The Miracle at St. Bruno's

I could not forget that man with the hair growing low on his brow; I could not forget what he had done to Keziah, to our lives.

I had thought that was the end of him when he had lain lifeless on the grass. It was a shock to know that he lived on in Keziah's body.

I missed Kate very much. Life had become dull as never before. I was aware of Simon's watchful eyes; I knew he believed he was going to make me change my mind.

My mother said to me: "You're growing up, Damask. It's time you married. It would give me and your father such pleasure to see our grandchildren. Now Kate is settled it will be your turn next.”

My father was too close in thought to me to mention marriage again; but he would like to see me with a man to protect me. I had two to choose from-Rupert and Simon; I knew that no objection would be raised whomsoever I chose, although naturally they would prefer it to be Rupert, he being related. Neither of them had anything in great worldly possessions to offer me. Rupert had great skill with the land, Simon was gaining a reputation as a clever lawyer. Both of them would benefit by the wealth I should bring to them. Perhaps that was why I hesitated. I wanted to be chosen for myself, as Kate had been.

'I am of no great age yet," I told my mother.

"I married your father when I was sixteen," she told me. "I was m the schoolroom.

I have never regretted it.”

"But then you married Father." You've always idolized him," she said, snipping at the stalk of no a rose. Whenever she talked I always felt that more than half her attention was on the flowers she was either planting, cutting or arranging.

Kate came to see us, full of exuberant excitement. Married life suited her. The adoring Remus could not take his eyes from her; and I could see that marriage had made her even more attractive. For one thing she was sumptuously clad; she had a damask gown and a kirtle of velvet; her feet were in velvet shoes with garnet buckles and there were new jewels sparkling at her throat.

She had been to Court. She had seen the King. He was magnificent-enormous, royal and terrifying. He bellowed his wishes and everyone obeyed without a second's hesitation.

His temper was notoriously short, especially when his leg pained him. He sparkled with jewels and every square inch of flesh on his big body was royal. He had smiled on Kate; he had patted her hand. In fact if he had not been completely besotted by the young and giddy niece of Lord Norfolk who knew what might have happened? Kate was a little regretful but not much. It was a precarious existence, everyone realized, to be singled out for very special attention by the King. A pat of the hand and smile of appreciation were very welcome and by far more comfortable.

She was bubbling over with the joy of being the harbinger of exciting news.

He disliked Anne of Cleves so much that it was very likely Cromwell would lose his head for arranging the marriage, and it was said that the Duchess had no great liking for the King. It was said that there had been no consummation on the wedding night and the King was furious with Hans Holbein for making such a flattering picture of a plain woman for whom he could have no fancy. And there was Katharine Howard, fluttering her eyes at the King with a mixture of awed Oh-Your-Grace-can-you-really-be-glancing-my-way and a promise of all kinds of sexual excitements. She had secretive eyes and a certain wanton manner. It was said that Norfolk was pleased. One niece, Anne Boleyn, had come to grief soon after insisting on the crown; but the King was older now, his leg was a perpetual irritation and as Katharine was young and pliable it seemed possible that she might hold the King's attention; and if she could give him a son, who knew he might be satisfied. Though it was not even of such an importance to get a son now that there was Prince Edward in the royal nursery.

So Kate rambled on of the glories of Windsor and hunting in the Great Park; of a ball at Greenwich and a banquet at Hampton.

"Do you remember how we used to sail past Hampton, Damask, and talk about the great Palace?”

"I remember it well," I told her. I should never forget the sight of the Cardinal sailing by our privy steps with the King.

Kate had more news for us. She was to have a child.

Lord Remus was delighted. He had not believed this possible but his beautiful clever Kate was capable of anything. He followed her with his eyes, marveling at her grace and beauty. Kate reveled in it; she laughed and flirted gaily with her husband and it was only to me that she talked freely.

She wanted to go to her old room, she said; and I went with her there. When we reached it, she shut the door, and the first thing she said was: "Damask, have you seen him?

Has he ever come back?”

I didn't have to ask to whom she was referring. I said: "Of course he has not come back.”

"He went because I married. He told me he would go right away and he would not come back until he was ready. What did he mean by that, Damask?”