Charles Brandon's Living Room

"Charles smiled and left the room with her with slow steps"

I had been away in France, travelling across the continental kingdom in the hope that the different climate would help my health. But now, after a long and difficult journey across the channel; made even more difficult by the journey to Suffolk. However, I had arrived at my father's house. I descend from the carriage, my gown and cloak fluttering behind me as the wind blows through it. A bright smile crosses my face as I look up at my family home. Having been shown through into the living room, I thank the maid that had brought me in and then I wait. I wait to see my family...the family I had missed tremendously.

"Charles was told that his daughter Jane was waiting for him in the Living Room. So he came immediately to see her. Smiling widely, he opened his arms and came to hug her"

Jane...my beloved! How are you? I had no news about you and your health for ages. I missed you...

"He said caressing tenderly her cheek"

Smiling brightly, I beam at my beloved father "Mon Père..." Sighing happily, I look at him guiltily. "I'm sorry, I was enjoying myself so much! France has been wonderful for my health...and an experience."
Unable to hide my excitement at seeing him, I wrap my arms around his body and embrace him. "But I am so happy to be home now!"

"Charles laughed and kissed her forehead, hugging her back"

No need to apologize, sweetheart. Nothing is more important than your health. And I'm so happy you enjoyed France. Come, sit with me. Will you stay here for long?

"He asked hopefully, taking her hands in his"

"I don't know but hopefully for a little while..." Smiling, I squeeze my father's hands gently. "How is her Grace, the Duchess? I hope she is well."

"Charles smiled and nodded"

Catherine is fine, thank you. You surely heard about your new little brother, Henry. I'm sure he will adore you...

"He said smiling even warmer"

"I'm glad, I hope we spend sometime together? She is my stepmother after all...and I was so happy to hear about him! You must be very proud!" Smiling, she continues to beam with happiness. "I know I am; I'm sister to the next Duke of Suffolk!"

"Charles laughed"

Yes...you are, my sweet Jane. You really became a beautiful girl. And I'm sure...you had many suitors in France. I just hope...they acted like gentlemen towards you...

"He added jokingly, trying to hide that he was serious instead"

Laughing, I smile coyly; teasing him. "You have nothing to worry about Father...Your Janey has returned to you and remains pure despite France's reputation."

"Charles smiled squeezing softly her cheek"

I never doubted about you, my love. I know you're virtuous like an angel. And I'm so proud of you...

"He added, wanting to protect all his daughters from a bad reputation"

"And you will never need to fear in that respect Father..." I rest my hands in my lap and smile brightly, happy to be home after such a long journey. "I heard that his Majesty and you had a falling out...is everything okay?"

"Charles took a deep breath"

Yes...the King and I had an argument about Anne Boleyn. He didn't appreciate my comments about their marriage...so he sent me here for a while. But I'm sure he'll change his mind soon...

"He smiled reassurengly"

Looking at, I sigh in exasperation. "You're his Brother-in-Law....well, you were. You and He have been best friends since childhood!" Smiling sympathetically. "I'm sure he'll change his mind soon. For heaven's sake, you gave Princess Katherine away at her wedding and sat with the Royal Family...I'm sure he'll relent"

"Charles nodded smiling at her words"

I know, my sweet Jane. Who knows? Maybe I'll be back at court in the new year. And I wish having all my family around me. Your mother came to visit me as well...did you know that?

"He asked, stroking softly her hand"

Shaking my head in surprise, I hadn't known that my mother would be visiting my father. "No, no I did not." Looking away, I had not seen or written to either of my parents since my departure for France...I hadn't seen my mother for a while before that as I was at court.
"I hope she is well..." I add in nonchalant tone, before asking... "Does the Duchess know she has visited?"

"Charles cleared his throat and smiled"

Well...not yet, actually. Catherine is very busy with little Henry, my love. And...I decided not to bother her with such things. But I'll let her know about your mother's visit, of course. I hide nothing from her...

"He answered, not wanting to upset his daughter about the rivalry between Catherine and Anna"

Sighing, I look at him; already exasperated by my mother and stepmother's bitter dislike of each other. "Is mother staying?" I sigh again, unsure which answer I wanted to here; yes or no...

"Charles smiled taking her hand"

No...I don't think she will, sweetheart. She even offered me to go to Buckingham to spend some day with her and your brothers and sisters. But...until I don't receive King's permission to leave Suffolk, I can't go anywhere. But tell me about you, Jane. Your mother told me that your french is perfect, now. And you can even play an instrument...is it violin? I remember you loved violin where you were a kid...

"He said with a warm smile"

Smiling weakly, I look down. "Yes, my french is perfect now...I'm fluent." With a sigh; I raise my eyes and look at himm and smile faintly. "And yes, I can play the violin. But I've learnt to play the harp now too, the Duchesse d'Anjou taught me."

"Charles looked at her in surprise and smiled"

The harp? Ohh...that's a very sweet and elegant instrument, my dear. You're a real lady, now. And I would love hearing you play harp, sometimes. I'm so very proud of you...

"He added smiling proudly and squeezing softly her cheek"

"Thank you father..." Straigthening my back, I purse my lips slightly. "If Mother is here, then perhaps I should go to court? Or will I not be recieved due to your banishment?"

"Charles smied taking her hands in his"

Well...I didn't tell you before, because I wanted to be sure that you still have affection for me, Jane. But...while I was talking with your mother, a servant from court came with a letter. Briefly...the King forgave me, my sweetheart. I'm allowed to come back to court...

"He said smiling warmly"

Smiling warmly at him; filled with happiness for my father. "Firstly, you must never doubt my affection for you! You are my father; my beloved and greatly loved Father." My smile only brightens to become a beam of pride. "And I am happy for you...The King loves you like a brother and would never have kept you away forever."

"Charles smiled and kissed her cheek, touched by her words"

And you're my beloved, beautiful princess. And I only live for your happiness and your siblings's one. I'm happy to come back to court. I love the King as well. Just...he wants me to attend to the ceremony for Anne Boleyn. She will be made Marchioness of Pembroke...

"He explained"