Rose Brandon- Her Mother's Daughter.

Chapter 11

John came for us soon after that, demanding that I shut Charlotte in the carriage with the baby, and then rode on his horse, clutching onto him.
"You better behave when we go to court, madam."
"What, so you can elevate your standing with the King? Oh look master, look at what a good dog trainer I am, I've trained your bitch of a cousin, do let me be regent of England."
"You cannot speak to me like that, I am your husband." He spat.
"Why shouldn't I?" I hissed.
"I will turn us round right now, and leave Charlotte all alone in the house, and take you, me and Thomas to court." Thomas was the name of my son, named after my grandfather. I fell silent.
"I thought so." The ride continued in silence until we arrived at court.
"All of you, go change into something prettier. I'm not presenting you at court looking like that." I went upstairs to where I knew John's chambers were, and opened the door, letting the familiar smell of sweat and books hit me. I went to the wardrobe, noticing that all my clothes were there, having been sent before hand.
"Charlotte darling, what do you think I should wear?" I asked here, hoisting her up onto my hip.
"That one!" She said, pointing to a grey gown with pearls sewn into it. I laughed.
"Good choice. Now what do you want to wear?"
"The red one, with my pretty black petticoats." She exclaimed, pulling out the dress. I nodded.
Within 30 minutes, we were stood in front of the King being formally presented.
"The Duke and Duchess of Northumberland, John and Rose Dudley with their son Lord Thomas Dudley, and their daughter Lady Charlotte Dudley." I internally scowled at the fact that Charlottes name was last, even though she was the elder, just because she was a girl.
"Lady Rose, I hope your behaviour has improved since we last met."
"It has certainly your majesty." I said, curtsying and smiling prettily at the king.
"Good. Go." He said, shooing me away.
That evening.
I was talking with Elizabeth the whole evening. Charlotte was in my chambers, playing with her dolls. Or so I assumed. I went back, and found my baby laying on the bed while Robert whipped her. I rushed over and pulled my wailing child into my arms, nuzzling into her neck and stroking her chestnut hair. John stood up, panting.
"Give her back Rose."
"No!" I exclaimed. I stalked out of the room, pausing to grab the treasure box which held my mothers letter to me, and one of Charlottes dolls.
"It's okay, sweetheart." I soothed. I stalked over to the only place I knew I could be safe. My grandfather, Lord Thomas Howard's chambers. I knocked on the door hesitantly. My grandfather, attired in his rich robes, opened it, and he looked pleased.
"Rose, my dear, what brings you here?"
"John.. he was hurting Charlotte and he was hurting me." The tears spilled down my face. My grandfather guided me in, a strong arm around me. My grandfather was the shrewdest, cruellest man I knew; apart from when it came to me, and my mother when she was alive. He always made sure we were safe, even if it meant his plots and plans were ruined. He gathered me and the still weeping Charlotte into his arms.
"I won't let you go back to him, I won't make the same mistake I did with your mother." He said into my hair.
El4Vick  for some reason, it won't let me dedicate chapters, but this one is for you, my faithful reader.