Chapter 2
THE MEETING
I returned to the Queen’s apartments made my excuses to why I was late to the Queen and took my place. I looked for Anne, and saw she was sitting over by the window with Jane Boleyn busy chatting, Anne looked up and saw me and smiled, I nodded and smiled back. Later in the chapel she had somehow managed to sit next to me and returned my kerchief, and whispered her thanks for my help.
I was about to whisper back that I hadn’t been able to get a message to Henry that day, but she had gone. There was to be a banquet that night and a Masque, there was so much to do, so I forgot about Anne and was busy with my costume. I was to be dressed in Lilac my favourite colour, and whilst I was in the middle of dressing I heard the door opening, thinking it was Susan my roommate I called out for her help with my bodice, when I turned around thinking why hadn’t Susan answered me, to come face to face with Jane, she said “Anne has sent me to help you to dress” I asked her where Susan was? Jane said “She is with the Queen” I thanked Jane for her help; Jane said “I know what you are trying to do to help Anne”. “I replied “It’s the least I could do as Anne had looked so unhappy”. Jane said “Do you need help with dressing your Hair?” this was something that I really only trusted Susan to do, but Jane’s offer for help was timely, I knew that the Queen would keep Susan much longer than was really necessary, and that by the time the Queen was ready Susan wouldn’t have time to dress my hair properly without being late into the banqueting hall, it would never do to be late.
So I gratefully excepted Jane’s help, she worked quickly, but gently, and my hair was soon neat and tidy, from somewhere she produced hood similar to the one that Anne usually wore and pinned this to my hair. “There” she said “that looks better” and I must admit it did. I hadn’t worn my hair down before in public that was something I only ever did in the privacy of my room. The Queen had always insisted that we ladies were dressed as she was, it made us look modest or so she said. Perhaps that was the reason to why I always viewed Anne with suspicion as she didn’t wear the dresses we wore always preferring to wear a more informal style of dress. I felt that Anne’s style of dress was insulting to the Queen. However now that Jane had pinned a similar headdress that Anne wore to my head I could see why Anne preferred to wear this style. Most nights I went to bed with a headache, the Gable hood I usually wore felt heavy on my head, and always made me itch, this new hood seemed altogether lighter. Jane said “Is there anything else you need Amy” I smiled and said no, and Jane said “I’ll see you later then” and left.
I sat for quite a while looking at myself in the glass, so much so I was almost late going into the hall. I felt quite daring walking into the hall wearing this hood, and certainly Susan was amazed at the transformation it had made to me. She said “Amy you look 5 years younger” I giggled and agreed.
Even the Queen was amazed at the change, but I could tell she wasn’t very happy. For once I thought to myself oh damn her I’m happy. The banquet done the Queen retired to her chambers, I half expected a message to come from her, for me to go to her chamber and spend the rest of the evening with her in chapel, as it was usual for one of us ladies to do that, but as she walked pass me she smiled and said “enjoy the dancing Amy”. That night I did enjoy the dancing I danced more than I ever had before, I even danced with the Duke of Suffolk, Charles Brandon who was the King’s brother in Law.
Whilst resting I was approached by Charles, and asked if I would like to take the air. It was hot and stuffy in the hall and the thought of some cool clean air was just so tempting, besides others were doing it, although I wasn’t so naïve to think that it was just air they were taking. I knew that some ladies had lovers. I offered him my hand and we walked out onto the Balcony, which overlooked the gardens. Charles whispered to me “Ssh don’t say anything” “Can you meet me in the stables tomorrow at 1pm?” I replied “I don’t know, it might be difficult the Queen you know”
“Can you not plead a headache and get the Queen to release you from your duties?” I thought for a second or 2, and said “I can try Sir”. “Call me Charles Please we are friends after all Mistress”
And as an afterthought he added “Amy” I blushed and said “I will try Charles” and blushed again. I had never referred to men by their names before other than my brothers. “One more thing Amy, don’t wear your court dress I’ve arranged for a maid’s dress to be sent to your room, wear that, I’ll explain when we meet tomorrow” I was just about to ask why I didn’t like the idea of wearing a maid’s dress without an explanation there and then. When Charles said “The music is starting again, would you give the honour of this dance Mistress” and before I had even a chance to answer I was caught up in the dance.
The next day I woke up tired I also did have a headache so when the time came for me to plead a headache to the Queen I wasn’t exactly lying. The Queen was only too willing to excuse me my duties as she was going to suggest it herself as I really didn’t look well, and she was worried. I went to my room, and as promised Charles had indeed managed to get a maid’s dress to my room. I felt very daring as I dressed, I kept my head down on the way to the stables through fear of being recognised, in fact I was so distracted I didn’t see the mighty Duke of Norfolk until I bumped into him. I expected a beating from him as I had seen him do the Kitchen boy, but he just pushed me roughly out of the way and shouted “get out of the way wench”, and carried on down the corridor with his retinue. I breathed a sigh of relief, because if he had struck me I would have to find an excuse to the bruises left.
My heart was pounding like hammer as I walked across the courtyard towards the stable, but there was Charles waiting for me with 2 horses. “Hello Amy” he said. “I assume you can ride?” “Yes Sir” I replied “”I told you call me Charles” He said. I said “Yes Charles”.
He said “Good come on then let me help you to mount” Once I was safely up in the saddle he mounted and we rode off towards Hampton Court. He explained that he had managed to persuade the Cardinal that Henry needed a maid to look after him, until his father came down. The Cardinal being a little distracted had agreed, and given him the task of finding a suitable lady. Therefore I could deliver my message to Henry and because I was dressed as a maid the staff at the Cardinal’s palace would be expecting me and he was with me to protect me on my journey. We also talked about other things on that long journey, of home and family. I told him that I had 4 younger brothers 1 older brother and 1 younger sister who was a Nun at Dartford, that my father had died when I was 10 and my mother had been pregnant with her youngest child when he died, she had remarried shortly after my brother had been born. I didn’t get on with my stepfather, who viewed girls as a waste of time, and told my mother to either marry me the brat as he called me, off or send me into a convent. Mother had been a maid in waiting in the Queen household when she had been married to Arthur, and had somehow managed to get me a place in the Queen’s household.
Charles said “I feel sympathy for you. Mother and Father always wanted a girl but there is only me and my 2 brothers. We don’t suffer for it as you do Mother and Father are very loving and devoted parents to us as much as they are to each other.
Finally Charles said “Amy you looked beautiful last night”. I blushed and a bubble of laughter escaped from me. I said “I felt very daring in that hood” Charles said “Why don’t you like Anne?” That stunned me. I said “I don’t know Charles, is it possible that I don’t like her because the Queen doesn’t like her?” “It’s possible I suppose Amy. But what has Anne actually done to you personally?” said Charles.
We were silent for the next 5 minutes, whilst I thought about what Charles had said…
I finally answered and said “Well nothing, in fact she has just ignored me even when I’ve been beastly to her and called her a wh*re to her face”
Charles said “Can you give her a chance? I understand your loyalty to the Queen and that is just as it should be, but give Anne a chance, if not for her sake but mine” Something about the way Charles said that made me agree “Alright Charles for you sake I’ll try to like her” “ Thank you Amy, that’s all I ask” he said.
By the time we reached Hampton Court it was starting to get dark, I was also very hungry as I hadn’t had any lunch, thankfully we were expected at Hampton court and a meal had been prepared for us in the Kitchen. Whist we ate Charles told me what his plan was to do with Henry and Anne. He told me to tell Henry to go out hunting the next day and to head for the hunting lodge on the estate, he would ride there in the early morning with Anne and they would meet there and discuss what they would do next. He said that he would wait for me and that we would ride back as soon as I had delivered the message I was to tell him that I would be back in 2 days’ time with the news.
I nodded and was taken to Henry’s rooms. I knocked and waited for the door to open; his servant which I knew was one of the Cardinal’s men let me in and went out quietly shutting the door. I knew that he would be just the other side of the door listening to our conversation, so I set about tidying his room and asking in a perhaps un-necessarily loud voice if there was anything I could do for him. Henry, who was sat with his back to me, turned and said “Can you stop my father coming here?”
I looked up from my tidying and saw a very upset young man who it had been clear had been crying.
I was shocked to see his pinched pale look, considering that when I’d last seen his face it was alive and vibrant and his eyes sparkling with vitality, and my heart went out to him. I went over to him and quickly whispered what Charles had told me to say, he looked up at me and for a second his eyes sparkled. He said “Has Anne sent you?” I nodded, at that moment the door opened and the servant who let me into the room re-appeared and said I was to go. Henry managed to whisper
“Thank you mistress, tell Anne… well she knows” I replied “I will” “is there anything you require Sir when I come again.” Henry replied loudly “the only thing I need you cannot give me, now get you gone” and turned back to looking out of the window. I thought what a rude man he was, but afterwards I thought he had said that because the servant would no doubt be under orders to repeat everything he had said to me, and that he had, had to be nasty with me, to convince the servant that I was there as a maid, as he had been told.
Charles was in the yard ready with the horses. I was worried about riding back in the dark as I thought we would get lost, I had never ridden in the dark before so stayed close to Charles.
I suddenly let out a laugh which seemed very loud in the dark, and quickly stifled it, worried that some cutthroat who was waiting in the shadows ready to leap out. Charles asked “What’s so funny Amy” I replied “I’m happy I don’t know why I’m just happy” It was now Charles’s turn to laugh.
“You are a funny girl Amy”. “Why” I replied. “Well” said Charles “A few days ago, you said you hated Anne and here you are today doing a favour for her”
“I know, but I didn’t like to see her so upset”. By the time we rode back into the courtyard of Windsor, I was feeling very tired and it was all I could do to mount the stairs to my room. Charles had gone off towards his own lodgings. When I got to my room I quickly undressed and hid the maid’s clothes in a chest at the end of my bed, and climbed into bed just before Susan came in.

Chapter 4
CHARLES
At supper that evening I was thoughtful. Jane had put her very life at court on the line to save my life, and had done it without asking for anything in return. Anne was back at Hever and could have very easily said that I was one who had acted a messenger for her to Henry, and that Charles was the one who had taken me over to Hampton Court. “Charles” every time I thought about him I remembered the merry twinkle I had seen in his eyes that afternoon.
Almost as if he heard my thoughts he was at my side offering to walk me around the garden whilst the servants cleared the hall and the musicians set up for the dancing. I accepted his offer and we went off we passed by Jane who smiled at us. Charles said “Well mistress” “Amy I mean how are you feeling today, better I hope” I realised he had said this just as the Duke of Norfolk loomed into view “Much better thank you sir the apothecary is very good” then added “Charles” in a whisper.
The Duke seemed satisfied and passed by. “Charles what happened” He explained that he had been followed when he had taken Anne to meet Henry, and that although he hadn’t been recognised Anne had. The spy had ridden back to Hampton Court and told Wolsey what was happening, Wolsey had sent his men to the lodge and caught Anne and Henry together I had managed to hide in the woods and rode back to the court as fast as possible and told Jane to get rid of the dress and to protect you. “Thank you Charles” I said.
“The Duke had me in his room and slapped me “ I said.
“I know” he replied and looked at my face. “I’m glad he didn’t leave a mark on your face Amy” “Why?” I asked.
“Because” he said “I would hate to see your beauty marred by a bruise”
“Charles” I laughed and he laughed too.
“I love your laugh Amy, your nose crinkles when you laugh.” he said. I blushed and Charles laughed again.
We continued to walk around the garden in silence I was deep in thought and in my thoughts were Charles. I liked him terribly, he was fun to be with and I felt safe with him, then it hit me what it was I like about Anne it was her friendliness and how she had protected me from the Duke’s wrath, she could have told the Duke it was me who was the messenger, but she hadn’t, she had been sent back to Hever in disgrace, and had accepted her punishment.
Also Charles could have gone to the Duke and said that Anne had asked me to be her messenger. But he hadn’t, instead he gone to Jane and asked her to protect me. Was Anne as black as the Queen painted her? The Queen had called Anne a sl*t, and a wh*re many times and yet whenever she was in the Queens apartments there had been merriment, and without her it seemed very boring, and dull. The King and the Queen were as everyone knew, unhappy and yet when Anne was there the atmosphere was happy and jovial.
Without Anne at court it seemed as if anything we did was tedious. Even Charles despite his flattery of me seemed out of place, without Anne. I decided I would write to Anne and thank her for her kindness towards me and protecting me from the Duke’s wrath.
Charles noticed my change in attitude and asked “I haven’t offended you have I Amy”
“No Charles not at all” and smiled at him. We went back indoors just as the music started up and I danced with Charles almost all night, I had never felt so happy, and when I went to bed that night I felt different.
Susan was there already and asked me where I was yesterday afternoon when she came to see if I was alright. I knew then that Susan was who had told the Duke about me not being there and resolved to never let her into my confidence again.
I told her I was with the apothecary. She snorted and mumbled she didn’t believe me. I didn’t answer her as I got into bed and feigned sleep when she said she had seen me go off to the stables with a man.
I felt like slapping her, but I knew if I had she would report to the Duke of Norfolk, that I had slapped her and I would be in deep trouble.
I slept well, but then I usually did, but in my dreams I kept seeing Charles’s face and the merry twinkle in his eyes.
In those dreams were also Anne dancing in as if she was floating on air and the whole room lighting up with her laughter, When I awoke in the morning I knew that my opinion of Anne was different. I was resolved to offer my friendship towards her.
I sought Jane out after morning Mass and asked her if I could write to Anne.
Jane was surprized and said “Why? I thought you didn’t like her? I felt a little uncomfortable, and Jane saw that.
“Jane “I said “I was wrong, I don’t know how to explain it but I was wrong I do like Anne ““She’s fun” was the closest I could get to explaining how I felt.
I was worried too and said to Jane “will Anne forgive me? After all I have been beastly towards her.” Jane said “Anne’s not vindictive she’ll forgive you, after all you helped her or at least tried to. It your fault that the plan failed”
Jane laughed quietly, and said “you are a funny girl aren’t you”
I smiled and said “That’s what Charles said”
Jane said “Ah Charles, he’s very Handsome is he not?”
I laughed and said “Yes he is, but he and I are just friends, he would never be interested in me”
It was Jane’s turn to laugh now… I asked her what she found so funny, she replied “You are idiot, of course he’s interested in you” That was something entirely new to me. A man in the King’s retinue interested in me? The unwanted daughter in a family of boys?
I was so distracted that day that the Queen became concerned and sent me to the Apothecary thinking I had taken ill. The apothecary said he could find nothing physically wrong with me, smiled and suggested I was perhaps suffering of some sort of malady of the heart, and sent me back to the Queen with a clean bill of health… Jane and I were often together that day, and though her I learnt more about Anne, I found myself enjoying being in her company, and every time I happened to look up I saw Susan looking at me with disgust. I thought “damn her! What is wrong with me being friends with other people?” Friends? That was the first time I used that word other than with Susan. I realised that Jane was as much fun to be with as Anne although she lacked Anne’s spark. Later that day I found time to pick up my Quill, and write to Anne.
It was a difficult letter to write, but I stuck at it and eventually managed to put into words my feelings, and hoped she would understand. I wrote…
Mistress Anne, I hope my letter won’t cause you annoyance, but I want to thank you for your kindness towards me and for protecting me against the King’s wrath.
I also want to apologize to you for my behaviour towards you in the past. Yes it was true I did hate you, but now I find I miss you at court. Jane has been very kind towards me and has told me a lot about you. I find her company refreshing and everyone else in the court seems dull, except of course for the King although he does frighten me sometimes, when he shouts, and Charles. I like Charles he says my nose crinkles when I laugh.
Please forgive me for saying this but I hope you can come back to court soon. I understand if you wish me to keep away from you but I won’t forget your kindness Anne and will help you if I can…
Amy.

After I’d written and sealed it I hid it in my locked box as I no longer trusted Susan and knew if she knew I’d written to Anne she would tell the Queen and I might find myself sent back to my home.
I couldn’t bear to think about that, plus I would miss Charles too.

Chapter 6
THE JOUST
After Mass we broke our fast, I was surprized on how hungry I was I sat between Anne and Jane and all 3 of us were soon chatting about the Joust. Anne said “Henry is by far the best Jouster he will soon beat everyone” I nodded in agreement, then quite suddenly for me I burst out and said “Anne have you got a dress I can borrow for this afternoon?”
Anne looked at me and said “Amy I have lots of dresses and you can borrow them anytime you want to” I smiled. “Jane” she said “you are right about Amy she is a funny girl” and we all laughed… “Come to my room in 10 minutes I have just the dress for you it will bring out your beauty, and I’m sure Charles will fall in love with you” She said. I felt my heart do a somersault in my chest, as she mentioned his name. Again I asked myself the question, was Charles really interested in me?
I went to Anne’s room and there on the bed was a pale pink and cream dress, with a diamond studded Hood, with a diamond studded net caul. I gasped when I saw it. Anne saw my look of amazement and said “Well Amy what are you waiting for” I didn’t need telling twice I quickly took off my dress and kicked it across the room, along with the Gable hood, I had finished with that look I wanted to be different, I was young I wanted to look young not dowdy and old. I quickly put on the dress and this time Anne did my hair when she had finished she said “You look so fresh and lovely, I’m sure you will attract a lot of attention today”
I blushed and said shyly. “As long as Charles notices I don’t care” She laughed and said “Oh he will, trust me” and strangely enough I did trust her.
I walked through the court on the way to the jousting yard, and once again I happened to come across the Duke of Norfolk this time however he was left speechless as I passed by him, so once again I thanked Anne in my mind as she was right about the attention I would get wearing this dress, even if it was just the Duke of Norfolk.
When I got to the Jousting Yard most of the good seats were taken in the Royal box and I felt a little dismayed that I would be at the back of the crowd perhaps unseen by Charles. However at the sight of me a young man who I knew was Charles’s page, but didn’t know his name rose from his seat and said “Mistress, my master told me to keep a seat for you” I thanked him and took my seat.
Anne and Jane came and I was thankful that they too were sat close to me, as I felt a little uncomfortable amongst all the other ladies in their formal and seemingly old fashioned dress.
Susan whispered to Laura, “You can see how dangerous that Boleyn wh*re is can’t you? I would have never thought of Amy being as bad as her, but look at her, only wh*res dress like that”
I was about to turn around and say something but suddenly a fanfare of trumpets announced the coming of the King and Queen, we all stood waiting for the Royal party to arrive in the box and prepared to curtsy. Once the King and Queen had settled the joust began, after half an hour, Henry rose and made his way to one of the bigger tents that I had passed on my way to the Royal box.
Suddenly there was Charles he looked magnificent on a jet black horse, and once again I felt my heart do a somersault. His opponent was the mighty Duke of Nottingham, and for the first time in my life I was worried about someone other than myself.
Charles rode up to the Royal box and bowed to the Queen but I couldn’t help notice he was looking directly at me, and for the second time that day I saw the same look in Charles’s face as I had seen in the Duke of Norfolk face only an hour before. He dipped the point of his lance towards me and said “My Lady will you do me the honour and allow me to wear your favour?”
I nodded stood up and took my favour from my sleeve and tied it to his lance, and whispered “Good luck Charles please don’t get hurt” I was about to sit back down, when I noticed from the corner of my eye the Queen’s expression, I turned to look at her and noticed 2 things, 1.She had a very disappointed and sour look on her face and to just how old she looked incomparisson to all us ladies here. For a moment I felt a little un-settled and then I remembered the looks on the face of both the Duke of Norfolk and Charles and somehow I just didn’t care anymore.
Why should I dress in such old fashioned clothes I was young, plenty of time for looking old and dowdy when you were old and dowdy, and once again I made a mental note to thank Anne when I could. When I looked across to Anne she smiled and mouthed “see I told you so” I smiled and again I thanked my lucky stars that I had the good sense to write that letter to Anne, without her I would still be stuck in darkness.
Charles lost his joust with the Duke of Nottingham I was sorry for it, he was winded, but thankfully unhurt, his page returned my favour, and said “Charles is asking to see you” “When” I replied
“After the joust in the garden” I told the page to tell Charles I would be there.
The joust continued, but I really wasn’t concentrating much “I wonder what Charles wants” I thought. However I was soon brought back to earth when I heard Henry had entered the lists, he was to joust against the Duke of Nottingham, I wished with all my heart that Henry would unseat the mighty Duke, after all he unseated Charles. Henry approached the Royal box bowed his head to the Queen, she had risen and was just about to offer him her favour when he turned his horse and pointed his lance towards Anne, she took her favour from her Cuff and tied it happily to his Lance.
The Queen was incensed and promptly made to leave, I as one of her ladies should have left to, but then I remembered her look and decided to stay, why should an old woman spoil the fun of a joust? I was glad to see them all go save for Anne and Jane and a few other ladies. I was able to move a little closer to Anne and Jane and soon we were chattering and cheering the jousters who had won, and sympathising with those who had lost. Anne was right when she said that Henry would beat everyone, he did and for the first time I began to see Henry in a different light. I was always a little afraid of him, but now I saw he was as much fun as Anne was.
He was the King of course and must be obeyed, which was why perhaps he sometimes got cross when he felt like he wasn’t being obeyed, and I realised the scene I had witnessed the night Anne was sent away was one of those moments.
But somehow Henry at the joust was different; maybe because I was now different I could see a different side to him too.

Chapter 8
THE QUEEN
Jane, Anne and I looked at each other, and before I realised I’d said it I said “What does that damn Spanish woman want now?” “I’d better go and find out I suppose I’ll see you later”
I walked slowly towards the Queen’s apartments I knocked on the door and waited till I heard the Queen say “Enter” I opened the door and walked slowly towards the Queen she was stood by the window, and again I noticed just how old she looked.
I curtsied and “Your Majesty sent for me?”
“Yes” She said “you may sit” I waited until she took her seat and noticed that her movements were very slow and painful. I sat down on one of the floor cushion and waited for her speak.
“Mistress it has come to my attention that you have made friends with a lady of ill repute, and your manner of dress has become lax as I have no doubt as your morals have, I am therefore sending you back to your home. I will be writing to your parents tonight and will ask them to come and fetch you in 2 days’ time” I looked up and saw her expression was one of disgust and loathing. “I am sorry it has come to this, I was fond of your mother, but I cannot and will not tolerate such disrespectful behaviour from her daughter” “You may go”.
I got up curtsied, and left the room, bursting into tears, I ran down the hall crying not seeing Anne or Jane in my flight and made for my room, there I flung myself down on my bed and sobbed brokenheartedly. I didn’t hear Anne enter the room and it was only after I felt her hand touch my shoulder I realised I wasn’t alone. Anne asked “What’s the matter Amy, what has happened?” Finally I managed to get enough control of myself to tell her.
“Anne, the Queen is sending me away, what can I do?” “I can’t go I love it here at court, this is my home. I’m not wanted at my Mother’s home, and my step-father will find a way of persuading my Mother to send me to a convent, and Charles what about Charles? Oh Anne I was so happy, and now I shall be misable again”.
Anne said “Amy you won’t be sent away Trust me; I’ll get Henry to make her change her mind”
I said “Will you?”
“Yes, there is no way I am going to see you go anywhere, you belong here, with us, with me, and with Charles” she said, and with that she went.
A little while later Anne came back into my room and said “All done, the Queen doesn’t like it, but I don’t care” I threw my arms around Anne and squeezed her. “I’ll not forget this, I so glad we are friends”
“As am I Amy as am I” Anne replied. “Now then Mistress we must set about seeing what we can dress you in tonight for the Masque, and we mustn’t keep Charles waiting, he’s waited long enough for the woman of his dreams to walk into his life”. I laughed.
“Oh and by the way Amy I asked Henry if you could be moved to a room nearer mine, and he agreed, so from tonight you will be in the room next to mine , don’t worry about moving your things I’ve already made arrangements for that to be done. I squeezed her again. “Now come” she said “there is a lot to do and such little time” I went off with Anne arm in arm feeling happy, I passed Susan and although very childish I stuck my tongue out at her and giggled.
We walked into Anne’s room, Jane was busy laying out dresses for tonight’s ball when she saw me she said “well that won’t do, we can’t have red eyes at the masque, come here Amy and sit down I’ve got just thing to get rid of them” I sat down and Jane bathed my face in Rose scented water, “There” she said “That’s done the trick” and as I turned to look in the glass I saw she was right.
Anne said “Amy I heard you met my brother this afternoon? What do you think?” I replied “Anne I think he’s very charming, but next to Charles well…” Both Anne and Jane started laughing and Anne’s infectious laughter caught me too. I was happy again, and forgot the nasty business with the Queen. She was just a silly old woman, and I was surprised by my thoughts.
I busied myself, and asked Anne which dress would suit me best, again I was surprized at myself. I’d never asked anyone before about dress, I’d always thrown on the first clean dress I could find, regardless of what colour it was. Anne looked amongst all the dresses Jane had laid out on the bed, and chose a dress of Silver and white tissue. “This one” she said,” and Jane I think we shall weave diamonds into her hair with a rope Pearls and diamonds around her neck, and another rope around her waist” I gasped I had never had anything as beautiful as this before. Anne added “Oh of course the silver shoes too” I dressed quickly well we all did Anne looked magnificent, she wore a dress of gold tissue, which made her dark hair even darker, her dark eyes sparkled, and I understood now why Henry had fallen in love with her. Jane dressed in a similar dress to my own. We all went out together and headed towards the Queen’s rooms ready to escort her to the hall.

Chapter 10
WEDDING BELLS
Life was full of surprizes for me just then. Not only had I met Charles I had a best friend too. Anne.
I finally got out of bed and realised that once again I hadn’t got anything suitable to wear, as if by magic Anne read my mind and threw open my Wardrobe door I was stunned, in it were masses and masses of different coloured dresses all cut in the latest fashion. Anne laughed, “Well I couldn’t have you walking naked around the court could I” she said.
Once again I threw my arms around her and thanked her with tears in my eyes. Anne said “Well Amy I will leave you to choose the dress you wish to wear” Picked up the tray and walked out of the room quietly shutting the door behind her.
The King had spoken truly when he said my step-father would do as he was told, as I received a letter from my mother, that in itself had been a surprize as in all the years I had been at court she had never written to me, not once. She explained that my step-father as far as I was concerned was off his hands and no longer his problem; he didn’t care if I was alive or dead, I was nothing but a useless girl. I felt very annoyed with him, but in a way my marriage to Charles would show him just how wrong he was. He had managed to marry 2 of my brothers to the daughters of Sir Gingham and Dr Greenwood, and here was me a brat as he called me getting married to a Lord. My mother said she would be arriving at court in a week’s time. Plus she wanted to see the Queen again. That annoyed me why should she want to see her, it was me who was getting married not the Queen. I smiled and started to laugh as I reread her words. See the Queen indeed, what’s to see? An old woman way past her usefulness.
One thing was for sure my mother would not share my rooms. Let my step-father arrange lodging for her it would do him good to pay for something, instead of hoarding his money, like some old lick penny.
The next surprize came the following day, when I had 2 bolts of white taffeta fabric and 2 ells of fine gold lace delivered to my room, there was a note attached to the bundles. “Amy this is for your wedding gown, work fast Charles is an impatient man” it was signed King Henry. I blushed and thought what a wonderful man the King truly was. I also wondered how I could pay back his kindness to me.
I walked slowly to the Queens apartments my feet were as light as a feather and I felt if I walked quickly I would fall. I entered the room and noticed straight away that there was a different feeling in the room. However I didn’t care and set about my duties.
The Queen was sat in a window seat with Maria, and with Susan sat of the floor threading a needle for the Queen as once again the Queen was busy, with her tapestry, and Jane Seymour reading passages from the Bible out loud. It was then I noticed than Anne wasn’t there, but Jane was, so at least I had someone to talk to when I had finished what I was doing. I went over to Jane and said “Where’s Anne? I got so much to tell her, and I need her help too” Jane replied “Gone hunting with the King” Then I understood what the feeling was in the room. The Queen was depressed because the King had gone off without her, again. “Silly old woman” I thought she makes herself misable and for what? Jane and I sat talking quietly in the window seat for a few minutes, and then I heard the Queen calling my name “Oh bother” I thought, “What does she want now? I was just about to tell Jane about the gift from the King.”
I walked over to the window curtsied and said “Yes your Majesty” The Queen said “I understand you are to marry Lord Tavistock?” For a moment I forgot who Lord Tavistock was, and then I remembered and said “Yes your Majesty” I noticed her face was very angry looking “and I suppose you think getting the wh*re to speak in your defence was a good idea?”
I was angry despite who had actually said it and answered “Anne is no wh*re” and added quite harshly for me “Your Majesty”
There was a sharp intake of breath from the ladies around the Queen. The Queen said “You forget yourself Mistress. If it was not for the King’s direct order I would have sent you from this court ere long” “Yes your Majesty” I said. The Queen added “Once you are married if the marriage even takes place at all that is, I shall see you will no longer be a member of my household, you and the wh*re will be banished from my court I will have my way in this I assure you. Now get you gone from my sight”
I curtsied once again and turned to go, as I did the Queen said “Now ladies I wish to be alone come back in 2 hours”
I breathed a sigh of relief and went, I caught up with Jane just outside the door, and told her of the King’s present, and what his note said. Jane laughed “Well Amy” She said “we had best get to work then”. We went to my room and she too was as amazed as I was when she saw the material.
We took up the cloth and the net and made our way to the seamstress, once we had told what we wanted, she said in a light-hearted manner “Yes, yes leave me alone I know what to do” and added with a laugh “anyone would think I’d never made a wedding gown before”.
I decided I needed a breath of fresh air, and told Jane I would see her later, and headed out into the Garden, however I didn’t really enjoy my walk much purely because Charles wasn’t there with me. At that moment I heard the sound of horses’ hooves coming into the courtyard, and thought “Another messenger? That must have been about the 10th today” and carried on with my walk, suddenly I found myself being scooped up in the air and heard Charles, “Amy we are to marry next week will your dress be ready by next week?” I laughed as Charles held me in his arms I said “That quick?” “Yes” said Charles “I can wait no longer, I have waited long enough for you to walk into my life and now you have I never want to let you go” and with that he kissed me.
Finally he put me down and we went for a walk around the garden hand in hand, which suddenly became a paradise to me. I told Charles what the Queen had said to me and said “She sounds very bitter these days, but she can blame no one but herself.” Charles said “the Queen won’t send you from the court or Anne either she won’t risk the Princess being sent away from her, it’s all just empty words Amy, just like her. I felt a lot better than I did just an hour or so before.
The week flew by and I worried that my dress wouldn’t be ready in time and I would have to choose one of my other dresses to wear instead, but it was, with just 1 day to go I walked into my room and there on my bed was my beautiful wedding dress. I ran next door to Anne’s apartments and told her “Anne you must come and look” seeing my happy face she put down the book she had been reading and followed me. I picked up my dress and held it against myself and said “Isn’t it beautiful?” and Anne came over and hugged me and said “Yes Amy it is. Now then what have I got that will go with it”, and she went off to her room and reappeared a few minutes later with a jewellery box, sat down on my stool, and opened it after about what seemed a hour but was in fact only a few minutes, she said “Yes this will be perfect” and shut the lid. In her hand she held a gold and diamond necklace, “This will go perfect with your gown, Take it Amy this is my gift to you” I gasped “But Anne”. “No buts” she laughed, and I laughed too.
The day of my wedding dawned clear and beautiful it was going to be a warm day, but, my thoughts were all for Charles in just a few short hours I would be his wife. I wished time would move quicker, but soon enough the time simply flew by. Anne and Jane had been in my room all morning helping me to dress, doing any last minute alterations that may have been needed, and generally chatting about what would happen that night at the feast. I realised that once again that not only had Henry paid for my wedding but he had also organised a feast in Charles and mine’s honour, and I wondered again how I would repay the King’s kindness to Charles and me.
All too soon it was time to make my way down to the Chapel; I was nervous and felt cross with myself for it too. Why should I be nervous I was marrying the only man I knew I would truly love. At the entrance to the Chapel there stood the King, he looked magnificent, he was dressed in Royal purple with silver slashed sleeves and black hose and a black velvet cap with a white feather on his head. I suddenly felt very tiny next to him, and Henry must have guessed my thoughts as he started to laugh. I curtsied and Henry took my hand and rose me up, “No ceremony mistress time enough for that inside the Chapel” “Yes your Majesty” I replied.
“Your Majesty” I said “How can I ever repay your Kindness to me?” “Well Mistress” he said with a merry twinkle in his eyes “I guess you could repay it by allowing me to have the first dance with you at your feast tonight” I gasped and said “I would be honoured to your Majesty.” The Duke of Suffolk was to give me away and I went to him and curtsied “I am ready my Lord” I said the Duke smiled at me and said “Amy, Charles is a lucky man, be happy always” and with that I placed my hand on his arm and made to walk into the Chapel. Just at that moment Henry’s voice boomed out “Stop I cannot let you do this Charles” for a second I thought Henry had withdrawn his permission for me to marry. Henry saw the alarm in my face, and laughed “Amy you shall marry Charles, but I will be the one who will give you away” and with that Henry took my hand and led me down the aisle.
I turned to see Anne looking at me with such tenderness, that once again I thought of what a difference one letter had made.
The ceremony was soon over and it was then I noticed that my mother hadn’t been in the congregation and neither had the Queen. “Good” I thought I wouldn’t have been as happy if I knew that sour faced old woman was there, although I was surprized not to see my mother, but then thought that perhaps my step father had forbidden her to travel to court, I didn’t let the thought of my step-father’s malice spoil my happiness for too long. “Well wife what are you thinking about?” said Charles “Wife” I thought, well it was going to take me a bit of time to get used to.
I changed out of my wedding gown and Charles and I went into the banqueting hall I went to walk to my usual seat forgetting for a moment I had just got married. Charles laughed and said “You haven’t forgotten already that we have just got married my lady” and with that he steered me to a seat on the King’s table.
Henry said “only the best for Lord and Lady Tavistock” I blushed and took my seat. He added “Anne it is my wish that you too should sit here, come sit next to our newest Lady.” Anne danced over and sat next to me, I said “Oh Anne I am so happy”, she squeezed my arm and said “Amy you are a funny girl aren’t you? And laughed and I did too.
Just before the feast began Charles’s household came up to me one by one and offered their congratulations and their fealty, with a promise they would always protect me from danger. Lastly was the page who had saved me a seat at the joust that day, in his hands he carried a single red rose, he bowed and offered me the rose and said “My Lady this rose is a pale compassion to the rose my Lord married today” I turned to Charles with tears in my eyes, and Charles said “No Amy no tears,” and kissed me.
The feast began I was hungry but for some strange reason I ate very little, during the feast the heralds suddenly piped up “Lady Sterling”
I looked up and there was my mother looking much older than when I had last seen her, and looking very angry too. She looked around the hall looking for me I presumed, would she recognise me? The answer was no. Eventually she approached the King, curtsied and said “I have come to take my daughter Amy home where is she?”
Henry said “Well madam I cannot believe you cannot recognise your own daughter in a room full of people”
Then I saw her look quickly at Anne. “Your Majesty I have heard that my daughter has become involved with a woman at court who is well known of having low morals, I also understand she intends to marry one of this wh*re’s low down common friends I am here to forbid it and take her home, she is to go into a convent, as her sister did before her”
Henry’s face turned crimson with anger. He said “Madam you forget yourself, I am the one who has agreed for her marriage to take place and as to your reference about a wh*re in my court I know of no such person. If there was such a person within my court she would soon find herself out on the street with nothing”
“Where is she?” My mother asked the King yet again.
Henry said “Madam as I understand it you and your husband have, no care for her anyway so why should her marriage be of your concern? Your husband, madam wrote to me himself and told me that the brat can marry the Devil for all he cares he has no wish to ever see or hear of her again, therefore I took it upon myself to act as her guardian and protector until a suitable marriage could be arranged for her, and this I have done. The marriage has already taken place, and those whom God has joined no man can put asunder and this feast is in celebration of that most joyous marriage. If you cannot be happy for your daughter and wish her happiness then I suggest you leave immediately, you will be of no loss to this feast or to her”.
“I demand to know where she is your Majesty” my mother said again.
Henry replied “take a look around madam anyone of these beautiful woman could be your daughter, but there is only one Amy”.
My mother did look but not finding me stormed out. I turned to Charles and said “My mother has changed she used to be so different she tried so hard to protect my sister and I from my step-father’s malice and wept bitterly when my step-father sent my sister to the Convent.
It was she had sent the Queen a letter recommending me for a maid in waiting as I’ve no doubt I too would have been sent to a convent sooner or later.”
Charles said “Give it no further thought my love. Henry is quite right you know, there are many beautiful woman, here tonight, but there is and always shall be only one Amy”
“I love you Charles” I breathed. “Amy, My Amy” Charles replied, and suddenly the scene with my mother disappeared.
Soon the dancing began and as I promised the first dance was Henry’s and as we were dancing he said, “Well Lady Tavistock how do you feel?”
“Wonderful” I replied. I added “I am sorry about my mother, I had hoped she would be happy for me?” Henry smiled and said “Forget it, it never happened, do not let one lady’s spite mar your happiness Amy.” The dance ended and the King returned me to Charles. We too danced later in the evening, but by then I was becoming very tired.
It had been a long day, eventually Charles said “Come wife it is time we went to bed” we got up and made our way out of the hall, just then Anne came up squeezed me, and put into my hands a book, She whispered “read it when you can, although not tonight” kissed me on the cheek and Charles too and then went back into the hall. We had just got about half way down the gallery, when once again I saw my mother, I clung hard to Charles, and he whispered “Don’t worry” as we got nearer she curtsied and asked us “Sir, have you seen my daughter Amy Sterling I have looked everywhere for her. I am to set out in the morning for home and I would like her to come to my lodging with me tonight”
I squeezed Charles even harder. “I am sorry Madam I know no such person. Although wait a minute? Wife, wasn’t that girl called Amy who married Jeremy Kemble last week?” “Yes Charles I believe it was” I replied. “Do you know where I might find her?” My Mother asked.
Charles made to look like he was thinking and I giggled, and quickly managed to turn into a cough “Yes Madam I believe they have gone to live in France”.
My Mother said “Thank you Sir” In a very bitter and somewhat deflated way. I curtsied and Charles bowed and we went on our way, when we reached the bottom on the gallery Charles suddenly picked me up, and rushed up the stairs to his room, he slammed the door using his foot, and we collapsed onto the bed laughing at a my mother’s bitter, deflated face.. “Oh Charles you do make me laugh. My poor mother” and we started laughing all over again. Charles got up and poured out 2 cups of wine, and then we sat on the edge of the bed to drink them.
“Well wife” Charles said “I suppose we should get to bed” for the first time I trembled, at the thought of us sharing a bed. Charles looked at me, and said “don’t worry Amy, I’ll be gentle” “Oh Charles… Husband” I said, it was the first time I called Charles, Husband that day and it still felt odd that I was now married to this wonderful caring man. We slowly got undressed, I was very nervous at seeing Charles naked, I knew what a man’s, well boy’s body looked like as I had bathed my brothers when they were little. When I had finally managed to get down to my linen shift I heard Charles behind me and turned, “No Amy” he said “allow me” and slowly he lifted my shift over my head. “Amy you are beautiful, I am afraid to touch such loveliness” I blushed and threw my arms around his neck and said “Oh Charles you fool” and for once I kissed him.
The touch of his body on mine excited me, he once again lifted me up into his arms, slowly pulled back the sheet on his bed and lay me down, he climbed into bed with me took me in his arms and said “ I think Anne must be witch you know”? I laughed and said “What makes you say that?” “Well” he said “if you hadn’t been in the garden that day when Anne was upset over Henry Percy and asked you for help, you and I might have never met?” I laughed again and so did Charles “Your nose has crinkled again Amy” and bent down and kissed me on my nose and then on my lips again, it was at that time I had noticed that his one hand was on my breast and he was slowly stroking my nipple which has gone hard and stiff at his touch, slowly inch by inch Charles kissed my neck then my shoulders and then started licking my nipples, I felt as if I was floating away , I felt his manhood hard against the side of my leg, and then Charles was on top of me pushing his knee between my legs, I responded by parting my legs, and moaning with pleasure, for a second there was a sharp stinging pain in my middle, but it was soon replaced by one of exquisite ecstasy and I found myself moving in rhythm with Charles, wanting more and more of him, moaning louder and louder till I could no longer hold on and cried out with joy at the moment Charles too let out a long cry and I felt his manhood explode into my body. We lay there locked together for some minutes afterwards, until Charles said. “I’m thirsty but I don’t want to get up” I laughed and said “Well Charles if you are thirsty you will have to, besides we have the whole of our life together now”
He laughed “Yes you are right my love we do, and slowly very slowly he got off me and went and poured to cups of wine for us, came back to bed and pulled the cover just over my stomach leaving my breasts exposed. I asked him why he hadn’t covered my breasts, he said “I love them they are so beautiful” “But Charles I might get cold” I said “All the better I can soon warm them up” he laughed “Idiot” I laughed back.
Finally we snuggled down together in each other’s arms and fell into a deep and contented sleep. I awoke the next morning to find Charles stroking my breasts, and found myself moaning in pleasure, slowly just as we had the night before we made love, and once again I cried out in pleasure just as Charles did and felt his manhood explode.
For a long time afterwards we just lay on our backs with my head on his chest. “This won’t do Amy” Charles said “What is it Charles” I said. Charles laughed and said “My wife needs to eat, I can’t have her wasting away to nothing”.
He got up and pulled on a robe, went to the door opened it, and shouted “Boy bring food and wine my wife is hungry” shut the door and came back to bed. I said “Charles I love you” He turned to me and kissed me, and once again I felt his hand come up onto my breast, it had just started to respond as it had earlier, when there was a knock at the door. “Damnation what is it now? Can’t I be alone with my wife?” The door slowly opened and I quickly pulled the sheet up to cover my naked body, in walked the young page who had given me the rose the night before, I laughed at the expression on his little face. In his hands he carried a tray and on it was Bread, Meat, Wine and a dish of fruit” Charles said “I had forgotten I asked for a meal for us”
The boy put the tray down bowed, blushed and went. Whilst we ate we talked about our Honeymoon, Charles said “My parents and my brothers will fall in love you my Amy. The house will seem very different to court though. ”

Chapter 12
A LETTER TO ANNE.
That night after dinner whilst Charles and father were once again discussing Estate affairs. Mother had retired early so I wrote the promised letter to Anne.
Anne,
“I love it here Anne, although I am missing Court. Rosa’s boy Tom calls me “Lady Angel” and I couldn’t help but smile as I wrote the words.
Charles is the most wonderful husband in the world, he told me on the ride here that everyone here would fall in love with me, and Anne I think that is very true. I stopped and chewed the top of the quill.
How are things going between you and Henry I mean the King? If you feel a 10th as happy as I do, then you are as truly blessed as I feel right now.
I have read the book you gave me it’s wonderful, I understand everything now,
Smells and bells what rubbish!!
Charles has taken me all over the estate and everyone has made me feel very welcome.
I am so looking forward to returning to court in 2 weeks’ time, but at the same time I shall hate leaving here, but I want to see you all again so much.
Amy (Lady Tavistock).
Just as I finished my letter Charles came over and said “Well my beloved, it is time for supper, I’m feeling very hungry for some reason tonight” and whispered “but not for food” I laughed. Just then Rosa brought in the supper tray, and put it down on the table, Father and Charles pulled up their chairs and they sat either side of me. When we had eaten Father yawned loudly and said “well my children I think I shall leave you to it, I dare say Mother will be waiting” and then added with a laugh “Woman hey Charles?” we laughed Father, bent down and kissed me on the cheek and went. Charles and I sat by the fire a little longer then Charles said “Well wife we to should be away to bed” “Yes beloved” I purred, Charles suddenly swept me off my feet and carried me up to bed, kicking the door of our room shut just as he had done at court on our wedding night.
Slowly we undressed each other and then fell onto the bed and made love over and over again, each time feeling more and more ecstasy, until we both fell into an exhausted sleep.
The following 2 weeks were an endless round of meeting the local gentry around the surrounding areas, who insisted on giving huge dinner banquets in my honour.

Chapter 14
BACK TO COURT.
The next morning we arose early and went hunting with the Henry and Anne who were lodged nearby.
We caught 2 fine bucks and whilst the cooks were preparing them for roasting, and all the other various servant that were with the King’s household were setting up the tables and chairs and everything else needed ready for an open air picnic, Anne and I walked down by the stream and chatted about everything we had been doing whilst we had been apart, I also told her about how Tom cussed the dogs when they got under his feet, and how he always calls me “Lady Angel.”
Anne laughed and said “He sounds wonderful”. I swelled with pride and said “He is Anne and he does make me laugh when he gets cross with the dogs and yet they are devoted to him.”
She told me that Henry had finally decided enough was enough, and that his marriage to the Queen was going to be declared invalid. He had been told by theologians that his marriage to her was a sin against God. He himself had been having doubts for many years that this was the reason, but hoped that perhaps given just how pious both he and the Queen had been God would forgive them and give his blessing I.e. A son. But now he understood everything, he had been living in sin, and God had punished him for it by denying them a son.
He has appointed a new Archbishop called Cranmer and asked his advice, and Cranmer concurred with the theologian’s, Yes his marriage was an unclean thing. Cranmer had started suing the Pope to get a speedy conclusion to the whole matter “So” said Anne “you have walking beside you the next Queen of England” I stopped and for a few seconds couldn’t take in what she had just said, but then it registered and I grabbed her and said “Anne you Queen of England Really? Honestly?” She looked at me and said “Yes Amy honestly” I couldn’t have shown my delight at hearing the news any more than I did just then I swung her around and around until I became quite dizzy. My beloved friend was to be Queen. I was so happy at the moment that I said out loud “A letter” Anne said “Amy? A letter?” I replied “Anne I was remembering how just 1 letter changed my entire life the letter I wrote to you” and for a second both of us started crying.
Just then Henry strode up to us with his retinue Charles and Just George either side of him.
“What is this, my beauties? Tears? He said Anne said “Hal I’ve just been telling Amy the news”
“Ah my beloved” he said. He then added “And what say you to our news my lady?” “Your Majesty I am so happy for you, may you have a long and happy life together and sons a plenty too, although you must give Anne the gift of a daughter too” I said and then the tears I tried to stop shedding at the joy of the news overflowed, and spilled down my cheeks.
Henry gave a very hearty laugh took my hand kissed it and then took Anne’s and the 3 of us all walked up the bank to have something to eat. With the rest of the retinue behind us all chatting gaily.
That night Charles and I made love many times it was almost as if we had an unquenchable hunger for each other, but finally we did fall asleep and my last thought was of my beloved friend “Queen Anne”
Eventually the day came that we were to leave for court I was very sad at leaving my home, but I was also very excited at the thought of seeing all my friends at court again.
Charles and I rode out of the courtyard and up the hill to the main London road for our long Journey into the city as we reached the top of the hill I stopped, turned my horse took a last look at my home and said “I love you all” and then kicked my horse on to catch up with Charles. We arrived in London after 3 days and the first thing I noticed was the noise, I had gotten so use to the peace and quiet of the country, it suddenly seemed as if I had been thrown into the middle of a battlefield, eventually we arrived at Hampton Court. Hampton court had once belong to the mighty Cardinal Wolsey, he had given the King the Palace with a hope of reclaiming the King’s favour over his failure in not getting the King’s annulment from Queen Catherine, or should I say the Princess Dowager as she now was to be called. Cardinal Wolsey was now dead, he had died on the way to the Tower on charges of treason. I thought of the Princess Dowager, her old and worn face and of the bittiness and spite she bore toward my beloved Anne. Silly old woman I thought, I hope she rots, but then I quickly crossed myself. We rode into the courtyard and I suddenly remembered the first time I had with Charles.
I saw that Charles’s household, well mine as well now had been waiting in the courtyard for our arrival. Redvers, Charles court servant helped me down. “Thank you Redvers” I said I trust my lady hasn’t suffered from your Journey” said Redvers “I am very well thank you Redvers.”
Redvers led Charles and I to our apartment. Suddenly I yawned widely I had been feeling a little sleepy of late, but just put it down to the fact that there had been just so much to do at home before we came back to court.
However when Charles yawned too I thought the journey had tired us as well. So Charles and I decided to have a nap for an hour or 2, Charles and I had climbed into bed and were kissing and stroking each other as we usually did moaning a little louder each time until we made passionate and urgent love, before falling into a contented sleep.
We awoke a few hours later Charles got up and lit the tapers, opened the door and shouted Boy fetch wine” A minute or 2 later there was a knock on the door and in walked the page who had given the Rose on my wedding day and I was relieved to see him as when Anne told me that one or 2 of Charles’s Pages had died of the sweat I had prayed he wasn’t one of them, so God had answered my prayers and kept him safe.
Whilst Charles and I sat by the fire in our robes, drinking the wine the page had brought us, we chatted about how different things would be at court now, especially since the Dowager had been banished, and I thought back to what it was that Anne did whenever she was in the dowager’s presence, I remembered always thinking how dark and depressing things seemed when she wasn’t there, and how once she entered a room the whole room just suddenly lit up and the atmosphere just became a mass of light , laughter and colour. , and strangely enough I thought the minute I rode into the courtyard the whole place seemed to be illuminated, but I was so tired I barely noticed it.
Charles said “My beloved what is it?” “It’s alright Charles I feeling just a little dizzy, it’s the wine I expect” I said. Charles leaned over kissed me and got up, “Well My Beloved we shall have to dress Anne will be waiting. I kissed him and said “I love you Charles always”
We dressed quickly and as I was sat in front of the glass I felt a wave of Nausea rising but somehow managed to swallow it down. Charles had gone to see Just George for a few moments and would be back shortly to take me into the hall, quite suddenly the wave of nausea returned and this time I quickly reached for the water bowl and was sick, I felt better afterwards and thought no more of it thinking it was the fault of drinking wine on an empty stomach.
I quickly replaced the cover on the bowl just as I heard Charles’s footsteps coming down the hall. I didn’t want to worry him, if he knew, he would only worry and I wanted nothing to mar the happiness that we both had at the thought of seeing our friends again, and in my case I had been looking forward to seeing Anne again.
Are you ready my darling “Charles said as he came in. “You mustn’t keep Anne waiting, Redvers has told me she has approached him every hour when she knew we were on our way to see if we had arrived yet. My heart swelled with pride at seeing her again, then I remembered what she had said on the morning after Charles and I had married. I was a member of her household now too.
As we made our way down to the Banquet hall I did indeed notice the change every nook and cranny seem to radiate light, around every corner, there always seemed to laughter coming from the walls, and everywhere colour exploded from every surface. The closer we got to the banquet hall the more excited I got, It seemed we had been walking around in circles for ages before we finally reached the hall, the Usher opened the door, and we were announced to the assembled company I actually didn’t hear the herald say “Lord and Lady Tavistock” all I saw was Anne I set off at top speed across the room and threw my arms around her. Then I saw Henry out of the corner of my eye, and remembered where I was and was instantly contrite and apologetic “I’m sorry your Majesty I was just so excited at seeing Anne again” Henry said “Forget it My Lady I have already forgotten it”
Anne beamed with pride at the King. “Amy” She said “Come sit here and let us chatter whilst Hal is busy. Just then George bounced up to us and with him Jane, George bowed and said “Amy you look even lovelier than the last time I saw you” “Thank you Just George” I laughed. And soon we were chattering about anything and everything
Soon the feast had begun and there was soon much mirth and merriment resounding around the hall. I had a little to eat but I was still feeling very tired. Anne saw that and said “Amy you look need an early night” I replied “Anne you don’t mind do you I can barely keep my eyes open?” “Not all my Amy you go” she said. She signalled for Charles to come over which he did.
“Amy doesn’t look well I dare the long journey has tired her she needs to go to bed” Anne said and Charles replied “Yes I had noticed I was about to ask you leave so I could take her up to our Chamber” Charles reached down took my hand and slowly led me out of the room I had only got about half way down the gallery before I stated to fade, Charles picked me up and carried me to our Chamber and slowly undressed me and put me to bed before climbing in himself wrapping his arms around me to hold me close to him all night. I slept very deeply and soundly all night, and when I did finally awake I found that Charles wasn’t there I remembered he said that Henry had asked him to go hunting with him so set about finding something to do till he came I knew Anne would have gone too. Suddenly I felt the same wave of nausea that I had the evening before and once again like the evening before I was sick. I decided I would have a walk around the gardens thinking that the fresh air might help to make me feel a little better and it did, after half an hour I felt as if I hadn’t been sick at all.
Finally I heard the sound of merry laughter and the sound of many horses pulling up in the cobbled yard, and guessed that the hunting party had arrived back I walked up to where the garden met the courtyard and as soon as Charles saw me he rushed up and said “Amy my beloved you are better” and kissed me “Yes my love I am better” I replied. We all walked into the court and made our way to Anne’s apartments as we were sat there chattering. After about an hour, I suddenly came over very dizzy and decided I needed a breath of fresh air, I had got up and was about to ask Anne for leave to retire to the garden, when suddenly everything went black.
Anne immediately shouted “Fetch the Doctor”
Whilst Charles lifted me up and carried me into Anne’s bedchamber and lay me on her bed.
The Doctor came quickly and shooed every one out. After a few minutes I came around.
I saw the doctor and said “Where am I” The doctor replied “It’s alright my lady you are safe, nothing to worry about, you fainted that’s all it often happens with first babies” and smiled.
“Where is Charles” I said “He’s without my lady I’ll fetch him” He replied he went to the door and let Charles in who had been franticly pacing with worry he rushed to my side and said “My Beloved you scared me” then he turned to the doctor and said “What’s wrong is she really ill?”
The doctor smiled and said “No My lord, My lady is in good health she just has a slight malady which will be all cleared up in about 6 months’ time” Charles looked puzzled and then it registered what the doctor had said to me just a few minutes before. I gasped and said “Charles I’m with child” The doctor smiled, bowed and left his job done.
Slowly Charles understood what I had said, and gathered me up in his arms lifted me off the bed and proceeded to spin me around in his arms “Amy My Beloved “ I started to giggle at his reaction .
The door opened and in came Anne and a few others, when she saw what Charles was doing she guessed at once, and rushed over to add her congratulations.
Charles eventually put me down and rushed off to tell everyone, that his beloved wife was pregnant.

Chapter 16
CHRISTENING CELEBRATIONS
I was finally able to get out of bed after a week, although I wasn’t to do anything too strenuous, I spent most of my time in the nursery as I wanted to spend as much time as possible with my girls.
I was surprized on how they had changed in a week. Annabella was a big as her sister now and yes as Mother said, they did indeed have Charles’s eyes.
I wrote to Anne and told her the news.
Anne
All is well, Charles and I are now the proud parents of twin daughters, Isabella and Annabella. I am afraid I gave Tom a terrible fright I was walking by the stream in the garden where he was fishing when I went into labour, but he was a true knight to his Lady Angel and ran off to fetch help.
My daughters so everyone has said are really beautiful although they both have Charles’s eyes. Charles is beside himself with joy and at times he finds it difficult to tear himself away from them. He refers to them as his tender roses, and not a moment goes by that he doesn’t find something different about them to boast about.

How are your preparations going for you journey to France? I am sorry I won’t be with you, as I would love to see that pompous Parisian Popinjay called Francis taken down a peg or 2 by Henry.
I’ve heard his wife is quite ugly so I’ve no doubt he will be seething with jealously at seeing the beautiful woman you are.
Francis may have thought when he insulted Henry at the Val Dor that the English lion was asleep with your visit he’ll learn, step on that Lion’s tail and he will turn around and bite you.
Why everyone knows that Henry allowed him to beat him, we all know that if he wanted he could have beaten Francis with one hand tied behind his back. But one day Francis will know the true strength of the Lion and what the word humiliation really means, when Henry tramples Francis into the dust where he belongs and takes his rightful place as King of France as well as England.
Just think that you will be not just Queen of England but Queen of France too and your son will build the mightiest empire the world will ever know.
I look forward to that day with great pride knowing that the greatest Queen England has ever known, is, was and ever shall be, my sweetest and dearest friend.
Amy.
Very soon a whole month had gone by and one evening whilst I ate my supper by the fire downstairs the house dogs crowding around my feet hoping for titbits. Charles went upstairs to see our daughters again. He adored them and I couldn’t fault him for that, I too felt the same. The preparations for the Christening in full swing .There were many people coming from far and wide Father had once again ordered the servants to clear out the barn and had been busy once again ordering food and drink in plentiful amounts so that no one would go without.
Charles came down from the Nursery and said “Isabella and Annabella get more beautiful everytime I see them” I replied “But my love you are always looking at them” He sighed and said “Yes my love, but I can’t help it” I smiled to myself and thought once again what a truly wonderful man Charles was.
Every day Isabella and Annabella stronger and stronger. Tom adored the girls and followed his mother every morning into the Nursery and, he whispered to them each morning what he said when he first saw them.
The day of the Christening dawned bright and clear, and people could be heard arriving almost before the dawn broke, the excitement was fever pitch, and it seemed as if nothing was ever going to get done in time. Mother and Father were so happy and anyone would think they were the proud parents. I loved them both dearly.
Mrs Evans was busy helping Rosa in the kitchens as was Mrs Tatlock and all manner of different foods were being laid on the table Mrs Evans was busy with making the cake.
There were many gifts from the well-wishers, among them were 2 golden cups and 2 bags of gold coins, from Anne and Henry who had recently sailed for France. I noticed that no expense had been spared and the Cups were jewel encrusted and on them were engraved Lady Isabella Tavistock, and Lady Annabella Tavistock. I felt such a wave of love for Anne at the moment, she truly was the sweetest and most loving friend anyone would ever have.
Everyone agreed that Isabella and Annabella were truly beautiful, with the usual “But they do have Charles’s eyes.” Tom proudly stood by their crib whilst the celebrations were on and every so often when I looked over at him he was either whispering to the girls or cussing quietly at the house dogs to keep away from the crib.
I heard from Anne too
Amy
Francis has let us down, the coward. His wife the Emperor’s sister, refused to travel to Calais, basically because the Emperor told her not to. Hal is furious as you can imagine and has decided he can wait no longer.
He’s fed up with the Pope’s procrastination and told Cranmer to tell the Pope to go to Hell. Cranmer has declared the marriage between the Dowager and Hal invalid and Hal has married me in secret.
I also have high hopes of being with child, but will know for sure when you return to court.
How are Isabella and Annabella? I have heard from Charles just how beautiful they are and I am sure they are as every bit as beautiful and loving as you both are.
How is Tom? Is he still cussing at the house dogs?
I hope you can return to court soon I miss you so much
Anne (Queen of England)
Charles and I were sat by the fire one evening not long after the christening and we were discussing about when we should return to court.
Charles said “Amy my beloved would you be much upset if I said I didn’t want to stay at court for too much longer? It’s just that there is so much to do here and now we have our roses, I really don’t want to be at Court anymore”.
I was thoughtful and then said “I do like being at court I love Anne dearly, but to be honest I love the peace and quiet here in the country more and more, and now that we indeed have our roses I want to see them grow up, with us being here too, so no I wouldn’t mind my beloved I’m happy to give up court life”
Charles smiled and said “I thought you would say that but I would have understood if you had wanted to remain at court”.
We sat by the fire a little longer before retiring to bed and making love slowly and tenderly, before falling into a deep and contented sleep.

Chapter 18
BIRTH
A week later the court moved to Greenwich to await the birth of the prince. The King had decided on either Henry or Edward for his name and the atmosphere around the court was of jubilant high spirits. Anne and I and the other ladies of her household were busy making baby clothes. I noticed that Jane Seymour, Susan’s sly friend had recently been taken into the household, and wondered where Susan was, not that I would have cared to see her anyway. I asked Jane Seymour about the whereabouts of Susan, and she told me she had chosen to stay with the Dowager.
The next 2 months was quite tedious it seemed like we were waiting forever for Anne to give birth and she too was getting fed up, she hated being shut up in her rooms, but finally early one morning Charles and I were woken by a continue rapping on our chamber door.
Charles got up to answer it and I saw Jane standing there panic stricken, she told me to dress quickly as Anne had gone into labour and wanted me to come to her. I did as she said a very soon we were both heading quickly for Anne’s rooms.
I saw at once what Jane had said was true. I told Anne “It’s alright my dearest I’m here now” She said “Amy you will stay with me won’t you” I replied “Anne I’ll be right here”.
The Doctor came and said “Madam your labour has just started, so it’s best you try and rest I’ll give you a posset to help you to sleep” Anne drank it gratefully and soon fell asleep whilst I dozed in the chair. A few hours later Anne awoke her labour had progressed, and the Doctor said he didn’t think it would be too long now.
Eventually the Doctor said that her time was near and that the hard work was about to begin. After about an hour the doctor said “It’s time your majesty” I remembered how it had been with me when I gave birth to the girls and so I helped all I could. “Push Anne Push” I said and with each contraction she gripped my hand tighter and tighter and tighter just as I had done with Mother when my girls were born, eventually after about an hour or so the baby was born and I heard it’s very first strong and lusty cry. It was a girl. A red headed, dark eyed girl she was beautiful.
I noted the date 7th September 1533.
When Anne heard she was a girl she burst into floods of tears and I held her firmly in my arms, soothing her as best I could. The Doctor said “She’s is a very healthy child.” Anne replied “It’s not fair Amy I so wanted to give Hal a son, he won’t be happy I know he won’t.” I replied Do not weep Anne, a Girl this time a Boy will soon follow I am sure of it”
But she did she was broken hearted but very slowly she became calmer and said to the midwife who had now cleaned and swaddled the baby “Bring me my daughter” the Midwife placed the baby in her arms the minute she saw her she felt the same wave of love that I had felt when I first held Isabella and Annabella. “Elizabeth” she said very quietly.
The King came in and although disappointed at being a girl he too felt the love that Anne did for this little girl. Anne said “I have called her Elizabeth after our mothers Hal” Henry smiled and said Elizabeth is a good name for a princess. “Now my love you must rest”
The christening celebrations for Elizabeth were resplendent nothing was spared. The bells rang out all over London for many days afterwards. Although the joust planned to celebrate the birth was cancelled.
Anne soon recovered and Henry seemed to be over the disappointment of Elizabeth not being the son he dearly wanted. He was often seen carrying Elizabeth around the palace and stating to all that Elizabeth was the most beautiful lady in the court, next to her Mother of course.
Henry was always mentioning that his next child would be a Son. England would soon have a Prince, he was just slow in coming that’s all.
Soon a month had gone by. Anne was back to her usual self, and Henry was forever exclaiming to all of the beauty of Elizabeth and how this little girl would one day make a destiny all of her own, and along with her brother, between them they would rule the whole world.
One night I noticed Anne was a little distracted and I asked her “What’s wrong dearest?” She sighed and said “Amy I’m not too sure but I think Hal has a lover” “No Anne surely not?” I replied
She said “I know Amy I can’t believe it myself, but it just feels like Hal is being secretive. I think I know who she is, but I need proof?”
I told her “But Anne even if he does have a mistress it matters nothing, it’s you he loves”
She smiled and said “Yes I know you are right. It’s just me being silly forgive me”
However a few days later Jane came up to me and said “Amy, what can I do? I’ve just seen the King kissing another woman?”
I was stunned for some seconds and then said “But surely Jane you are mistaken?”
Jane replied “I thought I was at first, but No it definitely was the King. If Anne finds out it will break her heart”
“I know” I replied “Well I guess there is only one thing we can do Jane, we will have to confront this baggage ourselves, and tell her to stay away from the King, but whatever we do we can’t tell Anne.” Jane said “I think that’s all we can do.”
A few days later Jane and I confronted the woman and warned her that if she didn’t keep from the King we would tell the Queen what was going on, and she could find herself in the Tower.
Jane slapped the woman just to make sure she understood the seriousness of what that threat meant. The woman made a solemn promise to keep away from the King and in fact left the court later that day, saying her mother was ill and she was going home to nurse her.
Anne didn’t know that Jane and I had confronted her and took it that her sudden reason for her departure was true.
The King was once again Anne’s devoted and loving husband once again, and it wasn’t long before Anne was once more with Child.
Charles and I were lay in bed one night after making love, and he said “Amy my love things are changing here at court and I do not like it here much anymore. I want to go home, I miss our roses and there is only so much and father isn’t as young as he used to be and needs help with running of the estate. It’s time my love to go home for good.
I was thoughtful for some minutes and knew that what Charles had said was true. I too had noticed that things were different, the King didn’t seem to be the same person that was at the joust all those years ago. He was certainly very different after Elizabeth had been born and had become slightly bitter and hard, and then there was the business with the woman that Jane and I had confronted. I didn’t like being involved with it.
There was also a change in Anne too, she wasn’t the same, her playful high spirits seem to be not as they once were, and often we heard that raised voices between Henry and Anne, often followed by bitter recriminations.
I sighed and said “Yes Charles you are right, it is time to go. I shall miss Anne but we have to think of our own family now, they need us. I’ll ask Anne for leave to retire tomorrow”
Charles said “Amy you are the sweetest most perfect wife in the world” and kissed me deeply, as he did so I felt his manhood stir and it wasn’t long before we were making love once more.

Chapter 20
TIME’S UP
A week soon flew by, the court seemed far away now and every day I thought about it less and less.
One day a letter came from Anne.
She told me that she had recently miscarried the child she was expecting. She and Henry had barely spoken to each other since and whenever they did it always ended up with them having a fight. He had also taken a fancy to Jane Seymour. “That sly creature” I thought
Anne said “I don’t know what to do Amy, Hal just acts as if he hates me” I felt sorry for her, but I didn’t think my presence would make any difference, besides which I suspected I was pregnant, and if I was and returned to court my pregnancy would only serve as a sore reminder that Anne wasn’t pregnant.
The doctor did indeed confirm my suspicions that I was indeed pregnant. We were overjoyed, but I could help but think of Anne and hoped that she too would quickly fall pregnant again, and this time bare Henry his long wanted son.
As if my thoughts were heard I received another letter from Anne 3 months later that she too was pregnant.
Anne said “Hal is as he was towards me. Devoted and ever loving, everywhere we go we are cheered and Hal is certain that this child will be a strong and healthy son. I was happy for her, but then I remembered my promise to her that I would return to court for the birth and I doubted I would be able to keep that promise as I was 6 months pregnant, and to be honest the thought of leaving my home for Court so soon after giving birth filled me with dread, the Court for me now held no attraction.
I feared the rumours we had heard from George who was now living in London. In one of his frequent letters home he told us that Henry had tired of Anne, and that if this pregnancy ended in failure he feared for her safety. The dowager was seriously ill too and Anne’s life was hinged solely on the forthcoming child.
I was saddened by this news but there was little I could do. I had to think of my own family now, all I could do for her is pray.
Christmas was coming and I was looking forward to spending what would be our very first Christmas with the roses, for the past 2 years we had always been at court. The roses would be 3 next year and I realised that since they were born this was the longest we had been at home.
George closed up his business and came home for just a few days over Christmas.
He told us that the rumours from the court were growing steadily worse and worse. Henry was making no secret of his fancy for Jane Seymour and this had been noticed, when an honour that had been intended to go to “Just George” had gone to Edward Seymour instead.
Anne had been livid with Henry and they had many a bitter row because of the favour shown to the Seymour’s, and that Anne had also said that the wh*re’s (Jane Seymour) family would feel her wrath once her son was born.
It was also rumoured that she had set about Jane Seymour viciously, when she found out that Henry had given her a locket with his image in it. Anne had ripped it from her neck and then confronted Henry with it, and thrown the locket in his face in temper and had demanded that he sent Jane from the court.
I thought sadly Poor Anne to think that for so many years she had waited with patience for him to rid himself of the Dowager and now, their fairy-tale romance was turning into a nightmare.
I also thought of Elizabeth she would be 2 now and I wondered what she looked like was she still the King’s darling child or was she viewed as Lady Mary now was, a useless girl.
I sighed deeply and Charles said “What is it my beloved?” I replied “Nothing much Charles I’m just thinking of Anne, I wish I could help her but there is nothing anyone can do for her really.”
Charles held me gently in his arms and said “I know my beloved I feel the same, but our life is here now.” “Yes my love, it is. Poor Anne.” And I felt a few tears run down my face at the thought of the troubles my beloved friend was facing.
We made merry at Christmas the girls danced around in joy and Charles had decided that the roses should start to learn to ride and brought them each snow white ponies with saddles and bridles exactly similar to mine. Guy was to teach them to ride and we trusted that it wouldn’t be long before we could all ride out together. Tom took it upon himself to look after the ponies as he did my mine and Charles’s horses. Tom gave each girl a doll for Christmas and they hugged him tightly. Tom said to them “Remember my ladies” and gave them a very courtly bow. They curtsied in return and said “Yes Tom we will.” And I thought back to the first time he saw them and the secret he whispered to them. Charles and I smiled and loved Tom all the more for his devotion to our roses as well as to us.
Anne wrote to me just after the New Year and said that the Dowager had passed away in the afternoon of the 7th January 1536. I felt some sorrow at her lonely death. She wrote that Hal had immediately ordered that everyone should dress in yellow as a mark of respect for her passing, and that, he was happy that with her death all threat of war had passed and the celebrations also meant that when her son was born there were none left to challenge the right of the throne going to him.
I hoped that now the Dowager was dead, that the King would be a little happier and friendlier towards Anne and perhaps the business with Jane Seymour would be forgotten.
I awoke a few days later with terrible backache and remembered how it had been with the girls when I went into labour, that I had, had terrible backache in the morning, so decided to this time stay in the house, and not give poor Tom another shock, like I had with the roses.
I sat quietly by the fire with Charles, who had refused to leave my side since I had been in the latter stages of my pregnancy. However when my labour started this time there were no shocks for anyone and it was Tom this time who rode off for the Doctor, whilst once again Mother was with me throughout my labour, whilst Charles paced anxiously outside the door, with Father at the bottom of the stairs waiting to ring the house bell. Rosa had brought everything that was needed. However the baby couldn’t wait for the Doctor to arrive and it was Mother who delivered our son into the world and did everything that was needed. At the sound of our baby’s first lusty cry Charles flung open the door and Father rung the house bell to announce his arrival into the world followed by the cheers of the all present. Mother said “It’s a boy darling a very large and healthy boy” and placed him tenderly into my arms and left Charles and I to our own celebration and went downstairs to tell them the news that this time it was a Boy, we heard another cheer go up at the news. Tom appeared at that moment with the Doctor and said “Well My lady I can see I’m not needed here now. If you don’t mind I’ll go back downstairs and join the Celebrations. Congratulations my Lady.” and left.
Tom came gingerly towards the bed and once again when he saw the baby his eyes lit up.
He bowed and said “Congratulations my Lady Angel” and once again he whispered a secret to the baby that I knew once again that only he and Tom would ever know. When he left Charles and I wondered what it was he said to him “Charles said “Well my beloved what shall we call him?”
I thought for some seconds and then said “Marcus after Father, although can we tell him that together?” Charles smiled and said “Yes my darling of course. Marcus it suits him well. Now my darling I will leave you to rest I will send the wet nurse up as I’ve no doubt it won’t be long before Marcus will want his dinner” He kissed me and Marcus tenderly and left me to join the celebrations.
The Wet nurse came in a few minutes later and took Marcus to the nursery and left me to sleep.
I awoke a few hours later to find mother sat by my the side of me with her hand tightly curled around mine just as she had when our roses had been born, when she saw I was awake, she got up opened the door and called for Rosa to bring me food and wine. Rosa came in and said “Congratulations My lady. Tom is already talking about all the things he is going to teach him”
I laughed and said “As long as he doesn’t teach him to cuss.” Mother and Rosa laughed.
Charles and Father came up shortly after. Mother said “Well my love, what say you to your grandson?” Father said “He looks like Charles my love.” Mother replied “he does indeed and hugged him tightly” Remembering the day when Charles was born. Father said “Well Amy my daughter what are you going to call your son?” Charles and looked at each other and smiled and I said “Marcus”
Mother and Father smiled with pleasure.
I was soon up and about and once again. Our roses instantly fell in love with Marcus and between them they were forever pulling Tom up to the Nursery with them to talk to Marcus, and always Tom did the same to Marcus as he did with our roses, whispered a secret that only they would ever know.
Thomas and George came home a few days before Marcus’s christening, and brought us the News that Henry had been injured in a joust celebrating the death of the Dowager, the doctor’s despaired of his life, but finally after 2 hours of being unconscious Henry had recovered, however the shock of Henry’s accident had caused Anne to miscarry, her doctor said that the foetus bore all the signs of being male.
When told of her miscarriage Henry had stormed into her apartment and verbally abused her to the point she burst into tears.” Poor Anne” I thought, what will become of her now? I brooded for a while on her troubles, but in the end I realised that nothing I could do or say would make any difference to the situation and put it out of my head.
Marcus’s christening was just as a merry affair as our roses had been and again Tom stood just a loyally and fiercely by the crib whispering to Marcus or cussing at the dogs as he been when our roses had been christened, and once again I knew that Tom would defend Marcus with his life as he would the roses
Guy had told us that whenever he took our roses out on their ponies Tom had always insisted on being there too. I smiled at the thought and knew that Tom would always be a trustworthy and loyal man.
The months quickly flew by, and then in May we heard the news from George that devastated me. Anne had been arrested and sent to the Tower, on charges of Adultery and treason against the King, Charles said “My beloved I tried to spare you this, but you needed to know” I replied “But it’s not true I know Anne she wouldn’t do anything against Henry, she loves him devotedly.”
Charles said “I know my love, but Henry has changed since his accident and believes what he’s been told.”
“I need to see her” I said quietly
Charles said “I know, I’ve already asked George for his help.”
“Thank you Charles” and started to cry softly in his arms.
A week later we received a letter from George telling us he had arranged lodging for us at a secret location and had managed to find a way to smuggle me into the Tower to see Anne.
We set off and arranged to meet George just outside the city where he would take us to our secret lodgings. We arrived in London 3 days later on the 16thof May. George took us to the lodgings and explained what had happened, to bring about this chain of events. “The King was furious with Anne over her miscarriage and had taken it in to his head that their marriage was a sin, coupled with the fact he no longer had any desire for her he had told Cromwell to find means of getting a divorce from her. Cromwell had by skilful manipulation managed to invent and manipulate people into giving evidence again Anne for adultery and incest. Rumour has it that Jane, Anne’s sister in law provided the evidence of incest to Cromwell” George said. I replied “Incest?” George said “Her brother George is one of those accused of adultery with her too.” I remembered the merry smile of “Just George” and thought, the King’s gone mad. I asked “who else is accused?”
George said “William Brereton, Henry Norris, Francis Weston, and Mark Smeaton” I felt like my heart was going to break George continued, they are all to die tomorrow so I have arranged to smuggle you in whilst they are being executed, there will be less chance of you being recognised. Be ready at dawn”
“Thank you George” I said quietly George went back to his own lodging leaving Charles and I stunned at the news we had just heard. When George had gone remembered I should have asked him about Elizabeth, what would happen to her now?
We both barely slept that night, and spent most of our time talking about what would happen to Elizabeth. We both knew that Anne was doomed, our time at court taught us that once the King had made his mind up about something there was no changing it. George came to fetch us at dawn, I managed to remember to ask George about Elizabeth. He told us that Henry had declared her bastard as her half-sister Mary had been, and was now known as just Lady Elizabeth, a few tears fell down my cheeks as I remembered the day she was born, the much loved child of the most loving parents in Christendom. I also remembered that although Henry was disappointed in Elizabeth being a girl, he loved her devotedly, and exclaimed to all her saw her she was going to make a destiny that would shape the world along with her brother.
Finally we reached the Tower, and already despite the hour there were crowds filling the Tower waiting to watch, Brereton, Norris, Weston and Just George die. Mark Smeaton would be executed at Tyburn as a commoner he didn’t have the luxury of being executed within the Tower.
I looked up at the windows of the Tower as we went through the gate on the way to Anne’s apartments and wondered if they were watching the crowds gathering. I had learned with relief, that Anne wasn’t lodged in a dungeon but near the apartments she stayed in prior to her coronation and once again the memory of the last time I came to the Tower, how happy things had been back then. Anne the beloved wife who was on the pinnacle of success, pregnant with what was believed to be the long wanted male heir England had waited so long for. Hard to think that was nearly 3 years ago. How could it have gone so wrong in such a short space of time?
We reached Anne’s apartments and the Guard thinking we were just servants coming to do our daily business let us in. Anne was sat on her bed looking so very different to the Anne I knew and loved. George whispered we mustn’t stay long so whatever we had to say had to be done quickly or risk raising suspicion from the guards.
I walked over to her removed the hood of my cloak and said quietly ”Anne it’s me Amy” at the sound of my voice she raised her head and looked directly into my eyes. I could see the agony she was in. She got up slowly and told me as quickly as she could what had happened. She said “Jane Seymour has managed supplant herself in Hal’s affections, his fall in the jousting Yard and my miscarriage he blamed me solely for saying I was a witch and had killed our son on purpose so that I could rule solely in Elizabeth’s name” she continued “I am to die tomorrow although Hal has sent for a French swordsman to cut my head off” “But Anne this is all wrong what can have changed the King so? I said
She said “After you left court Hal started behaving differently towards not just me but to others as well no one knew what was going to happen next. He blamed me for the death of Thomas More and Bishop Fisher and his temper become very unpredictable and no matter what I did I just couldn’t make him happy anymore.
Jane Seymour seemed to be the only one who would talk to with any kind of gentleness, and it was only after Cromwell gave his rooms to the Seymour’s coupled with the death of the dowager and my miscarriage I really knew that my time was coming to an end. I am glad to die Amy my only regret is leaving Elizabeth. Will you watch over her Amy I know I can trust you, you are my only true friend and I will miss you.” I hugged her tightly and said “Anne I will love Elizabeth as she is my own and because of the love I have for you always.”
“Thank you Amy” she replied. Suddenly George said “quickly my lady” Anne suddenly put in my hand her B necklace “Remember me” she said and another necklace a locket containing her image and added “For Elizabeth, give it to her when she becomes Queen. Now Go Amy God Speed my dearest friend” she said. “Goodbye Anne” I said.
George led us back out of the Tower and safely back to our lodgings. George said that he would come back later and take back to his home, and take us out of the city tomorrow.
Just then we heard the Tower Guns fire and I knew that Just George and my other friends were dead, I wept in Charles arms, and he rocked me soothingly in his arms until I cried myself to sleep. George returned just before Evening Curfew and took us to his home where after we had eaten we fell asleep in each other’s arms.
The next Morning George told us that Anne’s execution had been delayed as the swordsman had only just arrived in Dover which was a day’s ride from here. I looked at Charles he gave me a sad smile and said “I know my love you want to stay until the end” “Oh Charles I love you” he held me tightly in his arms and said “once we know that Anne has gone we must leave the City or we may risk detection, George has told me that the King is rounding up all of Anne’s supporters that are still in the City, right now the King thinks we are in the country so we are safe but if suspected otherwise I hate to think of the circumstances and we have to think of the children my love” I knew he was right so for the rest of the day we stayed in our room, that night we slept an uneasy sleep waking at every little noise, however with the coming of the dawn we felt a little easier. George had once again hatched a plan to get us out of the City, undetected.
Our horses were waiting at a Coaching Inn 10 miles away, and George was going to smuggle us out in a hay wagon under the straw, once at the Coaching Inn we were to ride as fast as we could for home even if it meant riding all night.
We thanked George wholeheartedly he had risked his life for us. George hugged me tightly and said “I love you Amy my life is at your disposal”
Shortly after noon we once again heard the Tower Guns boom and I knew my beloved friend was dead. Very quickly we climbed into the Hay cart and George quickly covered us in Hay, and the cart driver drove us away from the City and I wept bitterly as if my heart would break in Charles’s arms under the hay as we made our way to the coaching inn. Finally we reached the Inn and after picking up some bread and wine we set off for home. We finally got home 2 days later having ridden through the night, we were exhausted, and went up to bed and slept right through until the following day.