Free Cate of the Lost Colony by Lisa Klein

speak not a word of his. Thomas Harriot had learned his tongue, but he was known to be a genius.
    Pausing often and prompted by the scholar Harriot, Manteo spoke about the riches that lay beneath the great hills inland and the pearls resting beneath the flowing rivers. It was a speech he had prepared for the queen. All the while, I desired to ask this Manteo a question about his home and to meet his eyes again. In the company of so many men, however, it was not proper for me to speak. And so I drew no attention to myself but sat in mingled awe and misery. Of course Manteo was more interesting than I could possibly be, so I understood why Ralegh had neglected to send me letters and verses. His was the task of building a new colony, and the Indians were a part of that great enterprise. The queen had even knighted him, and he was now Sir Walter Ralegh. She, not I, was the mistress of his heart and fortune. I had nothing to contribute.
    Ralegh’s ships—with his Indians aboard—sailed again for the New World. I decided not to pine for what I could not have, but, like a humble gardener, to till the soil closer to home. Emme was always encouraging me to befriend those who could make my lot as a queen’s maid easier to bear. Soon enough, an opportunity presented itself; Anne begged me for a favor. When I asked what it was, she did not reply but took my arm and propelled me through the gates of Whitehall and into the streets clogged with carts and shouting vendors. Shortly we came to a house near Charing Cross.
    Thomas Graham waited inside. His red hair stood up like a brush. He offered me a glass of ale and some sweets, which I accepted out of courtesy.
    “Why have you brought me here?” I asked.
    Graham took Anne’s hand and she blushed, then stroked his face. I envied them their love for each other, and thought sadly of Sir Walter’s letters hidden in my coffer.
    “Dearest Catherine,” began Anne. “You know how long Thomas has waited for the queen to recognize his virtues. Now his fortune is reduced to pennies, and unless he obtains a position at court, he shall have to leave London altogether.” Her chin trembled. “And I shall never see him.”
    “What will you do to make a living?” I asked Graham.
    “Soldiering,” he said grimly.
    “I don’t know how I can help,” I said with a shrug.
    “Catherine, you are mild and never give offense,” said Anne in her most flattering tone. “If you asked a favor of the queen, she would surely grant it.”
    “I doubt she regards me as highly as you think,” I said. “What do you seek?”
    “To be appointed a gentleman pensioner. I am handsome enough, don’t you think?”
    I nodded, for despite his fussy dress Graham was tall and well featured.
    “Then you will give this petition to the queen for me?” He held out a sealed letter.
    “You may have my black taffeta bodice and the yellow sarcenet skirt trimmed in black,” Anne offered, her hands clasped in hope. “They are still in fashion.”
    “Why not petition the queen yourself?” I asked her.
    “One does not ask a favor for oneself!” she said. “No, it must be a friend who pleads for us.”
    Would I ever understand the ways of the court? I considered Anne’s request. I was flattered that she called me her friend. She was a sweet lady and Graham, well intentioned. Though I pitied their circumstance, still I hesitated. Then Graham set his purse on the table, and I heard the clink of coins.
    “I do not want the last of your fortune,” I said, pushing it away. “I will help you.”
    Graham seized my hand and kissed it. “Do this, and I will perform any deed for you. Next to my lady, you I will serve.” His words tumbled out. “Sir Walter and I have been companions, and if you—if he—only ask and I will— The debt is all mine.”
    I frowned and withdrew my hand. Was it impossible to keep a secret at court?
    “I don’t know what you mean. Sir Walter is nothing to me, or I to him,” I said,