Tombland

‘Come through to Dr Malton, he is in his bedroom, he spends much of his time in his chair reading now, but he can walk with his stick, sometimes he even walks up and down the street, though it tires him.’

Nicholas and I followed Francis down the hallway. Liz stood uncertainly, and Francis suggested she and Mousy wait in the parlour.

My old friend was, indeed, reading in his chair. His face was still pale, but he looked somewhat better than three months ago. He, too, stared, amazed, for a moment, then, with a cry, rose and embraced me. ‘Matthew, thank heaven, where have you been? I know you were injured, I corresponded with Dr Belys, but then the rebellion came and for weeks, until Jack’s letter to Tamasin arrived – nothing.’ His voice quavered.

I got him to sit down again and told him the bare bones of what had happened to us. He listened intently, then leaned back and sighed.

‘We knew in London that there were risings everywhere, the whole country seemed under threat. We were told the rebels intended to overthrow the King and hold all goods in common, like the German peasant rebels twenty years ago.’

‘No, Guy. Most wanted only to keep their villages safe from greedy sheep farmers and officials. They trusted Somerset’s promises of reform, you see. They were waiting for the commissioners. But the commissioners never came; Somerset sent two armies instead.’

‘They said as well that the rebels wanted to end the English Mass, go back to Rome.’

‘Not in Norfolk. Elsewhere, I cannot say. There were Catholics among the rebels, but most were Protestants – and everyone stressed their support for the religious changes, playing to Somerset’s gallery. Much good it did them.’

He sighed. ‘I know there have been many executions at Tyburn, and hear there are rebels’ heads on all the gates. It makes me glad I cannot walk far; I have never liked to see such things.’

‘Then it is well you were not in Norwich in the days before I left, Guy. Rebel heads everywhere. And many thousand dead at the Battle of Dussindale.’

‘Poor souls.’ After a moment he added quietly, ‘You sympathized with them, didn’t you?’

‘Yes, and have just had the benefit of the Lady Elizabeth’s temper for it.’

He fell silent. ‘And how are you?’ I asked at length.

‘A little better.’ He smiled. ‘I think my time is not quite up yet, though I doubt I shall recover fully. It galls me that I cannot even identify what is wrong with me. I shall not practise medicine again.’

I said, ‘That is a pity. I have Josephine’s baby with me.’ I explained what had happened to her parents, and my plans to adopt Mousy. I added diffidently, ‘Perhaps you might just look her over, to ensure everything is all right. If you feel up to it.’

He smiled. ‘Very well, as it is Josephine’s baby. Have her nurse bring her in.’

I sent Liz in with Mousy, then took her place in the parlour with Nicholas. He said, ‘How is Guy?’

‘Somewhat better, but I think perhaps he spends too much time sitting in his room.’

He said, hesitantly, ‘It is awkward for you, with Tamasin here.’

‘Yes, but I think things are going well with her and Jack.’ The kitchen door was still closed. I looked at him. ‘And you, how are you?’

He scratched his head. ‘I still cannot quite take it all in.’

‘Nor I. But I shall return to work. Will you come, too?’

He smiled. ‘Yes.’

‘And Mistress Kenzy?’

‘I shall let her down gently.’ He smiled sadly. ‘I do not think she will be too upset. She is not for me. I know that now.’

I nodded, then ventured to open the door and peep out. The kitchen door was still shut, though I could hear soft voices. I wondered what Barak had told Tamasin – not the whole truth about his participation in the rebellion, I guessed, and that would be wise. But I hoped he and Tamasin now realized how much they needed each other. I closed the door quietly again.

A few moments later, Francis called me back to Guy. Nicholas accompanied me. Guy was holding Mousy gently in his frail hands. I was touched when she reached out to me and smiled. Guy said, ‘This is a fine, healthy child, and I give the credit to your wet-nurse. Perhaps she should be promoted to full nurse.’

‘Yes,’ I said. ‘I think she should.’ I smiled at Liz, who said quietly, ‘Thank you, sir.’

There were footsteps in the hall. I turned. Barak and Tamasin stood in the doorway, hand in hand. Tamasin had new lines on her pretty face, but looked happy. At the sight of Liz and Mousy, her face softened. Under her coif Tamasin’s blonde hair was just the colour of Mousy’s. Tamasin said, ‘So this is poor Josephine’s child. How lovely she is.’ She went over and stroked Mousy’s head.

Guy ventured, ‘And in good health, thanks to Master Shardlake’s rescue of her and the care of Goodwife Partlett here.’

Tamasin turned to me. For the first time in three years, she addressed me civilly. ‘Jack says you are going to adopt her?’

‘Yes.’