When the Heavens Fall Read Online Free

don’t fit in.”
    â€œFit in with what?”
    â€œI’m not like you or Grandfather or even Uncle Quentin. You’re all good men and I’m not.”
    â€œWhy, Son, none of us are perfect. I’d hate you to know some of the things that I’ve done and some of the thoughts I’ve had. But we all grow and change. Brandon, you can become the man that you choose to be.”
    Brandon raised his head, and his eyes met Stuart’s. There was pain in them, and he said, “That’s the trouble, I guess. I have no desire to be noble.”
    Stuart was stunned into silence. “We’ll speak of this later.”
    They rode the remaining mile in silence, entered the drive leading to Whitehall, then dismounted, tied their horses to a railing and walked up to the gate. A guard took their names and left to seek permission for their entry. Stuart and Brandon walked over to a stone bench in a corner and took a seat
    Brandon asked in a whisper, “Do you really think the Princess Mary will see us?”
    Being here, at the palace, seemed to shake Brandon out of his introspection. Stuart was glad to seize the opportunity to talk of any subject with his son. “I was the Princess Mary’s playmate, in effect, when she was a child. Of course, I was older than she, but I would play with her. Her mother, Queen Catherine, encouraged me to come often. I’ve known Princess Mary a long time.” He paused, then said quietly, “I feel sorry for her, Brandon.”
    The statement visibly shocked Brandon. “You feel sorry for her? She’s a princess.”
    â€œKing Henry was never kind to his children. He doesn’t care about them really. All he wanted was a son, and then when he finally got Prince Edward, he wasn’t the kind of son that King Henry wanted.”
    â€œHe doesn’t love Prince Edward?”
    Stuart shifted in his seat. He didn’t want to be telling any secrets, but it felt good to be in conversation with his son, and the subject obviously intrigued the boy. “King Henry has never loved anyone—except himself.” Stuart saw that this shocked Brandon again, and he added, “The king wanted someone just like himself, and Prince Edward will never be that.”
    Brandon shifted in his seat. “Why not?”
    â€œThe king was a strong young man, able to defeat any man in his kingdom with sword or lance. He was larger than most men, a sportsman. Prince Edward’s nine now and could not be more different from his father—”
    Stuart was pleased to see another servant with whom he was familiar return with the first. “It’s good to see you again, my lord. It’s been a long time.”
    â€œIt’s good to see you too, Hanson. You’re looking well.”
    â€œGetting older, sir. Princess Mary will be glad to see you. You were always her favorite. Simply let me announce you.”
    They waited, and Hanson soon returned. “Come along. Princess Mary is waiting for you.”
    They followed the tall servant down the hall and entered a large room, where a woman rose and came to greet them. She was dressed in a deep-purple gown with a stiff pointed stomacher. She came forward, smiling at Stuart, and said, “Why, it’s about time, Lord Winslow. You have forsaken us.”
    Stuart bowed and kissed her hand. “Clearly it was not my intention to do so, Princess. I beg your forgiveness. I’ve missed you greatly.”
    Princess Mary was thirty-one years old. She had been an attractive child and by all reports had kept her looks for a while after she grew to maturity—but there was something missing from her now. Stuart could not put his finger on it, but he knew that Mary was unhappy. Perhaps she always had been. Quicklyhe said, “I would like you to meet my son, Brandon. Brandon, the Princess Mary.”
    â€œMy, what a tall fellow you are!” Mary moved to face him and extended her