That evening, Catherine of Aragon sat on her small sofa by the fireplace with a pained expression on her face. She knew that her time was running out and that she would soon join God. Her loyal lady-in-waiting, Elizabeth Darrel, came up to her and placed a cool rag on her forehead. Catherine smiled sadly at her friend and said to her, "I miss them, Elizabeth." Elizabeth knew who she was speaking of and replied, "I know, my Queen." There was a knock on the door and Lady Elizabeth went to go answer it. The lady-in-waiting opened the door to come face to face with a figure in a black hooded cloak next to Thomas Moore. Thomas bowed his head at the lady-in-waiting and said to her, "I have a visitor for Her Majesty. We don't have much time." Lady Elizabeth nodded then caught a glimpse of the figure and stepped aside. Thomas walked over to Catherine and said to her, kneeling to her, "My Queen, I have brought you someone who would like to see you." Catherine turned to look at her dear friend then at the cloaked figure. The cloaked figure took off their hood to reveal themselves as Elizabeth, Catherine's eldest twin daughter. Catherine couldn't express how happy she was to see one of her daughters. Elizabeth felt tears form in her eyes and raced over to her mother, sobbing. Catherine soothed her daughter and whispered, as she too began to sob, "It's alright, mi hija. Oh, my precious darling girl. My Eliza-Kate." Elizabeth sobbed in her mother's arms. Catherine had her arms around her daughter and ran her hand through Elizabeth's dark hair.
Thomas and Elizabeth Darrel smiled at the mother-daughter reunion. Catherine released from the embrace and wiped Elizabeth's tears away. She said, "The last time I saw you......you were taken from me and sent to France." Elizabeth replied, "I'm here now, Mama. I snuck away from the castle while Papa and his harlot were in prayer. That woman has ruined everything. She was pregnant and gave birth to a daughter." Catherine said, "Now, my darling. We mustn't wish harm on others while they harmed us. I have been told that you are married." Elizabeth replied, "Yes, Mama. Father kept his promise that I would marry James and France and England would be united. He treats me well." Catherine nodded and said, "Good, you must be a good wife to the Dauphin, darling. Don't make the same mistakes I did." Elizabeth nodded and replied, "Yes, Mama. I promise. I also promise that the harlot will get what she deserves." Catherine said, "Good. What of Mary?" Elizabeth replied, "I haven't seen her since I left for France when I was young, Mama. I have tried to get Father to let you and her come to my wedding and to let me visit you but he wouldn't let me. This will be the only and last time I will see you."
Elizabeth had no idea how true her statement would be. Catherine could only smile sadly and nod. If this meant that she could only see her daughter this one time, then she would give anything to savor this moment. Catherine whispered to Elizabeth, "You must promise me something, Elizabeth. *Elizabeth nodded* Promise me that when you become Queen, you will do what is right and necessary not only for your kingdom but for your children and family. Be kind and gracious to others. And in return, they shall be kind and gracious to you." Elizabeth nodded and whispered, "I promise, Mama." Before Catherine could respond, a hand was placed on Elizabeth's shoulder. Thomas said to Elizabeth, "It's time." Elizabeth nodded and turned back to her mother. Catherine embraced Elizabeth once more and motioned her lady-in-waiting to come to her. Lady Elizabeth held a box in her hands when she came over to the mother and daughter and opened it, revealing two necklaces with the letter 'E' and 'C' on it. Catherine said, "This was giving to me by your grandmother so I would remember that she would be there for me. I vowed that if I ever had a daughter, I would name her after her grandmother and give her her grandmother's necklace. Guard this well, my darling. The other necklace is one I had made to give to you so you would remember that I would always be there for you." Elizabeth replied, taking the necklaces, "Thank you, Mama. I will cherish them......always. *Tears threatened to fall once more* I love you, Mama." Catherine embraced her eldest daughter once more and whispered, "I love you too, my darling girl. Make me proud." Elizabeth nodded then took in her mother's smell, holding on just a moment more, before she released from the embrace. Elizabeth stood and followed Thomas to the door, placing her hood over her once more. She took one last glance at her mother who smiled sadly at her. This would be the last time the mother and daughter would see each other.