Connie sank down in a curtsy along with all the other ladies, and admonished herself for staring. After all, she was only in the presence of the Queen of England, she thought to herself feeling slightly hysterical.
The Queen took her seat on the dais and waved to the musicians to begin playing again. The room was once again buzzing with conversation, and the Queen looked on from her seat of honor as people began to take their seats at the great tables, already laden with countless dishes of food. The servants dashed to and fro bringing out platters of roast swans still dressed in their feathers, whole suckling piglets that looked at the guests with accusing eyes as they were carried on silver platters, and capons stuffed with honey and chestnuts. Constance looked at the place setting before her. Was that plate really solid gold, she wondered?
All eyes turned to the floor as the musicians struck a Volta, and the Queen was led to dance by her young courtier. She danced with skill and the grace of a woman half her age, looking at her partner flirtatiously. Constance was so enthralled by the dance that she didn’t notice him until he was standing right in front of her. The man was elegantly dressed in brocade and satin of rich brown, and his dark eyes regarded her warmly. “Carlisle, won’t you introduce me to your charming companion?” the man asked as he smiled at Connie, bowing to her over her hand. His eyes danced with merriment, and Connie felt instantly drawn to him. Richard, on the other hand, stiffened visibly as he made the introduction. “Sir Edward Norris, may I present Mistress Constance Thorne.”
Connie went cold all over as she heard the name. Edward Norris was well-known throughout London for his tireless pursuit of Catholics and cruel methods of torture. The smiling man in front of her had tormented countless people, including Lord Devon, who now lay useless and broken in his bedchamber never to rise again. “May I have the pleasure of this dance?” Norris was looking at her with a knowing smile, and Constance forced herself to smile back with all the charm she could muster.
“I am terribly sorry, Sir Edward, but I had already promised this dance to Mr. Carlisle.” She looked over at Richard, who took her hand and led her on to the dance floor where a new tune was just beginning. Richard didn’t remark on the fact that Connie’s hand was shaking badly in his. He understood, and led her as far away from Norris as possible. Constance could feel Norris’s eyes on her, and did her best to appear natural, and concentrate on the steps of the dance as Richard led her around the dance floor and tried to distract her with light conversation so she wouldn’t falter. Eventually, she began to relax and enjoy the dance and was flushed with exertion by the time Richard led her back to their seats.
Connie was actually beginning to feel hungry and gratefully accepted a slice of pork and something yellow and buttery. “What is that?” she whispered to Richard as he popped a piece into his mouth.
“It’s called a potato, sweeting. It’s something new that was brought from South America. The Queen is very fond of them.” Connie put a piece in her mouth and chewed carefully. She liked this strange new thing, and she took another piece. She tried a piece of some kind of pie, not daring to ask what was inside for fear of looking foolish. She didn’t care for the taste, so she carefully moved it aside, concentrating on the roast pork. That was delicious, and she took a sip of wine from her golden goblet, feeling the warmth of the drink spreading through her body.
Many more courses came and went, but she paid them little mind. She was enthralled by the music, and Richard was only too happy to partner her on the dance floor and teach her the steps to the dances she didn’t know. Richard pulled her back to the table when the servers began to bring out the sweets and plucked something off a dish.
“Close your eyes and open your mouth,” he ordered.
“That sounds rather dangerous, my lord,” Connie answered with a smile, but did as she was bid. She felt something small and firm in her mouth, but it instantly began to melt, filling her mouth with a strange, bittersweet flavor. She swallowed and opened her eyes.
“Another piece?” Richard asked already holding another morsel in front of her.
“Yes, please. What is that? It’s wonderful. I cannot even describe what it’s like.” Connie savored the melting delicacy in her mouth as Richard made a show of thinking it over.
“Ambrosia. That’s what it’s like. I am quite a slave to it, myself. It’s called chocolate. Her Majesty enjoys trying new things and this something else that was brought from beyond the sea.”
“Do they sell it at the market?” Connie wanted Pippa to try some.
“Not yet, but I know how to get some. Leave it to me.” He suddenly leaned forward and gave her a light kiss. “You had chocolate on your lips. All better now, my lady.”
It was well after midnight when they finally left the palace and stepped into the waiting carriage. John looked very happy sitting on the box, and Constance suspected that he had a party of his own while waiting for them. A strong smell of spirits was emanating from his person, and he seemed a man at peace with the world. Richard handed Connie into the carriage and she happily sat down and leaned back, closing her eyes for a moment. She wasn’t accustomed to staying up so late and she craved her bed. She knew Richard was watching her and needed a moment to compose herself. He had been overjoyed when he got her note accepting his invitation and most likely thought all was forgiven. Constance’s eyes flew open as Richard took her hand and slipped something into it, closing her fingers around the box.
“It’s just a small token of my affection. Please accept it, Constance.” Connie opened the small box to find an exquisite brooch nestled among the velvet folds. At the center of the brooch was a brilliant emerald surrounded by vines and tiny flowers worked in gold, diamonds, and yellow topaz. She gasped with pleasure before remembering herself and shutting the box.
“It’s the most beautiful thing anyone has ever given me, but I am afraid I cannot accept it, Mr. Carlisle. It wouldn’t be right for me to accept such a gift from you.” She could see the disappointment in his eyes as he looked at her.
“Connie, I saw it in the window of a shop and instantly thought of you. The emerald reminded me of your eyes, and I thought how lovely it would look pinned to your gown. Please take it. I give you my word that this gift does not obligate you to anything and nothing is expected in return. Accept it as a gift of friendship if you will not accept it as a token of love.”
He looked so miserable that Constance felt herself soften toward him. In truth, he seemed like a good man, and putting aside his unfortunate choice of employment, was a gentleman through and through. She pinned the brooch to her bodice, watching the emerald sparkle among the diamonds and topaz. “Thank you, Richard. I will accept it as a token of your friendship.”
The smile lit up his face and Connie couldn’t help noticing how attractive he was. His blue eyes were the color of a summer sky, but in the dim carriage they looked almost black and full of desire. She looked at his lips remembering the kiss and suddenly wished that he would kiss her again. He must have read her mind, because his mouth came down on hers, kissing her tenderly, demanding that she kiss him in return. Connie had never been kissed like that before. She had never been kissed at all before tonight and the sensation was pleasant, but confusing at the same time. She felt a yearning that drove her closer to Richard, and she melted into his arms as he pulled her closer. She came to her senses a few moments later, and Richard allowed her to pull away.
“I beg your forgiveness, Constance. I did not mean to offend you. I hold you in the highest regard.” Connie could see that he was afraid she would accuse him of something, but she just smiled at him. “That was almost better than the chocolate,” she said dreamily.
Chapter 22
Constance and Pippa lay snuggled together under the down coverlet trying to keep out the chill of the room. They were not lighting the fire anymore to save money. The days were getting warmer, but the nights were still chilly. Pippa had come home for her day off, and she wanted to hear every detail of he
r sister’s evening at Court. After Connie had recounted for the third time what the ladies wore, how the gentlemen behaved, and what the Queen said, she asked for news of Pippa. She knew Pippa well enough to know she had some news of her own. Pippa reached down inside her nightdress and pulled out a chain with a ring dangling on it. Connie studied the ring more closely finding it to be a ruby encircled with tiny seed pearls and diamonds.
“Anthony gave it to me,” whispered Phillipa. “He called it a promise ring.”
“A promise of what?”
“He is married Connie, but his wife is very sickly and he doesn’t think she will last the summer. Once she is gone, he promised to marry me.” Pippa looked radiant with her happiness and Connie tried to come up with a tactful response.
“Pippa, you cannot build your happiness on the misery of someone else. His wife is still alive and she might recover. It’s a very beautiful ring, but you should not have accepted it.”
“You accepted the brooch from Carlisle,” said Pippa defensively.
“That is entirely different and you know it. Carlisle is not married, and I made it clear that it was a token of friendship, not a symbol of love.” Pippa looked up at Connie and laughed. “Is that what you really believe, sister? The man is besotted with you. He doesn’t want friendship. He wants your maidenhead, and the sooner the better.”
Connie was shocked to hear her sister speak like that. She might have a point about Richard, but for a sixteen-year old girl, that was a very vulgar comment. Suddenly realization dawned, and she looked at Pippa more carefully. “You are still a maiden, are you not?”
“Of course. Stop fussing. You are worse than Tom.” With that Pippa turned away and feigned sleep. Constance lay awake listening to her even breathing, thinking about what they had been talking about. She didn’t know what would happen, but she felt sure nothing would be the same again.
**
They celebrated Sunday Mass at the Hortons with Father Francis leading them in prayer, and then adjourned to the dining room for a Sunday dinner. The Hortons felt it was safe to have them all to dine, and it was nice to be out in the open for once. Jane was there with her family, but Connie detected a slight chill between her brother and his intended. Jane looked anxious and sad, and Tom drank more than usual, his eyes turning glassy and unfocused. After the meal, they escorted Pippa back to the Miltons and set out for home. By the time they reached the house in Carter Lane, it was well after dark and Tom had begun to sober up, if not cheer up. He lit the fire in the hearth, while Connie changed out of her best gown into a homespun frock. Tom was sprawled in a chair in front of the fire with his hand over his eyes when she joined him in the front room.
“Tom, is something wrong? Is it Jane?”
Tom just shook his head and stared into the flames.
“Tom, I am worried about Phillipa. Sir Anthony Babington has given her a promise ring while he is still married. Maybe you should have a word with Mr. Milton about the propriety of the situation.” Constance watched Tom as he continued to stare into the fire. He finally turned, looking tired and defeated.
“Constance, I would love to be high-handed and righteous and do the proper thing, but I am not sure I can afford to. I haven’t met Babington, but I know of him. He is handsome and rich, and his wife really is very sickly. She lives in the country somewhere. If he wants our Pippa, then we are better off keeping him on the hook in case his wife dies. Married to Babington, she will be well provided for and a Lady to boot. Jane and I quarreled. She is getting impatient, and I don’t know how much longer I can put her off. She wants us to marry soon. I cannot afford to start a family while I am still supporting both you and Phillipa. Her wages help, but not nearly enough to allow me to marry Jane.”
“Tom, you must marry Jane soon,” said Constance thinking of her broken engagement to Henry. Tom must not lose Jane because of her and Phillipa. “You two love each other and that is all that matters. We will find a way. I will take in some sewing, and we can cut back on firewood and candles with the summer coming. Go to her and set a date.”
Tom looked up, a hopeful smile on his tired face. “Do you really think we can do it, Connie? Jane’s father is a butcher, so we won’t starve,” he added with a chuckle. “What about you, Connie? You are going to be twenty soon. You must be wed.”
“It doesn’t seem to be in the stars, brother,” said Connie with a sigh. “I will be the maiden aunt to your children and help run the household.”
“Don’t lose hope. Something will turn up. Let’s start saving on those candles and go to bed. I am tired. I will go see Jane tomorrow.” They walked upstairs, each lost in their own thoughts.
Chapter 23
May 2010
I dialed Tristan’s number again, but after a couple of rings the call went straight to voicemail. Where could he be? It would be lunchtime in New York now, and it being a Saturday he wouldn’t be with his clients. Maybe he was taking the opportunity to do some sightseeing. This was Tristan’s first time in New York and he was probably just taking in the sights and playing the tourist. I knew I was trying to calm myself down.
Tristan and I hadn’t spoken since Thursday, and it wasn’t like him not to call me for two days. He always found a moment to call me from his business trips, even if it meant staying up to all hours to account for the time difference. I felt listless and cranky and dialed Joanna. Maybe we could meet for dinner or see a film. Since Joanna split with Mark she was usually at home on Saturday nights. She’d had one or two bad dates and swore off men for a while, saying she wanted to reconnect with herself before getting embroiled in another relationship. I dialed her home number, but she didn’t pick up and I tried her mobile. No answer. I left a voicemail and called my school friend, Claudia.
“Hey, Claud. How have you been? How is little Lucas?”
“Cass, I’m exhausted. Lucas is teething and he’s up half the night screaming. I let Gary sleep, since he has to get up for work, you know, so I am on baby duty 24/7. How are things with you?”
“I bought a new house. Actually, it’s an old house, a very old house, but it’s new to me. It was on the news. It’s where they found the skeleton.”
“How very eccentric of you, Cass. Will you be acquiring several cats? I believe that’s the next step to being a reclusive writer with a haunted house.” Claud was laughing at her own joke and I joined in. Maybe a cat wasn’t such a bad idea.
“I was actually wondering if I could come round. I haven’t seen you since Lucas was born, and I thought we might catch up.” I sounded desperate even to my own ears.
“I’m sorry, Cass. I would love to, really I would, and it’s just that Gary’s mum comes over on Saturday evenings to let us out for a few hours. All the other moms tell me how important it is to reconnect as a couple after you have a baby, so we’ve scheduled date nights. I look forward to them all week, not so much because I long to see Gary, but because no one is drooling on my shoulder for a few hours, and I can actually chew my food instead of just swallowing it whole. If you’re free, you can come by tomorrow for lunch. Gary’s going to play football with his mates and I’ll be alone with Lucas.”
“Thanks, Claudia, but I already have plans tomorrow afternoon. We’ll have to get together soon though.” I didn’t actually have plans, but the thought of spending an afternoon with fussing Claudia and drooling Lucas held little appeal.
“Ladies night out soon. I promise.” With that Claudia rang off and I was back to square one. I called my sister, Camille, in Brighton, but got her answerphone. She and Ken usually went out on Saturday nights either with or without the children. I was suddenly feeling lonely and sad, and I longed for some company. I reached for my mobile when it rang. Hoping it was Tristan returning my call, but I was surprised to find Adrian Turner on the end of the line.
“Hello, Cassandra. It’s Adrian. Hope I’m not disturbing you.”
“No, you’re not actually.”
“I know this is terribly short notice, bu
t I have two tickets to a play in the West End and my date just bailed on me. You mentioned that Tristan would be out of town, so I thought you might be free. Any chance you’d like to go with me?”
I sank into a chair feeling utterly pathetic. He must think I had absolutely no life if he would call me at 6pm on a Saturday evening after his date canceled on him. Either that, or he didn’t have anyone else to ask.
“Why did your date cancel?” I asked stalling for time. I still hadn’t decided if I wanted to go.
“She opted for an early night in front of the telly, and told me to go play with someone my own age.” I could hear him smiling on the other end and I wondered if he was laughing at me.
“How old is this woman?”
“She’ll be eighty-five next month.”
“Adrian, are you having me on?” I was getting upset, and he rushed to explain, realizing I was about to hang up.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you. I was going to take my grandmother because she simply adores Ralph Fiennes and wanted to see him in this production, but she wasn’t feeling up to it, so I’m stuck with these tickets and I’d like nothing more than if you were to come with me. I could pick you up at seven.”
“All right. Seven it is, but only because I like Ralph Fiennes as well. I have to go get ready.” I put down the phone and smiled to myself.
Chapter 24
I looked at Adrian over my menu. “Thank you for taking me, it was a wonderful play.”
“Thank my grandmother,” he said taking a sip of his wine and caressing me with his eyes. There was something of the wolf in him even when he was smiling, and I found it oddly attractive.
“The truth now. Why did you call me tonight?” I didn’t believe this story about the grandmother for a second.
“I told you, because my gran pulled a fast one on me.”
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