In the Shadow of the Crown - By Jean Plaidy Page 0,132

be held responsible.

Since her marriage Katharine had lived in a state of perpetual anxiety. I wondered she was as well as she was.

Naturally I was present when my father took his farewells of the family, and I heard him say to Katharine that she must take care of his son, for it seemed God had denied him the blessing of others. That was a veiled threat—well, at least a reproach—which must have made her shiver. I was so sorry for her. So unwillingly had she gone into that marriage, and rarely could a crown have sat so heavily on any head.

My friendship would have been deeper with her had it not been for her leanings toward the reformed religion. It put a barrier between us. My dream of bringing England back to Rome was stronger than ever, for I could not believe that Edward had a long life before him. I was approaching thirty, and I was the next in line. I was sure that my father would never get a healthy child. It was significant that the Duke of Richmond had died so young. It seemed that only the girls could cling firmly enough to life to sustain it. Elizabeth was an example of this, and I had managed to survive so far in spite of my recurring illnesses.

I suspected that the Queen was interesting Edward in the New Learning. She was with him and Elizabeth and Jane a great deal. Edward and Jane were almost fanatically devoted to her, and I was sure they would believe all she told them. I was not certain of Elizabeth. When I was present, these matters were only lightly touched on. The Queen knew that I was a devoted Catholic. My mother had been one, and I should never change. She knew in her heart that I did not accept my father as Supreme Head of the Church, but she never mentioned this because to do so would put me in acute danger.

I tried to discover from Elizabeth how far this indoctrination of Edward had gone, but Elizabeth was non-committal. She herself would never be totally immersed in religion. She was like so many in high places. Her religion would depend on what was most expedient to her own welfare.

While the King was away, Anne Askew arrived at the Court. I did not realize at the time how significant this was.

I heard about it from Susan.

She said, “The Queen is so kind to those in distress. Poor Anne Askew is indeed in trouble. Some people's lives are so sad…particularly women who are shuffled about to please their families. Anne should never have married. She is a reformer really. She is deeply religious… one of those people to whom religion means more than anything on Earth.”

“Tell me about her. Why is she here?”

“She was Anne Kyme and forced into marriage in spite of having no taste for it. Her elder sister was betrothed to Mr. Kyme of Kelsey. It meant a joining together of estates—those of Mr. Kyme and Sir William Askew. The elder sister died before the marriage could take place, and Anne was served up as the bride.”

“Poor girl. As you say, we are treated like clauses in a treaty. I should be well aware of this. How many times has it happened to me?”

“You, my lady, had the good fortune to escape.”

“I often wonder whether it was always good fortune.”

“Philip of Bavaria was a very charming man. Perhaps … who knows…?”

I shook my head. “Tell me more of this Anne.”

“She had two children, but her faith meant more to her than anything else. There are people like that.”

I thought of my mother, and I was aware that I had failed. I had saved my life with a lie. I had agreed to the King's supremacy. Well, Chapuys had advised me to do so and I had to think of my mission.

“In what way did her faith mean more to her than her children?” I asked.

“She would insist on proclaiming it. Now she has lost her home. Her husband has turned her out. It is said that there will be a divorce and she will lose her home and her children for her faith.”

“What will happen to her?”

“The Queen will help her. Doubtless give her a place in her household.”

“She will find her discourse interesting, I doubt not.”

Susan nodded but said nothing. We were on dangerous ground.

I saw Anne Askew on one or two occasions. She was very good-looking and clearly