19th of January 1532 - The Palace of Beaulieu

Screaming in agony, Clarice clutched at her ladies hands as she continued to labour with her first child; her waters had broken early that morning and she had spent most of the day labouring to bring her child into the world. 

She had never felt anything like this before and Clarice just wanted it to be over, the hours felt like they weren't moving fast enough nor was she any closer to delivering. 

"You're doing so well, you're nearly there," Elizabeth Boleyn encouraged, wiping a damp cloth across the top of Clarice's head to try and cool her down; her words soft as she spoke knowing that it wouldn't be too long now. 

Having laboured for most of the day, it would surely not be long before the child made it's way into the world; the labour had been slow to start but things were starting to speed up now. 

Clarice gritted her teeth trying to clam down on the shout of pain that threatened to spill from her lips; she could not understand why women had to suffer in such a way. 

Surely if penance was needed for another's wrong doing then the debt would have been repaid, she did not see how women did this multiple times and she just wanted it to be over already. 

"We can see the head now, Your Grace," the midwife encouraged glad that the babe was making progress, it had been a long day for the mother and she was pleased to see that the delivery was going as smooth as she hoped it would. 

There was no denying that she found herself feeling rather nervous when it came to the delivery; for every three labours that she attended one would end in sorrow. 

Clarice gritted her teeth, focusing on pushing her babe into the world; she was sure once she was done that her hard work would be rewarded in holding her child for the first time. 

She gave one last almighty push and collapsed back against her pillows just as a shrill cry filled the room, she barely heard the words that Elizabeth said to her in congratulations of her delivery of her child. 

The midwife handed the newborn off to Isotta to clean up once the cord had been cut and prepared to deliver the placenta while Isotta dealt with cleaning the newborn up before they were given to their mother.

Once the placenta had been delivered, Clarice's ladies helped clean their mistress and take aay the soiled bedding; once everything was clear of the signs of birth, they allowed her to rest in her best. 

Clarice's eyes never left her baby while she was cleaned up, she could not believe that she had done it nor the fact that her child seemed most health given the sharp cry that they had produced. 

Wandering over to where the midwife was checking her grandchild over, Elizabeth couldn't help but smile at the sight of the her grandchild; she was very sure that this one would have a bright future. 

"You have given birth to a very healthy baby girl," Elizabeth informed Clarice taking the baby once the midwife was done with her checks and walking over to the bed where Clarice was resting. 

It would not be long before the news spread that the baby had been born, her father would certainly be over joyed and Elizabeth had no doubts that she would be strong like her mother. 

Handing the baby over, Elizabeth could only imagine how Thomas would take the news that Clarice had been delivered of a daughter instead of the grandson that he craved; she was almost thankful that he was at court right now. 

The last thing that she wanted was any upset at this joyous occasion, she was thrilled at the birth of her son's first child and she had no doubts that George would feel the same. 

Clarice stared down at her daughter, a lump forming in her throat and she could not believe that she was holding her own child; she was healthy and a beautiful baby.

A part of her was disappointed that she had failed in her duty and she was most relieved that she had not made a promise like Anne had done to deliver a much needed son. 

A healthy baby girl was a good start and if her daughter was anything like her then Clarice had no doubts that she would do well in the world; she was part Medici after all despite the fact that she would only bare the Boleyn name and her aunt was the Queen of England, she would be the cousin of a future King like her mother had been.   

***

Standing outside of Clarice's chambers, George could not help but feel anxious about the fact that in a matter of moments he would be meeting his daughter for the first time; he could not believe that they had a baby girl. 

His mother had been the one to bring him the news, he had been seated in his office with a drink while he waited for news about how the labour had gone and if his wife and unborn were well. 

Taking a deep breath, George mentally prepared himself to step inside and see them; his heart pounding in his chest as he reached forward and pulled the door open so that he could enter. 

The room was quiet and the only sound that George could hear was Clarice softly speaking in Italian to their daughter; a small smile forming on his face hearing what she was saying. 

"I hear we have a daughter," George whispered stepping further into the chamber, a nervous smile on his face as he peered at Clarice unsure how to approach her; he had waited a little while to come once his mother had told him of the birth. 

He had spent his time writing letters to those who would be waiting to hear about the birth of their child; he had even considered asking his sister to be the godmother to their daughter. 

George could not deny that he had spent his time worrying for Clarice while she had laboured; he was most relieved to see her well and he had feared for her while he had listened to her cry out in pain. 

It had bothered him more than he cared to admit and he wished that he could take away her pain and suffering while she laboured to bring their daughter into the world. 

"That we do," Clarice confirmed with a small smile, the room was quiet and their daughter was resting in her arms; she was a beautiful baby and Clarice could imagine the problems that they'd have with her when she was older. 

It was not something that they would have to think of for a while and God willing they would be blessed with more children one day. 

George stood beside the bed and looked down at Clarice and their daughter, he couldn't help but feel in awe of the first sight of her; he could not believe that they had created something so perfect between them. 

"You don't mind that she's a girl?" Clarice asked softly shifting her hold on the baby and peeked up at George, she could not forget that his father had talked none stop how important it was that she provided him with a son. 

There was no escaping the fact that the world that they lived in, it was the male progeny that was most desired; there were those who would be disappointed that she had given George a girl.

George didn't speak for a moment, he slowly reached to take the baby from Clarice and held her in his arms for a moment considering what he wished to say; holding his daughter for the first time felt unreal to him. 

He could not take his eyes off of her, she was simply beautiful and he knew that he would do everything in his power to protect her; he would not allow his daughter to be treated as his sisters had been. 

"I couldn't be happier," George reassured her, his sisters had been used for the advancement of others and George had no doubts that when she was old enough that his father would start planning the same for his daughter. 

He would not allow it, he didn't care what his father and uncle thought and he knew that they would not forgive him for what he would do should they seek to hurt his family. 

"You have made me very happy. I could not have asked for more," George continued, his eyes moving away from their daughter to look at Clarice and he offered her a smile. 

He was at a loss for words on how to thank her for what she had done for him, she had given him the greatest gift in the world and he would love her very well; he would not trade her for anything in the world. 

Clarice stared up at him, a little taken back and relieved that he was not angry with her for not delivering a son; she leant back against her pillowed to rest. 

It had been a long day and Clarice doubted that it would be long before the news spread of the birth and they would have visitors coming to see their daughter and offer their congratulations at the birth. 

"What shall we name her?" George asked softly, he peeked down at their baby and smiled at her knowing that a name would have to be picked; he was most relieved that they would not have to name the baby after his father. 

The two of them had not really discussed names but it was something that they needed to talk about now.