Oddments


Disclaimer: I am not a Theologian, a Historian, or a TV Producer; I therefore do not own any thing.
Pairing: Thomas Wolsey/ Joan Larke

Note: This is a continuation of Prompt 22 Guilt, it could be read separate but I might suggest rereading Guilt first.


Prompt #52: Cry

Joan entered their room,

"Thomas, who was that girl?" his greeting died on his lips at her words. Joan and his almost - whore had met, God had a twisted sense of humor.

"She brought us a meal." He offered, holding up an orange, hoping that she would believe him.

"With her corset undone?" she crossed her arms, Wolsey sighed, he always hated this part, it broke his heart.

"Francis sent her; he wanted to make sure my every need was taken care of." He put aside his quill. "Please believe me Joan, I sent her out right away." She nodded but did not say anything, tears welling in her brown eyes.

"I know you did Thomas, I trust you." She said, "But it is so hard…" her voice broke and so did he. "It is so hard some times… to - to be with you. To be your whore." Wolsey stood and circled his desk determinedly, taking her in his arms he held her tightly, the first of her tears falling on his robes.

"You," He said firmly, "You are not my whore, you are my wife. Joan, you are my wife. I would rather die than have you ever question that. Often I regret not marrying you in the conventional way, in moments like these I would gladly give up the cloth and take you as the lay do – so all the world could see, could know how much I love and care for you. How much I respect you." He felt his own eyes mist as he held her, guilt creeping in deeper for all that he had deprived her. All that he had forced her into. All that he made her hide. Slowly she pulled back, her damp face smiling up at his damp face.

"Look at us, two old fools crying for no good reason." She reached up and dried his eyes; he took her hands in his.

"Joan, you know it pains me to see you upset-"

"I know it does Thomas, but if I was truly displeased I would have left, don't doubt that for a moment. This life is hard, I am over come by that some times, but I would not trade it and I would not change it." She looked him in the still teary eyes. "I love you." He threw his arms around her and held her close, crying for a second time, this time out of shear rapture. What, pray, did he do to deserve her?