Free Elizabeth by Evelyn Anthony

spirit. He actually deluded himself for a minute that he might have still cared for her had she been of tougher temper, shown anger or defiance, taken a lover—done anything but wait for him like a sick dog, which would rather be kicked than ignored. He had already decided to ask for the divorce quite simply and gently and avoid a scene if he could, and therefore his first words were a surprise to her.
    â€œYou don’t look well, Amy.”
    â€œNo—Oh, I’ve been ill for some time, Robert, but I’m quite cured now. I won’t tell you about it, and I didn’t write because I know how sickness distresses you. But it’s left me a little pale, I think.”
    â€œYou should have a change,” he said. “You could arrange to go to the North; the air there is very good.”
    â€œI’m quite happy here. If I went to the North, I should never see you.”
    He leant forward suddenly, both hands on his knees.
    â€œAmy, I must talk to you: I must talk to you from the heart. We can’t go on in this fashion any longer. You can’t sit here wasting your days waiting for a husband who has too many calls on him to be a husband. We married in great haste, when we were both too young to know what marriage meant. Let us dissolve it now, while we are friends and wish each other well. I want my freedom, Amy, and I want you to have yours. Another man will make up to you for all that I’ve lacked.”
    He was surprised because he had been so certain that of all the women in the world, Amy would cry at such a moment. But her eyes were dry, and there was a curious look in them when she answered.
    â€œI don’t want any other man. I’m happy enough with you.”
    He shook his head, determined not to show impatience.
    â€œYou haven’t been happy for many years, neither have I. Let us be honest with each other; our paths have separated and they will never run in the same direction now. I cannot live the life of a squire buried in the country. You aren’t suited to the life at Court.”
    â€œI have never had the opportunity to find out,” Amy said quietly. “You did not want me with you, Robert, and I have been content to stay away. I am not complaining. I told you, I am happy enough as things are.”
    â€œWell I am not.”
    If she was going to argue, he thought angrily, then there was no use employing gentle language.
    â€œI want a divorce, and I demand that you agree. I won’t be held in bondage to you; I want my freedom!”
    Amy Dudley looked at him. “So this was the important business you wrote about,” she said. “And I suppose you thought it would be settled by tomorrow so that you could ride back to the Queen and tell her it was done.”
    â€œWhat the devil are you saying!” He sprang out of his chair and stood over her glaring down into that white, oddly determined face.
    â€œYou said we should be honest. People have been gossiping about you and the Queen for months. Why don’t you tell the truth and say that you want to cast me off so that you can marry her !”
    He had no idea how the truth had come into her stupid head, and he no longer cared. At that moment it seemed as if the sickly woman sitting in front of him, showing signs of independence for the first time in her life, were the sole obstacle to his marriage with Elizabeth.
    â€œYou can tell her,” Amy’s voice was trembling at last, “that she has taken you from me in spirit, and in body. You are always with her and never with me. She is the Queen and I cannot fight her. She wants you now, and therefore I must stand aside and give you to her as if I had no rights at all. But I won’t, Robert. You may tell her so. I will not divorce you.”
    For a moment he thought he must have imagined it; Amy could not be serious—she had never refused him anything, never defied him in the ten years of their marriage.…
    â€œI