The Manor House

Thomas sat at the table after him and took a deep breath

Your Eminence...I was told that the Lady is very sorrowful for giving birth a daughter, and not the son she promised. In my opinion, this is surely the proof that God abandoned her..

He said looking at him

I listened to Thomas as he spoke of the recent dissapointment at court.

"Indeed it must be upsetting for Queen Anne but remember she is still young and I must ask you Thomas what makes you so sure that God has abandoned her for it is just one birth?

Thomas sighed after Cardinal's question

Honestly, Your Eminence..I think that God doesn't want Lady Anne as Queen of England, since the rightful Queen is still alive. So..I'm sure He won't give her a son. Rather..how is Queen Katherine? Have you news of her?

He asked, rather concerned

Thomas took another deep breath

I won't accept her neither, Your Eminence. About Queen Katherine..I can't visit her or talking to her. I have few contacts with her ladies in waiting. They told me that she is always strong, but that every day she begs the King to allow her the mercy to see her daughter, Princess Mary..

He replied with sadness in his eyes

I looked at Thomas seeing how sad he was that he could not help Katherine.

"I will speak to the king myself and see if I can arrange for some sort of meeting for Katherine with her daughter but I have to try and make sure that the Queen Anne is not around.

Thomas sighed again looking at him

It won't be easy, Your Eminence. But I'm sure that His Majesty will yield someday. Because I still believe..with all my heart, that he still loves his daughter Mary..

He added thoughtfully

I looked towards Thomas.

"I still have some place at court so I will do all I can to help Katherine see her daughter for surely his Majesty would agree to that request. What will you do Thomas should you be summoned to court as I know you have a hatred of Queen Anne like myself.

Thomas shook slowly his head

I don't think so...since, as you say, Queen Anne hates me. We know each other since long time, Your Eminence. Now that you, like myself, retired yourself from public life, I can't see you anymore. Of course, I am concerned about your well-being..

He said looking at him

Thomas sighed deeply

My family is fine...thank you, Cardinal Wolsey. But you know, my absence from court and from Princess's Christening has been noted. Also..I have heard that Cardinal Fisher is in the Tower. Is that true?

He asked, still concerned

Thomas sighed sadly

I fear the same thing, Cardinal...and probably..I'll be the next one. Poor Fisher...he paid the price of his "intransigence"...as the King says. But tell me...and please...be sincere, Cardinal Wolsey: His Majesty sent you here in order to try to make me change my mind...about his Act of Supremacy?

He asked looking at him

I looked at my old friend More and then sighed.

"I am afraid that is the case. His majesty asks that you accept his Act of Supremacy and accept him as head of the English church along with agreeing to the match between his good self and Queen Anne. I want what is best for you Thomas and I fear if you do not agree to his terms the consequences may be severe and I have noticed lately that eyes are on me too.

Thomas sighed deeply

I'm sure that His Majesty is wondering why I choosed not to attend Lady Amme's coronation, even if I was officially invited. But you see, Cardinal Wolsey, these are hard times. Our faith is in danger. And I can't accept the King as Head of the Church. Only His Holiness the Pope is. And every single good catholic knows that..So, I can't betray my conscience..damning my eternal soul..

He replied thoughtfully looking around room

Thomas looked at him for  moment before replying

Cardinal Wolsey...I'll reply to your question with an old story. Many years ago...there was a King. He made a law, saying that whoever will commit treason against him, he must be killed. Unless...it was a virgin. When a virgin was actually charged, one of the councilors proposed to the king that the girl was first deflowered, and then...killed. So, in the same way...I won't allow them to deflore me...

I looked at More then it came to me that the words he used were referring to that woman we had as Queen.

"More I can see it now that those words can only refer to that woman Anne who has infatuated the King and turned him away from the Church. I do fear that she will seal our fate but her position is not secure without a son. I must ask you though More will you not speak to the King about your troubles?

Thomas shook his head while sighing

The King doesn't pay attention to my words anymore. He is now so far from the truth...that nothing could change his mind. The Queen has not a son yet...this is true. But she could conceive an heir soon. And at that point...our fate is already written, Cardinal. So..I ask you to stay away from court. Anything, every single word...could be used against you..

I looked at Thomas for a moment then realised he was probably right.

"I fear you may be right Thomas. I should write to his majesty informing him of my withdrawal from court due to ill health at least I have an excuse then. This Queen we have underestimated her I think.

Thomas nodded

I think we have, yes. She will use anything in her power to get rid of us. Let's hope that the King will consider our long friendship...

Thomas shurugged a bit before replying

My family is fine, Cardinal Wolsey. But my wife is worried about me, of course. She told me that I should accept the King as head of the Church. But I can't, Your Eminence. And if the King won't accept my point of view, I fear I will pay the higher price..

Thomas nodded

The King has his eyes and ears everywhere, I know that. But you see, Cardinal..I can accept his marriage. But I'll never accept him as Head of the Church. I can't do this against my own conscience...even if my family signed the oath. I don't blame them for this...but I can't..