In the Tudor Court Collection. Amanda McCabe

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      Kathryn could not rest. She had heard no news of Lorenzo for weeks and the waiting was at times unbearable. She had always known that it might be months before he returned to her, but she had hoped that there might be some news before this.

      ‘It is the uncertainty I find so distressing,’ Kathryn said to Elizabeta as they sat together at their sewing. ‘Every day I expect that we may hear something, but there has been no word.’

      Elizabeta nodded, stretching to ease her back. She was in the early stages of childbearing, though as yet it was hardly noticeable.

      ‘My husband has contributed to the League’s funds, as all men of conscience must,’ she said. ‘But I must tell you, Kathryn, that I am relieved he takes no part in this war. I know it must be very worrying for you.’

      ‘I try not to be anxious,’ Kathryn told her. ‘Lorenzo promised that he would return to me and I must believe that.’

      ‘Yes, of course,’ Elizabeta said and smiled. She showed Kathryn the exquisite embroidery she was doing for her baby’s shawl. ‘I am sure he will return to you in time. After all, this is not the first time your husband has fought his enemies.’

      ‘No, that is true.’ Kathryn laid her sewing aside as she heard voices in the hall and then Veronique came into the salon with their visitor. ‘Paolo,’ she said and stood up to greet him. ‘It is good to see you.’

      ‘I knew you would be anxious for news,’ he said. ‘I came as soon as I heard—it seems that the League has won a great victory over the Turks.’

      ‘A victory!’ Kathryn could not keep the delight from her voice, her eyes lighting up from inside. ‘I am so very pleased. But what else have you heard?’

      ‘There have been casualties on both sides,’ Paolo said carefully. He had heard that they were heavy, but did not wish to frighten her. ‘They say that Don John’s strategy was brilliant, but there was hard fighting. It was not won easily, surging this way and that, but the Turkish commander was killed and that helped to carry the day. Also, it is said that, on board the Turkish ships, the galley slaves broke free of their chains and joined in the fighting against their cruel masters.’

      ‘You have no other news…for me?’ She looked at him eagerly.

      ‘I cannot tell you that Lorenzo is safe, Kathryn, for I do not know. But some of our ships may return soon and then we may learn more.’

      ‘Yes, I understand,’ Kathryn said. She was on fire with impatience to discover more, but knew she must control her feelings. ‘It was good of you to come and tell me.’

      ‘I knew you would be anxious,’ he said. ‘As soon as there is more news I shall tell you.’

      Kathryn thanked him. She invited him to stay and take some wine with them, but he said that he had other calls to make.

      ‘Well,’ Elizabeta said after he had gone. ‘Paolo brought good news, Kathryn. If the Turks are defeated, it means that the war is over, and that means Lorenzo should soon be on his way home to you.’

      ‘Yes.’ Kathryn smiled, her heart racing with excitement. ‘I do hope so, Elizabeta. I cannot wait to have him home again.’