Katherine of Aragon (Boleyn)- 49 December 16th 1485
Prince Thomas Boleyn, Duke of Wiltshire-57 March 12th 1477
Thomas Boleyn, Viscount Lincoln- 17 September 7th 1517
Cordelia Tudor-16 year May 2nd 1518
William Boleyn, Duke of Buckingham- 15 June 13th 1519
Anthony Boleyn, Duke of Suffolk- 15 June 13th 1519
Rose Boleyn- 14 March 2 1520
Catalina Boleyn- 14 August 29th 1520
Annette Boleyn- 9, July 7th 1525
Michelle Boleyn- 6, October 29th 1528
Isabella Cavendish (Boleyn), Duchess of Devonshire- 17 September 7th 1517
William Cavendish, Duke of Devonshire- 18 January 9th 1516
Peter Cavendish- July 23rd 1534
Sofia Cavendish- July 23rd 1534
George Boleyn, Duke of Rochford- 21 April 17th 1513
Renee Boleyn, Duchess of Rochford- 17, December 23rd 1516
Jane Boleyn- 4 March 28th 1530
Princess Charlotte of France-1 February 6th 1533
Prince Henri of France- December 16th 1533
King Henri of France- 21 July 10th 1513
Princess Cecily Tudor- 13 July 25th 1521
Princess Margaret Tudor- 11 years August 14th 1523
Prince Edward Tudor of Wales- 15 February 14th 1519
Prince James Tudor of York- 12 years October 1st 1522
King Henry VIII-43 June 28th 1491
Queen Kathryn Parr- 42 August 30th 1492
Elizabeth Bryan- 15 year January 10th 1519
Lady Amelia Sutton, 12, May 18th 1522
Lady Mary Howard, 15, April 24th 1519
Charles Clancey, 17, February 6th 1517
Prince Phillip of Spain- 22 May 2 1512
Princess Elizabeth of Spain- 17 September 7th 1517
Princess Joan of Austria- 15 June 24 1519
Alexander Stewart-Duke of Ross- 20 April 30th 1514
Charles de Bourn, Duke of Beaucourt- 14 July 21 1520
Henry Stanley- Earl of Derby- 18 September 1st 1516
Katherine Boleyn, Princess of Spain, Duchess of Wiltshire
November 10th 1534
It has been 2 months since Mary has died and though it still hurt things were getting better, Michelle turned 6 and was a constant little ball of energy. We were back at Hever Castle now and Edward, James, Margaret, and Cecily were visiting while Henry and Queen Kathryn were visiting Northumberland, it seems there have been some property disputes with the Scottish again.
Isabella was visiting Hever with Sofia and Peter while Lord Devonshire went with the King as did Tom. William and Anthony were angry they were not able to go but after a few days they found things to do, "Your Grace, Lady Cordelia wishes to speak with you" a servant said, I was sitting in front of the fire sewing some of Thomas's shirts but quickly set it down in a basket and nodded.
"Mama can I speak with you?" She asked from the doorway nervously and I nodded.
"Of course, come sit" she came over and sat down next to me, "what is it?" I asked curiously as she kept her eyes down on the ground. "Oh! Are you pregnant?" I asked thinking it was the most obvious thing.
"No, no, no" she said quickly in surprise "we have decided to try our best not to have children for a bit" she said quickly and I nodded.
"Then what is it mi amor?" I pet her cheek and she played with the black lace on her gown.
"I have spoke with papa" I knew that, he gave her Nunnington Hall back and her pension and jewels it eased our burden of having to provide for her and Charles and any children they produced. "I wish to visit Elizabeth still mama, it is nothing against you or anyone I just wish to go visit Spain and see a different part of the world papa has already said it is alright and that I can go in January I just do not wish for you to feel that I am going just to hurt you" she said quickly taking my hand.
"I…" my voice was lost from me and I wanted nothing more then to order her to stay in England but I knew it was impossible. "How long shall you stay?" I asked in a soft voice and she swallowed hard.
"We shall leave in January and return in July, only 7 months" it broke my heart "I know it seems like a very long time but I am sure that it will go by quickly" I bit my lip and nodded.
"Be sure to write and be careful" I finally said after a few minutes and she hugged around my neck tightly.
"I love you mama" I hugged her back and kissed her cheek.
"I love you too sweetheart" I knew she and Charles were fighting a lot lately and it would be good for them to get away for a while. She was also leaving back to Nunnington today, they had to have it fully cleaned before they could go back and stayed with us for a bit.
"Nana!" Margaret cried and she and Michelle ran out upon seeing me.
"We want to play tag in the gardens please!" Michelle begged grabbing my dark skirts and tugging.
"Calm down both of you" I scolded and they calmed down, "you can only go if William, Anthony or Edward go out with you" they raced back into Isabella's room and started begging everyone to go out with them.
"Please!" Margaret insisted holding Edward's hand while Michelle begged her brothers.
"Please! We will not ask you to play with us!" She cried holding both their hands tightly not willing to let go.
"Mama really?" William groaned pulling his arm up in the air so Michelle dangled from him.
"Do not do that!" I snapped plucking Michelle out of the air quickly and holding her up on my hip.
"It is alright Nana I will go out with them" Edward said ruffling Margaret's hair.
"I shall go as well" Anthony announced and soon all save Isabella and Catalina were going outside.
"How are they today?" I asked looked down on my little grandchildren, Sofia rolled from her back to her belly and tried pulling her body up while Peter had his fingers in his mouth making soft noises.
"Fine, Peter is much easier then Sofia is, already she wants to be in everything" Isabella sighed lifting her daughter up before she could pull a toy into her mouth.
"She is like you when you were little" Isabella groaned and handed Sofia to me.
"I hope not" I laughed and kissed Sofia's head "I can remember doing things purposefully to get you and papa mad" Sofia played with my necklace pulling on of the black jewels into her mouth.
"That is what happens" I said with a soft smile and swayed Sofia in my arms as Isabella lifted Peter up.
"Peter is so much more relaxed and easier to please" she sighed kissing his chubby cheek.
"Girls can be a little harder to handle then boys, your brothers were the same way while you girls were much more harder to please" Isabella laughed and Sofia smiled hearing her mothers laugh.
"Lord Devonshire gets mad because Sofia will cry and cry during the night till I bring her into our bed, he told me he did not wish to get her in the habit of sleeping with us but now he just shakes his head when I bring them in bed with us" no matter how many children she had or how long she was married it was still hard for me to hear that my daughter was in bed with him and knowing what happened in that bed. "Mama can I ask you a question?" She asked after a few moments and I nodded.
"Yes?"
"Have you explained anything to Catalina yet?" I shook my head.
"No, your father does not wish to yet" I sighed and she nodded.
"Why not? She was asking me questions earlier about how children were made" I took a deep breath.
"I will have to speak with your father about it then, you know how he is about these things" she nodded with a smile and I handed Sofia back to her nurse. "I will go speak with him, I shall see you later" I kissed my grandchildren goodbye and left to Thomas's office.
"Yes?" He asked glancing up, he was ordering things for Blinking I guess there was a fire in the kitchen and now they were renovating.
"Can we talk about Catalina?" I asked not wanting to bother him.
"What is wrong with her?" He demanded quickly and I smiled walking in and closed the door.
"She asked Catalina about children Thomas she is getting older as well" I insisted and he rubbed his head.
"Absolutely not, Katherine you know how I feel about this I will not have my young daughters mind tainted!" He snapped and I took a seat in his lap petting his cheek and laying a kiss upon his lips.
"She is not a young girl anymore Thomas, she is a young woman now even I hate to admit it" he wrapped his arms around my waist.
"She is only 14 and not yet married" he reasoned and I knew I could not change his mind. He rest his head against my shoulder and after a minute I felt his lips against my neck. I quickly pulled away from him but he held my hips in place, Thomas and I have done nothing since Mary's death. "Sweetheart stop this, you have barely let me kiss you" he sighed caressing my cheek.
"I kiss you" I said softly and he laughed.
"you press your lips to mine and that is it, Katherine you know what I mean" I kept my eyes down and he gently took my face in his hands and forced me to look him in the eye. "You are my wife and I love you, now tell me what is wrong" I could not look up for a few minutes.
"It is nothing Thomas, I am still upset at Mary's death tis all" he hugged me and kissed my collarbone.
"Something else is bothering you, Katherine please stop lying to me" he breathed against my neck.
"Cordelia has got permission from Henry to go to Spain in January" I whispered softly and he pulled my face closer and kissed me.
"Everything is alright, she is grown now Katherine let her live her life" I nodded and he caught me in another kiss.
"Thomas I am not sure" I whispered softly as his kiss moved down my neck to my cleavage.
"Love just relax" he said softly returning his kisses to my cleavage his other hand going underneath my gown, I inhaled sharply as he pushed a finger into my and began gentle strokes I took deep breathes grabbing his wrist that was under my gown but did not try to stop him.
"Is that how babies are made?" I heard Michelle ask and let out a scream quickly pulling away from Thomas.
"Michelle what are you doing inside?" I demanded quickly in embarrassment and horror.
"I tore my gown! What was papa doing?" Thomas quickly stood up and I went to Michelle lifting her up.
"Mama…mama hurt her leg and papa was looking at it and it" I explained but I knew it was a stupid excuses.
"Oh…can you help me with a new dress mama?" She then asked and I sighed glad she would not ask any more questions. Once she was redressed the children were brought inside for lunch and we all sat around the table, Thomas and I cast glances at each other.
"Is Blinking Hall fixed yet?" Catalina asked Thomas, Blinking was her favorite.
"Not yet, they say that it will be done by next week you may come with me to see if the renovations are satisfactory" her face brightened immediately.
"Really!" She asked hopefully.
"Yes, we will leave next week" I glanced around looking at the rest of my children.
"What are we going to do?" William asked in annoyance.
"You have Edward and James to play with that is enough" I told him and he immediately went silent.
"Where did you go today?" Cecily asked Michelle.
"I tore my dress so I went to see mama and papa was kissing her boobies" I quickly put my hand over her mouth before she could say anything else. Thomas choked on his fish while Isabella spluttered her wine over her plate the others just looked at her in confusion.
"Michelle Boleyn that is enough" I told her before removing my hand from mouth.
"That is not fair! You said he was fixing your leg that is not bad!" My face was bright red as the boys laughed hysterically.
"Enough!" Thomas snapped and they stifled their laughter, "Michelle, no more" he told her severely and she crossed her arms angrily. A few minutes passed before she spoke again.
"How come me, Annette and Margaret do not have any?" She asked looked around at her siblings, father then me.
"You are not old enough yet" I sighed not wanting to argue about this.
"When are we going to be old enough?" Margaret asked curiously.
"Can we talk about something else please?" Cecily asked groaning in annoyance.
"I agree" James added quickly.
"How was your day sweetheart?" Thomas asked me.
"Good, Cordelia left earlier today and should arrive back at Nunnington tomorrow she promised to write to let us know how she is" I said quietly and he nodded.
"That is good, later on I was thinking of going hunting, boys would you like to go?" He asked them and they all nodded eagerly.
"Papa when can I ride a horse?" Michelle asked eagerly.
"You are still little Michelle but I promise I shall start giving you riding lessons" Annette perked up a bit.
"I am 9 now papa, can I start riding?" Annette asked bouncing in her seat.
"You are getting lessons already Annette now calm down" Margaret jumped down from her seat and climbed into my lap.
"Nana can you tell me a story later?" She asked hopefully.
"Before bedtime" I promised kissing the top of her head.
"Nana how long will they be gone for?" Cecily asked speaking if Henry and Kathryn.
"Till the beginning of next month, what is wrong Cecily?" I asked in concern, I knew before she liked spending time with us.
"Nothing is wrong I just wanted to know how long they would be gone for" she said with a faint smile. Lunch finished and they servants cleaned up as the children started back to their rooms to play their games and get ready for their lessons.
"Michelle Boleyn" I said with my hands on my hips and she meekly trotted back to stand in front of me.
"You look really pretty today mama" she said with a sweet smile.
"Do not try that girl you know you are in trouble" Thomas said and she looked to him.
"You look pretty today too papa" she hugged around his waist and smiled brightly up to him, it was hard to be mad at her for long.
"Michelle I told you to stop and you did not listen" he snapped pulling her back from his waist and she pouted looking back to me.
"I did not mean to upset you papa I am sorry" she whispered looking down at the floor "are you going to punish me now?" She questioned glancing to me.
"When we tell you not to say things you do as we say" he ordered and she nodded holding her hands behind her back.
"I am a good girl papa I can listen" she promised standing up on her tip toes.
"You test that sometimes" he said with a faint smirk and she giggled looking back to me.
"So am I going to get punished?" She questioned with a bright happy smile.
"Yes of course" that smile faded quickly faded and she looked back up at him.
"Really? But I said I was sorry" she whimpered.
"Thomas-" he sent me a look and I closed my mouth.
"Now Michelle I cannot show leniency on you, any of your other sibling would be punished so you must be as well, you are 6 years old now" he told her and she nodded sadly. "Instead of playtime you will go right to your studies" she bowed her head and I lay my hand on her shoulder.
"Tis alright love" I told her and sent her to the little room where they did their studies.
"Katherine you need to let me punish them without you comforting them" he told me once she was out of earshot.
"It is hard for me you know that, I love them too much to hurt them like thay" immediately my comment angered him.
"Are you trying to say I do not love my children?" He demanded angrily.
"You know I did not mean it that way Thomas, I only meant that as a mother it is hard for me to scold my children like that at times, that is why God made you for me. You are stronger and able to look passed your affection and do what is right" I kissed his cheek and his body relaxed.
"The boys will miss their lessons today to go hunting, I promise they shall attend tomorrow" I nodded knowing he made up his mind and would not change it.
"I wish you would not take them from their lessons" I sighed handing him his cloak.
"It is not going to happen again love, you know they are upset they care not coming with me to Blinking and this will be good for them all" I nodded in understanding and placed a kiss upon on his lap.
"Alright, under one condition" I said wrapping my arms around his neck with a faint smirk.
"And what is your condition?" He asked caressing my hips.
"Tomorrow you must stay with the boys during their studies and help them" I knew it frustrated him to do so but he needed to help them during their studies.
"No, Katherine I have much better things to do with my time" he pulled away and I smiled following him.
"Much better then to help your son and grandson?" I asked and he ground his teeth,
"Fine, but you owe me" he caught my wrist and dragged me against him kissing me deeply.
"Very well then, but I am not giving you anything till their studies are completed and I learn that you stayed the whole time" he groaned in annoyance.
"Can I at least get a sneak peek tonight?" He questioned nipping at my neck.
"Not at all, not hurry along they are waiting for you" after they were gone I took Triste for a walk outside by myself and a few maids followed.
"My Lady, a letter from King Henry" a servant said and I nodded handing Triste's collar to a servant.
"Thank you" I whispered opening it quickly, it told me that he was now in Northumberland and wished to send his love to his children, he would return as soon as possible and to give the love of the Queen to the children as well. "Bring this to my chambers please" I said to her and took Triste's collar back, she yapped playfully wanting to run free.
"My Lady, the children refuse to learn their lessons today" Lady Middleton said with an aggravated sigh. Why could I not be left alone for 5 minutes before they had to do something to someone.
"I will speak with them" I said and Triste ran before me as I walked back into the Castle, I lifted her up and kissed her little wet nose and she licked my face happily before I sent her with a servant and went to see my daughters and the Princesses.
"Uh oh" I heard Margaret say covering her mouth as I walked into the room.
"What is they I hear that you refuse to learn your lessons today?" I demanded and they were all silent.
"It was Cecily's idea!" Rose quickly cried out jumping out of her seat and launching herself at me hugging around my waist tightly jumping up to kiss my cheek.
"No it was no! It was Catalina's!" Cecily cried in outrage.
"¡Silencio!" I snapped and they immediately fell quiet, "now I expect you all to work on your studies whilst I am gone or I shall see to it you get no more playtime" they faces held horror.
"Why are you mad?" Annette asked cautiously.
"I am not mad I just expected better of you girls" they all bowed their heads in shame.
"Thank you Your Grace" Lady Farthing said in appreciation, she was Margaret and Cecily's governance.
"Why do the boys get to go out and hunt but we still have to stay here and learn?" Catalina demanded bitterly.
"Because I said so!" She slapped her ink well to the ground and it splattered against the cobblestones, her eyes never left mine and held a challenging gleam in them.
"Go to your room now and stay there!" I snapped and she walked swiftly from the room.
"Do we still have to stay and learn?" Rose asked timidly.
"Yes!" I turned on my heel and walked back down the hall to the girls room where I found Catalina sitting on a couch arms crossed angrily. "Your father shall hear about this" she looked back up to me indifferently and mumbled something, "what did you say?" I demanded and she rolled her eyes.
"I said I hope he does!" She said louder and I ground my teeth together trying to keep calm.
"You will make up your lessons from today tomorrow" she looked towards the window ignoring me and I turned to her maid, "she is not allowed out the only thing she is allowed to do is read!" Catalina turned back to me glaring.
"Do you wish for me to read the Catholic Bible? The only you have hidden under your bed?" I bit my lip stifling my gasp "should I tell papa about that?" I could not believe she was saying this.
"You will keep your mouth shut!" I snapped to her and she stood her ground, sometimes she could be just like her father. Isabella and Tom were the only children of mine that believed in the Catholic religion like me, the rest have been taught by their father to be Protestant.
I quickly left back to my chambers not wanting to hear what her reply would be. I waited in my chambers till later on when Thomas returned, I had skipped supper with the children not wanting to see anyone right now. I had Lady Middleton tell Thomas of what happened today and was told he went to talk with her. I sat in front of my vanity nervously brushing my hair till I heard the door open and he walked in calmly and I silently prayed that he did not know.
"Katherine I have spoke to Catalina" he said walking towards me and lay his hands on my shoulders.
"What has she said?" I asked hoping my voice did not sound to nervous, he let removed his hands and walked towards the bed I felt my stomach drop and my heart in my throat as he pulled the Bible out from under the mattress and looked to me.
"What is this Katherine?" He demanded and I felt like I could not breath let alone speak "speak woman!" He snapped after a few minutes.
"Tis a Bible" I said standing up facing him but could feel my knees shake nervously.
"What kind of Bible?" I swallowed hard.
"A Catholic Bible" I whispered and could not help but feel ashamed, I knew I would be in a lot of trouble and could tell by the tone in his voice he was restraining himself.
"Why do you have to act so stupidly!" He snarled grabbing my shoulders and shaking me.
"Do not call me stupid" I whimpered pushing against his chest.
"The what should I call your actions? Speak woman!" He snarled and I ignored him pushing against his chest. Finally he let me go but went to the fire and began tarring the pages of the Bible and throwing them into the flames.
"NO!" I screamed trying to stop him "THOMAS STOP!" I cried loudly pulling at his arms but it was no use and he ended throwing the leather bound sacred book into the flames. I dropped to my knees attempting to reach in but my fingertips got burnt, I looked behind to yell at him but instead found him going through my jewelry box I knew what he was looking for and quickly pushed myself up grabbing his wrist but he already found my mothers rosary and put it on the inside of his pocket.
"How many times did I warn you? Dammit how many chances must I give you!" I sobbed holding his arms tightly but he shook me off him and went for the door.
"No come back! Thomas please give it back!" I begged in tears but he ignored me "I said give it back!" I yelled punching his shoulder, he turned on me angrily and caught my wrist dragging me back into our bedchamber shoving me inside and locking the door. "LET ME OUT!" I screamed slamming my fists against the door but I got no reply.
Isabella Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire
"What is going on?" I asked hearing mama and papa fighting, Rose, Annette and Cecily were standing by their door listening with nervous faces.
"Catalina got mad at mama today and told papa about the Catholic Bible under her bed he is very mad at her" Annette said and we grew silent hearing mama scream at him.
"NO! THOMAS STOP!" She screamed and I bit my lip.
"Go back to your rooms now this is nothing for you to be hearing" I told them in a strict voice.
"LET ME OUT!" Mama's voice then screamed and papa excited the rooms, Annette whimpered softly and took a step back.
"Do you not have better things to do!" He snapped to us walking away and we all bowed our heads not wanting to get on his bad side, I may be a Duchess but he was still my father.
"You heard papa how about you go to my rooms and play with Sofia and Peter?" They nodded and I went to their rooms to see Catalina, "Michelle, Margaret the others are going to play with Sofia and Peter how about you go as well?" They both nodded and quickly went to my chambers and I glared at my sister.
"Yes?" She asked and I grabbed her by her wrists pulling her from her chair and shoving her back into the wall with a thud.
"What the hell do you think you are doing?" I snarled angrily, "mama and papa are fighting again and it is all your fault!" She looked away as if not wanting to hear.
"It is what she deserves! Papa said that Catholicism was wrong and she keeps doing it!" Catalina was raised a strict Protestant but even though our religions were different I still loved my sister.
"All you are doing it hurting mama! You are a selfish spoiled brat!" Her eyes darkened with anger.
"I am not spoiled! I am being sent to France still! Tis you who are spoiled, you get to stay in England and papa changed your marriage because you did not like him!" I remember being betrothed to Thomas Butler, twas miserable.
"Why must you always try to make it seem as if they are playing favorites? Papa broke the betrothal because he threatened to hit me! Lord Beaucourt is very nice I have met him myself! For Christ sake you need to grow up!" Catalina still was a child only in her 14th year, she still did not even know how to consummate a marriage yet.
"Tis not fair!" I grew frustrated with her, she never listened!
"LIFE IS NOT FAIR!" I screamed in her face still holding her against the wall, tears welled her in her eyes as she started to cry but I did not back down. "I am not in love with my husband we are just friends! Cordelia is lucky she got to marry the man she fell in love with but it came with its consequences! Mama was lucky even Mary was lucky! We are woman Catalina our life is not supposed to be fair you are to marry the man papa says and that is it love does not matter and if it comes then you are blessed" tears were falling down her cheeks as I explained the hard reality. "You are not only a Duke's daughter but the daughter of a Prince and Princess, you are going to marry Lord Beaucourt and be happy about it, happy that papa took the time to make sure you married someone related to Royalty" after a few seconds she nodded and I let her go "you need to apologize to mama but I would not do it today" again she nodded keeping her eyes down. "One day you will understand that what papa is doing is for the best, till then the only hope you have of staying in England is if the betrothal were to fall through and honestly there is a good chance it might, so just relax" she took her seat again silent as ever.
"Is everything alright?" Lady Middleton asked entering the room.
"Yes, everything is fine" I said with a small smile and she nodded.
"I do not want to be the only who is alone in France, I know George will be there but it is not the same" Catalina finally said after a while, "Mary died there…I do not want to go" I felt bad for her but I knew there was nothing I could do.
"There is nothing to be afraid of, you need to relax tis all" she nodded and I took her hands into my own.
"Will mama and papa be alright?" She asked nervously.
"I cannot be sure" she bowed her head in shame and started to cry, "do not cry now Catalina you were not crying when you told him" I snapped and she stifled her sobs.
Michelle Boleyn
I did not understand what was going on, why was papa so mad at mama? Isabella was still talking with Catalina when I decided to sneak of to mama's room. Lady Middleton was too busy helping Annette hold Peter to notice I slipped out of the room and quickly snuck down to mama's room. I tried opening it but noticed that papa had locked the door I whimpered softly and pulled a chair over pushing the lock back and opened the door peeking through.
"Thomas!" Mama asked hopefully quickly looking up from the bed.
"No" I whispered nervously and he pushed tears away from her cheeks.
"Michelle you should go back to your room you father will be mad if he learns you snuck away" she said softly and I closed the door immediately running to the bed and crawling up.
"Why is everyone fighting?" I whispered burying myself in her arms.
"Who else is fighting?" She asked curiously.
"Isabella started to yell at Catalina but she sent us to her rooms to play with Sofia and Peter so I did not get to hear what they were saying" I told her hugging around my mama's neck tightly.
"Mama did something papa told her not to tis all and now he is mad" she explained kissing the top of my head.
"But papa loves you" I insisted and she laughed softly.
"He does, and I love him but that does not mean he never gets mad at me and I at him" love was so confusing!
"Will I ever be in love mama?" I asked her in a soft voice.
"I hope so mi amor" she whispered into my ear.
Katherine Boleyn, Princess of Spain, Duchess of Wiltshire
I sent Michelle back before Thomas came to bed I did not want her to get in trouble but I did tell her she was not to sneak away anymore. "Are you still mad?" I asked softly as she lay next to me with closed eyes, I knew he was not really asleep. He sat up and leaned over me I stared up at him nervously not knowing what was going to happen neck he held his hand up over me and dangled my mothers rosary in front of my face. I gasped and snatched it back holding it to my chest, I sat up and kissed him "thank you Thomas!" I whimpered hugging around his neck.
"Listen carefully Katherine" he spoke and I nodded looking at him intently, "just do not let any of the children know what you are doing, do not let anyone see you of even suspect" I stared at him in shock, was he giving me permission to practice the Catholic faith?
"Really Thomas!" I asked hopefully.
"Yes, but I do not want to hear or see anything, you will still come to services with the rest of the family though" I nodded and hugged him again.
"I love you so much!" I said in laughter and pulled away kissing him deeply I lay back against the bed and gently pulled him over me.
"What about our bet for tomorrow?" He asked with a smirk as he slid his hands up my legs.
"Thank you mi amor I almost forgot" I went to close my legs but he held them open with a laugh.
"You cannot offer something then try to take it away" he leaned over me his face close to mine.
"I also cannot give something I swore not to" he kissed my collarbone.
"There is always a way around these things" he laughed reaching under my chemise.
"Mama! Papa!" I heard Annette cry from outside our door and Thomas pulled away, I quickly got up and went to the door.
"What is it love?" I asked as she quickly hugged around my waist tightly.
"I had a bad dream" she whimpered and I brought her over to the bed helping he sit up on the soft mattress.
"What was it about?" I asked sitting next to her and pulling her close in my arms.
"You sent me and Michelle away like our last mama did" she sobbed in distraught, I hated Lady FitzWalter even after she has been long gone and doing only God knows what she still hurts these girls.
"We are sending you nowhere your father and I love you very much!" I looked to Thomas as she was still crying.
"Annette your mother is right you and Michelle are going nowhere" our words seemed to not help at all, why would they after all Lady FitzWalter gave her away without a second thought.
"Would you like to sleep with us tonight?" She nodded and I helped her under the covers.
"She gave Rose away too" Annette said as I kissed her forehead.
"Yes she did, but let us not think of her anymore you are with us now" she cuddled into Thomas's side and held my hand quickly falling back asleep.
"I thought we were done with this" he sighed looking to Annette sleeping soundly.
"You have two young daughters I doubt we shall ever be done with this" I said with a smile and he wrapped his arms around Annette shaking his head.
"You are probably right" he groaned and I could not help but laugh falling asleep as well.
November 11th 1534
"Wake up mama! It is not fair" I heard Michelle snap pushing against my back and Thomas, Annette and I all woke up.
"What is it?" I yawned sitting up looking at a very angry 6 year old.
"Annie got to sleep with you and papa and I did not!" She cried in anger folding her arms, Thomas reached over and pulled her under the covers and she screeched in surprise.
"Now go back to sleep papa is still tired" he told her and she kissed his cheek snuggling close to him, Annette yawned and cuddled next to me quickly falling back asleep but unlike them I could not just go back to sleep.
I waited till later in the morning to shake them all wake "it is time to get up" they groaned and Michelle buried her face in Thomas's chest.
"Make mama go away papa" she whined keeping her eyes closed.
"Do we have to?" Annette asked stretching her arms up I kissed her cheek.
"Yes you do love now come on, Thomas lets go" he kissed the top of Michelle's head.
"You heard your mother come on before papa is in trouble" he told her and she shook her head.
"I thought you were the boss?" He laughed looking down into her innocent brown eyes.
"Mama only lets him think he is the boss" I told her and she giggled looking to him.
"Really papa?" She asked and he shook his head lifting her out of bed and holding her.
"Let mama think so" he kissed her head and placed her down on the ground, "now go with mama to get dressed" she nodded and took my hand. I brought them into my dressing chamber and sent for their belongings, Michelle and Annette played with my jewels and dresses while we waited and I sat on a small cushioned stool watching them with a smile.
"Lady Wiltshire" Lady Middleton said and I dismissed her dressing them myself.
"When can we wear colors again?" Annette asked pursing her lips as Micelle played with the fabric of her gown.
"When the King decides so" I told her and one of the servants quickly scolded her as I looked away to choose a set of jewelry. "You two look like bellas princesas" I said looking back at them and petting both their cheeks.
Beautiful princesses
"What does that mean mama!" Michelle begged grabbing my hand tightly with large eyes.
"It means beautiful princesses" Annette told her with a bright smile.
"Correct love" I kissed her forehead and Michelle looked downhearted, "do not be so sad mi amor, you will start your languages next month" she nodded.
"I know what mi amor means!" She wanted to feel special and I stood up slipping my robe off smoothing my chemise.
"And what does it mean?" I questioned as they started lacing my corset up.
"It means my love" I smiled and petting the top of her hair, my dress was a deep black with delicate gold embroidery. My hair was tied up in a modest bun and a matching French Hood in my hair then had the servants work of my daughters hair. They had both their hair put in a black atifet with a silver net holding their hair up.
"Are you all decent?" Thomas asked knocking on the door.
"We are" I announced and he walked in looking at us in our dark clothes.
"I have decided that we should all go riding it is not that cold out today and I was told it is beautiful out by the far side of the pond" I nodded and thought of our grandchildren.
"What of Sofia and Peter? I doubt Isabella would want them to go" he nodded and with both hands held my face kissing me deeply.
"We are still here" Annette said in a disgruntled voice and he pulled away looking down on them.
"Well then I guess I am very sorry, get my children ready and you two must tell your siblings" they nodded in excitement and ran back to their room. "Now I finally have you to myself" he pressed me to the wall and kissed me again.
"Thomas we need to get ready to go" I said after he broke the kiss nipping at my neck suggestively. He pulled away reluctantly and I bit my lip nervous that he would go to someone help to satisfy him "Thomas…" I said nervously grabbing his hand "I am sorry I have not….lain with you lately it is just I have had so much on my mind and it is hard to move on when everywhere I look there is a reminder she is gone" a single tear slipped down my cheek and he wiped it away.
"I am not going to take a mistress Katherine and I understand that it is hard for you but know that I am here for you, we all are" I nodded and pecked his lips affectionately.
"Tonight…I promise" he smiled and pulled me into a deeper kiss.
"Why wait for tonight?" He suggested wrapping his arms around my waist.
"Because we are going out to the far side of the lake with our children today you cannot change your mind all the Castle probably knows by now" I laughed softly and he pet my cheek.
"Change into a riding gown dear" I nodded a little annoyed that I had to change now but made sure it was done quickly. Once all the children were ready we went to the stable and mounted our horses, Sofia and Peter stayed at Hever with the governance and Annette rode with William and Michelle With Anthony. Margaret was with Isabella and I felt assured that she would be quite well.
"Be careful with them" I said nervously as the girls were placed on their brothers saddles.
"Mama I promise we shall not drop them" Anthony said holding Michelle tightly.
"Yeah, I only drop Annette in the afternoons" her eyes widened and let out a giggle.
"Willy!" She laughed and he pushed his horse forward going with the rest of the siblings outside the stable.
"Where is my horse?" I questioned Thomas who had a small smile on his face.
"You shall be riding with me Ma Cherie" I pursed my lips together giving him an angry look but I could not do it too well for a smile came through.
"My Lady" the stable master said helping me on Thomas's horse.
"Thank you Master Foster" he nodded and Thomas wrapped his arms around my waist comfortably as I leaned back into him. "Can I not ride for myself?" I asked turning to look up at him.
"I just know the forest makes you feel uncomfortable" I smiled and snuggling my back into him.
"I have not forgotten that you were supposed to be with the boys today for their studies" his body tensed slightly. "I should give you nothing tonight just for that" he kissed my neck as we caught up to the children.
"Ew!" The children groaned in annoyance and I could not help but laugh.
"Quiet all of you!" I snapped to them with a small smile.
"Where are we going?" Isabella asked riding up next to us.
"To the far side of the lake, follow me" he pushed the horse into a trot and I looked back to see William and Anthony, I wanted to make sure they were being careful with their little sisters. "Katherine have faith in them" Thomas said pulling me back so I could not see them.
"Yeah mama have a little faith" William yelled up to us and I could tell just by the sound of his voice he had that Boleyn smirk on his face! I could also hear the girls laughing from the background but kept my face forward.
"They are surely your sons" I said with a tired voice and all he could do was laugh and kiss my temple. Once we got to the other side of the lake all the children were happy to finally get of their horses and ride around, "Catalina please make sure they do not hurt" I called to her and she nodded.
"I shall mama" Thomas, Isabella and I were sitting down on a blanket watching them play, it was quite relaxing.
"Have you heard from Lord Devonshire?" I asked looked towards Isabella, I really wanted to know where the progression was.
"Nana! Can we catch the fishes!" Margaret asked as the boys played war, the girls were much more gentler with their games then they were.
"I know mi amor, do not go near the water though" she nodded and flopped down into Isabella's lap.
"Boys! Do not be so rough! If Edward or James is hurt the King will be very upset" I cried as they began to wrestle.
"Oh…yeah" Anthony said sheepishly.
"Nana I am fine!" Edward sighed in his defensive.
"Yeah, we are not made of porcelain like only of Margaret's dolls!" James added crossing his arms in frustration.
"I know that, but your father shall be very upset if I let anything happen to you just be careful please" I pleaded in a tired voice. They all nodded and went back to their games.
"Katherine leave them be they are boys" Thomas said as if their gender was defense enough for their actions.
"Just being boys does not give them the right to play rough with the Prince of Wales and the Prince of York" he knew this argument was of no use and quickly gave it up.
"Mama, when can we eat?" Catalina asked hopefully.
"In a little bit, now go play with your sisters and take Margaret with you" Margaret whined as I pushed her up and towards Catalina who reluctantly went back to their silly game.
"Mama have you heard from George yet?" Isabella asked and I felt saddened at the mention of his name.
"No, not yet" I whispered and Thomas squeezed my hand.
"I am sure he is busy mourning and helping the King of France, he will write Katherine, who knows a letter could be on its way right now" I knew he was trying to make me feel better and I smiled to him appreciating him.
When lunch came we mostly ate in silence save the small chatter between the girls, the boys were already tired from their playing and now were sprawled out over the blanket looking towards the sun. "Can we go in the lake?" William asked hopefully propping himself up on the blanket looking towards his father.
"I guess" I elbowed Thomas in the side immediately sending him a dirty look, "I mean no, it is still November children never mind the mild weather" he said in a strict voice looking back to me.
"Oh come on, do you have to do everything mama tells you?" Anthony challenged with a smirk.
"Anthony" I warned but was ignored, I knew Thomas was taking the bait.
"Yeah, is mama the boss?" William added sitting up as well and soon all the boys followed.
"No, you may go swimming but not for that long" they cheered happily running down to the water.
"Thomas Boleyn! You know they could catch a cold" the girls giggled as the boys undressed to their undershirts and linen shorts and dove into the water.
"They shall be fine" he said in a stern tone obviously wanting to prove he was boss of everything.
"Mama do not worry" Isabella comforted laying her hand on my leg.
"I cannot help it" I sighed and pulled away from Thomas angry that he would let them do something stupid because they taunted him.
"Will you come play with us?" Rose asked with a sweet smile and I could not help but agree.
When it came time to leave the boys were dripping with water and shivering "c-can w-we g-go b-back" James chattered and I took of my cloak wrapping it around him.
"We have no choice now" I shot an angry look over my shoulder at Thomas who scooped Michelle into his arms.
"It seems like mama is mad at me again, to the couch I must sleep" he sighed holding her close.
"It is okay papa I will snuggle with you so you do not get cold!" She giggled hugging around his neck. I rode back with Anthony who was starting to fall asleep, once back at Hever I ordered the doctor to the boys room and new warm clothes on them immediately.
Cecily Tudor, Princess of England
November 15th 1534
Edward, James, William and Anthony all got a small cold and Nana scolded grandpapa daily for it every time they visited them. As for me I spent my days with Isabella helping her with her little children who were so adorable! "What is on your mind Cecily?" Bella asked on afternoon as I played with Peter.
"I am not going to be a Queen like Mary or Elizabeth, just the Duchess of Ross, a Princess of Scotland" I sighed petting the chubby cheek of the child in my arms.
"Alexander Stuart is the brother of a King and heir if he does not leave an heir, you need not be so down and out about it Cecily" she said sweetly trying to comfort me.
"James V is to be married to Mary de Guise" I sighed handing Peter back to his governance "a Frenchwoman, she is on her way to Scotland as we speak, she already has one son in France and is sure to give the King another" Isabella smiled and pet Sofia's cheek.
"She is not your rival seek in her an ally" she warned with a tone of seriousness.
"I want to be Queen Bella" I said with passion.
"Some people are not destined to be so, now stop this Cecily be happy and grateful" she scolded and I nodded not liking it when she yelled at me.
"Bella! Bella! Did you hear! Did you hear!" Rose cried running into the room her face positively glowing in happiness.
"What?" She asked jumping up and I quickly followed suit.
"King Henri sent a letter to papa and the King! I guess for the last month he has been speaking to him about the Princess Margaret and today papa found out the betrothal between Catalina and Charles de Bourn has been cancelled!" She gushed, Rose was always a one for gossip.
"Really!" Isabella said in surprise, "what does papa say?" She asked holding Sofia close to her as the small child let out a soft cry.
"He is enraged but that is not the worst of it!" She panted looking to me, "Princess Margaret is now to be betrothed to him!" I could not believe it. My little sister of pure Royal blood, a true Princess of England was to be married to the bastard of France.
Maybe Catalina has finally got her wish and will no longer have to marry the Duke of Beaucourt? Lol, please remember to review! It will make my day :)