The journey to England from France seemed like an eternity for Elizabeth and James but they finally made it after a couple months. Elizabeth's baby bump was almost starting to show and it was getting hard to hide it. Now, the couple sat in a carriage as they made their way to Hampton Court. Elizabeth sighed in content and said, "Oh, it feels good to be back on English soil. Not that I have a problem with being in France but I miss England." James replied, smiling, "Well, now you can enjoy England. You're already at your three month mark. Once you are five months pregnant, we can't travel. It will be best if you had the child in England. As much as I want them to be born in France, I want your and their safety to be put first." Elizabeth smiled lovingly at her husband and said, as she placed her hand on her stomach, "This child is lucky to have a father such as you." James then placed his hand on top of Elizabeth's hand, smiling. The couple couldn't be more happier than they already were. They soon arrived at Hampton Court where they were escorted to the throne room. Elizabeth and James, followed by their ladies-in-waiting and valets, entered the throne room. The harold announced, "Their Royal Highnesses, Princess Elizabeth of England and Prince James of France!" Henry smiled at the sight of his pregnant eldest daughter and her husband as they came towards him and Anne. When Anne looked at her stepdaughter, she couldn't help but feel jealous. She had lost one child then she was pregnant with another, with the possibility of losing the child again.
It was almost as if Catherine was laughing at her and as if God was on Elizabeth side rather than hers. Anne knew that Elizabeth would take Jane's side and help her take the throne from her. Elizabeth rose from her curtsy as did James from his bow when Henry told them to rise. Henry made his way over to the couple and said to them, "It is so good to have you in England once more. I hope you enjoy your stay." James glanced at his wife with a smile and replied to his father-in-law, "We couldn't be more pleased to be back in England and in the presence of Your Majesty." Henry grinned at the young man and turned to address the court. He said, taking his eldest daughter's hand, "I have some wonderful news to announce. My daughter, the Princess of England and France, is pregnant with the future heir of both kingdoms. She, along with Prince James, will be here until the birth of their child. I expect them to be treated as you treat me and Her Majesty." The courtiers applauded at the news and whispered happily at the news of an heir. Soon afterwards, Henry escorted his daughter and son-in-law to their chambers. Henry smiled at the couple and said to them, "I hope you two enjoy your stay. I am beyond pleased to have my future grandchild be born in England." James replied, "Of course, Your Majesty. *He looked at Elizabeth then back at Henry* We had talked about how we wanted at least one of our children to be born in the same kingdom as their mother." Elizabeth nodded and said to her father, "Yes. Father, I hope you had considered my wish to have Mary come to court. It is been so long since I had last seen my beloved sister." Henry replied, "Of course, my precious jewel. Your sister will be on her way soon......as long as she sign the oath." Elizabeth said, confused, "What oath, Father?" Henry said, "The one that would recognize me as head of the Church of England." Elizabeth replied, "May I help in the situation, Father? Perhaps I can convince her to sign it." Henry thought about it for a moment and said, nodding, "Very well. But, don't stress yourself out, it is unhealthy for the child." Elizabeth nodded then embraced her father. She couldn't express how much she had missed her father.
The next day, Elizabeth sat in a carriage as she rode to where her sister was staying to convince her to sign the oath. Lady Eleanor sat in front of her mistress and said to her, "Are you excited to see your sister, milady?" Lady Eleanor had convinced Elizabeth to let her come with her, just in case something happened to Elizabeth. Elizabeth sighed and replied, "I'm not sure, Eleanor. It has been so long since we have been with each other. The last time we have been together was when we were only children." The carriage arrived at the estate and a guard came to help the princess and lady out of the carriage. Elizabeth entered the estate and stopped in her tracks when she saw Mary. She whispered, "Mary?" Mary heard her name being called and turned to see her sister. Her eyes widened but her shock was overcome by happiness and rushed to embrace her sister. Elizabeth let out a sigh and said, "Oh, Mary. I am so happy to see you after all these years." Mary smiled at her sister and replied, "And I you, dear sister. Tell me, how are you? I heard that you were with child." Elizabeth placed her hand on her stomach and said, "Yes, I am. James and I couldn't be more pleased. Father was also pleased. But, that is not what I am here for, Mary. I have come here on the matter of the oath." Mary sighed and said, as Elizabeth went to sit down at a table with Lady Eleanor not too far behind, "Father has sent you, hasn't he?" Elizabeth replied, as Eleanor gave her a paper, "No, I came on my own accord. Mary, this oath can determine if you live or die. I wouldn't want it to be the latter. I have already lost Mother, Uncle Thomas, and Lady Darrel to that harlot. *Her voice cracked* I couldn't bare it if I lost you too. Please, Mary. If you don't do this for yourself, then do it for me. For my child. I would want my child to meet their godmother." Mary said, taken back, "'Godmother'? You want me to be the godmother of your child?" Elizabeth nodded and replied, "I couldn't think of anyone else who would be perfect for the job. Of course, James would want his sister to be the godmother but I want you to be." Mary said, "If I sign this, then I have committed a sign and my soul will be condemned." Elizabeth replied, "The Pope will forgive you, Mary. He wouldn't want you to die for this." Mary said, turning to Lady Eleanor, "Give me a pen, please. And may God save my soul, I will never forgive myself for this." Elizabeth sighed in relief as her sister signed the oath. She didn't have to go through the pain of losing another loved one.