April 15 1537

Anne Boleyn

Anne was growing tired of her confinement to bed, but had noticed that without the oppressive presence of her father and uncle this pregnancy had gone quite smoothly. Lady Mary had once again requested to be with Anne during her lying in which was a very comforting thought. Anne had a strong belief this was another son, the thought made her smile. She knew with another son Henry would surely be ready to reveal his secret surprise for Mary. Anne looked up from her book to see Lady Mary and her sister trying, but failing miserably, to show her newest lady in waiting how to knit. Anne had taken in her young 15 year old cousin, Lady Katherine Howard, shortly before her lying in. She had heard how cruel Katherine's aunt was treating her and wanted her in the safety of her care. Katherine was not well educated like Anne and her sister, but she had a kind heart. Anne had heard that older gentlemen in Katherine's home were actively pursuing her and young naive Katherine could have easily fallen for the lies of these men. She smiled at the scene. She had told Henry when Katherine was brought to court she did not want any courting of her young cousin to take place, not until Anne had felt she had matured and was more educated. Henry had agreed to her request and forbade any of his gentlemen to court or even think of Katherine Howard. Anne had wondered if maybe Mary would allow her to join her household, knowing that Mary would instill great morals on the girl.

A little after noon Anne felt her first contraction, today her child would be born. Lady Mary went to inform her father that the queen was going into labor before returning to her step-mother's side. Henry, George and Anne's constant shadow, Charles, waiting patiently in Anne's outer chambers. A few hours later Henry was allowed in the room to meet his new son. He was holding him when Charles and George were allowed in to see Anne and the baby.

"I would like you two to meet Prince Charles" she said matter-of-factly. Henry motioned to Charles to come hold the baby, "we would like you and Lady Mary to be his godparents". With the birth of Prince Charles the kingdom now had it's heir and the spare.

Jane Seymour

Jane sat in the gardens when a messenger arrived with a letter for her. She was surprised to see it was from Queen Anne, she had not expected any contact from Her Majesty after her friend Elizabeth had written to her. The letter stated that Anne was pleased she was doing well and accepted that her actions were wrong. She also had explained that if Jane continued to heal emotionally and only with a recommendation from Elizabeth, Jane would be allowed to live the nunnery and marry with permission from the King and Queen. Jane wasn't sure how to take that news, she loved her time with Elizabeth and the other women and she feared how she would adapt to marriage. She would have to think hard about her choice if it came down to leaving or staying. For now she was happy, the happiest she had been in years. She had heard from Elizabeth that the queen was with child again. She had hoped that another prince would be born to such a caring Queen. Jane had discovered through her time speaking to Anne that they shared so much more than a common ancestor. They were kindred spirits, and Anne had needed friendship and not hatred that so many showed her.

Jane had wished to speak the Lady Mary but never had the courage to write to her after the confrontation at court. She knew now that Mary and Anne had become very close and that pleased her. Mary needed that love in her life, and now she was getting it. Not because of Jane trying to manipulate the king, but because Anne had actually always loved Mary. Jane deduced that Anne had feared Mary's "power" and the love of the people not the young girl herself.

Author's Note : Up Next Mary's surprise. :)