By noon, Catalina sends most of her household away. "I know you want to be loyal to me," she says when they ask why. "But we will move more frequently than you are used to, and we need to travel light."
Some of her household, such as a couple of her ladies and the Master of the Horse, stay behind. While having fewer people in her household will be beneficial long-term, it does mean those left behind have more work to do. We even take up more jobs than we ever thought we would do.
The longer we stay at Bradgate House, the more I worry about my friends. We have not heard any news from the Court or our friends. What is going on? Have they made it to safety?
Just as I think that, Suffolk goes out to greet some new visitors. Catalina joins me at the window. "It's Bessie and Henry Fitzroy," she says.
Thank goodness! We hurry out to meet them and embrace them both.
"How was the journey?" I ask Henry.
"Uneventful, thankfully. I do not think Father realised you have left Ampthill."
"At least that is something to be thankful for. What about the others? Have you heard from them?"
Henry starts frowning. "There are rumours that they are struggling to get out. Sarah Jane and Rocky are out but missing."
"Then we should pray for their arrival," Suffolk says as he walks over to us. "Until then, my wife and I will do all we can to help you."
"Thank you, my Lord Suffolk. I wish we could have only sent word ahead."
Suffolk nods and leads them in. Bessie is talking to Catalina while I'm walking alongside Henry. He is fourteen and has grown so much since I last saw him when he was created Duke of Richmond. Another horse arrives before the two of us walk in—and Mummy is on it. "Mummy!" I cry and run over to her as she climbs off. "Are you all right? Are you hurt?"
"No, no, I'm fine."
Henry walks over and joins us. "I am glad we can finally meet, Mistress Smith."
"Please, call me Sarah Jane. There is no reason for me to use that title."
"Very well, Sarah Jane."
We head inside, and Mummy sits by the fire in my room. I'll now share it with her and Bessie. "How were the others when you left them?" I ask.
"Ruby was going to start a distraction so the rest of us could leave," Mummy says. "Anne didn't want to leave without most of her family, but both Thomas and George Boleyn are in the Tower."
My legs shake. Both are in the Tower? I stumble to a chair and sit. "How?"
"I do not know. Cromwell and More are also missing. Cranmer fled yesterday."
"Do you know of anyone else?" Bessie asks.
Mummy shakes her head. "I'm sorry. If I knew where they were, I would tell you."
All we can do for now is wait.
Most of Catalina's household will leave the area and return to their families. "I am sorry I cannot pay you at this time," Catalina says as they leave. They tell her not to worry about it.
"I am glad I could serve you."
"Your gratitude is all I need."
It amazes me how much people adore Catalina.
Days pass slowly with little or no news about our friends at Court. We occasionally get a letter but have not told our group where we are. Sometimes, we go hunting with the Grey family, but it does not feel the same as it would if our friends were there. I almost stop writing in my diary except on odd days when I need to vent. I don't know how much longer I can cope with this.
Was breaking from history the right thing to do? Should I have lied to the others?
No, I cannot think like that now. What's done is done. I cannot turn back or change anything. All I can do is power through it and hope we make it out on the other side.
I put my pen down and look at my hands. I've checked myself daily to ensure I don't have any limbs missing. So far, so good.
Mummy knocks on the door. "You don't have to knock," I tell her when I look up and see her standing in the doorway.
"I know, but you looked like you needed some time."
I nod, and Mummy sits down on the bed. "It feels strange not knowing what the others are doing."
"Yeah. I've been checking myself to ensure I'm not missing anything."
Mummy nods. "It's...I hate not being able to do anything."
I stand up and sit next to Mummy. All we're doing is hiding. How is this helping anyone? If I could find a way back to Court, I could help the others escape, unless King Henry already has them locked in the Tower. I seriously hope that isn't the case. What if something happened to them? Could Henry be holding them prisoner and hoping we will come to rescue them?
When night falls, I sit at the window seat with Mummy. Neither of us talks as Bessie prepares for bed and heads out of the room. I reach out my hand, and Mummy takes it. I feel tears rolling down my cheeks as I think of my friends and Mum. If we haven't heard from them, should we assume the worst? What do we do now? Mummy rubs her thumb over the back of my hand. I close my eyes.
Hooves pounding startle me awake. The moon is out and shining, and we are not expecting anyone. "Mummy!" I whisper, shaking her. She startles awake, and I point out the window. Mummy peers into the darkness to see horses approaching, but it's too dark to see the riders. A man carrying a torch leaves the house, and the flickering light illuminates two of the riders.
"It's Anne and Princess Mary!" Mummy cries. "And look in Mary's arms!" I look to see Princess Elizabeth tucked safely in Mary's arms.
Our three heirs are safe!
I see the group again to see Rocky and George climbing off their horses. Thomas Boleyn collapses on the ground, and More and Cromwell help him up. I point them out to Mummy, and she smiles. Even Maggie, Maria, and Joan are there. Cranmer is stumbling behind them.
Catalina, Bessie, and Henry are heading outside. Mummy and I pull on our modern coats over our nightgowns and hurry out. "We're all here," Catalina beams.
"Not all of us," Mummy whispers. The clouds cover the sky, and it starts raining, but everyone else starts laughing and cheering. I put an arm around Mummy's shoulders. King Henry will not find us here. All we need to do is figure out what we will do next.