*Please read the new first chapter of Saving Grace*
Saving Grace
Chapter Two
Brandon rode on his favourite horse to Hatfield in record time to speak with his niece and was greeted by a member of the Princess's household who escorted him to meet with the royal governess.
Lady Bryan says calmly "Your grace" knowing that his presence would more then likely not disturb her royal charge.
"Lady Bryan the King has sent me to speak with Lady Mary immediately and in private" says Brandon not wanting Mary to learn of her mother's fate among Anne's supporters,
"Of course your grace" replies Lady Bryan "Mistress Susan shall escort you to the library to meet with Lady Mary"
Brandon follows the young lady in question to the library knowing that it would be inappropriate to meet in her rooms.
-Saving Grace-
Moments later, Brandon is sitting before the fire in the library when Mary arrives before him.
Mary address her uncle "Your Grace" as Brandon examines the young woman before him as she is dressed in the gowns for Elizabeth's household.
"My Lady I have the great displeasure in informing you that your mother Princess Katherine has passed away" says Brandon mournfully at the lost of his old friend and in her respect calling her Princess instead of the Dowager Princess of Wales or Queen of England.
Mary asks "Am I able to attend my mother's funeral?" barely audible through her tears as she does not know the answer.
Brandon looks at her shamefully as he answers "Princess Katherine shall be buried at Peterborough Cathedral on the 29th day of the month but your father has refused to allow you to attend the service" knowing that Mary would be heartbroken.
"If that its my father's desire I must follow his demands" says Mary as a obedient daughter knowing that nothing would change Henry's mind about being able to see her mother for the final time or to even say a proper goodbye especially with that Boleyn harlot having his ear.
Brandon explains to Mary "My lady the King has demanded that you sign the oath recognizes Lady Boleyn as the only Queen of England and her children are the rightful heirs to the throne by the time she gives birth. The King never informed me what would happen but its important to remember that Lady Boleyn would promote her children even if it harms you more" as she needs to know everything that he did because it might be matter of time before that day arrives.
Mary looks shell shock knowing that it was her father not that step-mother of hers making this demand. She then pleads with Brandon "Will you please attend my mother's funeral service in my place" wanting someone there to properly mourn her mother as she thought that individuals loyal to Anne might be there to flaunt that she died and buried using her non-rightful title of Dowager Princess of Wales.
Brandon stares at Mary sadly before answering "Both the Duchess and myself shall be present along with your cousins Lord Henry, Lady Eleanor, and Lady Frances along with her husband" knowing that his entire family would be present expect for baby Charles who was still to young to attend such occasions.
Mary could only whisper "Thank you" knowing that people that care for her mother could be there for a final goodbye.
"My lady, I must leave now " says Brandon disappointed that he must leave the grieving Princess alone but he must return to his own estate to prepare with his family to make the journey to Peterborough "And remember that the King will not forgot his demand for you to sign the oath before the Boleyn harlot gives birth" with that he leaves Mary behind in the library as he departs from Hatfield before Boleyn's arrival.
-Saving Grace-
After speaking with Anne, Boleyn heads to his family's apartments where he find his son and wife overheads them speaking with each other.
Lady Boleyn states unmoving in her opinion "Mary needs to be brought to court for Anne's health" knowing Anne needs support her sister's support in her time of need.
"I agree" says George knowing that Mary would be the only person able to keep her claim and distracted from her other rival at court.
Boleyn announces his presence to his family by saying "I shall spend word to Mary that she is to come to court as a lady-in-waiting in Anne's household once more especially under these circumstances" knowing this is the best decision for the family's future despite disowning his eldest daughter over her second marriage to a lowly solider.
"What circumstances my dear husband?" asks Lady Boleyn questioning Boleyn's words while George asks his father "What about Mary's husband and child?" since his sister would not want to leave
Boleyn answers his son first by saying "I shall allow Mary's family to remain at one of our London's residence for the time being" not wanting to reality of the poor solider that marry his daughter without permission before adding "Mary's daughter would probably be welcome to court to join Princess Elizabeth when she arrives at court" not even knowing his youngest grandchild's name.
"The King invited our royal granddaughter to court" says Lady Boleyn happily at thought knowing that it would keep Anne's spirits up in this situation.
"Princess Elizabeth is coming to court for the celebrations centring around the Dowager Princess of Wales's death until the birth of her brother" states Boleyn joyfully before adding "George was selected in helping Norfolk in preparing for those celebrations as well"
Both George and Lady Boleyn were thinking two different things. George knew in his heart that no one would doubt his nephew being the true Prince of Wales as the false Queen died before his birth. Lady Boleyn was more logical as she knows that it would have been better if Dowager Princess of Wales passed after her grandson was born knowing that her being alive gave Anne protection from the King replacing her as his wife. Even though with their difference of opinions, everything would be lost if Anne failed to deliver on her promise of a son.
-Saving Grace-
Men in pubs across England learn about Katherine's death formed two different camps within these establishments. The first is mourning the death of their beloved true Queen and plotting to return Mary to her rightful position as the Princess of England and heir to the throne. For that to succeed they need to return England to the true faith and away from the Church of England. While the other is following the King's path in celebrating her death and praying for the birth of a healthy Prince to join the royal family.
-Saving Grace-
AN: Please review.