Page 114 of By the Sword
‘He was a member of the Long Parliament. A good man. Poor Katherine cannot owe any thanks to your grandfather for saddling her with Seven Ways.’
‘No,’ Jonathan agreed. ‘It’s been a heavy burden.’
‘Still, she seems to have taken it on. Brave woman.’
Jonathan nodded. ‘She’s an extraordinary woman.’
Jonathan caught the glance between his aunt and uncle, but let it pass without comment from him.
‘How is Nell?’ Henrietta asked.
‘I believe Nell is with child.’ Jonathan passed on the small snippet of family gossip.
‘How?’ Henrietta asked ingenuously.
Jonathan looked at him and laughed. ‘The usual way I presume, Aunt,’ he said, then added, ‘Giles was hardly likely to miss an opportunity to see his wife once he was as close as Worcester.’
Nathaniel nodded. ‘Ah, Lord Longley. I presumed him still in France. He was at Worcester too?’
Jonathan nodded.
‘Where is he now? Is he all right?’ Henrietta asked.
‘He’s safe,’ Jonathan said.
Henrietta looked at Jonathan and leaned forward, placing a hand on his arm. ‘You’re exhausted, Jon,’ she said. ‘Go and rest and we will talk in the morning.’
Chapter 40
With the infinite capacity of youth for speedy recovery, not only was Tabitha up, but she was playing on the floor of the parlour with Henrietta’s little dog when Jonathan went in search of her the following morning.
A smile lit her face and she rushed up to him and took his hand.
‘Is this where we are going to live, Father?’ she asked. ‘It’s a lovely house and everyone is so nice.’
Jonathan picked her up and smiled. ‘Well I’m glad to see you looking so bright this morning,’ he said, ignoring her question. ‘What’s the dog’s name?’
‘Pippin,’ Tabitha replied.
Henrietta came in with some flowers from the garden.
‘You should have woken me,’ he said.
Henrietta shrugged off the reproof. ‘Nathaniel has gone to town but he will be back later. He said you were to go nowhereuntil he has spoken with you. Now, you probably want to break your fast?’
An obliging maid brought a tray loaded with a substantial breakfast and, while Jonathan ate, Henrietta sat with Tabitha on the window seat, showing her a complicated game involving winding string around fingers. Tabitha giggled as she succeeded in mastering the correct moves and Jonathan watched on, fascinated that the unhappy child of just two days ago could so suddenly blossom.
The rain had passed and the sun broke through the heavy clouds. Henrietta suggested a walk by the river and Jonathan and his aunt strolled through the fine garden with Tabitha.
‘I know someone who would love this garden,’ he said, his fingers brushing the fragrant lavender bushes.
Henrietta tucked her hand into the crook of his arm. ‘Someone special?’ she asked.
He looked down towards the river. ‘Someone very special,’ he admitted.
‘Let me guess…Kate Ashley?’ Henrietta enquired.
Jonathan looked down at his aunt. ‘Am I that transparent?’
