A FEW MONTHS LATER.
Leaning my head back against the copper bath, the water moved softly around my outstretched fingers, caressing cooly, eddying in their wake. Tilting my head to the side, I lifted my hand out from the water and watch the drips, both transparent and opaque at the same time. They fall as if snatched by gravity, each one swiftly haloed by ever-growing rings.
My ladies were on the other side of the room, changing the sheets and rearranging the new sets of flowers for the spring. I could hear their laughs, giggling, and voices as they passed the slightly opened door.
"Lady Charlotte," All of them whispered.
Sitting up straight in the bath, the door opens, and in walks Charlotte with a robe and a letter as well as tears running down her cheeks.
"Charlotte? What's wrong?" I asked her.
"Your brothers have written to you...both Lawrence and Richard."
"Has something happened?" I blurted out.
"...no...I'm just, happy they have responded to your letter."
Reaching for the robe, I stood up with the water rippling around my calves as I wrapped the robe around me and stepped out onto the warm hardwood.
"I shall prepare you a dress for the joust." She said, leaving me alone as I sat on the edge of the tub.
'Dear Kat,
Alas, you finally receive this letter...I hope. We've missed you. Father has been desperately trying to finish business here, but the King's affairs have kept him from returning to England. Oh, Kat...you would love it here. The culture, the food. The people here a true to the faith and loyal to God, every day we are here, they remind me of you. Your ideas and words would change everything for them. I hope that have been behaving well, I know that we left abruptly and could not have said goodbye in the manner we hoped, but just know that we are healthy and excited to see you again.
Lawrence has written to me as well, asking about business, especially for advice regarding our home in Oxford. Help him, Katherine. He may be the oldest but he's not an intellectual like you and me, he's a soldier and thinks like one too. All those years spent fighting beside Henry have really affected him, he only knows how to protect, especially you. My prayers go out to you and Charles, I admire him for being patient with everything. But I do not doubt you have reminded him of how lucky he will be once he does call you his wife.
Take care, sister. Be patient. Be kind. Be strong.
Sincerely, Your Brother, Richard.'
Sniffling quickly, I wipe off the tears that were running down my cheeks. Holding the letter close to my chest, I sighing heavily as Richards voice slowly whispered into my ear.
"Katherine, we are ready for you," Charlotte said.
"I'll be right there."
Hurrying to read the next letter, I broke Lawrence's seal and unfolded the thick paper.
'Dear Katherine,
I have finally settled everything here t Hamilton Estate, business has been growing, as usual, I think father would be proud. Most importantly I think he would be proud of both of us, really. Being so far away, you are left to represent our family alone. I know months have passed since the last time I saw you, and I've gotten past my anger regarding Charles and Lady Francis. I would have never been able to have let it go if I were you, I admire that.
I heard about Anne's miscarriages, and the King's decision to take on several mistresses during that time. I hope court life hasn't changed you and you've been behaving well. It's not rare that life at court changes a person's nature when influenced by corruption and imbeciles, but knowing you, you've probably put them in their place. Lastly, I am deeply sorry for Catherine, Kat. She was a great Queen and one that will go down in history as the greatest and purest. She's with mother now, I'm sure they are watching us from above.
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The Arranged Marriage (The Tudor's Series)
Fanfiction***MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY*** Following the divorce of his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, Henry VIII of England continues on his search for a new Queen. Enduring the hatred of his people that once screamed his name out of love and the orders from hi...
