Chapter 16
SIXTEEN
Thomasin stood and looked at the Thames flowing past the bottom of the garden at Monk’s Place.
The surface seemed calm, even glassy, but it was possible to see how the waters eddied and swirled in strong currents beneath.
It raced past her, carrying along twigs and leaves, and even a pair of swans close to the opposite bank.
She would need to return to court soon. The queen had only granted her a few hours’ absence and now that her mother and Cecilia were calmer, Thomasin would need to get back to help prepare the queen for dinner and the night ahead.
It was her turn to sleep on the truckle bed in Catherine’s chamber, although Thomasin could not imagine she would get any rest, imagining what conditions her father found himself in that night.
The only comfort was the presence of Sir William Kingston in the Tower, Sir Richard’s old friend, who would do his best to make Sir Richard as comfortable as possible in the circumstances.
She drew a deep breath. This situation was terrible, but it would pass. They would all be together again soon.
A figure headed down the path from the house. To her surprise, Thomasin recognised Giles Waterson. A feeling of something like relief flooded through her as she went to meet him. His face was a picture of concern.
“Dear Thomasin, I have just heard your awful news. I would have heard sooner, but I was out riding. I came as soon as I could. Is there anything I can do to help?”
His kindness was almost overwhelming.
“I do not wish to upset you, only to be of service,” he went on. “Tell me, what is the news?”
“It happened in the court this morning: Father was arrested by Cromwell’s men. He was meant to give evidence today in support of the queen.”
“And the king has been informed?”
“He is turning a blind eye to all those whose consciences might prevent him from fulfilling his desires. Even to his oldest friends.”
“He is no friend. Remember that. The king is always the king and we are his subjects, never his friends. I am appalled, Thomasin, utterly appalled by the treatment of your father. It is so completely undeserved. If there is anything I can do, everything I own is at your disposal.”
“You are so very kind.”
“And your mother, your uncle? How are they?”
“Better than before. Some letters belonging to my father were taken by Cromwell’s men, but it should come to nothing.”
“They have been here? Searching the place?”
“Yes, not so long ago. Ralph Sadler and Cromwell’s men.”
“I know Sadler. He is not a bad man, but he serves a ruthless master and would be better placed elsewhere. What was in the letters?”
“Only friendly exchanges with an abbot in Guisnes.”
“I pray nothing will come of it.”
“Oh, and my sister is here — Cecilia. She is expecting a child.”
“Then it is imperative that this is resolved as quickly and calmly as possible. Who else is helping your cause?”
“More and Dudley have been here. Their plan is to appeal to the cardinals to summon Father to court. The king cannot ignore a direct summons with papal authority.”
Giles went quiet. His face contracted in thought.
“You do not believe so?”
“I wonder,” he began, “whether you really want to force the king’s hand?
He was so determined not to hear your father’s testimony that he sent him to the Tower.
What would he do if the situation were forced?
I understand the reasons for it, but for the sake of your family’s peace, you do not want to incur the king’s wrath.
No Pope in Rome could protect him if the king turns against him.
I am sorry to speak bluntly; I do not wish to alarm you. ”
“But you are right, by God’s truth, you are right. I must go back to court at once and warn More and Dudley. The cardinals must not summon Father again.”
“I think you are right. Put the king’s divorce aside. Nothing matters more than your family’s safety.”
“I must leave.” Thomasin started to hurry towards the house.
“Let me do this for you. I have a horse waiting outside and will go straight to them.”
“But … but I can’t let you…”
“We are cousins, remember. Distant cousins, but family nonetheless. Your suffering is also mine.”
Thomasin felt tears springing to her eyes and fought them back. “I must return to court anyway.”
“Then I will accompany you. If you have a carriage, I will ride alongside.”
“Yes, I came by carriage. I can’t thank you enough.”
“Then let us go. But, Thomasin, I promise this will be resolved. I shall not rest until it is.”
She felt a blush rise to her cheeks as she was filled with a mixture of relief and gratitude to have a man like Giles by her side.
And then the unpleasant thought arose, unbidden, that it should have been Rafe supporting her through this crisis, speaking the same words that Giles now offered.
Where was Rafe at such a time as this? Nursing his grievances?
“Come.” Giles offered her his arm. “Let us not wait another minute.”
As the carriage trundled through the London streets, Thomasin’s anxiety mounted.
There always seemed to be something holding them back: a cart blocking the way, a crowd of people, a stray dog which almost went under the wheels.
Each time, though, she looked out of her window and could see Giles on his horse, riding alongside, and she felt reassured.
When they finally arrived at court, he opened the carriage door for her, offering his arm.
“I think I should go straight to Wolsey,” he said, clearly having thought about a strategy on the journey.
“It’ll take too long to track down More and Dudley, and Campeggio is more of an unknown quantity, but Wolsey I can appeal to.
He has known your father for years and will understand the complexities of this situation. ”
“Yes, thank you. You are right. But…” Thomasin paused. “I am here now. I will go with you. It will not take long, and then I can return to the queen.”
“If you are sure, then let us go.”
The afternoon was fading as they hurried through the stable yard and into the main courtyard. Heads of courtiers and servants turned to see them speeding along the paths and through gates and corridors.
“Let us hope he is in his chamber, not with the king,” said Giles. “If we find the cardinals together, it would be even better, and save us repeating our reasons.”
He hastened towards the block where Wolsey had his apartment. Thomasin was buoyed by his strength of purpose, and a surge of admiration for Giles rushed through her in her haste, so that she did not notice those around her.
“Why the hurry?”
Giles came up short and Thomasin almost crashed into him from behind.
Anne Boleyn stood blocking the way, looking at them with blazing eyes. “You almost caused an accident, running about here like servants. Is there a fire? A flood?”
Behind her, in the shadows, Thomasin caught a glimpse of Mary Boleyn, and beyond her, her heart sank to see Rafe Danvers glowering, no doubt furious to find her in the company of Giles again.
“I beg your pardon, my lady,” Giles said with conviction, “but please excuse us.”
Anne did not move.
“We are about important business.”
“What is so important?”
“My family’s private business!” added Thomasin, stepping out from behind Giles. “Please let us pass.”
“Ah, Mistress Marwood, what a pleasure,” Anne said with a laugh. “Surely you are not behind this chaos?”
“Chaos?” Thomasin replied. “I see no chaos. Only two people about important business whose path is being blocked.”
She caught Rafe’s eye and read the doubt and annoyance therein, but she had no time for it now. It should have been him beside her, helping her, not her cousin.
“What on earth can be so important?” Anne asked again. “Does it relate to the king’s business?”
“It is nothing of your concern,” said Giles firmly. “Now please allow us to pass. Time is of the essence.”
“Is it?” Anne mused, smiling. “‘Time is of the essence’ — how poetic!” But she leaned to one side, allowing a space for Giles to push through. He extended his hand to help Thomasin pass too.
As they moved, Thomasin was conscious of Rafe’s body close by. She would need to pass him in a second, but there was no time to talk or explain. He deserved little consideration from her right now; her father mattered most.
As she followed Giles past Rafe, there was a sudden jolt. Giles lurched to the left and stumbled. Rafe stepped back, and his furtive movement made her realise that he had deliberately shoved against Giles as he passed.
“Sir,” said her cousin, turning and righting himself, “this is no common brawling house. Your conduct is not befitting of a gentlemen. I am about serious and urgent business, but I will be sure to inform your master of your conduct.”
Thomasin glanced at the other women, but both Anne and Mary looked coolly on, not raising an eyebrow.
“Nothing to say for yourself?”
“Go to hell,” Rafe snarled.
“No, sir, I will not be going to hell,” Giles said with firm disappointment. “I have far more important matters to attend to, than dealing with unruly and disgraceful conduct. But your time will come.”
He turned and motioned for Thomasin to go ahead of him. Leaving Anne and her followers behind, she suppressed her anger and thought instead of saving her father. Rafe did not deserve to know what was happening. Nor did he deserve her.
Wolsey’s chamber door was guarded by two men in his livery. Giles spoke a few quick words and they were admitted at once into his outer chamber.
“He is dining at the moment, but will receive us,” Giles explained. “It might be the best way to approach him, as a captive audience.”
They were shown into the next room, where a long table was spread with delicacies.
Wolsey sat at the head of it, in dark robes, having cast off his papal red, and was flanked on both sides by his household.
Thomasin spotted the new arrival Stephen Gardiner tucking into a pie with the delicate manners of a cleric.
“Move along,” said the guard. “Make way at the top.”
The diners shuffled along the benches to make space for Thomasin and Giles. They sat on Wolsey’s left hand, and empty plates were brought for them.
“Forgive me,” said the cardinal, “you are welcome to partake of this meal, and tell me your business as you do, although I can guess it.”
“You can?” Thomasin had little appetite.
“No doubt it must be your father’s arrest. I will tell you now that I had no prior knowledge of it, and did not agree to it. It is all Cromwell’s doing.”
“Yes, we are aware,” said Giles. “But we are here regarding a request that may have been made to you since.”
“From More?” Wolsey chewed on a piece of meat. “I am one step ahead of you. You have good friends, Mistress Marwood, I can see that. Yes, More asked me to summon Sir Richard in the name of the Pope, but I have refused.”
“You have?”
“I do not think it wise for his cause. There are others who will provide the necessary evidence. Fisher speaks tomorrow, and then the queen herself. I do not wish to put your father in harm’s way.”
“Oh, thank you,” said Thomasin. “That is precisely what we thought, and hoped that we might convince you of.”
“No convincing needed, as I told More. We do not need to raise direct conflict between the king and Pope, not before it is needed, and not over this matter. It is best to let it blow over, and then I will urge for your father’s release.
He is only a small fish in this pond. Cromwell has greater opponents to consider.
Now pray, eat something with me, and all will be well. ”
Giles turned to Thomasin. “There, let that be a comfort to you. I knew Wolsey was the man for us.”
“I could not have done it without you. We are in your debt.”
“Nonsense. I act in my own interest in this matter too.”
Thomasin reached for a glass, uncertain how to interpret his words, and a servant hurried to supply them with wine.
“I feel guilty, eating here, while Father is in…”
“Never fear. He is well provided for. I sent flesh and wine to the Tower kitchens, and paid for a fire to be maintained in his room.”
Tears welled in Thomasin’s eyes. “You are too good, Giles, too good.”
“It is only what I would wish anyone would do for me, were I in the same situation.”
“Then I will pray that you never find yourself so.”
“Nor you, Thomasin, or any of our friends. Now look, a dish of spiced larks. I recall how much you like them.”