My Story: Lady Jane Grey (My Royal Story) by Sue Reid Read Free Book Online Page A

seemed pleased to see me, and I had scarcely put one foot through the door when a little dog scampered up, barking joyfully. “Rig!” I cried, gathering him into my arms. “So – you remember me!”
    As I held him close, feeling his warm fur against my cheek, I heard the swish of a gown behind me. “Lady Jane!” I looked up to see Elizabeth Tilney beaming at me. We flew into each other’s arms.
    “You see, all your friends are here to greet you,” said the Admiral coming forward, a big smile on his face. Not all my friends. Not quite. I felt a sudden lump in my throat. The smile fell off the Admiral’s face as if the same thought was in his mind, but he recovered himself quickly and ordered that my bags be taken to my apartment. Lady Seymour greeted me kindly. But there is one other person I will not see. Baby Mary is now living with Lady Suffolk. I will miss her, but Lady Suffolk’s sons will pet and spoil her.
    The Admiral was very merry at dinner. We had visitors from the Court and he said things that were not very wise judging from the way they looked at each other. Elizabeth whispered that his moods change as swiftly as the weather. Sometimes he is merry as now, and then he falls into a black humour growling that the Protector’s pride will come before a fall. (Somerset House is still not finished!) My nurse says he is grieving, but I can tell that she is worried. “He lacks a steadying hand,” she says. I miss the Queen sorely. For all that, I am glad to be here, away from home and anyway I have my books, my friends, and little Rig to console me.

8 November 1548
Seymour Place
    I have just returned from Court, and I am mightily ashamed of myself. I cried. Actually cried. In front of my cousin – the King! I cannot think what came over me, but as I raised my eyes to Edward’s I saw how bleak his were. He has lost the only mother he ever knew, I told myself, and I felt so sorry for him, and for me and to my horror I felt two fat tears roll down my cheeks. I do not think Edward noticed and I gulped down the rest of my tears. But Mother did. As I backed away from the King’s presence, I saw her face. She looked appalled. Later, she took me aside. She was furious. “Why must you make a display of yourself?” she said. She sounded very bitter, as if I have in one stroke spoilt all their plans for me.

15 December 1548
Seymour Place
    I wish Master Parry would not come here so often! He has a loose tongue. I am sure he is the source of the evil gossip being spread abroad. Surely it is not true? That the Admiral hopes to marry the Lady Elizabeth? That is what idle tongues say. And worse – that he is in love with her. Was in love with her even when she was living with us at Chelsea. How can anyone think that! He loved the Queen. Of that I am sure. Did no one but me witness his grief when the Queen died? Besides he would need the permission of the King and Council to marry the Princess. His brother would never grant it!

20 December 1548
Seymour Place
    Time passes slowly. Soon it will be Christmas. I will see my sisters but I cannot think it will be a merry time. Master Parry returned today – but that is hardly news. He is here so often. Elizabeth said she saw him walking up and down the gallery with the Admiral for a good hour. What business brings him here so often? I wish he would stay away. But I refuse to listen to the gossip. I refuse to think ill of the Admiral.

21 December 1548
Seymour Place
    Elizabeth has confided that she feels afraid. So do I though I do not know why. The house feels alive with rumour. In the shadows I fancy I see people move and whisper. I jump like a startled kitten every time there is a knock on the door. But the Admiral seems unafraid. He was whistling when he left for Parliament today, as if he has not a care in the world.

23 December 1548
Seymour Place
    I was searching for Lady Seymour’s spectacles this afternoon – she can never remember where she has put them! – when