Queen of This Realm by Jean Plaidy Read Free Book Online Page B

I was about my prospects and being less thoughtful and logical than I, she believed that I was almost on the throne.
    “The little King is very sickly,” she said. “He won't make old bones. And as for Mary, I sometimes think she does not enjoy good health. Whereas you, my precious one, are full of vigor. I said to John Ashley only the other day, ‘Our girl is destined for greatness. I feel it in my bones.'”
    “You are the most foolish creature I ever knew and I wonder that I love you. If any heard you express such sentiments, what do you think they would say of you? You would be accused of ill-wishing the King and you know I love Edward dearly.”
    “I don't think John Ashley wants to be rid of me yet,” said Kat flippantly, “so he won't betray me. Nor will you, my lady, for I cannot see you ever reaching that stage when you would not want your Kat there to look after you—throne or not.”
    “Oh Kat, do have a care,” I said, laughing.
    She would take no heed. It was not long before she was talking about a marriage for me.
    “Well, 'tis a merry state and one necessary to a woman.”
    “All women?” I asked.
    “All women, my clever lady.”
    “I am not so sure. What of my mother? Do you think she thought what a blessed state it was when she was on her way to Tower Green? Did Katharine Howard think it so when she ran screaming through the gallery? And what of Katharine Parr when she was confined to her bed in mortal peril? Do you believe they thought it then?”
    “You are talking of queens.”
    “Queens—or those who may be queens—must surely take special care before they embark on matrimony.”
    “Marriages are usually made for queens, dear lady.”
    “I have a fancy that I shall make my own, if indeed I ever decide to make one.”
    “I know one who would be very happy to take you.”
    “Who is that?”
    She was conspiratorial and her voice had sunk to a whisper. She put her lips to my ear.
    I flushed. I could not pretend that I had not noticed him and that I did not think him one of the most exciting men I had ever seen. He was tall, extremely good-looking and more than that had an air of gallantry and indefinable charm. There was only one man at Court who could fit that description: Thomas Seymour.
    “Ah, my lady,” went on the incorrigible Kat, “I see that you are inclined to look with favor on this very desirable gentleman.”
    “You see much which is not there, Kat Ashley,” I reprimanded her. “And how do you know he might have plans regarding me?”
    “Because I have eyes, my lady, and I have seen his own linger on you with much affection.”
    Was it so? And how did Thomas Seymour regard me? When he looked at me with that affection which Kat had perceived, did he see me wearing a crown? Was he, brother to that very Jane who had supplanted my mother, uncle to the frail King, looking out for his future?
    “If he asked for your hand, Princess, would you take him?”
    “You are impertinent, Kat Ashley,” I said and I slapped her face.
    She put her hand to her cheek. “And you, my lady, are hasty with your hands,” she said.
    I put my arms round her and kissed her. “I'm sorry I did that, but you can be very aggravating sometimes. I do not want to hear any more about Thomas Seymour.”
    “Do you not?” said Kat. “Shall we then discuss the weather or the new blue silk you have…or your embroidery?”
    “You would be safer talking of such things.”
    She laughed and I laughed with her and she went on to tell me that Sir Thomas Seymour had been created Baron of Sudeley and made Lord High Admiral. “The late King left him two hundred pounds in his will and I verily believe, my lady, that had His Majesty lived there would have been the honor of marriage into the King's family for him. The King loved Thomas Seymour … and who would not love such a fine, witty and handsome gentleman?”
    “I believe there are some who do not love him.”
    “Oh, that brother of his—the Duke of