Elizabeth Craven's BedChamber

I frown,"I'm sorry. Did you like being married? I often wonder whether I would like it or not...I may feel constrained or utterly at peace with the world..."

As Edward went to The Princesses funeral he dropped a letter at Elizabeth's bedchamber. Carefully he slid it under the door and then rushed to the chapel.

Dearest Sister,

It has been far too long LIzzie. I am returned from France -thank God- I hated every minute of it! At last though I am home and could not take more joy in anything else.

As you know I a now a father-I have wrote to our mother and Thomas to let them know. I should like you to be our son's godmother when he is christened which shouldn't be too long away.

I hope you are well and pray you visit me soon or I shall visit you. I have some additional news to tell you which I don't find to be suitable to tell in pen.

Yours

Edward

I frown-it is such a pity that she only had a short marriage. It must have been very painful an to lose her family as well...

I then hear a scratch on the ground and see a piece of parchment on the floor. I quickly get up and fetch it, as I unfold it I recognise the handwriting.

I grin as I read it so happy that it is from Edward but I then pause at the final line,"It's from Edward,"I mumble as I try to guess what he meant.

"Yes,"I murmur absent mindedly,"What do you think this could mean,"I find the passage in the letter and then read," have some additional news to tell you which I don't find to be suitable to tell in pen."

I glance to Nan with a confused expression on my face.

I nod,"Thank you Nan-see you later."

I return to my room cradling Thomas in my arms. His eyes drooping shut, his rose bud lips slightly open as his deep, steady and reassuring breaths are the only noise. He has been having his regular feeds from his wet nurse and he feeds well...I am told.

I have taken him out of his tight swaddling and thrown a velvet shroud over him instead-the swaddling can be so...constrictive-oppresive. His right arm touches my chest and his left hangs by his side. He looks like a doll-utterly perfect, utterly still and utterly beautiful.

I nestle into my window seat and plump the cushions behind me. As Thomas falls asleep I whisper a lullaby to him in my sweet voice...as soft as silk and light as lark song.

After going to the funeral I decide to visit Elizabeth. I knock on the door and wait for a reply...

"Yes?"I mumble and cradle Thomas in my arms-reluctant to wake him.

Edward opened the door and grinned when he saw Elizabeth and Thomas. He padded towards them and kissed Elizabeth on the cheek and embraced her lightly. He then cupped Thomas's sleeping face in his hands and kissed his forehead,"Hello, my boy."

"How are you sister?"he asked and took a seat.

"Oh Edward!"I cry with joy and then giggle and lower my voice to a whisper so I don't wake Thomas,"Brother I am...well-how are you,"I say as I kiss him on the cheek.

I laugh warmly and take Thomas careful into my arms, he stirs a little and his eyes flutter open,"Sh,"Edward whispered and Thomas nestled into his arms silently,"I am very well now I have my son..."

I beam with pride as I see my brother and my nephew together,"He has your eyes,"I observe thoughtfully and fold my arms over my chest and sit beside them both.

Edward raised his eyebrows,"Do you really think so-I think he looks like Alfonsina; the fair hair and look...even their lips,"He whispered and then laughed lightly again.

At that laugh Thomas awoke and begin to cry. Edward rocked him in his arms and hushed him-he glanced to Elizabeth and grinned. Eventually Thomas fell into silence,"I think he misses her..."

"Most certainly-I mean there is no denying his and Alfonsina's resemblance, but he is your son through and through."

I then nod in agreement,"So? How was France?"I ask curiously and tuck a tendril of hair behind my ear.

Edward grumbled,"Oh not so bad-the weather was alright but I missed home. Missed Alfonsina...and you,"he said with a smile,"I got everything done that I needed to though and was paid handsomely-so it was not all bad."

"It was difficult when I first came back -with me and Alfonsina-it was a bit ...well...we are fine now-I hope."

I frown,"Yes-I had heard..it was...difficult,"I whisper and think to Nan.

Edward raised his eyebrows,"Who told you,"he thought of how he spoke honestly to Nan that night, how beautiful she looked and-
He shook his head and tried to erase the thought,"Was it Nan?"

I nod,"Yes and it was something and nothing, Edward. She did not go in great depth but she is a good friend and you should thank her for being so kind. Speaking of Nan…she tells me you spoke together recently,"I say and take a seat and pour him some ale.

Edward took the ale and took a large sip, he then placed it lightly on the table by them,"Oh? What other secrets was she telling you?"he said and laughed as he winked playfully.

I laugh and then reply,"It was a conversation between friends and nothing more brother…"

I then retrieve the letter from my drawers,"So what does this mean? What do you have to tell me, Edward?"I say with a serious look.

"Well,"he said and glanced to Elizabeth,"I have secured you a position in the future queen's household. You will be one of her ladies-I dare say you will be greatly improved by even talking with her. If you have her ear and I have the kings we will be very comfortable."

"The future queen? Anne Boleyn! That woman who presumes the right of queen! Edward you know what I think about her-you know what father would think!"I cry.

"When The King comes to his senses he will hold you and all the others as treasonous subjects Edward!"