That evening, I readied myself for court once more, in beech green satin this time, again a little too tight. All my gowns would need the attentions of a seamstress before long, unfortunately. And the girls would need new ones; Penny because she was growing so fast and Francesca because she had next to nothing.
Raphael had not understood my choice to go to the palace following the afternoon’s upset, but I had insisted, though without revealing the reason. I felt certain he would not approve of my decision to tell Monmouth what my indiscretion had cost Noah and Hal. He would think it best to leave well alone, I knew. But while there was still a possibility that James could reassure me no one would harm Sam on his behalf, it seemed worthwhile.
In the Banqueting House, I stood beside Raphae
