– It was her own fault. If she hadn't made so many demands on Anne Boleyn, he would have played with that beauty and then traded her for another, as he usually does. My father tells me everything that goes on at court. When he is there, I get long letters from him, and when he comes home for a week or two we only talk about the court. I persuade him to take me with him and introduce me to the Queen, but he says she is now too disturbed by the behaviour of her lady in waiting, Anne, and will not take a new, younger, and prettier lady in waiting. Though, if the King insists… But he only saw a glimpse of me. He was only looking at his precious favourite, and that one, shameless girl, just devoured him with her eyes… Come on, my dear, don't be upset: the King is understandable. He's married to an old Spanish woman.

– She's only six years older than Henry.

– Six years, to think of it! – Alienor shook her head unhappily. – A woman should never be older than her husband! Never!

– But why? – Brigid wheezed in despair. Her chest was full of bitterness and pain for Catherine.

– Because when the wife is older, happens things that constantly happens to the Queen: miscarriages and constant adultery of her husband" – admonished Alienor, but seeing the tears in the eyes of her dear friend, gently added: – But all is in God's hands. Perhaps he will let the Queen bear the boy? Then the King will come to his senses and surround her with the same love that warmed her in their younger days.

– Let us hope so. Amen! – Brigid whispered fervently and touched her cross lovingly.

– Amen," Alienor said.

But she was lying: the last thing she wanted was for Catherine and Henry to be at peace again. She despised the Queen, her iron patience, and the dignity with which she bore the insults and mocking giggles of her own ladies-in-waiting behind her back. If Alienor had been Queen, she would have instantly silenced the mockers and envious, but it seems that the daughter of the great Isabella could not defend herself even from the barking in her direction of the little court dogs that her husband loved so much. Did such a woman, such a Queen deserve respect and love? "No", thought the persistent and self-confident Miss Norton. Catherine would fall, and that fall she would deserve.

Although Brigid felt better after three days, she had to stay in bed for a week: her mother had insisted, fearing that a draught might cause another attack. When people almost lose their favourite creature, they become overzealous in protecting it. But Miss Guise was not bored, for her dear friend was at her side and spent almost all her time at her bedside. Alienor, who was as anxious for Brigid's health and life as the latter's parents, felt a certain guilt: it was she who had insisted on that ill-fated walk in the field. But could she have foreseen that the light white clouds would be replaced by black storm clouds? After all, she does not possess the gift of foresight, so could she have known that it would rain in a way that would make the frail Brigid sick?

– I'm sorry, my dear, but it seems your favourite hood is lost forever. I looked for it after that storm, and then again, with a couple of maids… But don't be sad: I will give you a new and even more beautiful one," Alienor said affectionately to her friend as the girls strolled through the garden.

Miss Guise was allowed to leave her chambers and the castle, but not for long, so they did not go further than the large, well-tended garden behind the castle. The girls held tightly to their hands, and behind them, silent as a shadow and true as a dog, walked a boy-parlour carrying a small basket of candied fruit. This little procession was closed by two armed servants, who had been ordered to guard the life and peace of Miss Norton and her friend.