“Nay,” answered Mr Rose, smiling; “I neither do nor will.”
“What an ungovernable piece of merchandise are you!” said Mr Underhill, laughing. “But in good sooth, I have not talked with one of our ministers that holdeth not the same view.”
“Men parted us,” said Marguerite, her voice trembling a little; “but I think God never did. At any rate, He hath undone it now.”
Mr Rose talked with the Averys about his future, and they entreated him to stay with them a little longer. It was expected that the Queen would present the deprived ministers to such benefices as would now be left vacant by the Papists’ deprivations; and at least, they urged, it would be well to do nothing rashly. And though they said little to each other, all were waiting to see what would happen on the Coronation Day. This was fixed for the ensuing Sunday, the Queen having consulted Dr Dee, and heard from him that Sunday would be a fortunate day. All were now preparing for the Coronation. Isoult had cloths ready to hang out, and Kate and Frances were as busy as they could be, sewing green leaves upon white linen, to form the Queen’s name—Elizabeth.
Frances said “it was well her Highness had so long a name, for the work should not be by the half so handsome were she called Jane or Anne.” But Thekla’s work was by far the most beautiful. She was skilled at making wax-flowers, and had wreathed a garland of white roses, which, set upon a green ground, was to encircle the name with which Kate and Frances were busied (green and white were the Queen’s colours). It was intended to be a magnificent piece of work; and the only grief was that the Queen would never see it, for she was going from the Tower.
Mr Underhill had ordered a new velvet coat, wherein (said his wife) he should be as fine as my Lord High Treasurer. Moreover, Dr Thorpe would needs have a new doublet.
“Why, dear child, my Sunday doublet hath a patch on it,” said he; “and if the Queen’s Highness’ gracious eyes should chance to alight on me, thou wouldst not have them to light on a patch.” (Dr Thorpe might have spared his concern; for Queen Elizabeth was much too near-sighted to detect the patch.)
“Maybe they should take little hurt,” said John. “But, Doctor, if you have a new doublet, I must needs have a new coat; and then Isoult shall want a new gown; and we shall have Walter clamouring for a gaberdine, and Kate for an hood. Certes, but the Coronation shall be as chargeable unto her Highness’ lieges as to herself!”
“Nay, Father, I lack no new hood,” said Kate, laughing; “I want only to see the Queen’s Grace, and I can do that as well in an old hood as a new.”
“Ay, sweet heart,” answered he; “but Dr Thorpe would have one thing more, to wit, that the Queen’s Grace should see him.”