In The Shadow - стр. 23
– 'Her father sent for her…' Alienor shrugged her shoulders, and then bowed her head and squinted her sky-blue eyes. – You shine like the midday sun. And what has made you so happy?
– I can't hide anything from you, my beauty! – Sir Norton bent down to the girl's ear and whispered softly: – 'News from London! Do you remember how quickly His Majesty left our castle?
– How could I forget such a thing? Oh, don't let me die from curiosity! – whispered Alienor impatiently.
– Henry has sent an ambassador to the Vatican to bring the Pope's consent to the divorce of our King and Queen Catherine! My secret attorney also reports…" Lord Norton whispered quickly, quickly.
– Wait, wait! Father, are you sure about this? – Alienor's eyes widened and she said aloud: the news her father had shared with her astonished her, and her whole being could not believe that King Henry had decided to divorce his old wife after all. How could such a thing be possible? And how had Anne Boleyn managed to induce him to take such a serious, ungodly step? Did he not care at all what his subjects had to say about him?
"But why am I surprised? It was so obvious! The old faithful horse is going to the stall, and the young and stroppy one is preparing to be ridden," thought the girl with a sarcastic smile. – Catherine had better kindly, quietly step down and give her place to her rival, for she has long since won their duel for the heart and favour of this lustful fool!"
– Have I ever been wrong, my rose? – replied the girl's father ingratiatingly, and bent again to her ear: – A man loyal to me, a courtier who is among Henry's closest friends and favourites, has also reported that Catherine, that Spanish fox, has somehow discovered about her husband's secret messenger to the Pope, and has also sent a man to the Vatican… But this is but the last agony: once the King has made his decision, he cannot be changed, however foolish it may be… Do you realise what awaits us all now, my daughter?
– Changes, Father, and I'm sure for the better. But when will you persuade the King to take me as his wife's retinue? This spanish nun may soon fall, but while she's at court, I could be her lady in waiting…
– No, no, just think how Anne would feel about my request. She's soon to be the new Queen of England, and she will certainly not forget that I begged her rival to take you as her lady in waiting. It will cast a shadow over you, my dear. And on all the Nortons! And I do not wish to end up like Brigid's father.
– Then beg Anne! She will be pleased to hear that the young daughter of Henry's councillor stays awake at night, so eager to serve her! – Alienor pleaded.
– What if Henry should die? Anything could happen! Would he die without divorcing then Catherine will remain Queen-mother of the heir to the throne! This woman is soft, but she will not forget those who have hurt her and trampled on her name! No, my little bird, I can't risk it! We will wait," Sir Norton insisted stubbornly.
– Wait? But, Father, I'm already seventeen! I don't want to enter the palace as an old woman! – Alienor snarled resentfully.
– My dear, you know that I am always on your side, but this time I insist on my own: we will wait for a convenient moment, – said Lord Norton in a serious tone, and his daughter did not argue, but only sighed sadly.