Chapter 36:
"Henry... you should eat something, please." Anne's worry for Richmond had not ceased in the month that had followed his wife's and brother's deaths. She had barely left his side since she had arrived at court that day. Even out staying Mary and Elizabeth most days.
"I am fine Anne! I am sorry Anne I should not shout at you."
"Please Henry, I cannot bare to see you to starve yourself like this." Her eyes full of worry and her face lacked her usual warm smile.
"I will eat something later." Her eyes still stayed fixed upon him. "I promise Anne." She seemed to be more settled by this. "What are going to do today Henry?" The Duke looked up at her. He had not left his rooms since that day, but he had been determined to venture out.
"I must see someone, there is something I must do." And had the sense by his tone not to ask what it was. Henry remained in his chamber for an hour working at the courage to leave. Walking through the passages at court felt like hell, he saw everyone steering back at him as he passed. The Dule knocked the door and was found by shock usher, who run back into the chamber to announce his arrival.
"His Grace the Duke of Richmond." Fitzroy quickly passed the Usher and found himself in a room of men jumping from their seats.
"Your Grace what a pleasure, we were not expecting you." Seymour looked as shocked as the rest to see the young Duke standing before them. Before speaking Richmond surveyed the room to see who was present. They was the Earl of Hartford, the Duke of Suffolk and Seymour's younger brother Thomas.
"I am sorry for disturbing you gentlemen." Fitzroy's words what toneless and melancholy.
"No your Grace please come and join us." Seymour nudged his brother and pointed to an empty chair to pull up for Richmond.
"Henry may I ask why you have come here?" Suffolk was clearly suspicious of Richmond sudden appearance at Seymour chamber.
"You made your Grace. My Lord Hartford told me that he was making investigations into Surrey." The men looked at each other in confusion. "I have come to ask you my Lord to intensify your efforts. I know I told you I wanted no part of it but that was before he murdered my wife." The group made silent gasps at the accusation.
"My Lord and Lady Richmond died in childbirth." Thomas Seymour made his presence known for the first time by saying this and Fitzroy exploded in anger.
"Yes yes! Lady Richmond died in childbirth and it was because of him that my wife died! If he had not planned to push your brother from the Kings favour then my wife would not have panic and would not have gone into childbirth over a month early. My wife is dead and my daughters life is still in danger. They fear for her life even now. Now tell me little Seymour if Surrey does not deserve to die as a murderer." Thomas sat stumbling for words unable to answer. Edward then jumped into his brothers defence.
"Please your Grace forgive my brother Thomas, he knows little of these matters. We shall of course endeavour to assist your Grace. Surrey shall pay for his crime." Seymour wheezily bowed his head a little.
"I do not need you to flatter me Seymour. I want him gone I do not care how you do it but get it done." Henry rose from his chair and headed straight to the door, Brandon quickly followed him to the passage.
"Henry please stop I do not think this wise." Fitzroy flung his body around to face the Duke. His eyes were focused on Suffolk's face.
"Wise! Charles I do not care what is wise now. I want him gone and Seymour will do it because it suits him to." Richmond turned and headed to his chamber again the faces pressing in on him. When he returned Anne and his sister Mary were waiting for him.
"Your Grace I thought it be nice if Mary joined us for dinner." Anne's words and warm smile quickly reminded him of his promise he had made that morning. The Duke knew he would not escape her this time and so took his place at the table that had been laid. The pair would not take their eyes off of him until he had taken a bite out of anything before him. As soon as he had done so their gaze relaxed and he was able to make some conversation.
"How is George today?" Mary looked up at her brother to answer him.
"He is doing well brother but I fear he does not fully understand what has happened." Henry's whole body shied.
"No I do not believe he does, but he is young and has long enough to know he has no mother. So I will not force in the knowledge upon him." Anne leaned across and took his hand and spoke.
"Perhaps we could take him into the garden he is always loved that." A surge of panic spread through the Duke.
"No no... not today. I cannot do that today." The two women looked at him in worry and Anne replied.
"Why ever not Henry? You have already been out now and it will do you good to get some fresh air and George." Richmonds head collapsed in his hands.
"I cannot go back out there, I can not have been looking at me. They are laughing! I am the one who kills everyone who I love. I shall never be happy." Anne's grip grew stronger and she pulled him to her.
"No one laughs at you Henry and you shall be happy one day I promise." Richmond fell into a arms for an embrace. Mary placed her hand on her brothers back and rubbed it softly.
"I shall send a message to the King brother. I shall ask him to empty the halls and a part of the garden for us to take George. Then we can try again tomorrow if you like." For the first time in a month Henry fell that he could be himself but he knew that never again would he seen so vulnerable in the eyes of the court. He was determined that they shall see Duke of steel. First he would deal with Surrey and then all that would cross him and his family.