A/N: Wow I got this out fast, for some reason this chapter pretty much wrote itself, maybe it was because I have had this chapter planned out in my head since the story began. It is a long Chapter also so yay.
A lot of important events happen in this chapter, we have announcements, betrothals and new arrivals. So I hope you all enjoy and are not disappointed in anyway.
Thank you as always to everyone who reviewed, favourted, or put the story on alert, a huge thank you to my anonymous reviewers as well.
Anyway, as usual I own nothing. Please enjoy.
Chapter 14: A mothers Love.
21st of September 1537
Whitehall Palace
Queen of England's rooms
Anne sighed slightly, as she placed a hand on her stomach. She was not yet showing, but the action felt somewhat comforting, she was only a month along it didn't yet feel real. Henry had been thrilled when she had told him, she could not help but smile at the memory.
" My love," It had been late when he had came to her rooms, he had been busy with council meetings all day, Anne still could not quite believe that he was keeping his promise of staying in her bed every night, even when it was clear he was tired.
She had spoken to the midwife that morning and the woman had confirmed her suspicions.
As soon as Henry had reached the bed, he fumbled for Anne's shift, his hands beginning to life it, but Anne stopped him immediately grabbing onto his wrist as firmly as she could, she would not risk her child's health.
" Anne, What is it?" Henry questioned, a confused look in his eye.
" We can't," Anne said a smile lighting up her face, it was the happiest she had been since she had learnt of Jane Seymour's pregnancy, " I don't want to hurt the baby."
Unlike when she was pregnant with William and Elizabeth, Henry had promised her he would take no mistress throughout the duration of her pregnancy, yet still Anne could not make herself feel at ease.
By now the whole of England probably knew that the King's former mistress was with child, and Anne could not be deaf to the talk no matter how much she tried, she could not ignore it and neither could her husband. Jane's pregnancy was going well, or so the Seymour's said, Anne still found it hard to picture the woman heavy with child, she never seemed the mothering type, at least not to Anne.
They were yet to tell Elizabeth or William, it was too soon, Henry her sister and the midwife who had inspected her were the only ones who knew, they would make the official announcement when Anne was showing, there was no point announcing it yet, especially not with Anne's history. She had been so tempted to tell Elizabeth when they visited Hatefiled for her birthday, Anne could still not believe Elizabeth was four, but she didn't want her daughter to feel outshined on her special day and so she and Henry had agreed that they would tell the children when they told everyone else.
The issue of Jane Seymour's pregnancy had not been so easy to avoid, Elizabeth had been confused when Henry had informed her that she would have a new sibling but that like Hal and Mary the baby would have a different mother to her. Anne had stayed silent the entire conversation, she hadn't wanted to say something that turned Elizabeth against her father, so she had sat with William in her arms, wondering if Jane Seymour's child would have the same soft dark locks as Liam.
For the sake of the child in her belly Anne was trying not to think too much of her husband's bastard, but sometimes she found it difficult, more often then not it was all she thought of. She was also worried about her child's sex. She had a desperate craving for apples, quite like the one she had had when carrying Elizabeth, with William it had been oranges, she was worried of what that meant but she knew it could mean nothing Mary she remembered had craved chicken with both Cathy and Harry, she was probably stressing about nothing, and besides Henry had already assured her that he would be happy with their child no matter it's sex, Anne just worried that he would not feel so happy if Jane Seymour bore him a son and she only a girl.
" You are glowing sweetheart," His voice startled her, she had not even heard him enter her rooms, she smiled as he came before her and gave her a gentle kiss on the lips. Their relationship was going well, her husband was trying; yet Anne still felt on edge at times especially now that she was pregnant.
" You are too kind," Anne responded, she felt bloated and sticky all the time on top of that she had been vomiting frequently, much more than she had with any of her last pregnancies, she thought it would be a sign that the child she was carrying would be trouble.
" I thought we could go for a walk in the gardens," Henry said offering his arm to his wife, he had important matters to discuss with her.
" First, I would like to speak to you of something, " Anne said her voice taking on a serious tone, she had thought a lot about what she was going to say to Henry she believed she was making the right decision, " I believe I have found a suitable husband for the Lady Mary," the look on her husbands face told her, that he had not been expecting those words to come out of her mouth.
25th of September
Hever Castle, Kent
Boleyn Family Residence
He had been summoned back to court, George had thought the summons would have come sooner, and from his father too, but it seemed Anne had stepped in to make sure the George had enough time to properly grieve for his wife and child.
Anne had said she needed him, and George had never been able to refuse her.
He had done a lot of soul searching since Jane and Thomas had died, he had written to Mark and now his former lover was on his way to France and the French court, he would do well there. It had broken his heart to dismiss Mark in such a way, without even being able to see him once last time, but it had been the right thing to do, he still cared for Mark, but he had made a promise to himself to respect Jane's memory.
His father would no doubt be trying to find another match for him too, and George knew he had to treat this wife better than his last, for he did not want to feel the grief of losing another child.
He would leave Hever in the morning, it might end up being good for him to return to court, to be away from this place were so much death had occurred, yet still he didn't quite know if court was the most peaceful of places to be.
He of course knew that the King's former mistress was pregnant, but Anne had not said much of it in her letters to him, he could tell she was trying to put on a brave front, knowing his sister she was no doubt devastated by the news, and as he did so often George found that he wanted to hit Henry Tudor across the head.
His sister was not perfect he had been raised alongside her, he knew she had faults, but she was a good Queen and mother, and she loved the king with all her heart she always had, George did not understand how his brother in law had been so blind, he was just glad, that since his nephews birth that matters between the two of them had gradually improved, still he did not like to think of his sister in pain and suffering because of the actions of one man, even if that man was the king. It was just another reason that he was determined that when he married again (it was not a question of if, his father would not allow the Boleyn line to end) he would treat his wife the way he should have always treated Jane, even if the two of them had never been compatible, he saw know that he should have tried harder.
27th of September 1537
Whitehall Palace
Katherine Howard, or Kitty as most people called her, enjoyed being at court immensely, she felt as if court was all but made for a young girl like her. She was sixteen now, and one of the most desired ladies at court too. She was an important member of court, being the cousin of the Queen of England, a favoured lady of the king's daughter and of course the niece of the Duke of Norfolk, it was no wonder that the men of the court always seeked her attention.
Her uncle expected great things from her, as did her cousin, Queen Anne had taken a fancy to her, she liked sending her gowns and jewels and Kitty was forever grateful of her kindness. Currently she was wearing a beautiful gown; it was her favourite in her ever-growing collection. The sleeves, in their Tudor fashion, and bodice of the dress were a beautiful lilac colour, while the rest of the dress was a fetching brown, the bodice was adorned with a floral print, and she wore her long hair down, no headpiece in sight. The necklace she was wearing had once been her mothers, and Kitty thought it suited the dress well, she knew that she was quickly becoming one of the best dressed ladies at court.
Currently Kitty found herself dancing with one Mister Thomas Culpeper; he was new to court and obviously in love with her. Truthfully she did fancy him, he was handsome and from a reasonably good family, but Kitty knew to keep her options open and if she were being honest she was enjoying being courted far too much to put a stop to it.
"Ouch," Thomas said suddenly, and Kitty immediately stopped her movements. No one else had seemed to notice.
" What is it?" Kitty questioned a little frustrated, she didn't want him making a scene not when the king and Queen were present.
" You stepped on my foot," She could not tell if he was angry or not.
" Thomas, I am so very sorry! I do apologise." Kitty said sincerely, feeling a little embarrassed, she could feel her face going red, he didn't respond to her, he just began to walk away, and Kitty just wouldn't have that, She was Katherine Howard, no man would make such a show of her, " I am so sorry," She tired again following him, she didn't know why he was making such a fuss, it was not as if she had done it purposefully.
She followed him behind a curtain, intending on either telling him off or apologising some more, " Thomas, I'm so sorry, I thought…" She was more than taken aback when he locked their lips together.
" You didn't step on my foot," Thomas said a smirk on his face, Kitty couldn't help but think that he must think himself very clever, " I wanted a moment alone with you."
Despite being slightly angry by his antics, she couldn't help but smile brightly; he was being ever so romantic.
" Would you like me to kiss you again?" He questioned, and she couldn't help but blush, before shaking her head and offering him or her hand.
" You may kiss my hand," He did so without any complaint.
" I hope I might see you again, my lady," He said respectfully bowing his head ever so slightly, Kitty could not help but think that he was a most proper gentlemen.
" With my cousin, The Queen, present of course you may," Kitty said very seriously, she did not want anyone to think her actions improper, she knew the gossip that could come from such meetings, she had lived at Lambeth long enough to know the king of talk that would spread, as the cousin of the Queen, she could not be at the centre of any such gossips.
1st of October 1537
Whitehall Palace
Privy Chambers of the King of England
Mary stared open mouthed at her father and his wife; she could not believe what they were asking of her. While it was true that she had often dreamed of the day that her father would find a husband for her, and often wished for the chance to be a mother, this was neither what she had been expecting nor what she had had in mind. Looking at the man sitting beside her, she could see that he too was uncomfortable with the idea.
She could all but see her mother turning in her grave at the prospect of her only daughter, the granddaughter of Isabella and Ferdinand, the cousin of the Holy Roman Emperor marrying George Boleyn. Aside from the fact that she did not think the man a worthy match, of her, the King's eldest daughter, there was also the fact that the two of them were bitter enemies. Well if Mary was being truthful that was not completely true, neither of Anne's siblings had ever done anything against her, in fact George had always been courteous with her, but she couldn't imagine that Thomas Boleyn would want this for his son and heir.
" Have you spoken to father of this?" George was the first to speak, all but reading Mary's thoughts.
" Yes," Anne responded evenly, she was still surprised that neither Mary nor George had put up a fight, there was still time for that however, her husband too was quiet he had agreed to the match to please her, and Anne still wasn't sure if he was completely happy with it, " He agreed to the notion." It was true her father had been more pleased than Anne would have expected, especially since he quite detested Mary, yet his eyes had shone with delight when Anne had told him of her plan, the marriage would bring another tie to the throne for the Boleyn family, Anne should have known her father would be pleased.
George nodded subduedly, she would not have been his first choice, but he knew he had little choice. The papers had already been drawn up, Archbishop Crammer and Cromwell were present, they were not being asked, they were being told what would happen.
George could see the reasoning behind such a match, he was the Queen's sister and Mary the King's basted daughter, the marriage would make Mary a Boleyn, it would mean her children, the King's grandchildren, would be Boleyn's, it would mean that Mary would never be able to rebel against Anne's children without placing a strain on her own family. He supposed Anne must feel somewhat fortunate with Jane and Thomas' death, it meant that she could find a suitable husband for her stepdaughter, one with enough standing and wealth that the people of England would never be able to accuse her of being cruel.
" When would the wedding take place?" Mary questioned her voice hoarse. She had decided against protesting, the memory of her banishment all too fresh in her mind, if she wanted to remain happy and in her father's good graces she had to comply to his (or his wife's) demands even if every bone in her body was telling her to scream and cry and tell her father that it wasn't fair, that she was a Princess of England and she would not be married to someone so far beneath her.
" Your father and I have agreed upon Christmas, it would give George an appropriate amount of time to grieve and us time to make preparations for the wedding." Anne said smiling slightly, she was worried that Henry had yet to speak, she didn't want Mary to think she was forcing her father into this, the both of them had agreed, Anne had bought the suggestion to him, he had agreed upon it, he could have refused her, if he really wanted to he could of. She just wished he would act at least somewhat happy, Anne firmly believed that George and Mary could be happy with one another, but it was clear that no one else in the room shared her sentiments.
" Christmas?" Mary questioned, that was only just over two months away, she felt as if she would need a whole year (or more) to prepare herself for this, two months just didn't seem like an adequate amount of time.
" Yes, we hope that it is sufficient for you both," Henry said speaking for the first time since Mary and George had been placed in front of him. He could tell neither his brother in law, nor daughter were particularly pleased by the match, he was still unsure of it himself. He saw the reasoning behind it, he understood the reason Anne had thought of such a match that was why he had agreed to it, that did not mean he was particularly fond of the idea, he just did not like the idea of giving his daughter away, he knew it was stupid, but she was still his little girl, his pearl, he just needed a little time to get used to the fact.
He noticed both Mary and George nodding in response to his earlier question, which truthfully had forgotten he had even asked.
They all signed the papers laid out before them by Crammer; an announcement would be made that evening. Anne was the only one that remained next to him once the whole affair was over with; he noticed with a smile that her hand was resting on her stomach.
" That went better than I expected," Anne said looking curiously at her husband. She was still unsure where his mind was at.
" Yes," Henry said nodding, they had both expected hysterics from both parties, Mary especially, and yet neither had bought any complaints.
" Henry, are you alright?" Anne questioned taking her husbands hand in her own.
" Yes," He said again, smiling at her, Anne noticed that the smile didn't quite meet his eyes.
She was just about to respond when he stopped her, his voice firm, " I think you should return to your rooms sweetheart, I have a council meeting scheduled shortly," He didn't know why he wasn't telling her, his thoughts about Mary's marriage, he knew she would just think him an overprotected parent, and he also knew there was nothing more to it then that.
Anne left the room without a word, Henry would make up for his dismissive nature that night, he just did not want to speak of it now.
Bradgate Park, Leicestershire
Frances Brandon (now Grey) was more than accustomed to the pains of childbirth, having gone through them two times already. Frances just hoped that this child would not die, as her other two had. She was afraid, that if this child did not survive that her husband would try and find a reason to be rid of her, he had mistresses she knew he did, she pushed those thoughts from her mind. She was the niece of the King of England, her mother had been the Queen of France and her father was the most powerful Duke in the realm, Henry would be a fool if he tried to divorce her.
She was surprised he was present, he had not been for her latest labour, she had informed him by letter that their daughter had been born dead, since then things had not been well between them. Oh he never mistreated or abused her in anyway, but Frances could just sense his cold detachment every time he spoke to or about her, he no longer loved her like he did in the first years of their marriage, since their son had died and their daughter after him, she knew he blamed her for their lack of living offspring, as if it were her fault that God enjoyed taking those she loved most from her.
She had not been as excited or as happy as people had expected her to be when she found out she was with child again, but Frances had made a deal to herself when her daughter had been stillborn, she would not love a child until she knew it would live and strive, it hurt less that way.
The labour was somewhat easier than her last two had been, in the back of her head Frances could all but hear her mothers voice telling her that that was a good sign, but she pushed such thoughts from her subconscious, thinking of her mother only made her sad, she needed to put all of her strength and thoughts, on the child she was birthing, she would will It to live, no matter the cost.
It was a short labour, the midwife had said it would be from the beginning, when she heard the sound of a child's crying, she sighed in relief, it was a sound that had been missing the last time she had been in such a position, she still remembered the eerily silence that had followed the birth of her dead child, she was not afraid to smile at the child's wailing at least it meant it was alive.
" What is it?" Frances questioned her voice tired, she wondered if all woman did that, questioned the child's sex before even asking if the child was healthy, she supposed every woman, in someway hoped for a son first. Frances had, she had hoped and prayed for a son, during her first two pregnancy's, now she really only wanted a living breathing child, yet still she had asked the question.
The hesitation before the midwife spoke was enough to tell Frances she had birthed a daughter, the woman confirmed her suspicions in a subdued tone, " My Lady you have given birth to a very healthy daughter."
" Giver her here then," Frances had said seriously, shaking away her tiredness she needed to hold her child, to feel her and see that she was real.
The midwife complied almost immediately, dropping the still wailing infant into Frances outstretched arms. The young infant looked a Tudor, she reminded Frances so much so of her late mother that it shocked her. She had a mop of reddish coloured hair, and her face was lightly covered in freckles, she hardly looked at all like her father (except for her nose), and she had no trace of her Brandon lineage. For an instant Frances thought to name her daughter Mary, for her mother and cousin but another name had entered her mind as quickly as that one had came, of course she would have to speak to her husband of it.
" I hear we have a daughter," Frances had not even heard him enter the bedchamber; she had expected him to wait until she was clean and ready for visitors, her husband had always had a weak stomach.
" Yes," Frances said nodding, she would not apologise for it, a living daughter was better than a dead son, she had heard rumours that both of her uncles wives had apologised when they had presented princesses instead of princes to their King, but Frances was not birthing royal children, her daughter was healthy and quite beautiful, she needn't apologise for that.
Henry walked over to her and the child somewhat tensely, as if he was scared that any sudden movements would make the child begin it's wailing again (it had stopped once placed in her mother's arms).
" She looks like your cousins," He remarked, she noted that he did not sound disappointed.
" She looks like my mother," Frances said, a small tear falling from her eyes, she hoped he hadn't noticed.
" Then shall she be Mary?" Henry questioned, as if he did not expect her to refuse the offer.
" I was actually thinking of the name Jane," Frances said, still not taking her eyes away from her daughters face, " There are already enough Mary's, and I think the name suits her well, " Frances added a way of explanation, she would not say her real reason for liking the name, aside from the reasons she gave her husband, Frances could not help but think that it would somewhat hurt Queen Anne, to hear that she, the niece of the King, had named her daughter Jane, as if in honour of the King's ex-mistress.
She was not usually such a hateful person, yet when it came to the Queen, Frances found that she, like her mother and step-mother, could just not help herself, and besides she really did think the name suited her young daughter.
" Lady Jane Grey," Henry said rolling the name on his tongue, yes she liked it well.
5th of October 1537
Wolf Hall
Seymour Family Residence
Jane did not think she had ever been so bored in all her life. Thomas had been strict with his instructions when he had returned from court; she was to remain out of sight, her condition to be a kept a secret, no doubt Jane thought bitterly, to appease that woman. Jane had thought the measures only temporary, she had thought that once her condition had been made public knowledge that such precautions would be removed. They were not, Jane did not know who to blame for that, her family, the King, or Anne. A part of Jane thought, or hoped if she was being honest, that Henry was having her be so careful so that their child remained in good health, she knew though that it was more likely that her family were keeping Jane and her bastard out of sight until the King deemed otherwise.
Her sister's had been keeping her company mostly, and although she was always glad for their presence, there was only so many card games and so much gossiping that one could take part in. Mostly Jane just wondered about her future. The King had said her would try to find a suitable marriage for her, however he had also said that he may send her to a nunnery, either way Jane knew she would lose her child, the Queen would never allow Jane's child (especially if it were a male) to be raised thinking that he had any right to the throne of England.
Jane was more than convinced that her child was a son. Her mother had told her not to put so much weight and hope in the child's sex, her mother told her she should pray only that her child be healthy, her father and brothers had not shared such sentiments. The child they were convinced had to be a male.
Jane already knew what she was going to name her child. If it were a girl, Jane would name her Margery, when Jane pictured her child as female she imagined a girl very much like herself, blonde and pale, yet intelligent and strong like her father, a daughter any man would be proud to call his own. If it were a boy (and Jane very much thought it would be) she would name him Edward, she knew Henry was fond of the name, and she could not help but think her brother would be pleased with it too, when she pictured the child as a male, it was the image of Henry, but gentle and sweet, a son any mother would be proud to call her own.
She knew without any doubt that she would love her child no matter its sex, she just hoped she was not the only one. The most important thing, Jane found herself contently thinking, was that her pregnancy was progressing well, the midwives expected that she would encounter no problems, the child was constantly moving around in her womb, and Jane herself felt as well as could be expected.
She could not help but think with a slight smile, that she was much better suited to birthing children then the Queen, but then she remembered that she was trying not to think such things, she had never been such a hateful person before, she had never been the kind to say bad thing's about another, even if she did think that they deserved them, yet still she found it hard, especially when it was Anne Boleyn she was thinking of.
7th of October 1537
Hatfield
Residence of Prince William and Princess Elizabeth Tudor
At the age of four Elizabeth thought herself a rather bright child, more so because she was constantly told as much, but also because she often found herself understanding things that were not expected of her.
When her mother and father had informed her on her birthday that she was getting a new governess she had been upset, not that she would ever act so in front of her parents, Lady Bryan had been hers long before Liam was born, Elizabeth had never minded sharing her, but now she would be denied the woman completely, simply because she were a girl, and Liam a boy. Elizabeth did not think it at all fair.
Liam was the future Prince of Wales, the future King of England, and as such he needed Lady Bryan's attention all to himself. Therefore Elizabeth needed a new governess, a complete stranger, rather than the woman she had remembered since being very small. Her mama had said that her and papa, were only appointing a new governess for Elizabeth so that she could start her lessons, and while Elizabeth was excited at such a prospect, she also felt a little hurt, that it was her and not Liam that had to get a new governess.
Her parents had also told her that she would be getting a new brother or sister too, but like Mary and Hal her mama would not be the babies mama, Elizabeth had found that odd, Mary and Hal were both born before her parents were married, it didn't make sense to her how this new baby had come about. She didn't dare ask her parents, and Lady Bryan had told her that she was to little to be worrying about such things, and that she most certainly shouldn't question her parents over it, Lady Bryan seemed to think that the new baby would somehow hurt Elizabeth's Mama, and as such Elizabeth had kept quite about the whole thing. She had however heard the name Jane Seymour mentioned by a few of her ladies when they thought she wasn't listening, Elizabeth knew the name well enough, she remembered her father dancing with the blonde haired lady at court a few times, her ladies had said that she was the babies Mama, but Elizabeth didn't know what that meant either, and her cousin Edward was absolutely no help at all. Maybe, Elizabeth thought, her new governess might tell her, if she wasn't as strict as Lady Bryan that was.
" Princess?" One of Elizabeth's ladies said from her doorway, it was Mistress Perry, Elizabeth had just finished getting dressed in one of her new gowns she had been gifted on her birthday. It was a lovely shade of pink, and Elizabeth thought it suited her well, as she had become accustomed to doing Elizabeth wore her 'T" necklace, she had hardly gone a day without wearing it in the last year, " Are you ready Lady Champernowne, is ready for you."
Elizabeth nodded her head in confirmation, all the while wondering how she was suppose to say her new governesses name, it sounded difficult, before following her ladies down the flight of stairs that led to the entrance of Hatfield. She heard someone addressing her to the room; a picture of bows and curtseys met her as she entered the room.
The lady that was to be her governess, was a lot younger than Lady Bryan, but Elizabeth thought she looked somewhat older than her mama, she had dark black hair and kind eyes, her figure was somewhat plump, and she was dressed in a plain black gown, she smiled at Elizabeth when she stood in front of her.
" Mistress Champernowne, May I present to you, the Princess Elizabeth, your new charge," Lady Bryan's voice said, her tone as always serious, although Elizabeth liked to think that Lady Bryan sounded somewhat upset. None of the other children were present, and so the introductions were short.
" It is a pleasure to meet you My Lady Princess, " Mistress Champernowne, said with a smile, Elizabeth thought she had a nice smile.
Elizabeth smiled in response, as she knew she must, " It is nice to meet you too Lady…" She stopped short looking at Lady Bryan for some sort of comfort, she knew the woman's name would be too hard for her to say, and she did not want to look silly in front of her new governess.
" You may call me Kat, if it pleases your highness," The woman- Kat said smiling again, Elizabeth nodded in response feeling her cheeks go red in embarrassment.
" Do you like games?" Elizabeth questioned, after a few moments of silence, her mother had promised Elizabeth that she would find her a governess who like to play games.
" I love games," Kat responded and Elizabeth detected no lie in her tone.
" Would you like to meet the others?" Elizabeth asked, she knew Edward wanted to meet the new Governess, who would be taking over his care as well, while little Annie would remain with Lady Bryan, Elizabeth was also sure that Kat would like to meet Liam, people were often excited to meet her brother.
" Yes, " Kat said, smiling once again, " I would like that very much."
As Elizabeth took Kat's hand in her own and led her up the stairs to the nursery, she could not help but think that Perhaps this Kat lady wouldn't be too bad, her mother had picked her after all.
12th of October 1537
Wolf Hall
Seymour Family Residence
Jane screamed for what she felt was the thousandth time, her voice was hoarse and her face sweaty and clammy, her nightgown was all but soaked through, there had been no point in changing it, her sheets too were a wet bloody mess. As easy as her pregnancy had been, her labour was three times as difficult. She herself had lost track of the hours, but Elizabeth had told her it had already been two days and nights, this was the third.
The king had been informed when her water had broke, Jane just hoped he had not heard that he labour had taken a turn for the worst, the doctor and midwife thought the baby was in a difficult position, neither of them had held much hope, but this was the King's child, illegitimate or not, and as such they were obliged to do all they could.
Jane was forever grateful of her sisters' presence. Margery and Dorothy were on either side of her, squeezing her hands, and rubbing a damp cloth across her head when she needed it. Elizabeth had been running in and out of the room, informing her family of the progress, or lack there of.
The pain she was experiencing was the worst she had ever experienced in her life, every time she felt a contraction cursing through her body, Jane felt as if she were being ripped in two, She had heard the phrase 'one more push,' more times then she could count.
She could not help but think she was being punished, punished for her wanton actions, for taking a married man to her bed, but surely, surely God would not punish her child for its parent's actions.
" Only a little longer Janey," Jane could not even tell which of her sisters was speaking, she thought it might be Margery, but she wasn't sure, she also found it hard to believe her words, they had been said too many times now. Jane could not help but wonder if she and her child were a lost cause already. The pain she was feeling was enough to make her think she was dying, and neither the doctor nor midwife was yet to look anything but grim.
Still she found herself hopeful at her sister's words, perhaps this time they were right, " Are you certain?" Jane questioned her tone both hopeful and pleading, her eyes she knew were full of tears, but she found she didn't care, her eyes found the doctors and she saw that his expression didn't look as grim as before.
" The head is crowning now my lady," The midwife said, Jane thought she too looked a little less grim.
" One more push should do it," The Doctor added, Jane could not help but sigh at relief in response to his words, would this ordeal finally be over? Would she finally have her child in her arms?
Jane used the little strength she had left, to give one last push, she felt her child leaving her body as she did so.
It took a few seconds, but the child eventually gave an almighty wail, she wondered if all of Henry's children had good lungs.
" What is it?" She heard herself question, her voice weak and tired.
" You have given birth to very healthy little boy, My Lady," The midwife responded, Jane smiled widely as the woman's answer, She had delivered the King a son.
" May I hold him?" Jane questioned, she noticed Elizabeth leave the room, no doubt to tell their family the good news.
The midwife and doctor both looked worriedly at her; as if they thought her too weak to hold the child, her sisters too were exchanging concerned glances.
" Perhaps when you are both cleaned up Janey?" Margery, she knew it was Margery this time, said firmly; Jane could only nod in response.
Once her sheets and gown were replaced, and the baby placed in a warm blanket, the child, her little boy was placed in her arms.
He was a truly beautiful boy, and Jane was in love the moment she laid eyes upon him, he looked nothing like his father, he was blonde and faired skinned like Jane, she noticed too that his ears, mouth and nose all resembled her, she did not know about the boys eyes, he was yet to open them, but she thought he was rather long and plump looking Jane thought that to be a Tudor trait, well at least she hoped. He looked healthier than Prince William had when he was first born; Jane took that to be a good sign, that perhaps the difficult labour would not affect her child's health.
" Have you thought of a name for him?" Dorothy questioned, cooing at her young nephew.
" Edward," Jane said firmly, " His name is Edward."
Edward made a soft noise in response to Jane's answer as if giving his approval to the name.
" Little Edward Fitzroy," Margery said, Jane did not know why but the words made her eyes shine with tears. Her son would never be a Tudor; he would always be seen as a bastard, the name Fitzroy would forever follow him that was if the King even decided to give the child the name.
Deciding to put such thoughts from her mind, Jane kissed her child's head full of blonde hair, she would worry about all that later, for now she needed rest, and her child beside her that was all that truly mattered.
15th of October 1537
Whitehall Palace
Henry started at Cromwell a look of shock overcoming his features, he thought his mouth must be hanging agape, but he did not care, he had a right to be feeling at a loss for words.
Anne sat beside him, he dared not look at her face, and he regretted now allowing her to stay in the room. Cromwell had given him a look as if to say that the Queen should not be present, Henry had dismissed it, saying that whatever the man had to say he could say in front of his Queen, had he known what the news Cromwell was bringing towards him was in regards to, Henry would have dismissed Anne immediately, Cromwell had no tact no empathy he had told them of Jane's child without a note of sympathy in his voice, he would have been able to find a way to break the news to Anne more easily, and with far more care for their unborn child.
Jane had delivered a son; the note said her-their child was healthy, Henry was at least glad for that he had lost enough children.
" Has the lady thought of a name for the child?" Henry questioned not knowing what else to say, he didn't want to upset Anne.
" She had thought to name him Edward, if your Majesty permits," Cromwell said, Henry could see Anne stiffen in result to the mans words, perhaps she had thought to name their newest child Edward, she knew he was fond of the name, " Although they wondered of the child's surname."
Henry knew what Cromwell's words meant, they wanted to know if he would acknowledge the child as his own, if he would allow the boy, his son, to bear the name Fitzroy.
Henry wanted to acknowledge the boy as his own, he truly did, he did not want to deny any of his children, be they trueborn and baseborn, the chance to have a father, but he also did not want to upset his wife. Although it had been Anne, that had told him to acknowledge the child as his own, she had seemed almost determined that he do right by the child, he had not expected that of her. She had been kind to Hal, and to Mary too (once she had relented), but neither of them were a result of his unfaithfulness to her.
" It shall be Fitzroy of course," It was Anne's voice who broke his musings; he could not help but look at her with a slightly confused expression upon his face.
" Sweetheart, I do not have to acknowledge the child, I can provide for him in other ways," Henry said gently taking his wife's hands in his own. He noticed that she had her free hand cradling her stomach, she did that so often now, he had not noticed it while she was pregnant with William or Elizabeth. He did not want Anne to think he was forcing the child upon her, if she wished it, he would place the child in a good family and pay for his upbringing, his wife would not have to be hurt by the child's presence.
" No," Anne said firmly, just like she had the night he told her of Jane's pregnancy, the night they had conceived the child in her belly, " It is not the child's fault." Henry knew without a doubt that her words were meant as an attack against him, he also knew she would say no more than that, not in front of Cromwell, he also noticed that Anne had refused to call the child a he, he knew she would be disappointed in the babies sex, he also knew that she would never say so out loud.
Henry simply nodded in response to her words, if Anne wished for him to acknowledge the child he would not say no to it, " Inform the Seymour's, that I approve of the name, and that the boy, Edward may bear the name Fitzroy, I will visit him in time." Henry ordered before waving Cromwell away with a flick of his hand, he wanted a few moments alone with his wife.
" Anne," Henry started but immediately he was stopped.
" I do not want him raised with the Seymour's, " Anne said her voice serious; he could not help but think she was angry with him again.
" Of course not sweetheart, " Henry said grasping her hand more firmly, " I will find suitable arrangements for the boy, once he is older." Perhaps he could house Edward with Hal, he and young Bessie would be of a similar age, it would be good for the chid to be raised with family.
Anne nodded hear head, his words being enough for her it seemed, before she stood without a single word and made her way for the door, " I fear I am tired, I must rest," She said as if remembering he was there once she was at the door, she did not wait for his response before she left the room, her black gown rustling as she did so. Henry just hoped this whole situation would have no affect on their child.
24th of October 1537
Whitehall Palace
Anne looked at Charles Brandon, with a firm glare, just whom did this man think he was refusing her entrance into her own husbands chambers.
" The King does not wish to be disturbed," Charles said, for what Anne thought was the third time, when Anne crossed her hands over her chest she could have sworn she had seen him smirk.
"And why not?" Anne questioned, she had been intending to tell her husband off. He had yet to see the child, and for some reason that bothered her. She had been intending to tell Henry that his country would survive one day while he went and paid a visit to the child, yet now the Duke of Suffolk was refusing her entry into his chambers.
She noticed that Charles had a weird look upon his face, as if he were thinking over what to tell her, immediately she thought the worst, had her husband already taken a mistress?
" Has he taken a mistress?" Anne questioned her voice quiet she was as always aware of the ears around her.
" No, your Grace," Charles said quickly, Anne detected no lie in his tone.
" What is it then Your Grace? I am the Queen of England you will answer me," She had not used such a tone in over a year, not since her disagreement with Cromwell over the ministries.
Charles look at Anne worriedly, in response to her raised voice, he knew she was pregnant, he did not want to be seen as a cause of stress to the pregnant Queen, if something were to go wrong, and truly he saw no reason as to why the woman could not know why Henry had locked himself in his chambers with orders not to be disturbed, by anyone.
" His grace has received a letter from Wolf Hall, " Charles said his voice soft, audible only to Anne's ears, " It seems Jane Seymour has succumbed to childbed fever, the doctors say her health has rapidly deteriorated, they do not believe her long for this world."
Charles had expected the woman to smile slightly and leave it at that, the death of her rival, the woman who may have supplanted her, Charles had been sure would have been a welcome relief, The Queen however did not smile, and Charles could not quite decipher the look in her eyes.
" So the King has gone to retrieve the child then? To pay his respects to the Lady?" Anne questioned her voice soft but questioning. She would not blame Henry for that, she couldn't find it within herself too, besides she did not want the child left with his mothers relatives, not if there was no reason for him to be.
"No Your Grace, He simply wishes to be alone with his thoughts," Charles thought Anne almost looked angry at his words, he could not understand why.
" Your Grace, I wish for a horse to be made ready for me, " When he made no move to reply to her demands she added more sternly, " With haste."
" Do you wish to go for a ride Your Majesty?" Charles questioned confused, this was not the reaction he had been expecting.
" Yes, " Anne replied nodding her head, her tone was still firm and serious, " To Wolf Hall."
" Wolf Hall Your Majesty?" Charles was quite sure he had misheard her, what business did the Queen have at Wolf Hall.
" Yes, so I would appreciate it if you would find someone to ready my horse, a guard too would be acceptable," Charles quite thought she had lost her mind; perhaps her pregnancy was interfering with her emotions.
" Your Majesty, I do not think it best for you to make such a journey in your current condition," The last of his sentence was said in a whisper, hardly anyone knew of Anne's pregnancy, and he did not want to give Henry reasons to believe that he had let the news slip, speaking of the King, he would be most displeased if he had discovered that Charles had allowed the Queen in her delicate state to leave the castle for Wolf Hall without a royal guard, he would most likely lose his head for such an action, " I am sure the King would not wish for you.."
" What Henry does not know won't hurt him," Anne interrupted, an annoyed expression plastered over her beautiful features, " Now Your Grace, you can either help me or not, but I assure you nothing you do or say will stop me,"
" As your protector..."
" As my protector it is your duty to protect me is it not?" Anne retorted a small smile on her lips, " Henry will not be pleased to hear you have let me go alone. "
Charles looked at Anne with an irritated glare, there was no getting out of this one, he could not restrain her without risking injury to the child, and if he did not go with her and something happened.. Henry would never forgive him; He had no choice but to accompany Anne on her journey to Wolf Hall.
" Fine," Charles spoke between clenched teeth, he had no care for formalities now, " But we will take one horse only, I do not intend to let you ride."
Anne only smiled in response to his words, and Charles very much thought that had been her plan all along.
The ride to Wolf Hall was tiresome and somewhat awkward, Anne sat side saddle on the Duke of Suffolk's stead, she was not even dressed in a riding habit, Anne just hoped she looked regal enough once she was in front of the Seymour's. Truthfully she did not know why she was doing what she was doing, the Duke had not asked her and she was glad for it, she didn't really think much on the matter, she just knew she had to get the child away from it's mothers family, now that Jane was on her deathbed there was no more need for the child to be housed with that family. She would not have them filling the child's head with nonsense and ambitions for the crown. She was glad Charles had headed her words and rode in haste, they would make it their by nightfall at this speed. Although there was a downside, the high speeds and constant motion of the journey were making her feel nauseous although she would never say so out loud.
" I Can see the gates now Your Grace," Charles Brandon's voice said, she had almost forgot he was there, he had been so quiet when they had left, Anne thought he had been sulking. She sighed heavily in response to his words when she saw that he was not lying, she did not think she would have lasted much longer, once she had the child she would ask the Seymour for a carriage, they would not refuse her.
She would not stay long, of that she was certain, they would not want her to at any rate, she would give them as much peace as she could, she was not there to interrupt their grieving.
She could not say that their shocked faces at her appearance did not amuse her somewhat, they bowed low to her all the same, they would never refuse the Queen of England, not without risking the loss of their heads, especially now when they were so far from the King's good graces.
No one said a word to her other than their muttered; "Your Majesties," she did not think they had even noticed Charles' presence, in the back of her mind she wondered when exactly he had become Charles rather than Brandon or the Duke of Suffolk.
" How is the Lady?" She questioned first, she could not find it within herself to say Jane's name out loud, she did not like acknowledging her, she had little choice now however.
"Yesterday evening the doctors thought for sure they could save her, but during the night her fever grew worse again, they say they have tried everything they know, they do not think she will last till the morning," It was Thomas Seymour who spoke, the other members of the large family seemed either to scared to address her or to distressed by the recent turn of events, they must have thought their fortunes made when Jane bore a son, even she could find sympathy for them in such a time.
" And the child?" Anne questioned, she did not wish to speak of Jane any longer, she had no desire to make her journey any longer then need be.
" He is perfectly healthy," again Thomas Seymour gave the reply, and Anne could just see the confused look on his face, they probably thought she had come to curse the child in someway; she was not stupid she had heard that some called her a witch.
" I wish to see him," Anne said evenly, her tone gave no room for an argument.
" He is with Jane," This time it was one of the Seymour sisters that responded to her, her voice was void of any curtsies, she sounded as if she had been crying for hours, Anne thought she would be very much the same if it were Mary who was on her death bed, " She does not wish to be separated from him, not until…"
" I will see them both then," Anne said softly after a few moments of thick silence, she did not hate Jane enough to separate her from her child in her last moments of life, yet still she felt the need to see the child, to take him as soon as Jane had breathed her last breath.
She was led to Jane's rooms by Margery Seymour, as they got closer to the bedchamber Anne felt as if the thick scent of death, of blood and vomit and who knew what other bodily fluids would all but overcome her. Jane's mother left her at the door, Anne was not sure if it was because she did not wish to see her dying daughter or if she had sensed that Anne wanted to be alone with the child and its mother, truthfully she didn't care for the reasoning all that mattered was that she did not have an audience.
Anne could hardly tell the figure on the bed was even breathing when she first laid eyes upon her. Jane was dressed in a white night dress, as Anne walked closer she noticed the sweat glistening across the woman's forehead, her stomach was still large and round, and in her hands she cradled the child; It was a much larger bundle than William had been.
When their eyes locked Anne could see the confusion and fear in her counterparts eyes, Anne thought she must have been as confused by Anne's presence as Anne herself was. Perhaps she had been thinking that Henry would come for her in her last hours, Anne had wondered the same thing when Charles had first informed her of Jane's condition.
Neither of them spoke however, Anne took the unoccupied chair beside Jane's bed, and just watched, she had yet to lay eyes on the child, he was nothing more than a pile of blankets, she could not help but wonder who the child would resemble.
" Please," Jane's voice came out as a chocked whisper, Anne struggled to hear his words " Do not punish my child."
Anne looked into Jane's dull eyes and found that despite their mutual dislike for each other, that she couldn't deny the woman's dying wish, she would have asked for the same for her children, to be left motherless was a horrible thing.
" I will make sure he is looked after," Anne said hoping that Jane could sense the truth in her words, " I promise."
Jane simply nodded her head her eyes shining with tears before looking back at her son. Anne noticed absentmindedly that a bible lay on Jane's bedside table, the priests had most likely already tended to her, as she picked it up she opened it, smiling slightly at the verse it had opened to, it seemed somewhat fitting, taking a deep breath she began to read.
" To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven. A time to be born, and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted. A time to weep, and a time to laugh. A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together. A time to mourn, and a time to dance. That which hath been is now, and that which is to be has already been. A time to get and a time to lose. A time to keep, and a time to cast away. A time to rend, and a time to sew. A time to keep silence, and a time to speak. I said in my heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked, for there is a time for every purpose under the sun."
It took Anne a few moments to realise Jane had stopped breathing, it wasn't until the child started fidgeting in Jane's arms, that Anne noticed the woman's chest had stopped its movements, carefully Anne took the babe from its mothers cold and lifeless arms, it was the first time she saw him.
He was his mothers image just as William was Henry's, he was blonde and pale just as Anne had always imagined Jane's children would be, yet when he looked at her, opining his eyes widely, it was not Jane's eyes she saw staring back at her it was Henry's. He had his father's eyes and for Anne that was enough.
" Hello there Edward," she cooed, it was the first time she had said the child's name, Edward made to move a hand towards her in response to her words, " I will never be your mother, but I will try to be your Mama."
She had made her decision as soon as she laid eyes on the boy, the boy was her husband's child and she was determined that despite his status, despite the pain his birth had bought her, despite the way he looked, she would love him, for no child deserved to raised without the love of a mother.
A/N: So what do you all think, I hope no one is disappointed in Edward's birth/ Jane's death, I also hope you enjoyed the inclusion of Jane Grey, as well as a betrothal for Mary Tudor (finally!), even if it is a slightly unusual one, although I had dropped hints in previous chapters. Oh and Anne is pregnant Yay.
In regards to Anne taking Edward- When I initially planned out this story, I always knew that I wanted Jane to die birthing Edward as she did in history, I also knew that I wanted Anne to take a significant part in the boys life despite his parentage. Anne will raise him as his own, although he will always know that she is not his real mother, the two of them, as well as he and William will have a very important bond in the future, So I do hope no one thought it out of character.
The next chapter, will Have Henry's reaction to Anne and Edward, a wedding, a birth and something very important for Elizabeth.
Please leave a review to let me know what you all think; they really do inspire me to keep writing.