Elizabeth Craven's BedChamber

I giggle happily,"Bridget you must not tell a soul."

I then frown,"For I do not know if he does feel the same..."

She nodded. "I swear. I swear I shan't ever tell a soul," she replied. Bridget tilted her head to the side, and stared at Elizabeth. "Why, would you think he would not love you," she asked. Bridget was always a curious girl.

I smile,"Good-you are my dearest friend here at court, Bridget. I know I can trust you."

I then whisper with my head down,"He is Prince William of Scotland."

Bridget's cupped her mouth, and she let a small sqeal leave her lips. "Oh, that is incredible! I cannot believe it," she continued," You are in love with the Scottish Prince," she giggled. Bridget smiled widely, and hugged. "Do not worry everything shall be fine," she said.

I nod and blush my golden hair tumbling in-front of my face,"Exactly! I am just a countess and he is a prince-how could he ever love me?"

"Do not think that way," she continued," Love is a mysterious thing. And, it does not matter what classes the two people are from. It only matters they love one another," she said. Bridget hugged her friend, and smiled.

I nod and fall back onto the bed and think to him....

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I then turn to Bridget and smile mischievously,"I have heard of a new man in court- a duke...I have heard a rumour that he likes you...do tell,"I then giggle.

Bridget's cheeks turned red. "There are rumours," she continued," But, yes it it true. He is Arthur Bentley, Duke of Westminster, and I like him very much," she replied.

I grin at Bridget,"I am so happy for you Bridget!"

I sigh happily and sip some warmed ale. I then yawn and hold my hand over my rosy lips...

She smiled shyly. "Thank you," she replied. She watched Elizabeth yawn. "If you are tried, my lady," she continued," I can leave," she said.

I nod sleepily,"If you do not mind Bridget-it has been a long day. Remember I am just moment away-I do hope that bedroom will do well for you,"

I smile and give her a sisterly hug,"Goodnight."

Bridget hugged Elizabeth back. Before she left; Bridget turned to face Elizabeth. "Thank you," she continued," The room shall do well, and goodnight," she said. With that she left, and went to bed.

I awake in the morning with Henry's words ringing in my ears upon which hung the ruby and pearl earrings I forgot to remove last night. I dress quickly and solemnly in a gown of the murkiest grey which looks rather beautiful against my alabaster skin. I tuck my tumbling hair into an English hood - a modest thing with only cloth of silver lining. I look like a statue made of the finest silver but my red eyes betray me- I know the seriousness of what could happen...

I slip out the door and leave Bridget sleeping.

I return to my chamber with red eyes and wet cheeks. No! This cannot be! No!

I call for a servant and ask for a letter to be sent to Henry.

Your Grace,
Henry...

I need to speak with you and bid you come to my chamber without the knowledge of my brothers or mother.

Lilibet

I hurry to Elizabeth's chamber and don't even bother knocking. I try the door and find Elizabeth before me- I catch my breathe on her beauty but I bow formally.

I burst into tears and rush into his arms. My hood comes flying off and my plaited hair is exposed,"Oh Henry...

I know now why she called me here. That Scottish prince has planted his seed and now he has left his child in her belly. I kiss her hair and notice her familiar smell of soap and roses. I gently savour her scent and soothe her as she cries.

I bury my face into his shoulder and sob. What am I to do?
"Henry...Oh Henry what am I to do? I will be the downfall of our family- Thomas is in negotiations for a marriage and now I am damaged-no man will have me..."

'I would' I think and then the most brilliant of ideas floods to me and drowns my mind. Will she agree? Could she learn to love me as I love her? I am older than her by seven years- maybe she think it too bold. I whisper...

I would...

I look up at his words and frown as I wipe the tears from my face,"What do you mean?"

I hold her hands and sit with her on the edge of her bed...
Think of it Lizzie! I have returned from my travels-everyone knows I collected a wealth on my voyage and now I have come back to England to find a wife-no one would suspect and who better than you? You come from a good family and our families have history- comrades for years. It makes sense! I a duke- you a countess it would be a perfect match.

I stare at him like a startled dear. His hands holding mine I feel a flutter and shake my head,"I still do not understand,"I whisper.

Lizzie if we marry no one will have to know- have the child and we will raise it together. Everyone knows your mother had Thomas only a year after marriage-your family are notoriously fertile and...I know you do not love me ...in that way...but I would love you, protect you. No harm would come to you and when the child is in the nursery you could travel with me and when it is older we could come to Bedford and live as a family.

I laugh at the brilliance of the idea and kiss her on the hand again...
Marry me...

I smile though my tears that drip down from my sapphire eye to the soft line of my jaw,"Oh Henry..."

I can only nod through my blurred vision I see him grin like an indulged child.

I smile and hesitate and then kiss her cheek softly as I she were a delicate rose...
Tonight- have a witness and I will bring one too. By the morning you will be my wife and I your husband.

I laugh and cry as he kisses my cheek. I take his strong had and forget we are just good friends- childhood playmates. I see him as my saviour and my lord,"Thank you...thank you Henry,"