Anne of the Thousand Days Page #3

Or woman.

Again.

- I'm angry with myself.

- Why?

Well, think of the years I spent

at the French court.

I was surrounded by gallant,

captivating, exquisite French courtiers

and I loved none of them.

No sooner do I return

than I fall in love with a...

- "Olodhopper," said His Majesty.

- He was right.

No manners, can't dance,

can't sing, can't...

- Oan put his arms around you.

- Not as well as I've known it done.

But they are the arms I want,

for some God knows what reason.

I love your awkwardness.

But if we love enough to marry,

we must keep nothing back.

So?

- Are we to bed together? Before?

- If you like.

Kiss me.

Are you a virgin?

- I'm a man.

- I know, but are you a virgin?

When we bed together,

shall I be your first?

- I...

- Speak out.

Well, I'll say it frankly

as they do in France.

In England we make muddy mysteries

of such things as if they were crimes.

We don't come out of a rainbow at 17

and there's no use pretending we do.

You may ask me whatever you like.

- Are you a virgin?

- No.

- In France?

- Yes. And long before.

When I was little,

I was playing with a boy

and he threw me down...

The King refuses you

permission to marry.

- But...

- Why? Why, My Lord?

Marriages of the nobility

are affairs of State.

I was wrong to encourage you.

The King wishes you to marry

a daughter of the Earl of Shrewsbury.

I am pledged to Anne.

It is a good match.

I brought you to court. You're a member

of my household. You will obey.

The world knew we meant to marry.

Nothing was said against it.

You've heard the King's pleasure

against it.

A half grown steer and a leggy girl

will not be allowed

to overturn the policies of State.

Why was nothing said?

Her father, my father,

and you, My Lord Oardinal,

who knows the King's business

better than himself.

Be silent!

You will obey

or your estates will be forfeit.

If you show further disloyalty,

it's doubtful how long you'll live.

The Duke of Buckingham

lost his head for less. Now go.

You must go.

Kiss me, then.

Don't touch her.

- Be careful of yourself.

- I will, for you.

My Lord, I love him truly

and we are pledged to each other.

If you force him to marry elsewhere,

although I am only a girl,

you'll know you have an enemy.

Madam, you do me wrong.

I have no spleen against you,

I am only a messenger.

Messenger? Who has chosen for me?

When Henry of England

turns his eyes on a girl,

she can hardly look away.

- The King has asked for me?

- He has.

And sent you to me?

It is sometimes my duty

to anticipate his desires.

Even in carnal matters,

My Lord Oardinal?

We have had the King in the bosom

of this family for some years.

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