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CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Dearest sister,

I cannot tell you how happy your letter made me. You are always welcome here at Plythe. I only hope that we can entertain you. Please come as soon as you can. I’ll be waiting at the gatehouse for you every day until you arrive.

In excitement,

Queen Howard of Plythe

Master Cromwell,

I have thought further on our conversation.

It was kind of you to offer your assistance.

I do want nothing more than to strengthen and solidify the power bestowed upon the King by our god.

Bishop More has instructions from me to permit you to use his library at your convenience.

I will bear the consequences, trusting that my intervention in this matter will be mentioned in your circles.

Your Queen,

Boleyn

Your Majesty,

I am eternally grateful to you for laying aside any grievances between us in order to work for the good of the Kingdom. Generosity leads to loyalty, does it not? I have cast aside all colours but green, and already it has been commented upon.

The King’s servant, and now yours,

Thomas Cromwell

Dear friend,

I write to thank you for your gift. A more beautiful wedding present I could not have imagined. It is steeped in memories of my time at Brynd. I only wish there were more to be had. The king has been very kind to me. I am sometimes overwhelmed by his generosity.

I don’t think I shall ever get used to being –

Queen Seymour of Hyde

Dear sister,

Alas, that there are no more memories to be had of Brynd, for you left us too soon!

Please forgive me for calling the King back to my side at High Hall so soon after your wedding day.

I experienced some discomfort and was worried about the baby.

Luckily my symptoms subsided as soon as His Majesty arrived – perhaps the child knew that its father was present.

You will be relieved to hear that he was able to depart for Alpich as planned. He will return victorious, god willing.

How do you like your new residence? Are you managing your household with appropriate severity?

There is a question I wish to ask you, although you’ll think it strange.

At Hyde is there an item – a mirror, perhaps, in your bedchamber – that is made of a strange form of glass?

Idle curiosity on my behalf, based on something I read somewhere.

Don’t feel you need to answer; it’s not important.

Your friend, always,

Queen Boleyn of Brynd

Dear friend,

Of course you are forgiven. I’m so pleased that the child seems to be well, and if that means that the King stays for ever at your side and never visits me, I shall make myself content.

You will probably have forgotten even asking now, as I know it was one of your curious whims, but you may be interested to know that I did find the glass you enquired about.

It is a windowpane, not a mirror, but it was found in my bedchamber, as you thought.

It is a beautiful room, sometimes I think it was built not from glass and rock but of peace itself.

I am in the habit of enjoying time alone there at noon each day, just before luncheon.

My brother tells me you have gone to Plythe. I wish you all happiness and enjoyment there. Please convey my love to our sister.

Your devoted friend,

Queen Seymour of Hyde