FILLOS Elizabeth Tudor: Ancestry of Sorcery

Part 12

September 1542

Hatfield House, Hertfordshire

After I was dressed, Emma, the morning maid, brought in our breakfast. Her pregnant belly was getting quite large and I asked her how she felt.

"As well as can be, my Lady," she answered and left without another word.

We sat down to eat and I began Kat's interrogation. "So tell me what happened on your trip. Did you find Master Dunsy?"

Kat cleared her throat and nodded. "Yes, I did and he was a very nice man. But he would not give me the box and letter until I had someone testify in my behalf that I was who I said I was. That is what took me so long. Finally I was able to get your second cousin, John Ashley, who was staying at the castle, to speak on my behalf."

She blushed so deeply when she said this that I had to ask, "John is moderately handsome, if I recall correctly, is he not?"

I smiled as I saw the red stain on her cheeks darken. "He is handsome and very amiable. It was exceptionally good of him to assist me, for Master Dunsy would not yield." She took a bite of her pottage and chewed slowly. "I do not think this rabbit pottage will be good tomorrow. Let us not forget to tell Agnes."

"I shall remember to remind you. Continue your story please," I said and also took a bite. She was right as always and I did not know if I could finish the pottage today, let alone tomorrow.

"Well, Sir John must have convinced him that I was who I said I was, for he handed me the box and letter the next day."

"And was it from some evil sorceress attempting to curse you?"

Kat choked on her food and it was a while before she could speak. "I am not...I cannot...it is written in beautiful French and so I am going to let you translate it for your studies today. That way you can read it for yourself and form your own opinion."

I was intrigued, not only because I realized how much I longed to get back to my studies, translation being a favorite subject of mine, but also because I had a mystery to uncover. Kat was not telling me anything and so it felt like a fun game she was playing, though I knew she did not play games.