Diary of a Lady in Waiting
A/N: I know I haven't updated To Be True in a while, but this is a little story bug that's in my
head. Hope you all enjoy!
Chapter 1-A New Lady
September 1, 1532
I will not tell you my name, dear diary. For if anyone shall find this and read this, I wish to not be accused of anything. Court is an unstable place. Any action, or even thought could prove fatal. It has been a week since I have begun my role in the service of the Lady Anne Boleyn. My father and mother had sent me here, after hearing of Lady Anne's rise. They hope to find a suitable marriage for me. The first week has been full of learning protocol and the names of all the people close in His Majesty's service.
The day was here for Lady Anne to become Marquis of Pembroke. We woke early to help her prepare. She wore a gown of crimson color velvet with ermine trim and jewels. We put up her hair with pins and more jewels. Anne and us ladies were taken into the King's presence by the Garter King-at-arms. She knelt in front of His Majesty. We all listened as a patent was read bestowing upon her the title of Marquis of Pembroke in her own right. Henry could not stop staring at her. The love in his eyes was obvious. After this patent was read, the King crowned her with the gold coronet of a Marquis and placed on her a crimson velvet mantle. She was then awarded with a thousand pounds a year. A thousand pounds! Imagine that, dear diary.
We then left to go to a party. From what I am hearing from other ladies, these new parties involving Anne are more lavish and grand then the parties thrown with Queen Catherine. The food was very filling and the music and laughter were more than I expected! Seeing Henry dance with Anne was so captivating. I could really see the love between them. I sat with a couple other girls and a man came over and asked me to dance.
"Certainly, Sir. But who are you?" I asked.
"George. George Boleyn. Brother to the new marquis. And what is your name?" I told him who I was and he led me onto the floor. The dance was a fast one. We really didn't have much time to chat. But when we were able to sit back down, I asked him something that I was wondering, hoping I would not be arrested for treason.
"So, how high do you think your sister will go?" George just stared at me. I suddenly felt fear grip my heart. I wasn't able to breathe again until he leaned closer and whispered in my ear.
"Anne will be Queen." Those four simple words stayed in my mind all night. I was happy that I would one day be a Lady to a Queen of England. But then I changed my mind. What if she falls? What if she never makes it? What if the current Queen finds out?
I admit I became a bit drunk tonight. But I am sober enough because a true lady does not let the wine get into her head. We headed back to Lady Anne's apartments where she sat with us, telling us stories of her days growing up.
"I remember once, as a child, I would play games with my father. He didn't know, of course. But there was a staircase, in my room. I would hide there and think it was funny to hear my father running around looking for me. He would check my room and the move on. When he would come back to my room, I would be sitting on my bed like nothing happened. He would ask, 'Anne, where have you been?' I would tell him, 'I have been here the whole time, Papa.' I received such a lashing that day." All the ladies including myself laughed. We stayed up a bit longer, forsaking wine and drinking water. We read a book of poems out loud, and did some needlework. Lady Anne soon retired. After we had gotten her changed and into bed, the gossip started.
"I heard, the king is going to marry Lady Anne!" Said one lady.
"But, he is already married! To Queen Catherine!" Exclaimed another. The lady who had first spoken smiled a bit.
"He is getting an annulment. Apparently, He and Queen Catherine were never truly married! She consummated her marriage with Arthur, may he rest in peace!" We all made the sign of the cross as Prince Arthur's name was spoken. Then she looked at me. "Well? What do you think?" I quickly responded.
"I think we should not waste our time with idle gossip. I am retiring. Good night, ladies." I quickly got up and then came into my room to write to you, diary. But I shall quickly finish up for I hear footsteps which can only mean that they are coming to join me. Until tomorrow.