Apologies for not updating for ages, I have been beyond busy and to be honest got out of the habit of writing but now am back (with a vengeance.) I can't guarantee how often I'll update but will try to keep it regular. By the way I know that so far my portrayal of Catherine seems a bit different to whom she was but we only really know of the older Catherine and little of her younger days. So I'm using this leeway to have a bit of fun, after all when she was younger she probably was somewhat naïve and got carried away. They story will explore the journey which shaped her into the woman- the Queen- we know her as. So bear with me, once I get more into story you'll understand that I'm setting her up to experience events which will make her more sensible and dignified. She lived a relatively simple and sheltered life when she was young and didn't grow up at court so would be entitled to be a little gullible. (But she'll still have her sharp wit and composure.)
I am afraid
Afraid of losing time
You are the race
And I'll be racing your mind
"Quicker" by I Blame Coco
June 30th, 1519
Catherine was incredulous at her mother's abrupt decision to pack up their apartments at court and head back to Kendal Castle; everyone except William her brother, a year younger. She was indignant to the injustice of allowing him to stay behind and enjoy court life while she was shipped back to the dismal, dull Cumbrian countryside to live life as a prisoner. A prisoner to her family and their spotless reputation. It simply was not fair and Catherine made sure her mother knew of it. She skulked around the rooms, talking to no one and eating little. When she was brooding she never felt hungry.
It didn't matter if William had found his way into the King's favour and into the elite group of friends he had, she should be allowed to stay too. But she could say nothing against her mother's will, always the obedient child. Unlike her sister Anne who flew into a temper that ended with a screaming match with her mother. Curses and all manner of abuse was thrown to and fro', it was ironic due to the Parr's notoriously composed natures and their manners.
Catherine was able to garner some amusement from it all. With Anne screaming: "You take such pleasure in keeping us on tight leashes like a pack of hounds. Manipulating us, cheating us of our happiness so what there's no gossip to smear our good name? Well congratulations mother because the only gossip they have one you is that you're a miserable old spinster who keeps her poor children under lock and key; nothing but a prison warden trapping us in!"
"It's for your own good and that of the family. Ungrateful trollop, yes don't think I didn't see you winking at that Earl last night across the table! Might as well have opened your legs soon after. After all I've done for you this is how you treat me! I spent a day and two nights tearing my body apart not to give birth to a whore! If I didn't keep an eye than you be bedding every man in court, boozing like a sailor! I tear my hair out because of you!"
She couldn't help herself and for once did not fight the smile brimming on her lips, hidden of course by the book she held up to her face. Catherine had positioned herself on the windowsill, the window was so deep she was able to use the ledge as seat; it had been a favourite spot for her during the course of their stay. It was sheltered enough for her to remain relatively undisturbed but in a position in which she could hear and see everything that went on. Currently she was torn between her book, a juicy red apple she had with her to snack on and the argument that had now made itself to the front of the fire place of the main drawing room, all of which she watched from the corner of her eye.
It was when the squabble had reached fever pitch that she sensed movement down below in the pathway that led from the court's privy gardens to the 'Home Park' 700 acres of hunting woodland where the deer and wild boar roamed, which the window overlooked. The King and his friends it seemed were out on another outing on horseback with no hounds or guns so she presumed it was just a quick hack through the woods. She recognized the King easily by his fine attire, similar to what he wore yesterday but only all black just like his fine stallion and Sir Knivert who wore a white shirt, grey waistcoat and white trousers which too matched his grey stallion.
There were two others she vaguely knew as the Viscount of Lisle Charles Brandon and Sir William Compton with them. As well as her brother who was seated proudly on his chestnut mare in his brand new riding jacket imported from Italy, a gift from their mother for becoming a favourite of the King. It was made of luxurious burgundy cotton; it was light and perfect for long rides in the summer heat and contrasted his light brown hair (slightly bleached in the light) and blue- grey eyes. It was these eyes that were filled with content. He had made it into the inner circle of the elite and was revelling in it.
Those eyes too were flitting about taking everything in, alert and waiting, they scanned over the faces of the small party which waited for the guards to ready themselves and for the servants to deliver the King's specific instructions for the evening meal tonight. They then drew upwards to the high walls and windows which littered them, specifically to one window which seemed to be occupied. It was Catherine his sister perched on the window and gazing down at them.
Their eyes meet and the pair smiled, William saw her reach for the latch and opened up the window. He encouraged his horse to the edge of the group and positioned underneath. From here he could hear a distant quarrel- no doubt on who was involved- and couldn't help that his first words that he said to her were "Delicate situation I presume?" To which Catherine laughed and replied "Extremely, like two alley cats, it's why I've kept well away and am forced to spend my afternoon sat on this windowsill." "Here's hoping you manage to escape unscathed" William said unable to stop himself from smirking.
Catherine sighed and raised an eyebrow as she looked down on him thinking of his words, contemplating the consequences of coming in contact with either her mother or sister in their current moods, the results she fathomed were not pretty. But on a lighter note she called down to him "Well whatever happens I fully expect you to pick up what's left of me."This comment had William let out a hearty laugh which caught the attention of Anthony Knivert and Charles Brandon who stood nearby talking and had them look up to see Catherine leaning out the window.
Brandon was instantly intrigued by the beautiful stranger and Knivert flustered by her and the lovely scarlet satin dress with jewelled bodice that she wore which fit her like a glove. Leaning out the window allowed those down below to have view of her bare neckline and cleavage as her hair was upswept into a tousled bun. Both men noted the apple she held in her hand which in between conversation bit into, ironic.
"William" Charles called out as he urged his horse closer "Pray tell me you wouldn't be so cruel as to keep from introducing us to your lady friend?" "I would" began William as he arched a brow a Charles, "seeing as she is my sister." Brandon was slightly taken aback as he gazed up at the young woman who bore little resemblance to her brother, same skin tone and hair texture but that was about it. "Well my apologies to you Lady Parr I had no idea of your relation to my friend" Charles recovered sufficiently. "I can hardly expect an apology if there is no offence Mr. Brandon" she answered back. Her reply had him give off a small smile.
Much of the party had now noticed conversation taking place including the King who strode up to the right of Charles' horse. "My Lady" he said with a bow of head which was met with a "You're Majesty." The King took a look to his left to see Brandon's eager gaze and the blush on Knivert's cheeks before shifting his gaze to Catherine and remarking "It seems you're making quite an impression rather quickly Miss Catherine." The comment she could sense sent her subtle blush of colour over her cheeks but her eyes and lips never wavered.
Before she could reply the distant clamour grew louder as Catherine sensed her mother's approach, she turned her torso to face her mother's half curious half furious expression. "What are you doing hanging out the window like that? You'll get yourself killed! Who are you talking to? Hmmm? What some stable boy? What don't get shy now let me see him!"She pushed Catherine aside to peer out down to the King and his party looking up. Her face bore a look of shock and shame for a moment before she regained herself and put on a look of serenity. "Ah Your Majesty good day to you Sir" and bowed her head.
"Madam" he said with slight amusement, "I hope I wasn't keeping your charge from you?" "Oh no I was just curious of who my Daughter was conversing with Your Grace. No you weren't keeping her from much just some packing." "Packing?" the King said quizzically with his dark eyebrows furrowed. There was a moment of silence as Maud Greene sensed she had to tread carefully. "Yes, I'm afraid my daughters and I will be returning home to the country, we leave tomorrow, but fret not William is to stay at court." Thinking it was what he wanted to hear.
"Keeping your daughters from court? Absurd. Catherine is young, beautiful and unmarried and you keep at your country estate tucked away? Most families would have her out and enjoying herself. Nay she must stay she has only arrived!" The King's tone was indignant and gave Maud no choice but to comply. "Well yes... I... I suppose so...well I cannot say no at your insistence... I... I guess I shall order the servants to unpack the trunks." Clearly taken aback Lady Parr bid adieu and shuffled off reeling and confused at what had happened.
Catherine was as surprised as her mother and watched as her mother disappeared to tell her sister the news before turning back to those below. Charles allowed for a moment of silence to linger before speaking up "Well I think we should all hope now to see much more of you know Miss Parr, much more" with his trademark grin. His pure brashness made Catherine smile; just as she did so a shriek was heard in the background. "Catherine oh Catherine come quick have you heard the news?" Catherine gathered herself up and took her leave, stopping for a moment to look at Brandon and reply to his comment. "I should think so due to the King's insistence" her gaze flicking to Henry before standing up. As she leaned outwards, she tossed the apple in her hand out the window and then shut it and drew into the apartment.
Brandon caught the apple in his left hand and gazed at it for a moment, holding like a trophy before taking a proud bite from it. Not far where Catherine herself had bitten into it. His eyes met William's who looked at him sternly for a moment before speaking in a warning tone, "Don't even think about it Charles." "I wasn't thinking of anything William" Brandon said in an innocent tone. William snorted before turning his horse round and as soon as he could no longer see Charles, Brandon mumbled with a mischievous smile "But now you mentioned it."
