Life is wonderful. I take care to make sure the king is content, and he in return lavishes me with great gifts, expensive cloths, jewels, and spending money. He absolutely adores me, and while I don't exactly find him an attractive lover, in my own way I have a sort of affectionate love towards him.
But someone else has come into my life, and I do feel that I can love him in a lover's way. His name is Thomas Culpeper, and he is simply magnificent. He is a favorite of the king and one of the handsomest men I have ever laid eyes upon. He is the "gentleman of the privy chamber", whatever that is supposed to mean. In any case, I rather do like him. He often compliments me on my beauty and lively personality. Sigh.
The king and I are going to be embarking on a tour of England in the summer. I have written a letter to Thomas that you can view here, if you would like.
Oh! I forgot to mention, it's not really as easy as it seems to have an affair when you're the queen. You get little privacy and mostly everyone knows about your life. However, I was able to get one of my ladies-in-waiting, Lady Rochford, to help us. She alerts me when Culpeper is in my chambers and someone is coming, and she helps us to arrange secret meetings. It's a bit ironic as she was the one who accused her own husband of committing adultery Anne Boleyn...
Well, I must go now! Thomas is waiting for me!
Until next time, Catherine "Culpeper" (teehee) Howard.
Catherine,
ReplyDeleteAs one of Henry's advisers and as I would say so myself, a close friend of his, I find your affair with this new man horrendous! How dare you cheat on the King of England? Even if this man, who has quite a lovely name,Thomas (how beautiful), is handsome, intelligent, and kind, it is not in your best interest to start/develop a relationship with him. I'm afraid you don't fully understand Ms. Anne's predicament and I would hate to see a young lady such as yourself stuck in the same situation.
Please rethink,
Thomas Cranmer
I know exactly what how you feel right now. I have been like you, completely in love and happy. When I first met my ex-husband, Lord Darnley, I was swooned too. He was tall and handsome. I hope that your affair with Thomas goes well.
ReplyDelete-Mary