Elizabeth and Mary had just arrived at Suffolk estate. Elizabeth looked around but saw no sign of Hal Brandon but she did see a grief stricken Brigitte. Elizabeth went to approach her but was stopped by her sister, "Is there something wrong sister?" Elizabeth was curious about why Mary would stop her from talking to Brigitte as she had no problem with her relationship with Charles Brandons' mistress before.
"Lady Catherine Brandon is here." Mary recognised the woman instantly though she had not seen her in a while. Catherine's mother was friend to Marys' own mother and it stood to reason they should be friends as well. However Mary did not see it that way. Although they once shared religious beliefs and an intense dislike for Anne Boleyn, Mary wouldn't tolerate the comments Catherine made regarding her baby sister.
Even Chapuays wasn't so bold as to make bad comments concerning Elizabeth to Marys' face. After seeing the reports Chapuays made regarding 'the little bastard' as he put it Mary was only reminded of what a two face liar he was. How could he praise Mary for showing love to her sister, knowing that he had issued that order from Rome to kill Anne whilst she carried Elizabeth in her womb to that animal Brereton? Mary knew that despite the Pope's blessing her mother Katherine of Aragon would have never approved of that. At least Mary hoped she wouldn't but Mary was beginning to realise that some of her mothers' supporters like Catherine Brandon and Eustace Chapuays were even viler than Anne's.
Elizabeth told Mary of how her Aunt Mary Stafford, sister to Anne Boleyn rushed to save her rival Queen Eleanor from being poisoned only to later find out it was a plot to trap Mary Stafford into drinking the poison herself. To protect her family and protect Elizabeth Mary Stafford drank the poison. Mary Tudor couldn't help but admire the womans' courage though it didn't surprise her as she remembered her visits to the woman before they both had left England. Mary Stafford would do anything for Elizabeth and it may have been the one thing beside their name that they had in common.
"Your highness." Catherine dipped into a shallow curtsy barely hiding the contempt in her voice as she spoke to Elizabeth, "Welcome to our home."
Charles Brandons' daughter Frances however didn't even conceal the loathing in her eyes as she spoke to her step-mother, "It's not your house anymore. It belongs to my brother. Which reminds me, when are you leaving exactly?"
Mary and Elizabeth shared a look. Both had shared a less than harmonious relationship with their step-mothers. Marys' unwillingness to forgive Anne for the part she played at the end of her parents' relationship. Elizabeth had it harder though as her own mother had been executed to make Jane Queen of England but that didn't stop Elizabeth from trying to be civil for her brother Edwards' sake. Sadly Queen Jane was less than cooperative. However seeing Catherine and Frances behave so openly hostile towards each other was completely unnerving to King Henrys' daughters.
"Since when have you cared for your brothers' well being?" Catherine snapped at Frances, "You certainly didn't care when Edward died."
"Like you didn't wish for his death like my other siblings you failed to carry to term." Frances snarled, "Everyone knows you wished for your children to die that's why Father sent you away before you could poison his living children just like you poisoned my mother!"
Elizabeth was horrified by Frances' accusation whilst Mary looked away in shame thinking of her own suspicions against Anne. In realty Anne was safer in her position as Queen when Katherine was alive. If her father King Henry tried to get rid of Anne when Marys' mother was alive there would be questions about whether Katherine would return to her role as Queen but with Katherine dead there were no questions. Jane was made Queen and life moved on.
However the argument continued, "I did not kill your mother. I would always be grateful to her for inviting me into her home…"
"And sleeping with her husband." Frances interrupted snidely, "You look down at your nose at Anne Boleyn for 'stealing' your beloved Queen Katherine's husband but you're no better. You're nothing more than a self righteous whore!"
Elizabeth was furious with Frances words regarding her mother but before she could say anything she heard the angry voice of Henry Brandon who had heard everything "Enough! My father has just died and you both shame him by acting this way." Elizabeth had never seen Hal so angry before. In fact she had never seen him angry before at all as he was always so patient but his sister and step-mother had pushed him to the breaking point. "I want you to leave." Henry glared at both Catherine and Frances coldly, "Leave this place and don't come back."
"Henry." Catherine pleaded with her step-son, "I have no place else to go."
"Perhaps Spain with your mothers' family would be more to your liking?" Henry snapped, "You never cared for changes made in England anyway. Perhaps you would be more comfortable living with Spanish inquisition as they seem to share your views."
Frances couldn't help but snicker at her brothers' comments but then he turned on her. "I don't know what you find so amusing sister. You've never been here for me or my father. You said you had your own family to consider now. If that's how you feel Frances go be with your family as you've already decided that I'm no longer a part of it."
Elizabeths' heart went out to Henry as she watched him leave. Despite everything that's happened with her own family the bond she had with her siblings remained strong and she wasn't alone. Henry Brandon had lost his family, he had no one left. Elizabeth looked to her sister to ask permission to follow him and Mary nodded in approval of Elizabeths' decision. As much as Mary was concerned about Elizabeth becoming too close with the new Duke of Suffolk she could sympathise with his plight. It was bad enough for Henry to have his family fall apart right before his very eyes but to have it happen in front of the Kings' daughters must have been humiliating for him. As Elizabeth followed Henry out into the gardens Mary gave the two women one final look of disgust and went off to speak to Brigitte to offer her condolences. Brigitte may have been nothing more than a mistress to Charles Brandon but she behaved with more dignity than Frances and Catherine did.
Henry Brandon was both humiliated and embarrassed by his sister and step-mothers' behaviour. He would have thought they would at least be civil to one another during this trying time but he was mistaken. All the past hurts had reached to the boiling point and he was sick of both of them. He was so lost in his own anger at the situation that he didn't even notice that Princess Elizabeth had followed him.
Any doubts Elizabeth may have had of Henry taking after his mothers' side of family had quickly vanished. Elizabeth could clearly see the Tudor temper coming out from the new Duke of Suffolk in waves. When it became clear that in his anger he could no longer see Elizabeth she decided to make herself known by calling out to him, "Henry!"
Henry who just began to notice Elizabeths' presence quickly apologised formally, "I'm sorry you highness that you had to witness that embarrassing display…"
"There is no need for that Hal." Elizabeth interrupted trying to present a friendly face. "Your father has just died and you had every right to be upset."
Henry wanted to believe that Elizabeth still cared for him but his mind was cast back to their last conversation after Elizabeth met with his father. "I suppose you think Fathers' death was justice for what he did to your mother."
Elizabeth was hurt by Henry Brandons' assumption, "If you believe that your Grace then you never knew me at all." Elizabeth then turned to walk away from him but was stopped.
"Elizabeth wait!" Henry turned Elizabeth to face him. As he saw the look of hurt in her beautiful dark eyes Henry couldn't help but feel guilty for what he had said. "I'm sorry I shouldn't have said that. It's just with everything that's happened…"
"I know I understand." Elizabeth stroked Henrys' arm in a soothing gesture. "No family is without its problems. You have been so patient in helping me deal with my own family issues I thought it was only fair I aid you in yours."
"You don't have to do that Elizabeth." Though Henry did appreciate the kind gesture it was not a Princess' place to deal with these problems.
"I know that but I want to anyway." Elizabeths' eyes held such warmth and compassion that Henry was completely drawn in until Elizabeth turned away from him. Elizabeth blushed prettily when she held out her hand to him, "Come your Grace, join me in a stroll. It may sooth you."
Henry wanted to tell her that he was already soothed in her presence but he didn't want to scare her away. He didn't know when he had started to feel this way for Elizabeth. It had hurt him so much when they fell out over his fathers' confession and the thought of never being able to talk to her like he used to greatly saddened him. Now that she was back and willing to offer him her friendship again made him happy and relieved. He never wanted to go through that pain of losing her again so he kept his feelings in. He didn't want his sudden change of feelings to make Elizabeth uncomfortable so he would only settle for her friendship. He just hoped that would be enough for him.
A few years ago if anyone told Mary she would be consoling a mistress over her loss she would think they were insane. Mary had always viewed Anne Boleyn as a woman who overstepped her boundaries. However after witnessing France Grey and Catherine Brandons' confrontation she was beginning to rethink her position. Had Mary been that vicious to Anne as Frances had been to Catherine? Like Frances she didn't want to get to know Anne or even like her for fear that she was betraying her mother. Yet Elizabeth tried to be nice to Queen Jane and give her the benefit of the doubt.
Jane didn't have any control over catching the Kings' eye anymore than Anne did and yet both were viewed so differently when they had caught the Kings' attention. Anne was viewed as a whore though unlike King Henrys' previous lovers Anne resisted his advances. Most believed it was a ploy for Anne to become Queen but Mary wondered how could that be true when the idea was so unprecedented. Henry leaving Katherine had made it possible for a King to replace a Queen and Anne must have known that or she wouldn't have become so irrationally jealous when a new woman had caught the Kings' eye. Anne must have known what was coming the minute Jane Seymour arrived at the palace. Many including Mary would have thought it was justice for what Anne had put Katherine through but now Mary wasn't so sure.
Mary had told Elizabeth not to look for someone else to blame for their fathers' mistakes and so it was time for Mary to do the same. Though it was hard for Mary to accept that her father had chosen to discard her mother and declare Mary a bastard she would no longer solely blame Anne for King Henrys' choices. Mary would not allow rage and bitterness infect her heart the way it had Frances. She would love and care for her siblings regardless of their legitimacy or who their mothers were.
These thoughts had made Mary feel lighter as she continued to speak to Brigitte. "What will you do now that his Grace has passed?"
"I don't know." Brigitte answered sadly using a handkerchief to wipe her eyes, "His son has offered to allow me to stay on as a housekeeper till he has found a new bride but I wouldn't want to make things difficult for him with my reputation."
Mary wondered if Henry Brandon had any intention in finding a bride at all given how close he was with her sister Elizabeth. Mary wondered if she should stop it now before a scandal occurred but she couldn't bring herself to as the timing was poor. The young Duke of Suffolk was still grieving for his father and the royal family needed his loyalty.
The Howards despite their fall from grace were still powerful in the north. In public Thomas Howard played the part of the grieving uncle who was forced to turn against his niece by Cromwell. The King knew very well it was all a pack of lies but the people didn't know that. Once the King dies Thomas Howard could gather support against the Seymour's and take custody of Marys' brother himself. So Mary had made friends with Anne and Edward Seymour as it was the only way to secure her brother and Englands' future.
She also asked one her ladies Katherine Howard to spy on the scheming Duke. The information Katherine supplied was very useful as Thomas Howard had severely underestimated the girl and thought she was a fool. However Katherine had learned from Mary and was fiercely loyal to her.
Mary needed Henry Brandons' loyalty too. The charity projects Charles Brandon had built in Anne's name were doing well. Some provided healthcare for the poor which lowered the chances of diseases like the sweat from spreading. Crop production began to increase and the land prospered. The same could be said for Lord Hertfords' land which was why Mary herself followed their example with her lands in Richmond. With their combined efforts they could protect Prince Edward from any power play that Norfolk would try to make but Henry Brandon was still young. Even Charles Brandon in his early years of being a Duke was easily manipulated into joining in Norfolks' schemes and Mary didn't want the same to happen to Henry. Mary would keep Henry Brandon close to Elizabeth but not too close.
Elizabeth woke up feeling happy and relieved that she made peace with her friend Hal. They enjoyed a pleasant afternoon together and Hal was starting to look like his old self again. Though the grief over the loss of his father was still there he didn't seem as broken as he was before. It also helped that his sister and step-mother were no longer there. It was a horrible thing to see Frances and Catherine argue like that. Elizabeth could only imagine what Henry had felt which was why she was so offended on his behalf. All Henry Brandon wanted was for his family to be at peace with one another and the chances of that seemed unlikely.
Elizabeth went to join her sister Mary who was breaking her fast. "I'm surprised to see you here Elizabeth." Mary smiled at her sister, "I thought you would be with Lord Suffolk."
"He had to go out early to inspect some farmlands." Elizabeth mentioned casually taking piece of fruit from the table, "One of his tenants is implementing a new crop rotation to improve the soil and increase crop production."
"Interesting, I may have to ask his Grace to keep me informed. If it is successful I may consider adopting the technique in my own lands" Mary was clearly impressed that not only the tenant was bold enough to try something new but to also inform the Duke of his efforts. It was obvious to Mary that Henry Brandon was well liked within his own lands but it was a fine way to make enemies outside of them. Mary hoped that he would be more politically astute than his father.
"The people seem happier." Elizabeth observed, "They seem to truly care for their Duke."
"They're are not the only ones." Elizabeth may put on a perfect mask throughout court but Mary could see right through it. "I do hope you know what you're doing Elizabeth."
"It's not like that." Elizabeth denied instantly. "Nothing could ever happen between us."
"But you have thought about it." Mary claimed taking a sip from her drink.
"Thinking about it and doing it are two completely different things." Elizabeth said defensively. "I know my place. If I must marry for political gain I will do so without complaint."
"You'll tend to find saying it and doing it are completely different things as well." Mary explained to her sister, "I'm sure in our Aunt Marys' head it was most logical to follow her brothers' orders and secure an alliance with France through marriage but her heart wanted something completely different. I myself at one time thought it was both illogical and disrespectful to my mothers' memory to fall in love with someone of the Protestant faith but in the end my heart chose Philip." Mary then looked down at her hands sadly thinking of the love that she had lost. "You my sister will tell yourself every day that it's not right to love him but you will. I just hope and pray it doesn't end in tragedy like it did for me."
"I pray for it too." Elizabeth thought her parents and what they risked for love. She also thought Henry Brandons' parents and what happened to them. Then she thought of King Francis and her Aunt Mary Stafford. They were the only ones who played it safe and for the most part it worked for them but then Elizabeth dismissed thought quickly. The rules were very different for woman. Her mother Anne Boleyn refused to be a mistress and yet Europe had called her the great whore. Her father King Henry could take as many mistresses as pleased and no one would care. In fact in France Kings were considered less of a man if he didn't have a mistress in his bed. It was issues like that which disgusted Elizabeth as she didn't think it was fair for an outside party to pass judgement on other peoples relationships. Unfortunately that was how court worked, there was no such thing as privacy especially for a member of the royal family.
Elizabeth and Marys' meal was interrupted by a very worried Brigitte."My Ladies a message has arrived from court. Your father has taken ill. Your presence is required immediately as the physician is no longer certain he will recover."
Mary was the first to recover from the shock of the news. "Thank you Brigitte, please send our apologies to his Grace the Duke of Suffolk for our sudden departure and thank him again for his hospitality." As Mary began to make preparations for their departure Elizabeth thought about her father and his health. "He cannot die" she thought, there was so much more to do in rebuilding their relationship. She wasn't ready to let go of her father just yet.