our agreement remained for that alone.”
He turned away, running his hand through his beard. “Is it my age? I am aware I am of an age with your father. Do you see me as too old?”
“My lord, I respect you too much to speak anything but the truth in this matter. It is entirely the reason that I have given. I am true to my husband, nothing more. Your age is of no importance to me.”
“Well, I hope he is as faithful as you deserve.”
Thomasin smarted at this. Sir Thomas had no right to speak of Giles or his impeccable behaviour as a husband. “You should leave, my lord. The hour is late.”
“I shall go to Durham House tonight. You cannot tell me there is any hope? You will not have a change of heart?”
“My lord, please.”
Thomasin thought she might have to call Williams to see Sir Thomas out, but at that moment there was a sound outside thegarden door. A figure came crashing into the room, shrouded in darkness.
“Thomasin! I could not let you go; I must speak!”
The figure pulled back a dark hood to reveal Rafe, though Thomasin had already recognised him by his voice. Unaware of the man standing in the corner, and the warning in her eyes, he pressed on.
“I could not let you leave again without telling you of my feelings. Another four years cannot pass without…”
“Good evening, Mr Danvers.”
Rafe stopped at once at the sound of Sir Thomas’s voice, turning to the corner where his master stood. Thomasin felt the ripple of discomfort pass between them.
“My lord, apologies, I had no idea…”
“Clearly not. Should you not be at court with your wife?”
“We have come to Durham Place to collect items for Lady Elizabeth, my lord.”
“Then I suggest you head back there and fulfil your duty.”
Rafe looked wildly from him to Thomasin and back again.
“Was there something else?”
He gaped, caught so off guard that Thomasin almost felt sorry for him.
“It is better that you leave,” she said. “There is nothing between us to discuss. Go now.”
