December 25 1537
Queen Anne
Anne couldn't wait to see her children this Christmastide, they would all be arriving soon from Hatfield. Her Mary along with her husband Henry would be arriving from Ludlow as well. She was elated when Henry was willing to stay in England with his new bride for a few years before they returned to France. Mary's father had given them Ludlow Castle as a wedding present. The one thing Anne hated so much about this year's Christmastide was having to once again have her dresses let out. She was pregnant again, only a few months along. She had suffered an miscarriage earlier this year in shortly after Mary's wedding. She wasn't very far along but it still made her worry more about this pregnancy.
Katherine Howard was still within her household and becoming more beautiful by the day, she had made sure she was pure and innocent as like her plan was all along. One of Henry's gentlemen of the the privy chamber, Thomas Culpepper, had been executed over the summer for attempting to rape young Katherine. Luckily Charles had been around and stopped the attack before anything happened. Katherine had been devastated and scared, only through by the caring nature of Anne and the Lady Mary Boleyn was Katherine healed from the attack. Anne had decided that the young girl should soon be betrothed and began to think of who would be a perfect match for her.
Her sister Lady Mary Boleyn had stayed been with Anne since she was welcomed back to court. Their brother George, his wife Jane and daughter Anne were too arriving at court today. So many little children would be here. Anne loved to be around the children, and so did Mary. Mary's two children lived in with her and her new husband Sir William Stafford at court. The only times she did not spend the nights with her own family was during her sister's confinements during her pregnancies.
Princess Mary and Prince Henry of France
Mary was glad to arrive at court, the journey had been long and tiring. She had wonderful news to share with her father and Anne, and had decided to wait until she arrived instead of a letter by messenger. Prince Henry helped her out of the carriage and led her inside. Anne had been notified of her arrival and was waiting for her just inside the castle walls.
Anne's face lit up at the sight of Mary. "You're pregnant" the queen exclaimed and she greeted her daughter. Mary just smiled and asked about her father. Anne explained he had been out hunting not knowing Mary and Henry would arrive so soon but he should be back shortly. Anne ordered men to show the Princess and Prince Henry to their apartments and then turned to Lady Katherine Howard to request her company for a walk in the gardens.
Mary had noticed that the Queen too looked slightly pregnant. Mary had was five months and had begun to worry about delivery. She was scared but knew that her step-mother would be able to help her through this. They had been in their apartments for less than an hour when they had a knock at the door.
"Lady Catherine Parr" the guard announced. Mary greeted her warmly and learned Anne had sent her to Mary from her own household knowing Catherine would be great for Mary through her pregnancy. Catherine was only four years older that Mary and already a widow.
Princess Elizabeth, Princess Katherine, Prince Arthur and Prince Charles
The children arrived a few hours after their sister Mary, and were taken to the nursery set up near the Queen's quarters. Elizabeth immediately asked to go see Mary for she missed her so much since she had married and moved to Ludlow. Katherine and Arthur settled in to listen to stories read to them by their mother as the infant Charles slept. Anne had her sister Mary escort the young Elizabeth to see her sister Mary.
Henry had just returned from the hunt with Charles and George and came to his children's nursery only after cleaning up. He looked in the room and saw Anne curled up on the bed with Katherine and Arthur sleeping soundly. Charles was being fed by his wet nurse and Elizabeth of course was no where to be found. Lady Katherine Howard informed his majesty that Princess Elizabeth was with her sister Mary. Henry pulled a blanket up over Anne and the children and kissed her softly on the head before heading over to see Mary and Elizabeth. And of course learn of the upcoming birth of his first grandchild.
Author's Note : I have noticed if your name is Thomas you will most likely get your head chopped off. Thomas Boleyn, Thomas Howard, Thomas Seymour and now Thomas Culpepper :)
I decided Catherine Parr was a widow earlier than she was in real life because I wanted to introduce her into the story.
Please review. Also suggestions for Mary's child's name. I have some for if I have her have a girl but for boys I am at a loss. Do you guys think I should continue?