Precious Bones (7 page)

Chapter 20

Constance ran up the stairs to her bedroom and closed the door before Tom had a chance to question her about her evening.  She saw Jane’s anxious, freckled face peer after her up the stairs as she ran by and mumbled an apology.   She took off her cloak and threw it over a chair, holding her hands out to the fire.  It wasn’t that cold in the room, but she was chilled from the inside.   Connie knew Richard wasn’t one of them, but she’d allowed herself to think he cared for her and that he was an honorable man. 

Now the truth came out.  He was Walsingham’s creature, an instrument of intolerance and torture.  How long had he been watching them before the
incident at Tyburn, and what had he seen?  True, they’ve done nothing wrong, but it didn’t take much to throw someone in the Tower never to be heard from again.  She had been careless allowing him to call on her and take her to the theater.  It was all just a ploy to get into her good graces to learn more of their activities.   She knew the Queen’s men were on the hunt for Catholic priests hiding in London.  Father Francis would be arrested and subjected to unspeakable horrors if anyone knew he was being hidden by Lady Devon.  Connie shuddered at the thought.  She sank down on the bed, feeling miserable and betrayed when there was a knock on the door.  Jane was outside holding a cup of ale.

“Connie, are you ill?  You ran by so quickly.”

“Thank you, Jane.  I am well.  I was just a trifle upset.  I need to speak to Tom.”  Connie drained the cup of ale, wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, and followed Jane downstairs to confess to her brother.  Tom listened carefully as he paced in front of the fireplace, his dark hair falling into his eyes, his face frozen into lines of anxiety.  At twenty-two he had to be the man of the house and protect his sisters, and he was doing his best to do what their parents would have wished, but it wasn’t easy.

“Connie, you must go to Whitehall for
May Day,” he finally said.  Both Constance and Jane gaped at him with shock.

“Go to Whitehall?  Why?”

“It stands to reason that someone has informed on us in order for the Secretary to put a watch on our activities.  Obviously they found nothing, and suspicion has been allayed for now.  Mr. Carlisle seems to have feelings for you, and he might be a powerful ally should the need ever arise.  It’s not wise to make an enemy of him, Connie.”   Tom looked at both girls hoping to gain support for his argument.  “Carlisle would not invite you to go before the Queen with him if he thought you were guilty of anything.  That would be political suicide for someone like him.  He believes in your innocence and that’s the best protection we can hope for.”

“What i
f he wants more, Tom?”  Connie sat on the sofa, pleating the fabric of her gown with nervous fingers.  “What if he wants to take me as a mistress for the price of his support?”

“He seems an honorable man.  We just have to trust him and see what transpires.”  Tom nodded to himself as if his mind was made up.  “Wait until tomorrow and then send a note to his lodgings telling him you’ve changed your mind. “

“Yes, Tom.”  Connie rose and went to her room.  She climbed into bed shivering, and wishing Pippa was there to comfort her.

Chapter 21

Connie was shaking with nerves as the carriage approached Whitehall Palace.  She had seen it before, but never been this close, and certainly never inside.   Richard escorted her through a gate guarded by armor clad soldiers, into a large courtyard lit with numerous torches, and then through massive carved doors inside.  There were people everywhere, and they ranged from the highest nobility to the lowliest servants, as they came and went about their tasks.  Constance looked around in awe as they walked through several large chambers toward the Great Hall where the celebration was taking place.  Richard had told her that Whitehall had over one thousand five hundred rooms and was even larger than the Palace of Versailles in France.  Thousands of people resided at the palace, the apartments given and taken away based on the recipient’s standing at Court.

Connie tried not to
gape like a peasant, but she couldn’t help but be impressed by the beautiful tapestries covering the walls, the elegant furniture and gold and silver studded with gems on display everywhere.  It was more crowded as they got closer to the Hall and Connie heard strains of music over the hum of conversation.  Richard bowed to several people as he guided her inside, his hand warm on her lower back.  He looked very handsome in his navy, velvet doublet and breeches; his sleeves slashed to reveal a lighter blue fabric shot with silver thread.  His dove-gray hose matched his brocade coat, and the silver buckles on his shoes reflected the light of a thousand candles.  A huge May Day pole had been erected in the middle of the hall, and its colorful ribbons hung limply, waiting for the moment when men and women would take hold of them and dance around the pole in celebration of spring.

Constance looked away from the pole and studied the assembled company. 
The gentlemen were richly dressed, but the ladies stole the show with their finery.  They dazzled in all shades of silk and satin, their jewels glittering on snow-white bosoms and against painted faces.  Constance was even more grateful to Lady Devon, who came to her rescue when she found out about Connie’s invitation to the palace.  She dressed mostly in black now in respect to her broken husband, but there was a time when she was a lady of high fashion and had gowns of the finest quality. 

Lady Devon made Connie try on gown after gown, until they found the perfect one.  It was made of bronze satin which glowed in the light and went from gold to copper to cinnamon depending on the way the light fell.  The high lace collar
accentuated Connie’s long, white neck and the lace cuffs foamed at her wrists.  The color of the gown highlighted Constance’s shiny, chestnut curls and provided a striking contrast to her green eyes.  Mary Devon lent Connie a necklace of emeralds and pearls with matching earrings, and Connie had pins with tiny pearl heads glowing in her hair.  She felt like a princess as she entered the room on Richard’s arm.  She looked around, but she couldn’t see the Queen.  “She likes to make a grand entrance,” Richard said softly in her ear.  “Just curtsy when she sweeps in.  She will notice if you don’t.”  

Richard
quietly pointed out some of the more prominent people in the room such as the Duke of Norfolk, Lord Stafford and the Countesses of Lennox, Shrewsbury and Pembroke.   Connie asked about the Earl of Leicester, curious to see the man who had, according to rumor, been the Queen’s lover and still held a special place in her heart, despite all the betrayals.   Some had even heard whispers that Her Majesty had given birth to Dudley’s bastard, but she didn’t believe it.  She might be a Protestant, but she was no whore. 

“Dudley is not here.   T
he Queen has sent him to lead a campaign in support of the Dutch Revolt.   It is a dubious honor.  More like a punishment for Dudley, since that is probably the last place he wants to be.  Allow me to introduce you to some people.”  He presented Connie to several more acquaintances before an older man with a pointed beard came over to join them.  His clothes were all black, relieved only by an old-fashioned white ruff.  He wore a skull cap on his head, and his rheumy eyes seemed to miss very little.

“Mistress Thorne, may I present Sir Frances Walsingham,” said Richard
, as Connie sank into a curtsy.  The man regarded her with watchful eyes as he bowed to her stiffly.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mistress Thorne.  Mr. Carlisle has spoken very highly
of you.  I hope you enjoy tonight’s festivities.  I understand this is your first time at the Palace?” 

“It is, my
lord.  I am overwhelmed by the Palace’s splendor.”

“Is it the Palace or the people who overwhelm you?” he asked
, and melted into the crowd before Connie had a chance to respond to the barb.  Suddenly, a hush fell over the assembled guests as the great doors at the far side opened and Elizabeth herself swept into the room on the arm of a handsome young man, who was presumably the Earl of Essex.  She wore an exquisite gown of crimson velvet adorned with countless precious stones, her high ruff made of the finest lace, and diamonds and pearls glittering at her ears and in her fiery hair.   A ruby the size of an egg and set in gold and diamonds, glowed on her chest, and her painted white face and red lips looked like a porcelain mask hiding the face behind. 

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 quit
e 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 th
an the chocolate,” she said dreamily.