Chapter 22 #2
It was midafternoon when visitors arrived.
The chamber was heady with the scent of roses and ringing with laughter when Giles Waterson and Harry Letchmere were shown in.
Both were dressed splendidly, in rich doublets, caps and gold chains, as befitted a visit to a queen, and they carried gifts of wafers, jars of honey, wine and candied suckets.
Thomasin felt a twinge of guilt at the sight of Giles, recalling their last awkward encounter.
She had forbidden him from speaking then, surprised by the realisation that he had feelings for her.
Until then, she had not considered Giles in a romantic light, more as an attractive, helpful cousin, while all her affection had been for Rafe.
But how did she feel now? She watched the men bow low before the queen.
“Gentlemen,” said Catherine, “how very welcome you are. What wonderful gifts you bring to lighten our afternoon.”
“It seems we already find you very merry, which gladdens my heart,” said Giles, looking around at the roses. “What is the occasion of this celebration?”
“Hope,” replied the queen, “hope for the future. Come, will you drink with us?”
The men accepted a glass of wine each, and raised them along with the queen. As they drank, Giles met Thomasin’s eyes with a mixture of curiosity and warmth. She looked away quickly. Whatever this was between them, she did not want it to play out in public.
It was Harry Letchmere who approached Thomasin and Ellen, as if Giles had somehow understood her thoughts.
“Ladies, it is a pleasure to see you again, both looking radiant as ever.”
It was a platitude, but Thomasin noticed how Ellen smiled.
“The queen is keeping you busy, no doubt?”
“Oh, we live fairly quietly here,” said Ellen, smiling, “save for Thomasin’s visits to the court, but we hope those will soon cease.”
“Ah yes, the Papal Court. Surely that is everyone’s dearest wish?”
“So long as it brings the desired outcome,” said Thomasin, more guarded.
“I heard that Fisher’s speech was excellent. It must influence the outcome.”
“Thomasin was in the courtroom,” said Ellen. “She heard it all.”
“It was a good speech,” Thomasin agreed, “but let us wait and see.”
Harry looked across the chamber to where Catherine was laughing at something Giles had said. “The queen seems in good cheer. That alone is a blessing.”
“It is,” said Thomasin, suddenly tiring. “Would you excuse me? I just need to sit down for a moment.”
“Are you well?” asked Ellen, concerned. “Shall I come too?”
“I am quite well. It has just been a long day and I wish to rest. Please, don’t let me stop you.”
Leaving them in silence, Thomasin poured herself a glass of wine and headed into the anteroom where she might find a moment’s rest. Her head felt a little foggy and the wave of fatigue had caught her unawares. She hoped she hadn’t caught a chill when she’d slept in the garden the other day.
“Thomasin?”
Of course Giles had followed her. He must have been watching her from across the room, but she did not wish him to think she had deliberately removed herself in order to allow him a chance to seek her out.
“I am just a little tired, nothing more. I wanted to rest a moment.”
“I understand. Is there anything I can bring you?”
“Nothing more, thank you.”
“Shall I tell the queen you are indisposed?”
“No, I’m sure I will be well in a moment. I will just rest here for a moment to regather my strength.”
“Very well, but call for me if you require anything.”
He stood in the doorway, looking down at her, reluctant to leave. Thomasin could see she would need to dismiss him.
“All is well. You may leave me now.”
He gave a brief nod and disappeared. She sat back in the chair and closed her eyes.
“Thomasin?”
She woke with a start. Ellen was standing over her.
“You were asleep? It is the dinner hour.”
Thomasin sat up, rubbing her eyes. “I am sorry. I hope the queen was not upset at my absence.”
“Not at all. She is quite content and already dressed for dinner. But you must rouse yourself now.”
“I will. I don’t know how it happened. I just felt a little tired, that is all.”
“Well, you have been busy lately, and had many concerns regarding your family.”
Thomasin nodded. “I feel well otherwise. I hope I have not caught a cold.”
“Take some warming spices and hot wine at dinner, and hopefully those will sort you out.”
“Yes, I will, thank you. Are the guests still here?”
“They’re waiting in the hall to dine, along with Fisher and a few others.”
Thomasin jumped up at once and started tweaking her bonnet. “I must tidy myself up! You go ahead. I will be along to join you in a moment.”
By the time Thomasin joined them in the main hall at Baynard’s Castle, the first dinner plates had already been served.
Catherine was seated at the head of the table, with Fisher to her right and John Clerk on her left, along with a few other bishops and supporters.
Giles and Letchmere sat in the middle, with Ellen opposite, who was clearly saving a space beside her on the bench.
Thomasin nodded to the queen in apology and hurried over, sitting down just as a dish of steaming ox cheeks was placed before her. Immediately her gorge rose and she turned away, unable to look at food, let alone eat it. The room began to swim around her.
“Thomasin, you are still unwell,” Ellen said softly.
“Yes, not well,” she managed to say. “The food!”
“Come, let us get you somewhere quiet.”
Gently, Ellen helped Thomasin back to her feet and led her through to the antechamber again, where she pulled out a trestle and blanket.
“Here, you must lie down. The queen will send for Dr Butts.” She held her hand to Thomasin’s forehead.
“You are developing a fever. I will instruct the kitchens to bring you something cooling. Never fear; rest and the right medicine will fix you.”
“Thank you.” Thomasin climbed into bed. “I do not wish to be a nuisance.”
“Not at all. Do you want me to sit with you?”
“I think I will try and sleep. Please, return to the meal.”
“Very well, but take this.” Ellen handed her the small hand bell they sometimes used. “Ring this if you need anything. Try to sleep.”
“I will,” said Thomasin, her eyes already closing.