Note - Brandon's son with Mary died in 1534 on historical date of death.
A Court Scandal
Chapter Twenty-Six
Three days after that awkward evening held in the Queen's apartments, Anne was almost happy to leave court to await the birth of her children.
Anne along with her ladies-in-waiting including Lady Emma and Lady Stafford departed for Brandon's estate in the early morning hours. Since Brandon was planning to follow in a couple of days.
As Anne's carriage left, there were four people staring out of the windows watching Anne leave court. These four people were: Jane, Edward, Thomas, and Mary with smiles on their faces.
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While at Westhorpe Hall, Anne quickly falls into a routine that includes a walk around the grounds in the afternoon and spends her time preparing one of the apartments for Elizabeth's arrival.
Once Brandon arrives at Westhorpe Hall, they prepare the nursery that once belong to Brandon's children from his previous marriage.
After much consideration, they both came to agreement upon selecting Lady Mary Norris the niece of Elizabeth's own governess Lady Bryan.
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Almost four weeks later, Lady Emma has the servants prepare the Duchess's bedchambers for her confinement that was about to begin.
Anne has one final walk around Westhorpe Hall with Lady Stafford and Brandon accompanying her. Then she enters into her bedchambers with Lady Stafford by her side for the last time until the birth of her children.
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Days after Anne enters into confinement, both Eleanor and Frances arrive at their childhood home with the intentions of not leaving until their step-mother gives birth.
Eleanor and Frances take turns spending time with Anne in her bedchambers
"Frances, will you allow your daughter to become a companion to your sister?" asks Anne as she been thinking about companions that her beloved daughter could have when the time comes. Knowing that Elizabeth's niece Annie is her only companion as of yet.
Frances replies smiling "Of course" as she has grown closer to her step-mother but before she could say anything else.
Anne puts her hand on her rounded belly and winces in pain. She says in pain "Get Lady Emma quickly" and quickly one of her servants runs out of the room.
Frances holds Anne's hand trying to calm her down. Within seconds, Lady Emma comes running into the bedchambers.
"Your Grace, I must examine you" says Lady Emma as she performs her duties as a midwife.
Lady Emma stays in the Duchess's bedchambers for the next one hour. During that time, Lady Emma frequently examining her for signs of true childbirth.
Lady Emma informs Anne "I believe that you are not in experiencing true childbirth as of yet" knowing from experience that she is not truly in childbirth as of yet.
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After leaving the Duchess apartments, Lady Emma seeks out Brandon in the library playing cards with Eleanor to try to keep him distracted from what was happening upstairs.
"How is my wife?" asks Brandon in fear knowing that he could loss both his wife and children.
Lady Emma states professional "Your Grace, the Princess should be brought here soon because Her Grace could go into childbirth anytime now" knowing from her experience that false childbirth can turn into real childbirth within the matter of times.
"Of course, I shall send word to his majesty" states Brandon quickly as he pens a letter to send one of pages knowing that his step-daughter was brought to court for May Day celebrations that where occurring.
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Brandon's page takes one of the stable's fastest horses to reach Whitehall Palace. He runs into the court to reach the King's privy council chambers. He is quickly is announced and the page bows to his King to say "Your majesty, you must read this letter from the Duke of Suffolk" as he hands the letter to his King.
Henry opens the letter to read:
His Majesty King Henry
My wife the Duchess of Suffolk went into false childbirth this morning for a period of time. According to her midwife, the Duchess will start to experience true childbirth sometime in the next few days. So as promised the Princess Elizabeth should be escorted by her uncle Lord Rochford to Westhorpe Hall along with Lady Bryan.
Your Servant & Friend
Brandon
Henry sends two of his grooms to fetch both his former brother-in-law and Lady Bryan.
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AN: Please review. My goal is to update two of these stories every week: A Court Scandal, A Life Changing Moment, Different As Night & Day, Duty or Love, and Mistress of Hearts. For the rest of February.