Anne felt trapped. Utterly and unfortunately trapped. Her mother came to tell her that Henry Tudor was at the party. Not only that. Oh, Lady Elizabeth would not leave it at that. She went on to say that Anne was to not have any contact with him at that party. If they had any mutual associates, which Lady Elizabeth doubted that they did, then contact was non avoidable and they should be civil towards each other, of course.
Her mother had gone to make connections. As usual, Anne was demoted to being an escort for her young cousin. Katherine's mother died when she was born, so Lady Elizabeth stepped forward to govern her young niece.
Anne and Katherine were closer in age than Anne's other siblings so they practically grew up together. Lady Elizabeth wanted Anne to stay with Katherine because she showed interest in a Mr. Thomas Culpepper. Katherine was the only girl in her family so her dowry was quite big.
Beautiful, wealthy, charming, the daughter of a Duke, and she was a Howard! Men flocked to her. Anne received the occasional look of interest, that was certainly true, but that was only after they had finished admiring Katherine or any other pretty woman that wasn't her.
Once in while she found a good man. Her eyes pulled them in. Her whispers made their hearts beat. Her words excited them. Sir Thomas Wyatt was one of these men. He was a poet. An artist. Hmm. Not quite a scholar. It wasn't that he wasn't smart. He was brilliant with his words. Eloquent in his stories. Passionate in his poetry.
"Lady Anne."
Anne glanced at her cousin to see if she was alright before hiding her smile and turning around. "Mr. Wordsmith."
He looked up at her from his bow. "Lady Anne. My own heart."
"What brings you here?"
"Mark Smeaton."
"Mark Smeaton?" Anne appeared confused. Thomas pointed to a man who was just ending a note. He was handsome. Quite handsome indeed. And he looked familiar. Thomas waved him over while the band started up another tune.
"Mark. This is Lady Anne Boleyn. The one I was telling you about. Lady Anne, this is Mark Smeaton."
Anne offered her hand. "Mr. Smeaton."
"He likes to be called just plain Mark," Thomas interjected.
Anne gasped in pretend shock. "How could he possibly be called plain?"
Mark chuckled. "My lady. It's a great pleasure."
Anne and Thomas danced as Mark played a song. She noticed her mother watching her. And someone else, too. When it ended Anne guided Thomas over to him. Under the ever watchful eye of her mother of course.
"Sir Thomas, may I introduce Mr. Henry Tudor?"
They shook hands. "You look like the business type," Thomas commented.
Henry smiled. "Yes. I am. Tudor Shipping Company at your service, Sir."
"Call me Thomas. Do you have connections in the Americas?"
"I've been working on it."
Thomas nodded and handed him a card. "Call me and I'm sure I can help you."
"Thank you, Thomas." They shook hands before Thomas left.
"See. Making friends already." Anne eyes shined with mirth.
"Yes. Thank you."
Lady Elizabeth came towards them. "Katherine is by herself with Mr. Culpepper. Accompany her will you?"
"She's dancing. I ought to do the same." Anne pulled Henry to the dance floor.
As they waltz Anne's mother watched them carefully. "She doesn't like me, does she?"
"Ah. You've figured it out have you?" Anne sighed. "Traditions have to be upheld."
"You need their approval?"
"They'll come around, I'm sure."
Henry paused and stepped back just as the music ended. He bowed and left without a word.
For the rest of the night Anne wondered what she had done wrong.
When Henry got home he left a trail of clothes behind him until he was in his trousers. Cromwell, the ever loyal servant, put away all the clothes (even the gloves) in their correct place. He stood there with his master's hat. "Will you go to her or shall I call her?"
"I want her here. Now."
Cromwell nodded and left. He twirled his master's hat and thought. He never waited this long to call her. He glanced at his pocket watch. Nearly midnight. He smirked and shook his head before doing what he was commanded.
"Would you like a bath, Miss Frey?"
The woman nodded. Cromwell instructed the maids to prepare hot water. The head maid, called Maria, helped Miss Frey into the water. The other maids, stoked fire and created more steam.
Miss Frey washed her body clean. Maria washed her hair. Her hair was braided and just when she finished dressing Cromwell came in. "My master has said that you are to wear the new dresses he bought."
She shut her eyes and shook her head. "No. He does not buy them for me so they are useless." She held out her hand. Cromwell gave her want she wanted and she left.
"Did you have a fun time with Mr. Henry Tudor?" a voice asked. "Frey?"
"Leave me alone Pepper. I'm tired." She loosened her corset and tried to ignore her roommate.
"Used you quite good, didn't he?"
No reply so she continued. "I don't see why you don't accept the fine gifts he gives you. Why, my General spoils me rotten!"
"Then why don't you move into that fancy house he keeps trying to give you. You'd have your own servants and everything."
It was quiet. "Pepper. I'm sorry."
Pepper sniffled. "You know why, Lily."
Lily tried to reach for her but she moved away. "The rent is due tomorrow. Make sure you have your portion."
"Sir." Henry groaned and turned around.
"Sir. Lord Chapuys will be here soon with his daughter, Miss Jenna Chapuys."
Henry shot up. "What time?"
"At noon." Cromwell began to pick out his clothes while he washed his face and freshened up. "It's a quarter past 11."
Henry groaned again. As he ate a late breakfast his mind wandered to Anne. He then thought of Lily. "Where did she go off to?"
"Back home, I would assume, sir. Or..."
"Don't. Say it and you're fired."
"Yes, sir."
Henry shook hands with Lord Chapuys and greeted his daughter with all the respect according to her rank.
"You have a lovely home, Mr. Tudor." She glanced up a painting of King Alfred VIII. "There is no Mrs. Tudor?"
He chuckled. "No. Not yet."
"You are in search then?"
His expression turned thoughtful and he lost focus for a minute. Lord Chapuys gave her a look. Cromwell came in with refreshments and he took that as an opportunity to talk to his daughter.
"Turn on the charm," Lord Chapuys insisted before they went back in the room.
Henry stood. "I feel stuffy. It's a beautiful day. Let's discuss this outside."