Chapter 46 Greenwich Palace, March 1541
Greenwich Palace, March
MY FATHER GREETS us on the quay at Greenwich, kneeling to the king and queen, who process proudly past him. He rises to give me his blessing.
‘I didn’t know you were coming,’ I say as I kiss his cheek. ‘Is my lady mother well, and my sister and brother?’
‘Yes, yes, all well,’ he says. ‘And before you ask, I’m here to ask the king for some lands at home – there’s no inquiry.’
‘Thomas Wyatt is to be released,’ I tell him. ‘The queen asked for pardon?’
‘Lady Margaret Pole?’ He raises an eyebrow.
I shake my head.
My father sighs. ‘Circa Regna Tonat,’ he says, quoting a Wyatt poem. ‘Thunder around the throne.’
I take his arm, and we follow the courtiers into the palace.
‘And how is your new queen?’
‘Young, but guided into her great calling,’ I say.
He understands at once. ‘Be modest, daughter,’ he says gently. ‘She should grow; but the greatest courtier never forgets he is in service. And you are on your own now you have no protector.’
‘I have you,’ I suggest.
He gives a little shrug. ‘I could translate a text for you, but little more. I am an observer of the machinery behind the masque; I don’t put my shoulder to the wheel.’