Thomas Cromwell poured a large glass of the sour red wine and passed it to his companion. Cromwell didn't feel pity often, but looking at the dark shadows under Henry Percy's eyes, his heart went out to the man.
"Thank you, Thomas" his hoarse voice expressed his gratitude as he emptied the cup rather quickly. Cromwell couldn't blame him- with what had occurred the past few hours, the man needed a good drink. The screams had started right after they had broken their fast this morning. The duchess' shrill voice had bounced off the walls and could be heard from every corner. Percy had yelled as well, though you had to be closer to their rooms to hear his rumbling, angry voice. Finally he had emerged from her rooms, demanding his guards to keep his wife inside and to not let any servants in. Now he sat in front of the fire with the closest he had to a friend.
"What do I do, Thomas" he had asked hopelessly. "She has wronged me with this. I can't stand to look at her" Cromwell nodded sympathetically.
"It's borderline treason" he said calmly, causing Henry to look up at him in question. "It is her duty and responsibility as your wife and as Duchess of Northumberland to provide an heir. For her to be actively ending any pregnancy denies the north that security. Not to mention participating in witchcraft to end her pregnancies." He mused, thinking through the charges.
"Consulting a midwife about a tea to wipe her womb is hardly witchcraft" Percy muttered dryly. "And treason is a stretch too."
"You'd be surprised what the court will find"
"Court? I can't take her to court over this!"
"I don't think you really have a choice, Henry. Do you honestly think that a noble woman can get away with something like this? We'll have an epidemic of wives all over the country refusing to have children. She needs to be dealt with. You need to write the king."
"Do you honestly think that's the best course of action?" Percy looked sick to his stomach at the thought, but this was Cromwell's element.
"Absolutely. I will help you, Henry. Do not worry yourself at all"
...
Cromwell had already gone through three drafts of his letter, but it had to be perfect. He had another chance to show his worth and prove himself still useful and he was not going to let it slip through his fingers.
He took a moment to sort through his lock box and found the letter that had prompted this whole thing. He had been surprised to hear from her, especially in this matter. It had been easy to follow direction though. Easy to look into the duchess' actions and catch her in a compromising situation . Easy enough to convince Henry to take action and soon easy enough to convince a court of her guilt. Henry Percy would be free from that shrew once and for all and Cromwell would once again be in the good graces of the monarchs.
He really did owe the queen thanks for giving him this opportunity.