Catherine Tudor

17

I was lounging in my luxurious chambers, enjoying the warmth of the crackling fire in the fireplace. My ladies-in-waiting were scattered throughout the room, each absorbed in her own task. Lady Jane sat on a nearby couch, her delicate fingers moving gracefully across a sheet of parchment as she wrote a letter. I admired her penmanship, the elegant curves of her letters, and the way she seemed lost in her own thoughts.

The atmosphere in the room was peaceful, and the only sound was the crackling of the fire. I relished the tranquility of the moment. My long hair was left unbound, cascading down my back in soft waves. I had adorned it with a bejeweled diamond clip that sparkled in the warm firelight. I was wearing a light purple dress, which was tightly laced at the back by Lady Joan, who had accompanied me to my chambers.

When I stood up from my comfortable chair, I asked Lady Joan to help me dress. She dutifully followed me behind the changing screen, where I laced up my dress and put on my shoes. Once I was ready, we left my chambers and made our way to the chapel for our morning prayers.

As we walked, I noticed Lady Jane trailing behind us hesitantly, and I wondered what was on her mind. When we arrived at the chapel, I dismissed my household and asked Mistress Seymour to speak with me. I was curious to hear what was bothering Lady Jane.

"Your grace, may I speak with you?" she asked, her eyes filled with worry.

"Of course," I replied, eager to help in any way I could.

"I want to get married, but my family has been unable to find a suitable match for me," she said, her voice filled with longing.

I felt sympathy for her predicament, knowing how challenging it was for a woman of her status to find a good husband. I asked her what kind of match she would prefer, hoping to get a sense of her preferences.

"A country gentleman, your grace," she answered softly.

I nodded, relieved that she had a clear idea of what she wanted. I knew of a few lords who were looking for a wife, and I was confident that we could find a suitable match for her.

"Send a letter to your father, and I shall pay for your dowry," I said, hoping to alleviate some of her worries.

Mistress Seymour's face lit up with joy, and she thanked me profusely. I was glad that I could help her in some small way, and I resolved to do everything in my power to make sure she found a happy and comfortable life in the country.

Later that day, I sat with my little sister, Lizzy, and taught her a new song. As she sang, I held her close, swaying to the rhythm of her sweet voice. At just three years old, Lizzy had already demonstrated an impressive talent for music, and I was proud of her.

However, my mood changed when my stepmother, Anne, informed me that our father was considering a foreign match for both me and Bess. I felt a pang of disappointment as I realized that I would have to marry a man chosen for political reasons rather than for love. It was a harsh reality for a young woman to face, but as a king's daughter, I knew that I had to accept this fate.

I walked over to sit next to Anne, feeling a heaviness in my chest. As I placed my hands in hers, I waited for her to speak again. Anne's voice was soft as she explained that if the king decided to arrange a foreign match for me and Elizabeth, our husbands would live at the English court. This meant that I need not worry about moving away from my family and familiar surroundings.

"Thank you, Anne. That eases my worries," I spoke softly, grateful for the reassurance. It was a small comfort, but in that moment, it was enough to make me feel a little less anxious about my future.