The masquerade went on until the early hours of the morning and it was only when her brother George approached her to tell her that poor Jane was tired that Anne decided that she had best leave and let Jane get some sleep. She was slightly resentful of her friend as the three of them walked back arm in arm to the ladies' bed chamber. Anne was a magnificent dancer and she could have danced until dawn and still not be tired. But she knew how delicate Jane was, and she supposed it was a little unfair to keep her up just for her own pleasure. George kissed them both on the cheek as he brought them safely to their door and then disappeared down the draughty corridor as fast as though he were a ghost. Jane almost collapsed on to the bed when she got inside and felt like going to sleep in her dress rather than changing into her night gown but Anne insisted that this was a ridiculous idea and began to unlace the bodice her herself.
"What was it like, dancing with the King?" Jane asked as she lay on her front whilst Anne continued to loosen her clothes. She couldn't help but sigh dreamily at the thought of being taken into the King's arm and dancing with him all night long, what an honour it must have been.
"Over rated" was Anne's indifferent reply and Jane flipped on to her back to see whether she was joking or not. But before she had time to say anything, Anne continued. "I saw you were dancing with the Duke of Suffolk" she observed with a wry smile.
"Yes" she said, crashing back to reality and she stiffened up all of a sudden at being reminded. It was strange, every time she thought of the Duke her heart raced and for the rest of the night she could not help but think about his fine sapphire eyes and bright smile. She would even peer about from behind George to take a sly look at the man and whenever he looked into her direction and caught her staring at him she would turn bright red and cast her eye around the hall as if she was searching for someone. Anne thought it was rather sweet that Jane seemed to be a little love struck by the Duke but she couldn't help but be a little concerned for her. Poor Jane was so naive of men, she probably couldn't even comprehend the thought that they could use you for their desire and then cast you aside as though you never meant a thing to them.
"Be careful of him Jane! He would have you in his bed at the bat of an eyelash" she bluntly informed her. Well, there was no point beating about the bush. She had to be told these things and the cruder the message, the more firmer it would remain in her mind.
"You would know this?" Jane raised an eyebrow suspiciously. Anne did not even try and bother to hide her outrage at the accusation.
"He has quite the reputation. He tried to add me to the many notches on his bedpost" she informed her, "He failed, I might add!" she announced, resenting the fact that her friend seemed to think so little of her at times. Jane looked down at her bed covers, quietly ashamed that she had thought such things about Anne. She knew she was flirtatious but she doubted that she would ever stoop to such a thing. Even if she was tempted her pride would never allow her.
"What did you and the King talk about?" she tried to change the subject. "When you were dancing?"
"Poetry mostly. He seems to believe himself some what a lyrical genius. He has nothing on poor Wyatt" she laughed at the thought of the sandy haired poet who wore his heart on his sleeve. Poor fool, he really didn't have a clue, did he?
"He was watching you again all night, did you not see?"
"I did" was her simple reply and now it was Jane's turn to help Anne out of her dress. Anne jerked forward a little as Jane began to tug ferociously at the bodice as she tried her best to loosen the darned thing though she lacked the upper body strength to do so. Sometimes she wished that George would stay true to his word and come in with a dagger to cut their bodices apart like he often jested he would. It would be much easier than trying to pull it all apart. "Careful!" Anne chastised her.
"Sorry! But you know you should not tease him so, it is cruel" she gently scolded her. She had rather a soft spot for the sweet and sensitive poet. She knew Anne did not mean to lead him on, it's just how she was, but she couldn't help but feel sorry for the poor man.
"I do not encourage him in his pursuit, he is a married man!" she defended herself a little too angrily for Jane's liking as she spun around to give her a dirty look and almost whipped her with her long, dark hair. Jane supposed that Anne must have been in a mood with her because it was due to her that she had to leave the masquerade and so not fancying another verbal berating, merely undid the rest of Anne's dress in silence before returning to her own bed, getting dressed beneath the covers and waited for Anne to snuff the candle out.
It was morning now and King Henry had invited Charles Brandon to his private chambers for a spot of breakfast before a hard afternoon of reading and signing tedious documents that seemed to form a never ending pile upon his desk. At the moment he was tempted to let Charles win the bet just so he could have a week off but he had his sights set on those fine horses of his and he would be damned if he would let Charles beat him again. The arm wrestling contest was still a sore subject for him and his wounded ego.
The two men were sat at a little wooden table that was gilded with the finest of gold, and in the middle sat a great silver bowl filled with delicious local fruits and a silver platter filled with cold meats. The sun was shinning brightly through the window though they could tell it was a cold day out as they observed that the wind was making the tree branches dance in the distance as they swayed too and fro.
"So, how did you like Mistress Seymour?" Henry asked as he took a rosy red apple and bit into it with a loud crunch.
"Very well indeed. I cannot wait to pluck such ripe fruit" he smirked as he bit into a juicy plum, the purple liquid squirted from within and it dribbled down his chin. "How goes it with Lady Anne?" he asked with his mouth half full.
"I am taking my time. She is indeed a rare jewel of womanhood. I intend to prolong the pursuance for the utmost experience" he announced, thinking back to Anne fondly. He had never been so captivated by a woman before. She was not just enchanting to look at, which can be achieved by almost any woman with enough cosmetics, no she was bold and witty. Charles was right when he told him that she could hold her own and it seemed to thrill Henry all the more. Yes, he would take his time with her and saviour the chase before he had her in his bed. It would only make the act sweeter in itself.
"And what is next in your great master plan?" Charles inquired. He knew that Henry would have some magnificent plan to set things into motion.
"I propose a grand tournament, like those of old. There's nothing that quite wins the heart of fair damsels than a knight in shinning armour" he observed and the two men burst into laughter as they helped themselves to more of the delicacies that lay before them.
Ten days later and the whole court was pouring into the stands to watch the grand tournament that the King had organised. There hadn't been a tournament in almost a year and although there was a little drizzle in their air and it was slightly chilly out, it certainly did not dampen their spirits or enthusiasm. The roar from the crowd could be heard almost a mile away and currently there was great amusement by the fact that the Duke of Norfolk had been knocked out of the tournament by a lower knight. Anne was secretly delighted that her Uncle had been so publicly humiliated. He was always so high and mighty and ever since he had heard that the King was interested in Anne he began plotting and planning all sorts for her. But Anne was determined that she would play this game her own way.
Anne and Jane had brilliant seats at the tournament as Queen Catherine had decided to bring ten of her ladies into the royal box with her. She always did have a soft spot for sweet Jane Seymour, who she thought of as honorary daughter due to her pious and kind nature, traits that were rarely found in this court. And though she was not as fond of the Boleyn sisters she knew she had to take one with her due to protocol and thought it would be wiser to take Anne rather than Mary, considering past events. So Anne and Jane sat side by side on the row below the Queen, who was elevated high up so that the whole stadium could see and admire her. The two girls were chatting away and gossiping when they were met by a pleasant surprise.
King Henry was up against William Compton and was already astride his dusky grey horse when he decided to play up to the crowd and pay the ladies of the court a visit. The whole crowd went silent as they observed their King trotting up to the royal box, his lance balanced effortlessly in his great, muscular arms. They all supposed that he was going to greet his Queen and Catherine, who also thought this, sat up all the straighter and couldn't help but burst into a bright smile at seeing her handsome husband approaching her. But everyone was in shock when it turned out it wasn't his wife who he was going to visit, but rather Anne Boleyn.
"Mistress Boleyn, you are well I trust?" he inquired, taking his horse as close as he could to the wooded railing of the stand. Anne was a little shocked by the situation herself but she hid it well under her cool exterior and merely stood up and walked to the railings, leaning on them so she could privately converse with her King. Henry couldn't help but admire her fine figure which was clad in crimson velvet and accentuated with mink trimming. The warm colours complimented her brilliant dark eyes and Henry seemed to fall in love with her a little more.
"Very well your Majesty. All the better for seeing you" she smiled that lop sided smile of hers and his heart almost skipped a beat.
"Might I be permitted to wear your favour?" he asked, his voice quivering with nerves and desire. By God she looks so beautiful, he thought.
"Should that honour not go to the Queen, your majesty? You are, after all, her champion" Anne casually observed.
"It should" he lowered his voice and leant in to whisper into her ear, "but the past few times that it has, I have lost. I think I am in need of a new mascot" he smiled at her mischievously as he pulled away and Queen Catherine's heart sank as she observed the intimate goings on beneath her. How she longed for her husband to whisper sweet nothings in her ear like that again.
"How very gallant!" Anne mocked him with with wide, unimpressed eyes, "But I do not give my favours so freely, especially to knights who profess to constantly losing. Prove your worth and I might consider it" she teased before turning away and sitting back with the other ladies. Catherine watched her closely and studied her face. If only she could read thoughts, she would find out what Mistress Boleyn was up to. Then she remembered that if she could indeed read thoughts she would use this knowledge to entice her husband once more, not waste her time fretting about silly girls like the Boleyn sisters.
The King went on to be victorious against Master Compton and proceeded in knocking him of his horse. Another horse to add to his endless collection. Jane was horrified at the sight of the bloodied and bruised Compton, who had to be carried out of the arena by three men and was quickly followed by a surgeon. But Anne seemed to love the blood and gore of the jousts. The speed and danger thrilled her and she was eagerly awaiting the next match. But Jane was beginning to feel a little queasy. Although she did like to watch the jousts she had seen one bloody face too many and so she asked to be excused by Queen who gave her permission to walk about the stadium until she felt better.
She hadn't been out of the stand a minute when she was greeted by the cheery face of George Boleyn who looked delighted to see her. He jogged over to her and wrapped his arm around hers as they began to walk arm in arm away from the arena.
"Jane, I am glad I have found you. I have a favour to ask of you" he informed her and Jane was intrigued by what he could possibly want.
"What is it?"
"Will you find your brother and tell him he knows to much for his own good?" he instructed more than asked her as he discreetly placed a burgundy draw string purse into the palm of her hand. It took her a moment to figure out what it was until the clatter of metal betrayed it's secret. Jane looked up at him perfectly puzzled and he let out a light chuckle as he took her face in his hand and stroked her hair back away from her face, "Go on, he will know what I mean"
It seemed she had little choice in the matter. She was glad that Edward and her father was back at court but she hated the fact that she seemed to be their private errand girl with all the running backwards and forth she did for them. Usually she didn't mind so much but she hated having to transport money which she reckoned was purchased through gambling. But as obedient as ever, she took the mission in her stride and was soon on her way, wandering around the grounds trying to seek her brother as she went in between the many colourful tents that filled the place up.
Ten minutes later and she still had not found her brother. She knew what tent she was looking for, it was a brilliant mixture of powdered blue and yellow which was decorated with sparrows that Jane herself had embroidered. But there seemed to be no blue tents in sight, never mind that belonging to the Seymour clan. She let out a sigh of frustration as she heard the crowd give out a mighty cheer and she knew she had missed something good. Oh well, I will just have to ask Anne about it later, she thought.
"Lady Jane?" a familiar voice called out to her and Jane turned around to see the Duke of Suffolk walking up to her as he proceeded to put his gauntlet on.
"Your Grace!" Jane exclaimed in surprise and fell into a clumsy curtsey. She was just glad that the Duke could not see her knees as they knocked against each other under her gown and she was sure they would collapse beneath her at any moment. Charles returned her curtsey with a low bow from the waist.
"You are enjoying the tournament?" he inquired in a gentle tone.
"Very much so, your Grace" she lied. Anne always made fun of her for being so squeamish. She was always the same and more so at the bear baiting which was soon to come. She couldn't help but pity the poor helpless animals and she would rather set them free than see them being tormented for people's amusement. Her brothers told her she was too soft for her own good and even her father told her that he doubted she was a Seymour some times, for she was far too compassionate.
You are to joust soon?" she dumbly asked, observing his armour that shone brightly in the sun.
"Yes, against your brother no less" he informed her and Jane's mouth fell open.
"Edward!" she didn't realise that Edward was to joust so soon. She had better hurry up and find him whilst she could or else he might not have an arm to accept the purse. "Then I pity my poor brother, I have heard you are an excellent jouster" she unintentionally flattered him and she felt stupid for saying something that might be interpreted in the wrong manner.
"But your brother is an excellent horseman, I am sure he will prove himself capable" was his modest reply, although secretly he was confident of a victory.
"I only hope that your Grace shows him mercy and is lenient" she prayed and bowed her head solemnly at the thought that something bad might happen to her dear brother, for as much as it was bad to admit, Edward was her favourite sibling and she would be devastated if some tragedy should befall him. Charles was warmed by the girl's obviously loving nature and decided that he would try to brighten the situation with a gallant request.
"I am glad I found you actually, Jane" he began, capturing Jane's attention as her head flew up from the floor and he in return began to play the shy card with her as he pretended to look down at the floor sheepishly, "I have my horse, my lance, my armour but am in want of a favour. Might I be permitted to wear yours?" he asked with a discreet grin, he enjoyed watching her get flustered and flustered she was.
"I...er...of course your Grace" she stuttered after a moment of pure dazzlement at such a request, but when he looked up at her once again she became captivated by his sapphire eyes and fell completely under his spell. She quickly unwrapped the turquoise and pink ribbon from around her wrist and placed it into his hand. He clutched on to it as though it were made of pure gold and brought it to his lips to kiss. Jane couldn't help but smile involuntarily at the romantic gesture and Charles was happy to see his plan coming to fruitition as he observed that she was falling for him fast.
"If only it was your hand" he gently whispered but before Jane could respond their sweet moment was interrupted when Edward Seymour emerged from between a village of tents not far from where the couple were stood as he prepared to make his way to the jousting arena. At seeing his sister conversing with the Duke of Suffolk, he rushed to tighten the leather strap of his chest armour as he marched over to collect his sister.
"Jane!" Edward called out, casting suspicious glances at Charles as he took hold of his sister's hand quite roughly. "What are you doing here?" he demanded. Jane seemed overwhelmed by all the goings on, why was Edward so angry? She was only talk to the Duke after all. She came back to her senses and retrieved the purse which she had tied to her waist.
"George Boleyn bid me to give you these coins, he said you know too much for your own good and that you would know what this meant" she relayed to him, placing the purse into his hand handing. Edward looked at her suspiciously as though he could tell if she was lying by studying her face. "And I wanted to wish you good luck" she cleverly thought up, remembering that he would be jousting in a minute, and she stood up on her tip toes and planted a loving kiss upon his cheek. Edward's heart immediately softened and he instantly believed what she had told him.
"I do not need good luck" he smirked at her, "Go on get back to the stands or you will miss my big moment" he instructed her, gently pushing at the small of her back in an effort to steer her back towards the stands. She obeyed like the good little sister she was but she could not help but turn around and take a last peek at Charles who gave her a discreet wink in return before she left to return to the arena. This just left the two men standing next to each other and eyeing each up other up as they readied themselves for the ensuing match.
"Your Grace" Edward was the first to back down from what was quickly turning into a staring out match, and he gave a cold bow of the head as he turned his back before Charles could return it.
Well, an older suspicious brother would make it harder to win the bet, he thought to himself as he thought upon the reputation of the oldest of the Seymour children. He was often referred to as a cold fish, too ambitious for his own good and would do anything to better his position or else destroy someone else's. He wouldn't like to think what Edward was capable off if he knew his true intentions towards his favourite sister. He probably wouldn't even let her out of his sight whilst he was back at court. Well, he'd soon find a way around that and the image of what he would have to sacrifice in order to help him win the bet made him cringe slightly as he braced himself for the match.