Mr Cromwell's Office.

Barely recovered from my episode earlier I change into a suitably modest gown that surprisingly still fits me. I must wonder at the way in which all my fat from pregnancy has disappeared so quickly and if anything I am slimmer than before.

As I pad lightly to Cromwell's office I flinch at even the sound of my own little heels as they click on the cold floor. My head pounds with fear and the dregs of whatever illness I was in the grip of. I finally arrive at the room and enter after I have been introduced. I dip into a curtsey and my gowns spills around me like a sea of burnt umber,"Master Cromwell..."

He rose as Lady Bosworth entered the office, and bowed as well. Your Grace, I heard you were not well. Please have a seat, and some watered wine if you would like. I want you refreshed before I begin the questioning. As much as he had to be strict with her he could not subdue the natural humanity he felt for her. She looked lost and frightened as he handed her the simply-fashioned goblet.

I keep my head bowed,"Thank you for your concern Master Cromwell-it is most appreciated."

I then shakily rise from the floor and hold another hand to my stomach as it churns with fear. I take the goblet and sit down,"Thank you,"is all I can whisper.

You are welcome he replied as he sat at his desk across from her. He gave a curt nod to his servant who was ready at a side desk, with parchment, quill and fresh ink. There is nothing to fear, my lady. All you need do is speak the truth. We are only trying to find out what happened. He gave her an easy smile. So we shall begin with this: how do you know Prince William, and when did you meet? he asked in a low and calm voice.

I nod but despite his attempts of comfort I still fear a rising fear.
"Well…I…we met at a feast in The Great Hall. We eh continually met each other within court so grew…close."

He put a hand out to stop the young servant's pen and the scratching sound ceased. You grew close? Please, for the sake of clarification, describe just how close you became with the prince. He decided he would leave no stone unturned.

I bite my lip and look down to my slippered feet. How can I say this-what does he expect of me?
"Beyond friendship,"I mumble,"We were close enough to...to share a bed."

I swallow back tears,"Forgive me. I feel like a woman of a brothel for the way I speak..."

Cromwell pursed his lips as Elizabeth answered. He knew this lady would be truthful, she probably had a rare lapse of morals from what he surmised. So you became intimate with the prince. You shared a bed, I daresay you had carnal relations with him? He said this soothingly to help her along. Was this before or after you met the Duke of Bedford?

I nod my head and then whisper,"I have known The Duke of Bedford...my husband, for all my life. He was kinder in our youth...but he arrived in court after my...my...relationship with Will-Prince William."

A loud cough escapes me and I hold my hand to my mouth,"Excuse me,"I whisper and wipe my hand on my dress. It leaves a red stain and my heart drops. I force a smile and hide the smear with my slender hand.

Cromwell went around the desk and offered her a handkerchief, a concerned look crossing his face. He absorbed the facts Elizabeth had just told him. If you had delved into this relationship with the prince, what caused you to marry the duke? he asked with curiosity.

"I ... found I was carrying his child, his son. I was frightened and intended to go to the country, stay with my family and raise him there, as His Highness had returned to Scotland. However I knew I would be...a ruined woman and bring disgrace to my family,"I blink my eyes to wash away a few tears and then clear my throat.

"Henr-The Duke of Bosworth had just returned to court and proposed marriage, in the knowledge of...my condition."

Norfolk found the door open and he glanced inside. Cromwell was reading documents with a worried expression and Norfolk could not hide his smile so he bited his own lips to look more serious.
He cleared his throat loudly to make Cromwell aware of his presence and raised his eyebrows.

So, my friend, I heard your former patron has been arrested! How silly of him to think he can still put everything to his will, even though he no longer holds a position of power. He restained his mouth but his eyes laughed in triumph.

As I arrive at the court I go immediately to Thomas chamber and knock on the door

Joan is deperate and doesn't know what else can she do in order to get her beloved Thomas out of prison. She wants to keep herself away of the court but she knows going there is the only way of doing something to help him; so she decides to ask his friend Thomas Cromwell's help.
A young man asks her if she has an apointment with him but she says it is a really important matter and needs to talk with him. The young man lets her waiting and then comes back and tells her to follow him. They walk through a corridor and stop in front of a door. The young man enters in the room and she stays at the door waiting for an invitation.

Richard let Cromwell know he had a visitor, and had a wry look as he said it was Joan Larke. Bemused, he told Richard to let her in.

*Joan enters and bows respectfully* Good morning Sir Cromwell, I need to talk with you, in private, please

(Wow I am so sorry I never saw your reply! We can continue if you want.)

Curious, he nodded and sent his servants from the room.

All alone, my lady. Now, what can I do for you?

He offered her a seat.

Thankyou very much! *she sits down and talks* I am here because I am desperate. I know how much you appreciate my dear Thomas, and I am here to beg you for your help. I need you to help me to take him out of prison. He is a good man, the greatest I have ever meet, he does not deserve passing through all this after everything he has done to serve the king and England.

I had not seen my husband Thomas for a few days I only felt him leaving our bed in the mornings to do his job. I didn't knock knowing the king was busy else where I gently crept in seeing he was busy with paper work I gently placed my hand on the back of his neck kissing his head.
Thomas? My love I have missed you greatly.
I moved to the front if him taking in his gaze.

He felt Liz's presence and smiled, glad she was there.
Wife, I am glad you're here. What have you been keeping busy with while I've been with the king's matter?

Oh been busy with our chidren, should I worry much of this budding new friendship you have with thomas boleyn? Be careful my love people treat their animals better the way he treats humans! My bed is getting cold at night too cold for that matter. I brought his lips up to mine.

Tis hardly a friendship my love, only a symbiotic relationship. I would rather the man were in hell where he came from.

he sighed deeply

You know I would love to be companion in your bed, but at the moment my energy is fused into the king's biddings, and Boleyn's biddings of course.

Everything you do is for our family i know that my dove but you are missing out on the greater years of our daughter's. Write to me every now and again i miss us and i find myself lonely without you think about it maybe? I merely just patted his shoulder after his snub of me wanting to kiss my husband.

Of course, but you know what sort of marriage you would be getting into, especially now that we are rising higher.
 
he said a bit sadly and kissed her forehead.

Would you like me to wait for you here at court in our joint chamber for tonight? I asked hopeful that he would take a break for once from all this work