The Heart Made of Broken Gold

Chapter 8: Agree

King Henry has been eager to see Elizabeth in anticipation of Christmas, but Anne is refusing to allow him access to their daughter. King Henry is expressing his frustration during a phone conversation, insisting that he has the right to see Elizabeth. Anne counters by saying that he never showed any interest in Elizabeth when they were married, and questions why he suddenly cares now. She suspects that the only reason he wants to see Elizabeth is to appease the public and avoid criticism for his past treatment of them. Anne abruptly ends the call, screaming with intense emotion.

King Henry stormed into their room, his face twisted in anger. He paced back and forth, muttering to himself, clearly agitated. Jane, who had been quietly sitting in the corner, could sense the tension in the air.

“What is the matter?” she asked, hoping to offer some comfort.

“Why don’t you leave me alone?!” King Henry barked, his voice echoing off the walls. He stormed out of the room, leaving Jane standing there, confused and hurt.

Ever since Prince Edward was born, King Henry had been distant and cold towards Jane. She couldn’t help but feel unhappy and alone, wondering what she had done to deserve such treatment.

Jackie is expecting another child. Steve is currently two years old. Jessica is six years old. Elizabeth is ten years old. King Henry expressed a desire to see Elizabeth, but he did not want to go to court. King Henry is feeling upset. King Henry has not communicated with Jane or Princess Mary. Princess Mary is aware to avoid her father when he is in a bad mood. Jane also maintains her distance. The only person King Henry is kind to is Prince Edward. King Henry contacts Jackie, hoping that she can speak to Anne about allowing him to see Elizabeth.

“Henry, I’m sorry to say this, but your actions have caused a lot of pain to Anne. She really needed you to be there for her when the baby died, and it’s clear that she feels deeply hurt by your absence. It’s important to remember that she was also grieving and needed your support during that difficult time. I’m also a bit confused about your desire to see Elizabeth. I mean, you didn’t seem to care much about her when you were with Anne. In fact, it took you a whole day to come see her when she was born. Maybe it’s time to think about what Anne needs right now, rather than just your own desires.” Jackie explained.

“I know I have not been a great father to Elizabeth, but I want to make it up to her. I wish Anne would give me that chance. It should be Elizabeth’s choice to see me not Anne’s. I will come to Mississippi if that’s what it takes to see Elizabeth!” King Henry pleaded.

“I will talk to Anne, but I cannot make any promise that she will agree to let you see Elizabeth,” Jackie warns King Henry.

“Thank you for understanding. How is Elizabeth doing?” King Henry asks.

“She is doing great. She is getting along with her cousins and has a lot of friends at school.” Jackie replied.

After Jackie finished talking to King Henry, she went to look for Anne. When she found her, Anne was outside with Paul.

Jackie told them, “Henry calls me and he really wants to see Elizabeth.”

Paul immediately asked, “Who side are you on?!”

Jackie calmly replied, “I am on Anne’s side, but Henry is really sorry for causing Anne and Elizabeth any pain. He wants to be a father to Elizabeth.” However, Anne was not convinced and responded, “I am not letting Elizabeth go to England. I do not trust that witch he is married to!”

Jackie tried to ease Anne’s concerns by saying, “Henry agrees to come to Mississippi to see Elizabeth.” Hopefully, this compromise will satisfy everyone involved.

“I will let him see Elizabeth if he comes to Mississippi, but I do not want to see him!” Anne agreed.

“I understand. I will tell him,” Jackie replied.

Anne then warned Jackie, “I do not want him to be asking Elizabeth questions about me because I will find out from Elizabeth!”

Jackie agreed to convey the message to him.