I sighed, and opened my letters. The first was from Guy. It was dated 6 July, three days before, and would have crossed with the one I sent.
Dear Matthew,
I write on another hot and dusty day. The constables have been rounding up more sturdy beggars to send to Portsmouth to row on the King's ships. They are made slaves, and I think of that when Coldiron talks of English freedom being set against French slavery.
I have been to see Ellen. I think she has returned somewhat to her old self; she is working again with the patients but there is a deep melancholy about her. She did not look pleased when I came into the Bedlam parlour. I had spoken first with the man Gebons, who was pleasant enough after the money you gave him. He says Keeper Shawms has told his staff to restrain Ellen and lock her away immediately should she have another outburst.
When I told Ellen you had asked me to come and see how she was, I am afraid she became angry. She said bitterly that she had been locked up because of you, and did not wish to speak to me. Her manner was odd, something almost childish in it. I think I will wait a few days then go again.
At home I have had words with Coldiron. I rise early these days and I heard him giving Josephine foul oaths in the kitchen, calling her a stupid mare and goggle-eyed bitch in front of the boys, all because she had slept late and not woken him as usual. He threatened to box her ears. I went in and told him to leave her alone. He was surly but obeyed. What pleased me is that as I told him to keep a decent tongue before his daughter I saw Josephine smile. I still ponder over that time I heard her swear in French.
Tamasin, by God's grace, continues very well and I am giving the post rider a letter from her, for Jack.
I put the letter down with a sigh. I was greatly relieved Ellen was improved, but her bitterness towards me cut deeply. She was right, it was my clumsiness that had done it. I cut the seal on Warner's letter. To my surprise he had already received mine.
Esher, 7th July 1545
Dear Matthew,
The rider brought your letter so I am replying early in the morning, before we move on. The King has brought a small retinue compared to a normal Progress, and we are to move as fast as we can. We travel via Godalming and Fareham, and will be at Portsmouth on the 14th or 15th. The fleet under Lord Lisle is now at the Channel Islands, watching to see when those French dogs sail, and to harry their ships. Then all our great ships will gather at Portsmouth for his majesty's arrival. It now seems certain the French will attack there. They have their spies, but we have ours.
