July 10 1536
Queen Anne
Henry had told Anne after her churching was complete about Jane Seymour. She was still at the Tower and as far as all could tell had gone completely insane. Henry had asked her opinion on what she be done with Jane. Anne couldn't help but feel a bit sorry for her former lady in waiting. She knew how easily one could get wrapped up in Henry's attention, but even in her wildest moments Anne had never plotted to kill Katherine. Anne had told Henry that she would like to speak to Jane before letting him know how she truly felt about putting her on trial.
Anne paused at the gates of the Tower and a cold chill washed over her. She didn't know why she was afraid of going through the gates. The only time she had been at the Tower was before coronation. It was like she was stepping on her own grave. She took a deep breathe and continued. Master Kingston led the Queen to her apartments she stayed out just over 3 years ago.
"I will bring the lady to see you when you are settled."
"Thank you Master Kingston, and please make sure there are guards present. I am not sure how she will react to seeing me."
Jane was led down the hall into the magnificent apartments of the Queen. "See I told you I was to be queen" she said to the guard on her left.
When she entered the room she saw Anne sitting before her, two guards on either side.
"What are you doing in my chambers" she screamed to Anne.
Anne looked at Jane with pity. The last time she saw Jane she had been proud and indignant. So sure of her place in Henry's heart.
"Sit down, Lady Jane" Anne commanded. Jane refused stating that Anne was to take orders from her and not give them.
"Lady Jane, you are not and never will be the Queen of England. I have not come here to fight with you but to try and understand you. I hear you have been unwell and I was hoping you would enlighten me on why think His Majesty, my husband, was going to marry you."
"Because he loves me and you can have no sons. You are not pregnant, so you clearly lost your bastard" Jane spat.
Anne was astonished, Jane was always so quiet and subservient. What had caused this change in her? It couldn't just have been her losing her "game" to win the kings's love.
"Lady Jane, would you please sit down. You are quite right, I am not pregnant anymore because I have given the king a healthy son and daughter." At that Jane sank to the floor sobbing.
"But everyone said you would fail."
"Jane, please stop crying. I know you love the king but you have to give up on him loving you."
"I have never loved the king" Jane exclaimed quite suddenly shocking all in the room. All evidence had pointed to her being madly in love with the king and him not wanting her was what they thought had driven her quite insane.
Hours later Anne had finally learned the truth. Jane like herself was being used to gain power for her family, and failing them drove her crazy. She had admitted to lying about trying to poison the queen but did say she had thought about it. Anne actually felt sorry for her, but knew she was still quite dangerous. She wanted her no where near any of her children or the Lady Mary, but did not think she should die for being so used by her family. And she was sure she did not want her free to go as she pleases. Anne had decided that Jane needed to be sent to a nunnery, and then maybe just maybe her shattered mind and heart could heal.
Anne conveyed all she learned to Henry and Charles Brandon, who both agreed she should not die for actions of others. Jane was sent far from court and her family barred from ever contacting her again. And with that the Seymours were completely erased from the lives of the royal family.
Princess Elizabeth, Prince Arthur and Princess Katherine
The royal children were at Hatfield with their governess. Elizabeth had immediately loved her baby brother and sister, but she missed Mary so much. She was told just this morning that mommy and Mary were coming to visit them.
"MARY!" she shouted as she ran to her sister. "Hello Elizabeth, my sweet little sister". Anne loved to see how close the sisters were despite their major age difference Since Mary and Anne were staying away from court this night to be with the prince and princesses Anne took the opportunity to let Mary know that her father had started to once more look for an advantageous marriage for her eldest daughter.
Mary looked down at her baby sister Katherine in her arms and smiled, knowing one day she too would get to hold a child of her own.
