Kenninghall (December 1529)
Bessie readjusted her hands in her fur muff hand warmer. It was a wonderfully crisp winter day. Her exposed cheeks and nose had turned a vivid pink in the cold, the lake had completely frozen over, and the frosted cobwebs that littered the garden plants resembled intricate lace patterns.
Holding onto the crook of her arm was Mrs Morely. Her old nurse and close friend was nearing her seventieth year. Despite needing some assistance to walk further distances, however, she was still as shrewd as ever. Indeed, she was still a valued member of the Howard household and continued to look after Bessie's growing siblings.
Bessie was greatly relieved to have returned to her family home for the foreseeable future, and away from the poisonous chaos of the King's court. For over the last few months, Wolsey had finally fallen. His undoing ultimately derived from his failure to obtain a divorce for the King, but Bessie had witnessed Anne and her faction carefully working behind the scenes to hasten the Cardinal's fall. In particular, the rumour that he was liaising with other foreign leaders infuriated the King, and Wolsey was stripped of his titles and banished from court.
Anne had won, and she was jubilant. Suffolk, Norfolk and the others who resented Wolsey were also ecstatic in their victory.
But Bessie was tired. Whilst she was steadfastly loyal to Anne, and partly pleased for her friend's happiness, she was glad to be away from the bitter factionalism of the court.
Moreover, her father had decided to stay for Christmas at Greenwich Palace with the royal court, meaning Kenninghall exuded a wonderful and relaxing atmosphere.
"So my dear Bess, who are your lucky suitors at the moment?"
Mrs Morely's soothing voice disrupted Bessie from her wandering thoughts.
"Suitors? You know my Lord Father is particular about who courts me," Bessie replied, with a rueful smile.
Mrs Morely patted Bessie's arm.
"Now child, whilst your father has not yet found you a suitable suitor, you are a beautiful young lady. I am certain you have many gentlemen competing for your attention," she said, her eyes crinkling in mirth.
Bessie's thoughts automatically turned to Edward. She tried in vain to prevent the blush from forming upon her face and avoided Mrs Morely's eyes.
"Ah! So there is a young man," Mrs Morely teased, now thoroughly enjoying Bessie's discomfort, and squeezing her arm.
"I-," Bessie started, but Mrs Morely started to chuckle to herself.
"Ah Bess, I know you too well. Come, tell me about him."
Bessie did not know where to begin. She could not, of course, reveal Edward's name. But their garden meeting, their first kiss, his return to court, their moment after the chapel, and the hunting trip all flashed through her mind.
He had been away from court the last few months on a diplomatic mission for the King, but before she had left for Kenninghall, they had crossed paths in the corridors of the palace on a few occasions.
These thoughts all made her feel warm inside, and frankly, on the outside too, judging by the heat in her face.
"Very well. There is one man. I first met him many years ago in France, and my god, he infuriates me. He has also hurt my feelings. But every time I am with him, the connection between us is so strong, I have never experienced anything like it."
Mrs Morely listened attentively to Bessie's description.
"It sounds as if you care for him deeply, dear. Sometimes those we love the most can also hurt us the most too."
Bessie was quiet for a moment as she let Mrs Morely's words sink in.
Love?
"Truly, it does not matter. For we cannot court, and Father will marry me to someone of his choosing either way."
"Surely if he is a gentleman then-" Mrs Morely started.
"No, it cannot be, Mrs Morely."
…
Christmas Day was a wonderfully jolly affair in the Howard household. Without the overbearing presence of the Duke of Norfolk, the household was able to make merry with freedom. Indeed, even the servants and the wider household joined the Howard children with the Yule Log tradition, feasting and dancing.
Whilst Bessie was twenty-five years of age, her brother Henry was thirteen, her sister Mary was ten, and Thomas was only five. Bessie adored children and loved watching her siblings opening their gifts together.
Anne had sent Bessie a multitude of gifts with her ever-increasing wealth. Bessie had received a new crimson gown, a brooch, new riding attire and a book. A long piece of parchment accompanied the gifts, written in Anne's neat script, detailing all the recent intrigues of the court. Bessie put it aside to read after the Christmas period, for she did not want to ruin the festivities.
More surprisingly, the King had sent Bessie a separate gift. It was a beautiful headdress to wear on special court occasions. Bessie was touched, but guessed that whilst she was in favour with the King, the gift was due to her close relationship with Anne.
…
January 1530
Bessie was due to return to court in the next week. Whilst she was looking forward to seeing Anne again, her cocoon of normality and relaxation was soon to be disrupted.
Currently, she was reading the book Anne had bought her for Christmas. It was a collection of the works of Chaucer, and Bessie was enjoying it immensely whilst she was sat on a window seat overlooking the courtyard.
The courtyard was a bustle of activity, but Bessie's attention was instantly turned away from her book when she heard the approaching sound of a rider.
He looked to be a court messenger, but she could not quite make out his livery and coat of arms upon his doublet.
Intrigued, Bessie made her way down to the main hallway, preparing to receive a message.
It is likely from Anne, she thought.
The messenger was staring in wonder at the splendour of the main hallway. Bessie smiled at his appreciation of the palace.
With a start, however, Bessie saw the Seymour coat of arms on his doublet.
She approached him quickly, checking to see if anyone else had seen him.
"Lady Elizabeth Howard?" the messenger asked, scrutinising her face.
She nodded, and swiftly pulled him into the closest drawing room.
"Yes, that is me," she confirmed, "I implore you to be subtle here, my father has spies everywhere," she added in a hushed tone.
He bowed to her.
"I understand, my lady. I am under strict instructions from Sir Edward, after all," he said cheerfully.
"Edward?" she asked, her breath catching, as if she knew any other Seymours that would contact her.
"Yes, my lady, I come bearing a gift for you from Sir Edward Seymour."
Her heartbeat accelerated rapidly. What could he have sent her?
He reached into his travelling bag and pulled out a small wooden box.
"Here, my lady. Now I must bid you adieu. I have been instructed to be swift in my delivery to you."
He bowed again to her, and opening the door to the drawing room to check the coast was clear, slipped out of the room.
Bessie looked down at the box in her hands. She almost let her curiosity get the better of her, but quickly decided against it when she remembered she was in a fairly public room.
Trying to look as normal as possible, she departed the room, and ascended the stairs to her chamber in lightning pace.
Once in the safety of her chambers, she sat on her bed covers, sinking into the soft feather mattress.
She lifted the box close to her face and inspected it. It was engraved with beautiful vine patterns and was just a bit larger than the palm of her hand.
With her heart in her mouth, she opened the box.
She gasped.
Laying on a velvet plush was a stunning ruby necklace.
It was not large by any means, but it was delicate, and breathtaking. It had a gold chain, with a shining oval ruby, and one small pearl droplet attached to the bottom of the ruby.
She traced the necklace carefully with her fingers. It was one of the most beautiful gifts anyone had ever bought for her.
From the corner of her eye, she suddenly noticed a tiny sheet of parchment paper on the floor by her foot.
Curiously, she picked it up, and saw one line of neat script.
'You are always in my heart and thoughts. Think of me when you wear this. Edward'
A/N- sorry for a slightly late update! As always, thank you to all readers of this story.