Jane shut her eyes tightly as she kneeled before the Virgin Mary and prayed. Her midwife had just confirmed it this morning-she was carrying a child in her belly- a new prince or princess for England. Jane closed her eyes tightly and begged before God to bless her with a son. Above all else she needed a healthy son to offer England and her temperamental husband. Thinking of Henry made her cringe. Six months into her marriage and she had already heard of her husbands new mistress. Lady Anne Basset had shared sultry looks with Henry for the past week and just this morning her sister confirmed her suspicious. Henry had indeed taken the woman into his bed. Jane had felt anger unlike she had known before. She knew she shouldn't be surprised that he was unfaithful, but the speed did shock her. How could he abandon his vows so quickly?
Jane rose to her feet and crossed herself one more time, praying for patience. She had dismissed all her ladies, needing to be alone, so there was no one to walk with her back to her chambers. Jane didn't mind-she relished in the few moments to have by herself. As soon as she had become queen, it was as if her whole life belonged to others. Besides her meals and her clothes, she barely made any decision for herself. As she pushed the door open, her arms came around her belly, feeling for the life she knew resided within. She doubted any moment of her child's life would be her decision either. Regardless, Jane was determined to be a loving and dedicated mother to whatever child was in her womb.
She was lost in her musings when a small gasp made her look up and meet the eyes of the worst person in that moment. Anne Boleyn stood before her, her eyes glued to Jane's belly. Quickly, Jane removed her hands and Anne's knowing eyes immediately shot to her face. A heartbeat passed between the women and the silence was suffocating.
As if shocked to her senses, Anne sunk into a curtsy. "Your Majesty, forgive me."
Jane could feel herself shaking and knew that she would have to say something. "Lady Anne, I seem to have found myself without companionship. Would you escort me back to my rooms?"
Anne raised an eyebrow at her, but then rose and gestured Jane to lead the way. As Jane walked slightly ahead of her, she thought about how she would word her request. She didn't want Anne alerting court to her condition before she had spoken to Henry and she didn't want to do that until she missed another of her courses. Any earlier and she was scared that she would either lose the baby or there could be some mistake. She needed to be absolutely sure before she took it to the King. Any misstep and she would incur the Henry's wrath.
She was saved by Anne's next words.
"Does he know?"
Jane was shocked that Anne would directly address the situation. "No" she shook her head and then turned to meet the ladies eyes. "And I would appreciate your discretion."
Anne looked at her thoughtfully. "I would think he would be overjoyed. Why would you keep it from him? Are you afraid something will happen?" Normally Jane would have reprimanded someone talking to her in this way. It was inappropriate to ask this of her, the Queen. But Jane couldn't help by nod at Anne, tears welling in her eyes. She was very very afraid.
Jane thought that Anne would scoff at her or reply with scorn. Needless to say, she was surprised when Anne's eyes filled with pity.
"Come, Your Majesty. You must rest. This fear does no good to your child." Jane was speechless and Anne Boleyn took her arm gently and led her to her rooms. This was the last thing she expected from this woman.