Chapter 5: Sister

A deep heavy despair filled her aching chest, deep shaky breaths strained against the soft clinging fabric that clung to her breasts. She shuffled despondently, her soft footsteps rippling down the empty corridor as quiet sobs escaped her lips. Fear and heartache bearing down upon her. Whimpering she paused her mind awash with bewilderment and clouded with grief. Images of stark abandonment and poverty swirled within her mind. Quiet tears dripped down her porcelain skin and landed on the smooth brown silk of her gown.

The delicate thump from within her womb roused her from desolation. Gently wiping her tear stained cheeks she rested her hand upon the abundant swell of her stomach and caressed the smooth skin beneath her dress. "It will be okay sweetheart" she murmured in a quivering whisper as she stroked the swelling mound "All will be well" Pressing her hand against the cold solid brick wall she inhaled deeply, exhaled and raised her head "All will be well".

Clasping her hands upon her midsection her eyes flashed with steel. Slowly she paced towards the doorway her head held high. Smoothing her gown she silently approached the adjoining corridor and ensured her mask of neutrality was in place. Whatever anyone might say she was a Boleyn. As she approached the doorway a strong arm shot out from the unlit recess of the corner and clasped her arm dragging her into the darkness. "Shh" The deep baritone voice of her brother sliced through the darkness "Follow me"

Silently she shadowed the heavy footfalls of her brother as he weaved through numerous corridors and finally clutched her arm to his side. "This must be short" he whispered as he leaned his head down to murmur in her ear. "I imagine even this conversation is noted" Swiftly they turned another corner and passed down the side of the great hall. Eyes tracked their path and heads turned as they slipped through towards the courtyard. "I have come to escort you to your carriage and ensure your safe journey sister" he spouted in a voice too loud for regular conversation "To ensure our family's noble instructions".

She turned her head to reply to his snickering sentence but the subtle shake of his head and gentle squeeze of her arm held her quick reply. Quietly she walked beside him, her body trembling and her mind shaken."I will escort you to my carriage and from there you will collect your husband and comply with the directions given to you." he instructed, his voice hushed and low. Nodding she remained silent, her head bent low. "The instructions already given or ones of which I have yet to receive" she questioned in low tones as the bright light of the sun pierced her eyes. His deep brown orbs flickered to meet her own but swiftly shifted. Silence her only reply.

The steady pace of their footsteps soon had them standing before the entrance to the clock court and the striking clock tower of the gateway. Swiftly he signalled a dark horse drawn carriage and whispered into her ear "We will meet again sister but one can not always tell when" Silently he paused and scanned the courtyard before them "I know you know" she said her eyes locking onto his own "As do you" he smiled. Sighing he turned her to face him, the well known words of affection easing the tension in his shoulders. "Be safe" he breathed and pulled her into a fierce hug.

Embracing his tall solid frame she shook "I know you know I love you and I beg you never forget it" she wept quietly into his ear "As do you" he murmured and hugged her tighter. Slowly he pulled back and grasped her hand. Gently squeezing her fingers he whispered "time to go sister". Silently she gasped as she felt him slip something into her hand and tuck her arm into his own. "You had best be on your way" he stated loudly "Yes" she nodded "I should".

Soothingly he grasped her hand and walked carriage door opened and the step was placed before the entrance. Ascending into the carriage she looked back at the face of her beloved brother and smiled. "Be safe" she sighed. Softly she snuggled back into the seat and raised her uncovered hand. She heard the deep voice of her brother as he instructed the coachman and the carriage began to roll away. Pulling her hand from beneath the fabric of her cape she looked at the simple white folded slip of paper and unfurled it. The letter was short. A simple message slipped into the hands of her beloved brother and delivered with all swiftness and yet the words had meant everything.

Sister,

I apologise for the subterfuge of this letter and my previous theatrical display before our father and the court. I can not put into words my current situation but know only that I have not forsaken you.

You have my protection Mary and my love. Find refuge in Pembroke and I will write again soon when fortune offers. George knows of our situation and as always bears my absolute trust. As do you dear sister.

Gather your husband and make for Pembroke Castle. George will convey instructions for your use and comfort of the estate.

Written by the hand of one whom loves you.

I know you know,

Anne

"As do you" Mary whispered into the darkness of the carriage "As do you".

Sister,

I have offered my husband his freedom. I can not risk Elizabeth in the hope that he will return to me. He has agreed to our separation. He has found another. Father is as you can imagine.

Rest assured I have ensured Pembroke will remain in my possession. Please do not fear for the future. But I must inform you that I am to be bound to his most devoted Sufolk. I know you will fathom my reaction to such a resolve.

I have lost my salvation but have ensured others. Hold your children close Beloved

I shall write again soon when fortune permits.

I know you know,

Anne

Mary read in quiet astonishment, her eyes quickly rescanning the missive. Anne had written of her loss and pain in her previous letter. But she had not expected the King to discard her beloved sister. Fury burned through her veins and pained her heart. Silently she crumpled the letter and threw it in the burning fire. Rising slowly she swiftly turned and fled her chambers in search of her husband. If Henry did not bear a crown upon his head he would have found himself missing many vital pieces of his male anatomy she seethed. As it stood he was clearly only missing a brain. Her footsteps echoed loudly against the smooth stone floor, her pace rapid as she pivoted swiftly around corners and passed swiftly between the rooms of the estate.

Furious she smouldered, her mind reeling through the pivotal points of the letter. Henry had found another and their father was furious that Anne had plotted her course of preservation. Anne had attempted to ensure not only her daughter's future but that of Mary's and her children "Fear not for the future" she had said. Anne had ensured Pembroke remained a sanctuary but at what cost. Shaking her head Mary cried "You shall not face this future alone. You did not abandon me beloved I shall not forsake you"

Quickening her pace Mary picked up the lengths of her dress and rushed in search of her husband. She could not dare delay. "William" she trilled as she entered the dining hall."I must pack immediately, I am for London this very instant".