Katherine of Aragon (Boleyn)- 49 December 16th 1485
Prince Thomas Boleyn, Duke of Wiltshire-56 March 12th 1477
Isabella Boleyn- 16 September 7th 1517
Thomas Boleyn, Duke of Pembroke- 15 September 7th 1517
Cordelia Tudor-15 year May 2nd 1518
William Boleyn, Duke of Buckingham- 14 June 13th 1519
Anthony Boleyn, Duke of Suffolk- 14 June 13th 1519
Rose Boleyn- 14 March 2 1520
Catalina Boleyn- 13 August 29th 1520
Annette Boleyn- 8, July 7th 1526
Michelle Boleyn- 5, October 29th 1527
William Cavendish, Duke of Devonshire- 18 January 9th 1514
George Boleyn, Duke of Rochford- 20 April 17th 1513
Renee Boleyn, Duchess of Rochford- 17, December 23rd 1516
Jane Boleyn- 4 March 28th 1530
Queen (Marie) Mary Tudor-17 February 18th 1516
Princess Charlotte of France-1 February 6th 1533
Prince Henri of France- December 16th 1533
King Henri of France- 20 July 10th 1513
Princess Cecily Tudor- 11 July 25th 1521
Princess Margaret Tudor- 10 years August 14th 1523
Prince Edward Tudor of Wales- 15 February 14th 1519
Prince James Tudor of York- 11 years October 1st 1522
King Henry VIII-41 June 28th 1491
Queen Kathryn Parr- 39 August 30th 1492
Lady Elizabeth Bryan- 14, January 10th 1519
Lady Ursula Middleton- 39 February 2 1495
Lady Amy Hobbs- 15 November 15th 1518
Lady Amelia Sutton, 10, May 18th 1522
Lady Mary Howard, 14, April 24th 1519
Charles Clancey, 17, February 6th 1516
Gregory Cromwell Earl of Oxford- 17 October 19th 1514
Prince Phillip of Spain- 21 May 2 1512
Princess Elizabeth Tudor of Spain- 16 September 7th 1517
Princess Joan of Austria- 13 June 24 1519
Charles de Bourn, Duke of Beaucourt- 13 July 21 1520
Henry Stanley, soon-to-be Earl of Derby- 17 September 1st 1516
December 16th 1533
Marie (Mary) Queen of France
I held my son close to me looking down at him in love, he was going to be the King of France one day and I just knew he would be excellent at it! Isabella went to in form everyone while mama stayed with me. "He is perfect mama" I whispered the looked up to her "though he is a bit early I believe it is a nice birthday gift to you" she smiled and kissed my head.
"He is lovely Mary" the door burst open and Henri came in quickly looking down at him in awe.
"My son" he whispered taking him from me, I knew how much every man longed to have a son, "love, have you decided upon a name?" He asked and I let out a small laugh.
"We have already talked of this! He shall be Henri after you" he laughed looking down at our new child.
"I know that, but he needs a nickname" he put our son back into my arms and I kissed his forehead.
"Harri, we shall call him Harri for short" there was a small knock on the door and the doctor came in with a deep bow.
"Your Majesties, in my own personal opinion you should wait a year or so to have more children, it is great stress upon a woman to have 2 children in the same year" Henri nodded in understanding and I did not mind much. I had my son now and would like to spend time with him and Charlotte before having anymore.
Isabella Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire
I sat in my chambers thinking about the baby, I hear they have named him Henri, he was so small and dependant on Mary for everything. I was curled into my chair a hand on my stomach staring off into the flames of the fire "Why are you not with your family?" I heard Lord Devonshire ask, I did not look towards him.
"I did not feel well, I wanted a minute or two alone" I heard his footsteps come further into the room and take a seat next to me with a sigh.
"Is it to do with the child?" He asked and I looked down at my stomach.
"It makes me more tired then usual" I said softly, I think I can vaguely remember mama being pregnant with Catalina, I believe I was around 3. I do not remember much only glimpses of seeing mama with a large stomach…but she was always in bed, I remember her not waking up for a while either.
"I take it you have already decided what you want to call it" he said and I glanced towards him.
"Yes, I have" I sat up a little straighter in my chair pulling the blanket around me tighter.
"And what names have you chosen?" He asked.
"I have thought a lot about what I would name my daughter but I have finally settled on Eleanor for a boy I know you wish to have a say in deciding but I refuse to name him William" his eyes narrowed angrily.
"And why is that?" He snapped in anger.
"Because you are named William and my brother is named William, why on earth would I desire to name my son William?" I made a good point, but Lord Devonshire always seemed to be in a hostile mood.
"Fine!" He growled and sat back further into his chair.
"Richard?" I pressed my lips together and nodded, I knew I would press my luck in denying him that.
"Richard is a nice name" he agreed and we well into silence.
January 2nd 1534
It was the start of a New Year now and the maids scurried around under my orders top pack everything, Prince Henri had been christened a few days ago and it was now time to return to England. Catalina was happy, but I knew mama was very sad to be going we would also be leaving George and he has been so distant from everyone lately.
"Isabella" he said gaining my attention and I smiled upon seeing him.
"Thank you for at last gracing me with your presence, it seems you are nothing but busy these days" he smiled a little and hugged me.
"I have good reason" he answered, Jane would be coming with us back to England for a few months and I knew he was sad upon seeing her go.
"Is Jane ready?" I asked.
"Yes, she is very excited" we fell into awkward silence for a few moments.
"How is Lady Renee?" He let out a sigh and shook his head.
"She cannot bare children, they do not know why and we have tried everything, she is very upset right now" I sucked in air laying a hand on my stomach.
"I am sorry George, what do you plan on doing?" I questioned.
"Plan on doing? What do you think I will leave her because she cannot bare me a son?" He hissed in anger and I became defensive.
"You know very well that is not what I meant! George I was only wondering what you and Lady Renee planned to do now!" I turned my back on him and helped put away a dress.
"I am sorry" he sighed calming down, "there will only be Jane I guess, I love Renee and do not plan on divorcing her I guess it is just God's plan that I only have a daughter" I hugged him tightly.
"I shall miss you George, you must promise to return to England after I have my child" he nodded in agreement but I knew very well it was only half hearted.
"I must be going now" I watched him leave for a few moments, he has changed so much since he left England.
Katherine Boleyn, Princess of Spain, Duchess of Wiltshire
I had little time in the last few days for I was busy making sure everything was packed and ready to be brought to the ship "mama! Can I go see Isabella?" Rose asked me desperately.
"No, I have already told you Isabella is busy packing as well and the last thing she needs is you all bothering her, now sit down and study" I sighed for the 10th time today.
"This is boring though! Can we at least go outside?" Catalina begged.
"I agree! Please mama!" Anthony quickly added.
"Mama, Lady Middleton and I shall watch them and make sure they stay out of trouble" Tom promised and I finally nodded.
"In the gardens only, Michelle come here" it was far to cold out for her today.
"Mama I want to go outside too!" She whined.
"I know but it is very cold out right now, you shall stay inside with me" she was very upset at not being able to go out and instead took a seat at the window and watched her older siblings play.
"Are we almost ready?" Thomas asked walking into the chamber, I knew he was happy to be going home.
"Yes, they just have to be brought to the ship" he nodded and male servants started to load carriages, we were leaving tomorrow.
"Nana! Nana!" Jane cried jumping into my arms "I going!" she said in excitement and I kissed her cheek.
"Yes you are, are all your things packed?" I questioned and she nodded.
"Mama did it" I put her down and she went to play with Michelle.
"We are leaving early in the morning" I took a seat rubbing my aching head.
"I miss everyone in England….but I do not want to go" I whimpered quietly so the girls would not hear.
"I know sweetheart, but we must return I have been gone from my duties to long" he kissed the top of my head.
"Papa when will we be home?" Michelle asked breaking us from our concentration.
"Early March, it will not be that long" she nodded and he looked back down at me, "everything shall be alright, you need to calm down Ma Cherie" he kissed me before having to go.
"Mama I cannot wait to go home" Michelle said and I smiled weakly to her, oh how I wish I could feel the same.
January 3rd 1534
I had said goodbye to Charlotte and Harri before coming down to the courtyard and now it was just Mary and Henri who stood with us. "I shall miss you mama!" Mary said hugging me tightly, she did not cry though, Mary was strong.
"I shall miss you as well" she said goodbye to her siblings and I felt my heart squeeze, Thomas kissed the side of my forehead and I kissed her once more helping me into the carriage.
"I shall miss being in France, it was fun" Annette sighed looking out the window watching the trees pass through the window.
"I think we will all miss it" Cordelia fell asleep against Thomas and Catalina was cuddled into his side half asleep. Tom was riding alongside the carriage with William and Anthony much to my displeasure, I would much rather have them inside "Thomas please it is freezing out now and they have been riding for over an hour now!" I snapped and he sighed opening the window.
"Boys! Get into the carriage now, you need to warm up for a bit" the carriage stopped and after a few minutes they came in, Isabella and Lord Devonshire were in their own carriage.
January 5th 1534
The ship was bigger then the one from before and the rooms were lavish, Mary ordered them ready for our departure and I made sure to send a note of gratitude. "Bella! Are yours just as pretty?" Rose asked her as she came into our rooms, Lord Devonshire, Thomas, Tom, William and Anthony went on deck.
"Yes they are!" She said in excitement, already you could see the difference in her, no one else might notice but I could. She was gaining weight and her figure becoming fuller, "you should come look at them later on when you are done helping mama" they all nodded.
"I hate ships!" Cordelia groaned laying on the bed.
"It is alright Cordelia, it is much more horrible for me" Bella had morning sickness a lot, much more then I did when I was pregnant.
"Mama, I want to go with papa!" Michelle begged grabbing my skirts and tugging.
"Papa is talking with the captain of the boat, he cannot be bothered right now" she whimpered in anger and then ran to Bella.
"Then can I go with Bella?" Jane was playing with Annette and she looked up in surprise and quickly got up and ran to Isabella.
"Janey too!" I closed my eyes and took a deep breath before looking to my eldest daughter.
"They can come with me mama, there is not problem with it" she reasoned and I nodded.
"Fine, but you shall be back in time for lunch" they both nodded and Annette ended up going with her as well.
"Girls will you please help me?" I asked Catalina and Cordelia, they nodded and helped unpack some of the trunks before Thomas and there brothers returned.
"Where is everyone else?" William asked falling into a chair.
"They went to spend sometime with Isabella, they shall be back for lunch" he nodded and sighed in boredom.
"It has been an hour since we have gotten on this ship and already I am bored" Anthony groaned and I could not help but smile.
"Relax, we shall spend 2 months on this ship and none of us wish to hear you complain the whole time" Tom said leaning against the window. It was difficult to believe he was now 16 and would be married in a year, he had to wait for Lady Elizabeth Bryan to turn 16 right now she was 14 but I believe she is to turn 15 sometime this month.
"Please do not fight" I asked and they said nothing to each other in return.
"On the bright side this is a wonderful opportunity for you all to catch up on your studies, which you will start right now, Lady Middleton get the girls from Isabella as well" they all groaned in anger as he sent them to the next room. I went to the mirror and brushed my hair loss before letting out a loud gasp, "what is it!" He asked walking over quickly.
"I…I have a grey hair!" He relaxed pulling me into his arms kissing the top of my head.
"You look just as beautiful as yesterday calm now" he laughed and I stomped my foot in anger turning away.
"I am 49 now and I have grey hair!" He pulled me back to him.
"Tis only a few strands no one will notice sweetheart" I buried my face in his chest in mortification, "Katherine Boleyn I swear upon my life that you are the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes upon" I sniffled and looked up at him.
"Really?" I whimpered.
"Yes, and I would not lie to you now I want you to stop worrying so much about your age and grey hair. Worry more about our children and pleasing your husband" I smirked softly.
"Pleasing my husband?" I questioned and he nodded his hands slipping down my back I let out a soft giggle and he pressed me up against the wall.
"Come on!" William groaned covering his eyes quickly in despair.
Thomas pulled away from me and I quickly stepped away from him "what do you need William?" I asked as he kept his hands over his eyes.
"A new set of eyes and memory!" He cried dramatically, I pulled his hands from his eyes.
"William!" He peaked out and relaxed.
"We need more ink because Michelle tipped it over and it fell all on her dress and now she will not stop crying" I quickly went into the other room to find her dress truly destroyed.
"Hush sweetheart" I whispered as she sobbed this was her favorite dress and there was no hope on saving it.
"It ruined mama!" She cried loudly as I washed her down with a wet cloth.
"I know, but you have many other dresses and I am sure you will get more when we return to England" it did not ease her mind and she continued to cry for 10 more and sulk the rest of the day.
February 15th 1534
Yesterday was Edward's birthday, he was 15 years old now and on the second Lady Middleton turned 39 and the girls gave her a small party, she was very grateful for it. Today we arrived in Calais and the children ran alongside the beach happily, Isabella was around 3 months now and had a small pouch for a stomach, she no longer wore a corset.
She believed them to be uncomfortable and I could not disagree with her, "I cannot wait to see what the baby looks like!" Jane giggled in excitement sitting in her aunts lap.
"It shall be here in August, I think you might go back to your father before then" she was silent for a long time.
"Maybe….maybe papa come for the baby?" I had not a heart to tell her it was highly unlikely.
"Hurry up!" Thomas yelled to the others racing around the beach, it was almost time to get back on the ship, we have only docked for a couple hours to get supplies.
"Isabella, come along we should get on the ship before everyone else" Lord Devonshire said an she handed Jane to me taking his hand.
"I will see you later" she said following her husband.
Isabella Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire
"Why must I get on the ship before everyone else?" I snapped to him as he closed the door to our rooms, I had a hand on my stomach a habit that I have formed for the last few months.
"I do not want you getting pushed and shoved while everyone is in a rush to get on" I rubbed my enlarged belly my back to him.
"I am perfectly fine" I answered, my back ached and I sat down with a groan.
"Rest, the last thing I want is for you to lose my child" I let out a loud sarcastic laugh.
"Your child? I believe I am the one carrying it, if anything the child is more mine then yours" he clenched his jaw taking a deep breath.
"Not everything I say needs to be an argument and I appreciate it if you would not try to start with me every chance you get, your father did say you would be moodier then usual but I shall not have this" I glared at him in anger and he left the room.
Once the ship set sail I went to my mother and fathers room not wanting to talk to him at all! "This is miserable!" I whined as my back hurt, it never seemed to stop.
"You just need to rest more sweetheart" mama laughed petting my hair, "I was this way as well when I first got pregnant" I looked up at her with a smile, and rubbed my belly.
"Is that when Mary was in your belly?" Michelle asked curiously and mama's face fell.
"No sweetheart, I had 4 children before Mary, but they went with God" Michelle's eyes went as large as saucers.
"How many babies have been in your tummy?" She asked crawling up into my lap so she could be closer to mama.
"I have had twelve babies in my stomach" everyone looked to mama, I was the only one that knew about the baby before me and Tom it was not something that she liked talking about.
"What? That does not make sense, the 5 children from your married to King Henry then you had 6 children from papa, that only equals eleven" Catalina said in confusion.
"I had a child with papa before Isabella and Tom, I lost it after a few months" they looked at mama in shock.
"How come you never told us?" Tom asked looking up from his book.
"I do not like speaking about it" she said simply and Michelle grabbed her bodice jumping into her lap.
"Was it a boy or girl?" She asked innocently.
"I do not know Michelle I was only a month along" she nodded and looked to my stomach putting her hand on it.
"Your belly is starting to get big" we all laughed.
"I know Michelle thank you"
March 11th 1534
I was officially 4 month along now and it seemed like my stomach was getting bigger and bigger everyday we have finally arrived to England which made everyone happy. We were all going to Court, but I knew I would be sent to Derbyshire soon, I was not looking forward to it because it would be the first real time I have been separated from mama and my family.
Cordelia Boleyn
We have been in a carriage for the last few days and finally we arrived to Court, I was so excited to see my papa and my other siblings, it has been so long! Mama had us all change and gave me the task to tell papa that Mary has had a son! I was in a dark burgundy gown when we went into Court. "Papa!" I cried forgetting formality and ran into his arms kissing his cheek, he held me tightly "oh papa I have missed you so much! But I had so much fun!" he kissed my forehead happily.
"I have missed you as well Cordelia, tell me what has happened in the months you were away" he had me sit on his knee and ignored the whole room his attention fully on me.
"Well I got to try so many different foods and went hunting almost every other day! King Henri is very nice to papa and Charlotte is so adorable! Oh and papa Mary had a boy!" I stopped talking for a minute to take a deep breath.
"She had a boy you say? What have they named him?" He said with a laugh.
"Prince Henri, but we are to call him Harri! And Bella got married it was so pretty and now she is pregnant! 4 months along, she is to have them in August" he glanced down at he crowd.
"Lady Isabella, or shall I say Lady Devonshire, congratulations" she curtsied best she could blushing softly as my papa addressed her.
"Thank you, Your Majesty" she said and he turned his attention back on me.
"So you had a good time then?" I nodded happily.
"It was a lot of fun, but I still missed you as well" he kissed my head again and held my hand.
"I missed you as well and you are not going anywhere for a very long time" I nodded with a giggle and he glanced towards mama, I knew he wanted to talk about Mary and the baby.
Henry Tudor, King of England
I sent Cordelia to talk with her stepmother and siblings and went to my office sending for Katherine she arrived a few minutes later and sank into a deep curtsy. "I hear Mary has had a son" I said and she nodded with a light small.
"She has, he was very healthy and they think he shall make in passed infancy, Charlotte is also well she is a year now, they have sent you a portrait of her, she is just like Mary when she was young" a small painting was brought in and indeed young Charlotte resembled her mother.
"She is very beautiful, I am sure King Henri treats her well?" Though there was not much I could do not I still wanted to make sure he was treating her well.
"She is in love with him, and I believe he cares for her very deeply" I relaxed slightly knowing she was being treated well. Though I wish I could go visit France like Katherine could I knew I could not, I had responsibilities, though Wiltshire has them as well, I knew he would be busy for a while.
"That is good to hear…" I trailed off leaning my chin on my knuckles thinking deeply.
"Your daughter, Isabella, she is well?" She seemed a bit taken back my curiosity for her daughter.
"She is very well, she is expecting her first child now and is very excited" I knew it saddened her to see her children growing older.
"And Lord Devonshire?" She took a deep breath.
"They do not love each other, but they get along" I remember Lady Isabella when she was young, I knew it would take many months for her to get used to taking orders from a man, she was always quite rebellious.
"I am sure she will be well off, Lord Devonshire is good man from what I heard and I hardly believe he would do anything to hurt her when she has such good connections" she chewed her lip nervously, she always worried for her children.
"Have you heard from Elizabeth?" She asked anxiously.
"She is settling in Spain well, she thanks for you your talks of it for it prepared her greatly" she relaxed and smiled thinking about her homeland. "Katherine" I said gaining her attention and she looked up at me "I forbid you from taking Cordelia away from he again" her body froze, eyes wide.
"I understand, I do not think Thomas wishes to leave England anymore anyway" she whispered sadly, she most have thought of going to Spain or France again.
"That is all" she stood and curtsied and I leaned back in my chair thinking about all my children, it was hard to think that all the children were grown and getting married, even worse having children of there own.
Elizabeth, Princess of Spain
Spain was much more warmer then England, "Your Highness, a letter" I snatched it quickly and noticed it was from Nana, excitement filled my veins as I quickly opened it.
Dearest Elizabeth,
We all miss you greatly! We are still in France but should be back in England by March, Isabella has found herself with child, by time this reaches you she should be a few months along. She is very excited as is Lord Devonshire, her husband. Jane is coming to England with us as well till May or June, George has not decided fully yet.
Your grandfather is well, he still works for the King as Lord Privy Seal and I know he is very happy to be returning to England. I know he is very happy to be returning to England as is Catalina, she does not find France well. You might know by time you get this letter but Mary has birthed a son, both Isabella and I were in the room with her.
Charlotte is so adorable and I am captivated by her! Oh how I shall miss her when we return to England! She reminds me of Mary when she was young!
I hope I shall hear from you soon and wish to know what you think of Spain, I remember when I was younger I love it there and miss it greatly. I await a letter hearing you are with child as well, I know you shall make a good mother Elizabeth and your mother would be very proud of you! It is hard to believe that we are both now Princesses of Spain but I know you shall make everyone in England proud, I miss you dearly!
Love,
Katherine Boleyn, Princess of Spain Duchess of Wiltshire
Jealousy swirled deep within my belly, Isabella was already with child! "Wife" Philip said walking into my chambers, his younger sister Joan who was destined to marry my brother was seated next to me and looked up happily upon her brothers arrival.
"I have gotten a letter from my grandmother, is seems Lady Isabella is pregnant" I said bitterly, I could be pregnant as well if it was not for the fact my 'husband' has yet to share my bed.
"Lady Isabella? She is your aunt?" She questioned curiously.
"Yes, but we were raised like sisters, we were born on the same day" he nodded in confusion and kissed his sisters cheek.
"Do not worry Beth, one day you shall have a child as well" Joan said brightly.
"Yes, my sister Mary has already a son and a daughter" I put the letter down upon the desk my words laying a large hint upon Philip but he acted as if he did not notice.
"I am sure we shall have children one day" his father King Charles was very healthy and it seemed he would live for a while longer much to Philips dismay and mine. I wished to prove to everyone in England that I was far better then my sisters and aunts, that I could give my husband a son first! But that would not work if he did not come to my bed.
"Oh Philip I wish you would give me a niece or nephew soon! I wish to have one before I must leave to England" it was decided she would leave at 15 instead of 16, just like Nana.
"Patience Joan" he laughed ruffling her hair playfully, it was a golden blonde hair with bright hazel eyes, I would be Queen of Spain one day and I swear I shall prove myself my birthing only sons!
Katherine Boleyn, Princess of Spain, Duchess of Wiltshire
I tucked the little ones into bed they were all fast asleep and happy to be home "mama, can we stay up a little bit longer?" Cordelia asked speaking of her and Catalina.
"You may, but only an hour more" they nodded and I kissed there forehead, the boys were all asleep as well, Tom have moved into the apartments of the Duke of Pembroke he said he no longer wants to be treated like a child for he was now of age. Now it was only William and Anthony and they had their own beds, I smiled seeing them asleep and went back to my rooms to see Thomas sitting awake by the fire working on some papers. I had the servants undressed me and I went to his side and rubbed his shoulders. "Will you not come to bed Thomas?" I asked kissing his cheek.
"No I am working, go to sleep Katherine" I whined just a little and he closed his eyes "I am working on something important!" He snapped obviously stressed out.
"Can I help you?" I asked lightly wanting to help him, I did not wish him to be more stressed then he needed.
"Honestly you can do nothing right now, just go to bed sweetheart it has been a long day" I kissed him lightly walking over to the bed and climbing under the sheets.
"Goodnight" I whispered sadly.
March 12th 1534
We celebrated both Thomas and Rose's birthday today though Thomas was not to be seen all day, I guess he was very much behind in England's affairs "is papa going to come?" Rose asked softly as we sat in the parlor watching her open gifts.
"I shall get him" I told her with a smile and she nodded biting her rose red lips, I sighed as I walked down the hall and to his office, he was hunched over papers, forehead wrinkled in concentrations.
"What now!- Oh Katherine I did not know it was you" he said upon looking up in surprise.
"Tis alright, will you not come back to our rooms? Rose is asking for you, Thomas it is your birthday you should take a break" I walked behind his chair and rubbed his shoulders soothingly.
"I have work to do love, go back" I leaned down and buried my face into the crook of his neck.
"Please Thomas, it would mean much to Rose if you were there" I felt his body stiffen as my lips grazed his neck.
"Do not tease sweetheart" he said with a small smile reaching up and taking my hand.
"Take a break from working Thomas and come spend sometime with your family, we all miss you so much, especially I you work all day and most of the night, I barely see you anymore" I pouted and he kissed my hand relaxing into his chair.
"Only a few moments sweetheart" I nodded with a bright smile and he held around my waist as we went back to our rooms.
"Papa!" Rose giggled jumping up and hugging around his stomach burying her face in her chest, "I thought you might not come!" He kissed the top of her head with a smile.
"I could not stay away when you asked for me" she smiled and went back to her chair.
"Papa, are you going to stay?" Catalina asked softly and he sat down in a chair relaxing.
"I might, I have a lot to do Catalina" he told her and she looked down to the ground.
"You are never want to spend time with us anymore" she whispered softly and he took a deep breath.
"Come here ma petite" she went over and sat in his lap laying her head on his shoulder, "I am a very busy man sweetheart, I am the Lord Privy Seal but you must remember, you all must, that my first and only priority are you all. Nothing shall ever change that" Catalina nodded along with her siblings understanding that he was being serious.
"Katherine, where is that dog of yours?" He asked me and I nodded to a maid and she brought the small dog in, it was a little brown and white female Spaniel that I have named Triste, it was French for sad, I hated leaving Mary.
"Triste, come here girl" she yapped running into the room and Michelle and Jane giggled happily running after the little puppy. "Be careful with her girls" they nodded and began throwing a little ball around for her to chase after.
"Mama she is so cute!" Cordelia said kneeling down next to her niece and sister.
"Sorry I am late! I did not have it in me to get up from my nap" Isabella said walking into the room and taking a seat, she was about 4 months now and she had a nicely sized bump coming out from under her gown.
"It is alright Bella, you have not missed much! Papa has just arrived as well" Rose said to her elder sister with a large smile, Catalina got up from her fathers lap and went to her sisters side.
"Can you feel the baby move yet?" She asked curiously putting a hand on her belly.
"I can, but you cannot feel it when you touch my belly….mama when can they start feeling the baby kick?" She asked looking to me.
"Your father felt you kick when I was around 5 or 6 months I believe" she nodded happily.
"Only a few more months!" Bella said in excitement and I smiled lightly.
"I do not see the big deal about feeling it move when it comes out you will get to see it and actually play with it" William groaned in annoyance at his sisters excitement.
"You would not understand William, but when your wife is pregnant with your child you will enjoy feeling the baby move" Bella said hotly.
"I doubt I would be as silly as you all are being!" He snapped back at his sister and I laughed softly at all of them.
"Where is Lord Devonshire?" Cordelia asked Isabella after a few moments of silence.
"He has gone hunting with the newly appointed Duke of Norfolk, I believe Tom has gone with them as well" I nodded, Tom has been so much more independent since our return from France he sleeps in his own chambers and does what he wants. Though he still eats breakfast, lunch and supper with us it was still not the same as when he was younger, when he was my little boy.
"And he did not ask us?" Anthony snapped sitting up in his chair.
"Even if you were asked you would refuse because we are celebrating your sister and fathers birthday" I scolded and he fell back into his chair angrily.
"Tom gets to go!" He said in annoyance, I knew the boys were bored.
"Tom is a grown man now Anthony, he can do what he pleases" Thomas told him hugging my waist tighter against him.
"Papa when I get older can I do what I want?" Annette asked him and he laughed caressing her cheek as she sat by his feet.
"When you turn 16 I am sure your brother shall find someone for you to marry" he said with a small laugh.
"Why am I treated differently because I am a girl? Do you not love us all the same?" She asked and everyone in the room was deathly silent.
"I do love you all the same" he said helping me up and lifting Annette into his lap.
"Then why does it not matter that Tom is not married and he is 16 but Isabella had to marry when she turned 16?" Annette asked looking him straight in the eye and I lifted Jane up into my arms.
Thomas Boleyn, Prince of Spain, Duke of Wiltshire
I looked at Annette in shock I did not understand how she could think that I would love them any less just because they were girls "I remember when I was with my other mama…she said that she wished me and Shelly were boys because girls are useless" I sighed rubbing my head. Dam that woman!
"I do not love you any less Annette, Tom must wait till Lady Elizabeth is 16 till then he cannot marry her" she was quiet for a long time and I got up and kissed the top of her head. "I love all my children the same Annette, never question that" she nodded and I glanced around at all of my children "I must get back to work, but I shall see you tonight for supper" they all groaned trying to talk me out of it.
"Thomas please do not go" Katherine begged softly taking my hand by the door, "it means so much to them that you are here, if it is what Annette-" I cut her off.
"It is nothing she said love, I just want to get everything done so I shall have more time to spend with you" I told her but she still held me close.
"If you stay I shall make it worth your while tonight" she whispered into my ear, her exotic accent made the offer all the more alluring as I looked into her light blue eyes seemingly sparkling with mischief.
"An offer I cannot refuse" I said quietly and she kissed my cheek, "I shall stay" Jane shrieked along with Michelle and hugged tightly around my legs, I laughed and went back to my seat.
April 17th 1533
Cordelia Tudor
Today was George's birthday and he was now 20, Jane's birthday was March 28th and she was now 4 years old, next month I would be 16 which means it was close to me getting married. I bit my lip nervously looking towards Gregory Cromwell, it was not that he was rude or anything….it is just…..I love another.
His name was Charles Clancey and he was 17 years old, he was among the gentlemen of my father, the King's, household. He did not come from money and did not care about that fact I was a bastard, I know some might think he only likes me because my father is the King of England but it is not like that! "Cordelia" I heard the voice whisper and smiled when I saw he was standing next to me, but not too close for anyone to notice.
"Charles, it is good to see you" I said casting glances towards him, the banquet was lively and no one noticed.
"Meet me in the gardens" I nodded and he walked away, I waited 5 minutes or so till I slipped away unnoticed. I walked through the rose gardens quietly till I saw him "you came" he sighed hugging me tightly, I nestled my face into his strong shoulders.
"I would not stay away" I assured him looking up at him, he was handsome with thick rich brown hair and sparkling brown eyes freckles were sprinkled against his cheeks adorably.
"I cannot stand when you dance with him" he grunted talking about Lord Oxford.
"I am sorry Charles, it would look odd if I did not….I am to marry him after all" I whispered the ending sadly and he pulled me back into his arms.
"It does not have to me that way Cordelia, when you turn 16 run away with me to be married" my eyes went large as I looked up at him in disbelief.
"Charles…..I do not know" I said pulling myself from his arms and turning my back to him.
"I love you Cordelia and would face the King's wrath gladly if it meant I could spend the rest of my life together" I bit my lip as tears formed in my eyes.
"Do you mean that? What if he finds us and has un banished…penniless?" He caressed my cheek and leaned down kissing me passionately, I melted against him unable to stop myself from kissing him back.
"Money means nothing compared to you, I would be the happiest man alive just to have you for a wife" I sucked in air and hugged him tightly.
"I will…I will marry you" he smiled and lifted me off my feet kissing me again.
"I love you Cordelia Tudor, more then my own life" I wrapped my arms around his neck as he placed me back on the ground and ran his fingers through my golden red hair.
"It will be Cordelia Clancy soon" he laughed hugging me around the waist against him, I gasped feeling his waist against his a strange longing tugging my belly.
"I long to be with you" he said his thumb tracing my bodice increasing the desperation of my body, my mother told me enough for me to know what he was talking about what I was feeling.
"No Charles, I want to wait for our marriage night, I do not want to get with child before then" he nodded and kissed my forehead.
"You must get back to the banquet before anyone notices you are gone, do not tell any of your sisters are plan, trust no one" I nodded.
"I love you Charles, I cannot wait till May" I knew if my mother were to find out she would be disappointed in me, after all Charles had nothing to his name at all, oh and if papa were to find out! If he found out he would be livid, not to mention what my father the King would do!
I knew it was wrong, but I could never be happy with Lord Oxford, I could not be like Isabella and not love my husband. She is having a child with a man she is only obligated to be with I could not raise a child in a marriage like that. If my family really loved me they would be happy for me and wish me well…hopefully that is how it shall be but in my heart I knew it shall be far from it.
