“Since dawn,” said Lady Elizabeth, “still far apart, though. And not too regular yet.”
“We are a way off yet,” said the midwife, nodding. “Has she eaten?”
“She will take nothing.”
“No, that is no good.” Mistress Blackwood spoke directly to Anne. “You must eat something and keep up your strength. This ordeal may last another day or two; you need to be strong for it. Send to the kitchens.”
“I will do so,” said Thomasin, hurrying from the room, through the waiting spaces and out into the large chamber.
“Is the baby coming?” asked Nan Gainsford, approaching her by the door.
“Not yet, I don’t think. The midwife thinks it may still be another day.”
“Heaven be praised — today is not an auspicious day for the birth.”
“What do you mean?”
“The sixth of September. The astrologer drew up a chart, did you not know?”
“A chart?”
“Based on the position of the planets and stars. The last good day was September the third, a royal date for a truly blessed child, and the next is tomorrow, September the seventh. Above all she must deliver before the eleventh, because that is the day that the child would be cursed.”
Thomasin privately dismissed such nonsense. “So long as it arrives healthy and strong. Now, I have instructions for the kitchens.”
She spoke briefly to the guards at the door, who were primed ready for this moment, one of whom departed at once.
“Should we inform the king?” asked Bess Holland, who looked sideways at Thomasin, never having forgiven her for their argument years ago in Catherine’s apartments.
“If you would,” Thomasin replied curtly, before turning and heading back to Anne.
Back in the chamber, Anne was bracing herself again through the pain.
“These are coming sooner, I think,” said the midwife. “Once you’ve finished, my lady, I would like your permission to examine you and see where we are.”
Anne’s body tautened as some invisible power moved through it. She arched her back and threw back her head until she relaxed again.
“Now,” said Mistress Blackwood, turning to Thomasin, “lock and bar the door and admit no one; I am about the examine the queen.”
Thomasin drew the bolt and stood before the door, while the midwife removed the covers that had been lying across the queen. She averted her eyes while Mistress Blackwood’s swift hands lifted her nightgown and made their quick examination, before covering her up again.
“There is still much time to pass. You have not yet begun the process of dilation, and there has been no signs of your waters breaking yet. Try to rest as much as you can and eat when the food arrives.”
“Rest?” said Anne. “This is not labour?”
“This is pre-labour, the warning. Your time is not far off. Likely tomorrow you will hold your child in your arms.”
“Tomorrow?”
“It seems a long time to be in pain but it is the Lord’s way, and worth the safe arrival of a child.”
“It was thus with me,” said Lady Elizabeth, “and your sister. Never fear; the time will pass. We are here with you.”
Anne seized her hand again and squeezed it tight. “Pray with me.”
They all clasped their hands together as Anne mumbled her prayers, even Thomasin and the midwife. Occasionally, mid-word, she would pause, bracing herself through pain, and then resume. Their concentration was broken only by the eventual knock upon the door, signalling that food had been brought.
Thomasin opened the door, allowing Nan and Margaret to bring in the dishes that had come up from the kitchen. Anne was able to take some wine and pastries. After that, her pains seemed to recede, so she lay down upon her back.
