An Endless Supply Of Rubies

Civil Unrest II

Fanfic: An Endless Supply of Rubies Ch 20, Tudors | FanFiction

A/N: This has been my study break project for about a week. Go finals!

20 June 1536

Sometimes, Amelia got annoyed with her father. Sometimes, he reminded her of Christian, who had an inability to make up his mind, which caused him to lose his throne. Charles had not been home for long before the King had recalled him to court, then sent back home, then recalled.

One of the days her husband had been at court, she had received a letter from Mr. Secretary Cromwell informing her that Sir Francis Bryant would soon be coming to Westhorpe to speak with the Lady Mary about the Act of Supremacy.

Amelia had heard tales of Sir Francis Bryant at court. He was the son of Lady Bryant, and a notorious womanizer. They say he kept many mistresses, married or unmarried, and that if you looked him in the eye, he would not hesitate to take one of yours. It made Amelia nervous.

She knew that she was soon to have her child, and her sister had attempted to confine her to her bed, but it was too warm and beautiful outside, even with Charles not around. She was outside her home when Sir Francis arrived, watching Elizabeth and John as they played tag in the front yard.

The two children stopped when they saw him. He had a pleasant expression on his face, but the black eyepatch that covered his left eye made his smile seem predatory. John and Elizabeth ran over to Amelia and huddled behind her, both children clutching Amelia's skirts as they peeked out from behind her.

"My lady Amelia," Sir Francis greeted as he approached, bowing his head in respect.

"Sir Francis," Amelia replied, bowing her head as well. She looked at the children behind her on either side. "Run along now, you two. Go find William in the kitchen and ask him to tell you a story."

"You have guardianship of the Lady Elizabeth?" Sir Francis asked, a mixture of surprise and amusement in his voice. He had not been informed of this when he returned to court.

Amelia nodded. "The King has decreed both of us to be bastards. He does not want her anymore, and I believe that no one should feel unwanted," she replied. "Besides, us bastard daughters need to stick together."

Sir Francis laughed. "It makes sense, I suppose. They told me at court that you were the daughter with the heart of gold," he said. "But I do believe you know why I'm here."

"Of course. I shall send for Mary immediately," Amelia said, gesturing for Sir Francis to follow her into the house.

He followed Amelia, making note of the portraits and tapestries that decorated the walls. "Forgive me for asking, my lady, but should you not be in confinement?" Sir Francis asked after passing a portrait of what he assumed to be the Duke of Suffolk's parents.

"I should be, Sir Francis, but there is too much to be done and not enough hands," she responded with a smile.

They entered the private study in the back of the house, where Mary reading The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli. She closed the book the moment Sir Francis and Amelia entered the room.

"This is Sir Francis Bryan, sister," Amelia said.

Mary rose and curtsied as Sir Francis removed his hat as he bowed.

"Lady Mary," Sir Francis greeted.

"I am very glad you have come to see me," Mary said. "I have written a letter congratulating the King on his marriage and begging leave to wait upon Queen Jane, or do Her Grace such service as would please her to command me." She turned towards her sister. "Even though it would pain me to leave my dear sister, I still must ask."