Chapter 11
25th December 1541
- Merry Christmas, Kitty – whispered Jane Boleyn, sitting at the edge of the Queen's bed, watching her rubbing her eyes in the first rays of morning. Katherine smiled weakly.
- Merry Christmas, Jane – she said with almost no enthusiasm.
- What is it? You don't look like your usual self – said Jane, rubbing her shoulder.
- I am tired, tired of all this! – Katherine said under her breath. She had bags under her eyes and her skin looked paler than usual. – My back hurts, my legs hurt, my whole body hurts due to that damn belly – she added resentfully. Jane didn't blame her: the cottoned pebbles were growing heavier and heavier as time went by, and they still had almost five months to go through until the end. Still, she tried to comfort her.
- You are doing a wonderful job. No one suspects anything. We have made our arrangements. All your midwives are loyal to us. The ones who aren't were conveniently dismissed or employed elsewhere. Dr. Linacre was a bit more difficult to get rid of, I admit – she said, looking downcast.
- You killed him, didn't you? – hissed Katherine.
- We did what it needed to be done – countered Jane. – He was an old man, anyway. And Dr Butts is abroad, and we'll make sure he remains there at least until you have delivered your child.
- You make it sound so easy – mocked Kitty. – I am but a pawn in your games, are I not?
Yes, said a viper voice inside Jane's head.
– No, Kitty. You are the central piece of all this. And let me tell you, your uncle is pleased so far, although he never admits it. You have faced this very bravely and graciously. You look radiant, at least in public. You are always of good cheer and elegant manners. I understand it is literally a heavy burden for you to carry on, but keep in mind that you must begin your confinement soon. You'll be able to rest more and be more at ease – she said lightly.
- I am already counting the days – sighed Kitty, seeming a bit more tranquilized. – It looks like I have aged a decade in the last four months.
- You silly thing, you have so not! – exclaimed Jane. She fetched a small mirror and put it on Kitty's knee, wrapping her arms around her and resting her chin on the top of her head. Kitty felt a sudden wave of warmth running through her body. It had been years since anyone had hugged her. – Look at you, Kitty. True, you may be a little tired, but look at your beautiful hair… your soft features… your seductive smile… you are a beauty, Katherine!
- Thank you, Jane – said Katherine, smiling to her mirrored image. – Will you help me dress? I need to look gorgeous today.
- Sure, I'll fetch you a warm bath first – said Jane, clapping her hands.
Half an hour later, Katherine was being scrubbed and washed from head to toe in boiled rosewater. She wrapped herself in a sheet while their maids helped her dry herself and attach the fake belly Then Jane Boleyn helped her dress into an outstanding, long sleeved purple dress, whose bodice was embroidered with the finest gold, matching her hood and golden jewellery.
- How do I look? – she asked Anne Bassett.
- More beautiful than I've ever seen, Your Majesty. I believe a certain young gentleman will be amazed – she whispered into Kitty's ear, while adjusting her hood.
In a blink of an eye, Kitty turned to her, glaring coldly.
- Say a word about him to anyone, Nan, and you'll be out of here before you have time to say "I am sorry".
Anne Bassett lowered her gaze and uttered:
- I am sorry for my manners, Your Majesty.
- You better be – said Katherine with an icy tone. – Shall we go, Ladies? – she asked aloud. They all placed themselves in procession and started walking to the Westminster Abbey, where the Christmas Mass was to take place. Kitty took her seat between the King and the Ladies Mary and Elizabeth. Anne of Cleves was only to arrive later that evening. Together they heard Thomas Cranmer, Arcebishop of Canterbury, saying prayers and blessings to their born-to-be child.
Later that evening, when the whole Court was reunited at the Great Hall, a herald knocked three times on the floor to get everyone's attention.
- THE LADY ANNE OF CLEVES AND BARON THOMAS CROMWELL, EARL OF ESSEX!
Everyone bowed to her presence, as Anne of Cleves walked graciously towards the High Table, her arm on her husband's, ready to take her seat beside the Lady Mary. They stopped and curtseyed deeply.
- Your Majesties – she said, her German accent lighter than ever. – It is such an honour to be here enjoying this celebration.
- It is a pleasure, Lady Anne – said the King, amiably. – You look wonderful – he said in a whisper, making Kitty grumble and Cromwell snort. Inwardly, of course.
- You're Majesty is far too kind – she said politely.
- How far along are you? – the Queen's eyes darted at her belly.
- Five months, Your Majesty. I shall begin my confinement very soon.
- Me too – nodded Kitty. – I hope all goes well with your deliverance.
- Yours too, Majesty – bowed Lady Anne, before her and Thomas took their seats. Kitty watched her from the corner of her eye slightly envious. Mary and Elizabeth were chatting merrily with the German Duchess, and from time to time one could see her hands entwine with her husbands in a loving manner. Sometimes Cromwell would tell her something in German which made her laugh delicately. They seemed very happy together. And she had a child growing in her womb instead of cotton and hard pebbles… a real, living, breathing child.
A child which was soon to be taken away from her and put in the royal cradle.