When Jane missed her courses a second time she knew she needed to tell Henry. He had already been acting expectantly. He could count just as well as any other at court and she knew everyone was holding their breath, waiting for her announcement. Henry had expressed his desire to visit her bed tonight, and Jane was determined to tell him tonight. As her ladies readied her to receive her king, Jane gestured to the Lady Anne to come closer. Anne approached her and began brushing her hair. The other ladies moved on to other chores and the women had a moment of privacy.
"I will tell him tonight" Jane whispered and Anne nodded silently, focused on her task. "I want to thank you, Lady Anne. You have been kind to keep my secret." Jane wasn't lying. She had half expected the whole court to know of her pregnancy within a week of Anne finding out, but it had been kept silent. She had not heard a whisper of it from anyone and it surprised her. Every day that went by that Henry didn't come to her demanding the truth, Jane found herself trusting her old rival more and more. She had begun asking Anne to sit with her on occasion and had even asked the former queen her advice in dealing with Henry's mistresses. She was probably pushing her luck with the relationship, but so far, Anne had always treated her kindly- much more kindly than she had ever treated her when their roles were reversed. Besides, when it came to pregnancy fears or those about Henry straying, she didn't know who else to talk to. Anne had been exactly where she was before and always gave sound advice or at least listened to her patiently.
Jane didn't know what to make of it. Here was a woman that Jane had stolen everything from- her crown, her husband, her happiness. Why would this lady have anything kind to say to her. And yet ever since that day that Jane had been vulnerable to her, Anne had been her guide of sorts-helping her with her queenship.
"Of course, Your Majesty.I'm sure he will be overjoyed." Anne said tonelessly. Jane knew if must be hard for her to see her ex-husband expecting with another woman. Having a chance at starting again to have a family while she faded into spinsterhood. At that moment Jane became determined to do anything in her power to alleviate Anne's pain and to guide Henry into making a match that would make her happy.
"Lady Anne, if there's anything I can do to repay you, please do not hesistate to ask me. You have been a source of wisdom this past month and if there's anything within my power, please speak it."
Anne seemed thoughtful for a moment before she met Jane's eyes in the mirror.
"My sister, Mary. I'd like her at court-even if only for a visit."
"I'll offer her a place in my household. Would you like her to share your rooms?"
For the first time Anne smiled genuinely at her and Jane was transfixed. She understood how Henry had fallen for this woman behind her-when Anne Boleyn truly smiled she was radiant.