FILLOS Elizabeth Tudor: Ancestry of Sorcery

Part 13

September 1542

Hatfield House, Hertfordshire

Kat insisted on staying in my rooms for lessons. She did not want any interruptions today, and her anxiety over the matter perplexed me. The moment I sat down, she drew a yellowed piece of parchment from her corset and set it on the table in front of me.

The first thing I noticed was how incredibly beautiful the handwriting was, the letters narrow and slightly flourished, but straight up and down with thick-inked lines. There were no blots or mistakes, and as I began to read, I noticed the writer's French was impeccable.

I looked up at Kat with wonder in my eyes and she said, "Well, what are you waiting for? Get to work, my Lady." She smiled at me excitedly.

I spoke French better than most English women and I read it fairly well, but translating a letter could be difficult unless you knew the intent and background of the writer. However, as I got to work, I noticed that there was nothing remarkable about its contents. It was interesting because it mentioned me and my grandmother, but even more interesting was the time and effort taken to make this singularly beautiful, yet perfectly ordinary note. And there was the mystery of its mode of delivery and specified date. All these factors utterly confused me, and when I had completed translating the body of the letter, I looked up to Kat with all of this bewilderment apparent on my face.

"The postscript, Elizabeth. Finish, please," Kat said with a touch of annoyance.

As I started on the postscript, my excitement grew with each word. Immediately I asked, "Where is the box?"

"I have put it in a safe spot. Do not be anxious about it. It is made of very hard metal and is securely locked. I dare say it weighs as much as you do. In fact, I had to buy a special riding bag to carry it. Now that you are finished, I would like you to read the entire thing aloud for me, please."

Thinking that this was just a part of the lesson she had planned for me, I asked, "In French or in English?"

"English, please. Come now, Elizabeth. You are a bright girl."

I did not know what she meant by this, but I started to read anyway.

Dear Ms. Katherine Champernon,

I hope all is going well. The weather has been very pleasant here. I am currently involved in so many projects that I have no idea how I will accomplish all I wish. I guess it will all be done in the Lord's own time. I hope that your placement in the princess's house is going well. Her grandmother just told me the other day how she does not see the girl as often as she would like. I think Lady Elizabeth Boleyn the very definition of wisdom and grace, and I am sure any young girl would benefit from a bit of her council.

We will be wintering in London. Christmas always brings me such joy. I am hoping to bring joy to all in our circle this Christmas with the birth of our first son. Let us pray that he is healthy and vibrant just like his Father.

I hope this letter finds you in good time.

My best wishes for your health and happiness, and that of your charge.

A.

P.S. Lady Elizabeth Boleyn sends me with this gift for her granddaughter, hoping to entice a visit since it cannot be opened without a key.

I looked at Kat as I finished and said, "I cannot believe I have a gift from my grandmother."

"There is a problem, Elizabeth. Your grandmother is dead. How are we to get a key from a dead woman?"