Page 12 of By the Sword
‘There is no alternative, Jon. You know that. Without the boy, we lose Seven Ways.’
‘No,’ Jonathan said slowly. ‘No, there is no other way. Very well, I’ll speak with her tonight.’
The old man sat back in his chair, satisfied. ‘Good. I am glad we had the chance to have this talk. Leave me now, boy. If we are to kill the fatted calf for your return tonight I had best get some rest.’
Chapter 4
Ellen laid out the new dove-grey satin gown, made especially for this visit but as yet unworn and turned to Kate.
‘If you ask me, it seems strange that they’ve said naught to you about him,’ she said.
‘I’ve no doubt they had their reasons,’ Kate replied.
‘Have you seen him, Ellen?’ Tom said.
Kate cast a sideways glance at her son. He sat on the broad windowsill, swinging his legs and for once her son appeared clean and passably tidy, a feat normally only accomplished with prompting from herself or Ellen. However, the shiny face did not disguise the fact his collar looked as if it had been rolled in a ball and stomped on in muddy boots.
‘Only in passing, Master Thomas.’ Ellen laced Kate’s bodice. ‘The servants seem taken with him. Loyal lot in this house.’
‘And so they should be. I would expect no less of my servants.’ Kate gave her maid a sidelong glance.
Ellen’s lips twitched.
‘Ellen, did I tell you that the King knighted him after he took Horley Bridge with–’
‘–only five men. I think you mentioned that, Tom,’ Kate interrupted.
‘You seem very well informed about your cousin, Master Tom,’ Ellen observed.
‘Oh, Grandfather’s told me all about him. He stole a horse and rode away to join Prince Rupert and carried letters for the King when he was in prison. He’s very brave and clever.’
‘Indeed. Foolhardy may seem a better word,’ Kate remarked more to herself than to Tom. ‘Ellen, please take Tom back to his bedchamber and find a clean collar.’
Tom pulled a face. ‘I washed my face,’ he protested.
‘Go.’ Kate commanded. ‘I’ll finish my hair, Ellen.’
As Ellen and a grumbling Tom left the room they passed Nell in the doorway. Dressed in a gown of blue satin that set off the blue of her eyes, Nell wore her happiness like a bright, shining halo.
Kate’s sharp eyes could not fail to notice that for all its lustre, Nell’s gown was sadly outmoded, darned in places and worn at the hem.
Nell held out her right arm to Kate. ‘Look what Giles has sent me,’ she said.
Kate stooped to admire the exquisite, filigree gold bracelet that graced the young woman’s slender wrist.
‘It’s quite lovely,’ she agreed.
Nell touched the bracelet. ‘Giles is so thoughtful,’ she said with a wistful sigh.
Kate said nothing. She wondered how Giles Longley could afford such expensive presents while his wife lacked the means to purchase her embroidery silks or a new gown.
‘Oh. Do stand up. Let me see your gown.’ Nell circled Kate. ‘Are the waists now worn that low?’ she asked, putting her hands to her own, high-waisted bodice.
‘I doubt my tailor in York is quite at the centre of fashion but he assured me this was the latest style,’ Kate said with a smile.
Nell pleated the material of the skirt between her fingers. ‘It’s lovely but you always wear such sombre colours, Kate.’
‘I am in mourning,’ Kate replied, resuming her seat in front of the mirror. ‘David Ashley has only been dead six months and since Richard’s death I have not had the heart for bright gowns.’
