In the Tudor Court Collection. Amanda McCabe

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      Lorenzo came to her the next morning as she was dressing. Her heart caught with fright as she saw his grave expression.

      ‘Is he worse?’

      ‘He is certainly no better. I have spoken with the doctors and they do not hold much hope of his recovery. I am sorry, Kathryn. I know this must cause you pain.’

      ‘Yes, it does,’ she admitted. ‘We had not been on the best of terms of late, and that makes it harder somehow.’

      ‘You had quarrelled with him because of me?’

      ‘Yes…’ She smothered a sob. ‘I did not understand why he wanted me to marry again so soon. He thought it would make me safe when he was gone.’

      ‘I am sorry to have been the cause of anger between you.’

      ‘There is no need,’ she replied. ‘I was grieving for you and because of that I did not notice that he was ill.’

      ‘Did it hurt you so much when you thought I was dead?’ His eyes were on her face, seeking out the truth.

      ‘Yes, of course,’ she said, looking steadily into his eyes. ‘It broke my heart. I thought it would have been better if I had died. One day I walked to the top of the cliffs where…I think I might have thrown myself into the sea then if Michael had not come.’

      ‘He saved your life, then?’

      ‘He stopped me from committing a sinful act, for it is a sin to take one’s own life—but still I had nothing to live for until you returned to me.’

      ‘Kathryn…’ His voice was hoarse with emotion, remorse strong in him. ‘And then I was harsh to you. Forgive me if you can. When I saw you enter the hall holding Michael’s hand I thought the worst, and—’

      He was prevented from continuing by the arrival of a servant.

      ‘You are wanted, Mistress Kathryn,’ the girl said. ‘Sir John is dying and asks for you.’

      ‘Oh, no!’ Kathryn cried and Lorenzo caught her hand, holding it tightly. ‘Come with me, please?’ She gave him a look of such appeal that it almost tore the heart from him.

      ‘Of course,’ he said. ‘I shall always be there when you need me, Kathryn. We shall not be parted again in this life if I can help it.’

      She smiled at him, but her eyes were filled with tears. They hurried to Sir John’s bedchamber. It was obvious that he was failing, for he looked deathly pale as he lay with his eyes closed, and Philip was kneeling by the bed, head bent in prayer. Sir John opened his eyes as Kathryn approached.

      ‘My dearest child,’ he said. ‘Come, kiss me one last time.’

      She went to his side, bending over him and pressing her lips to the papery softness of his cheek, her tears spilling over.

      ‘Ah, do not cry, my dearest,’ Sir John said. ‘I am ready to die now that you are safe.’ He looked beyond her to Lorenzo. ‘You, sir. I pray that you love my daughter as much as she loves you.’

      ‘I love her more than I have ever loved anyone.’

      ‘Then I am content.’

      Sir John closed his eyes. He had been holding Kathryn’s hand, but his fingers lost their grip and fell away.

      She gave a little sob as she realised he had stopped breathing, but then Lorenzo was there beside her. He drew her gently to her feet and into his arms, holding her as she wept against his shoulder.

      ‘He is at peace now,’ he said to comfort her.

      ‘He is with our mother,’ Philip said. ‘I think it was what he wanted.’ He bent over his father, closed his eyes and placed coins over them, and then drew the sheet over him. ‘We should leave him to the women now.’

      Her husband and brother led Kathryn from the room. She was glad of Lorenzo’s arm about her waist, supporting her, but for the moment she wanted to be alone. The tears were draining her and she had no strength to fight them.

      ‘Would you excuse me for a little?’ she asked. ‘I need to be alone for a while.’

      ‘Yes, if it is your wish.’

      Lorenzo watched her walk away from him, her back straight, head high. His heart ached for her and would have offered comfort if she had asked, but it seemed that she preferred to be alone.

      She had told him that she loved him still, but he felt very alone at that moment. Perhaps in her heart she had not quite forgiven him.