Cicely's King Richard by Sandra Heath Wilson

Author:Sandra Heath Wilson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Robert Hale
Published: 2014-05-14T11:26:15+00:00

Chapter Seventeen

Cicely and Bess were in their mother’s apartment, waiting for her to return from a visit to their little sisters at Sheen. Bess was at her embroidery, but Cicely stood at the window, looking out over the chill grey of the Thames. It was February 1485, and she had only just come from the queen’s apartments. Anne was very unwell, and her physicians had sent all her ladies from the apartment, including Cicely, whom Anne wished to have close by most of all. Something was very wrong. The queen needed her.

As she looked at the river, a rich barge was being poled downstream towards the landing. ‘Mother has returned,’ she said, watching as the craft nudged the stone steps and was made fast. The sole passenger, well wrapped against the cold, was helped ashore and then assisted to walk into the palace. Winter did no favours to Dame Grey’s health.

Bess glanced at her sister. ‘You had best join me with your embroidery. We must look dutiful and industrious. She is not of even temper in the cold.’

When Elizabeth entered the warm room, she was so anxious to be close to the fire that she hardly noticed her daughters. Two of her ladies took her cloak away, and after she pulled her gloves from her frozen fingers, she held her hands to the log fire that crackled and flickered so welcomingly in the hearth.

‘The winter is at its most inhospitable,’ she declared, ‘but at least Sheen is comfortable. However, you will be glad, nay happy, to know that your sisters are in sound health.’ She looked at Bess. ‘Or are you still so wrapped up in Richard that you no longer care about your siblings?’

It was a little unkind, and Bess blushed. She had been trying to tread the correct path where her improper love was concerned, and it hurt to be reminded of it. Richard’s rather public rejection at Christmas had left her heartbroken because now she no longer had even the crumbs. He made certain he was never in an awkward situation with her, and if he spoke at all, it was merely to be civil as convention demanded. She had lost what little she had of him, but her love still burned brightly.

Elizabeth’s attention returned to the fire. ‘How long ago did you leave the queen, Cicely?’

‘Two hours, I think. Since all the ladies were told to leave her apartments. I know she is more ill than before, but—’

‘Yes, her condition has worsened considerably this last hour. I have just learned that for fear of contagion, her physicians have now forbidden Richard to go to her. The end is imminent, I fear.’

Cicely leapt to her feet. ‘I must go to her!’

‘No, Cicely. I was accosted by Sir Francis Lovell when I entered the palace. Richard has commanded that you are not to risk the contagion. It is his command.’ Elizabeth was caustic. ‘It would seem he knows you well enough to anticipate your reaction.’

‘Do you mind?’ Cicely prepared for a confrontation.

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