KINGS AND PAWNS
Chapter II
October 13th, 1555
HAMPTON COURT PALACE, ENGLAND
As the morning sun flooded the small bedchamber Margaret threw the covers over her head, her long legs tucked closely to her. She'd heard the maids come in earlier, putting out the embers in the hearth, filling up the washing bowel with water. She could smell food too now, bread of some sort, and butter. With a smile she snuggled deeper into the goose down pillows. This was nothing like Croxden where mornings consisted of waking at the crack of dawn and helping her Aunt to serve the morning meal. She was sure it must be past seven, a luxury she had never before experienced.
"Come, my little layabout!" the bright, pretty voice of her sister in law echoed through the room "Up! Up or I shall douse you with your own bathwater!"
Margaret laughed and lifted up, her shift bunching up at her shoulders. She looked about. The beauty of the chamber the night before had been nothing compared to how it looked in the morning's bright light. Tapestries covered the walls, silk covered the bed and the floor had thick, warm rugs with beautiful biblical scenes sown into them. A little door lead out into Mary and Henry's chambers while a small curtain hid a copper chamber pot in the corner. Margaret stood, her smile bright and she felt refreshed.
"Oh Mary! I shall never become accustomed to this place!"
She fell back into the covers and sighed, her happiness evident. The country was long past, she was sure that court was where she belonged. Mary rolled her eyes and huffed, grabbing her younger sister in law's arm and tugging her upwards. Margaret laughed and stood, her laughter ringing in the small room. Mary turned towards a chair near the fireplace, where something blue hung over the back. Mary Dudley was a true beauty. Her dark hair and big brown eyes were trademarks of her family, and her figure was any man's dream in a wife. Margaret could see why Henry was so enamored by her. She wore a beautiful olive green dress of silk and lace with pearl sown sleeves. The bodice was strewn with seed pearls and a few emeralds. Very expensive, Margaret mused.
"Hush! You must eat and wash and dress, it is but an hour until Matins."
Mary picked up the dress as two serving women rushed in, straightening the bed up and placing the bread and butter on a plate they busied themselves about the chamber. One took the pot from the corner and another woman came in, taking her place. Mary gestures towards the food and Margaret gladly helped herself. As she chewed on the freshly baked bread and sipped on spiced wine, Mary began setting out combs and laid the delicate dark blue dress. Margaret took a final bite and shook her head, her eyes widening.
"That is not one of my gowns!"
"Of course not!" Mary laughed "It is one of mine, I had my tailor tend to it. It should fit you well."
Margaret looked at her own trunks and Mary shook her head, clicking her tongue at the girl.
"But Mary I have my own gowns! Surely-"
"Surely not! Margaret, my dear, I assure you you will have your own dresses, but for now you must trust my judgment."
Mary winked.
"Anne! Lydia! Come, dress the Lady Margaret. Plate her hair as well and use the blue paste jewels."
Margaret was suddenly being assaulted. One of the serving women threw her night shift over her shoulders and another slid a clean white one over her. Then came the corset, which was sown so tightly Margaret had to lean over to even catch her breath. Mary had Lydia loosen it. They slid the farthinggale over her hips, and finally came the dress. The material was beautiful and Margaret ran her hands over it, marveling at the luxurious fabric.
"Yes, just as I thought. My dear, you're simply stunning."
Margaret looked down at herself, her toes peeping out from the many skirts of the dress. Anne slid a pair of slippers on her feet while Lydia began combing through her curly mass of hair. Mary turned, her skirts swishing as she did so. Margaret looked up.
"Where are you going sister?"
Mary opened the door and turned back, smile soft.
"Only to my Lord Husband's aid. He can never quite fit his doublet correctly, and he loathes valets."
She paused, looking out the door.
"When you finish, we shall go to the Chapel where the whole court can see your new finery."
Mary nodded towards the serving women who continued helping Margaret with her hair. Anne suggested powder and a pink stain for her lips, but Margaret wanted nothing of it. The new dress and the way her hair was tightly braided were already strange enough. And the French hood, studded with pearls and blue jewels was heavy enough to worry her. What if she lost balance and it fell off? The horror of the idea made her cringe. But she didn't have time to worry because as soon as the women were finished she knew she had to make her way to the chapel. When she entered her Brother's chamber his eyes flew open and he was momentarily speechless.
"Madge?" he asked, raising an eyebrow "That cannot be my wild, country bumpkin sister! Can it? Surely not!"
Mary winked and Margaret gave a little spin. She felt much better equipped to meet the court in the new dress. Her old gowns may have been safe and familiar, but one did not enter the court of a King dressed in hand me down clothes. She would simply have to become...accustomed. As they entered the hall, heading towards the Chapel, she felt a flutter of anticipation. This would be her official entrance at court and now that the awe had worn off (almost) the fear of all those eyes on her for the first time made her weak in the knees. She took a deep breath, tightening her grip on Henry's arm. He laughed and patted her back.
"Now now sweetling. Do not fear, they will love you as I do."
He smiled down at her, his eyes reminding her of their Mother. Taking a deep breath she nodded. The doors swung open. The pews were all filled and the only empty seats were up near the front. Mary headed there instinctively. Elizabeth and her ladies were there, and Mary seemed very familiar with them. Henry, still holding his sister's arm, lead her down the aisle. He introduced her as the Lady Margaret Sidney of Croxden. Everyone recognized the country name and a few seemed less than enthused at this newcomer's pedigree. But Henry was one of the King's favorites and his sister would surely be one as well. Margaret was unable to detect some of the falseness of the court, and she assumed that everyone was simply welcoming and kind. The introductions were a bit confusing with so many new names and faces. So when they were done with the endless string of curtseys and bows and introductions. Finally as they neared their pew, Margaret turned, surveying the chapel.
Without thinking she turned towards the back of the chapel and up at the raised area there, a balcony of sorts. Suddenly she noticed the face of the King staring down at her, a half smile on his handsome features. Margaret started, turning towards the pulpit, her heartbeat racing. Edward's Chaplin took his place in front of the congregation and began his service. Looking down at her Book of Common Prayer, Margaret couldn't focus on the sermon. She could feel a burning on the back of her neck and she was sure that the King's eyes stayed on her for most of the message. As Matins ended and the final prayer came to a close she took a deep breath, already repenting for her horrible behavior. Never had she been so sinfully preoccupied. Shaking her head she stared down at the floor, feelign vain and silly. Why would the King of England take a second glance at a simple country girl when he was surrounded by elegant, beautiful ladies.
"He would not." she whispered to herself blushing.
"Who would not Lady Margaret?"
Madge jumped, looking back at the voice that had interrupted her musings. It was the Lady Elizabeth! She turned and did a deep curtsey. Mary and four other ladies were with her. She recognized one as the Lady Jane Grey and another as the Lady Catherine Dudley, Mary's younger sister. Eleanor Neville, whom Henry had introduced Margaret to earlier, smiled sweetly at her as well. The older woman was unknown to Margaret, but she guessed it was Kat Ashley, the Lady Elizabeth's nurse from childhood.
"No one My Lady." she shook her head and gave a little chuckle "It was a silly daydream."
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow, not believing the girl but thankfully she shrugged it off. Putting a hand on Margaret's shoulder she turned towards the door. Many courtiers had already left the chapel. Margaret risked one more glance upward and was relieved to see no one left in the King's box. As Elizabeth lead her out amongst her ladies she spoke to one courtier or another, her graceful walk and pretty smile causing many to look her way. One especially, was a handsome young man who stood near the Duke of Norththumberland and his sons. Catherine laughed and whispered in Elizabeth's ear, close enough so Margaret could hear it.
"My, Lord Robert is looking rather splendid this morn, isn't he my Lady?"
Elizabeth gave the Lady Dudley a playful withering stare but nodded towards her brother and Robert smiled from ear to ear, his eager face reminding Margaret of a boy. She couldn't help but smile. The vibrant lively court of the young King seemed crackling with activity, bursting at the seams with secrets and stories. She felt a thrill up her spine.
"Where is the Lady Mary, my Lady?" Margaret asked, looking around for the King's dour eldest sister. Elizabeth laughed, startling the girl.
"Oh the Lady Mary enjoys a private ceremony in her own chambers." the ladies all giggled "Of course, we all know that she simply cannot bring herself to hear her Masses in English."
Margaret was confused for a moment. King Edward had decreed that all English services be in their country's own tongue, the Catholic practice of Latin mass had been outlawed. That meant that if Lady Mary was hearing them in Latin then she was breaking her own brother (the King's) law. Her eyes widened, and she turned around. Before she could question them the ladies burst into laughter. Eleanor waved a gloved hand.
"Margaret do not look so troubled. You have much to learn of King Edward's court!"
She shook her head as they walked towards the gardens. Eleanor was right. Margaret put a smile on her face, masking the confusion and the questions. She swore to herself that she would learn as much about court life as possible, and quickly.
"And your Latin? You have kept up with it? And your other studies?"
A cool breeze wafted by, and Margaret wrapped her cloak tighter around her. The sky was a dull gray and she suspected a drizzle would soon follow the chilly breeze. Turning to her brother she smiled, shaking a curl from her face.
"Of course Henry. All of Elizabeth's ladies are well read and I assure you I am kept as sharp as a whip." she lifted her skirts over a little puddle by the rose bushes and nodded towards a bench "May we sit Brother? I am weary."
Henry eyed her, his mouth tight with worry. She was tired because she'd stayed up all night dancing and merrymaking with the Lady Elizabeth and the rest of the court. It had only been a week since the young Madge had been brought to court, an innocent wide eyed maiden. Now it seemed that her homespun dresses and simple ways had disappeared. She was transforming into a courtier, just as their mother had always feared for her youngest girl.
"Please don't look at me that way Henry!" she hissed, looking down at her hands "I was only having a bit of fun. You act as if I have become the court strumpet!"
He blushed and shook his head, one hand on his knee, the other tapping on the bench.
"No, no Madge I know you are a good girl. It is only..."
She looked up at him, feeling as if she had disappointed him. But she didn't understand why. She had made friends in court already, earning a place in the elite circle of Elizabeth and her ladies! She was learning etiquette and how to carry herself. She was learning who was who and what their secrets were. She was learning quickly how to survive at court. Why was her brother so upset? Margaret had thought that was what he wanted.
"It is only, I fear loosing my young sister, I mourn the child you once were."
He smiled gently at her and she put a hand over his.
"You sound like father."
Her voice caught with sadness and for a moment they shared the painful grief of their parents loss. But Henry shook his head, the half smile returning as he stood, offering her his arm. She accepted and as they continued their walk, another breeze shook the branches around them.
"Mary tells me you are doing very well Madge. The Lady Elizabeth is quite fond of you."
Margaret smiled and nodded. Elizabeth had become a friend, along with Catherine, Jane and Eleanor. Even Kat Ashley and Lady Catherine Knollys (Elizabeth's older ladies in waiting) were delightful company.
"And I of her."
He smiled again and they turned towards the palace.
"You have many, admirers here at court sister." he looked at her questioningly "Did you know? Many speak quite highly of you. You are doing as well as I had hoped."
Margaret shrugged and blushed. She was happy to have found such an easy place at court. It was wonderful to have fit in so well. As they neared a door to the courtyard, they spoke of the past. Of holidays and memories and their three sisters. Lucy, Francis and Anne were all married and spent much time away from court, but they would soon visit and all of their family would be together again. Almost all of their family. In the middle of their musings a deep, robust voice cut through the stillness of the garden.
"Sir Sidney! Henry, you knave!"
It was the voice of the King, who was now strolling confidently towards the two. Behind him a middle aged man in a black robe followed, a bible in the crook of his right arm. He was familiar to Margaret and she recognized him as Edmund Grindal, King Edward's Chaplain. He had a stern face and dark, piercing eyes. He was known as a fervent Protestant and a holy, pious man. Margaret curtseyed quickly, her eyes staying close to the ground as she felt a small trill of fear. The King always made her nervous, and his Chaplain even more so. Henry bowed and smiled, as Edward reached him and embraced him warmly, like brothers. It was hard for Margaret to remember that Henry had grown up with Edward and they were quite close.
"Your Majesty!" Henry's grin was genuine and excited "You remember my sister, the Lady Margaret?"
Edward turned, his gray eyes spotting her. He was fair skinned, rather tall and muscular. He had a mane of golden red hair, a mix of his mother and father. Once, he had been a sickly child but he had past his weak youth and was now strong and on the verge of manhood. Any woman would have found him intriguing, the picture of a handsome young King. Margaret did, but she was also incredibly intimidated by him. Spending her whole life in the country hadn't prepared her for meetings with Kings.
"How could I forget?" he stepped forward, taking her hand "I do hope you have found our court to your liking Madame?"
Margaret nodded, stammering. Her first meeting with the King she had been bolstered by excitement and joy. She tried to recapture that spirit as she spoke, her mile growing.
"If I said I was not, I would truly be committing a sin." she laughed softly "And I make a habit not to lie in front of Holy men."
Edward laughed too, and even Grindal cracked a small smile. The King was watching Henry intently and Margaret decided to take her leave. She knew when men wanted to speak, and most of the time their ladies were not intended to join in the conversation. She curtsied again.
"Your Majesty." she turned to Edward and then to the Chaplain "Lord Grindal."
Finally she smiled at Henry and nodded towards the door.
"Brother, I promised Mary that I would join her after I had spoken with you. Excuse me."
She walked backwards until she was out of sight, never turning her back on the King before scurrying out of sight, relieved to have survived her encounter. As her figure disappeared behind the walls of the palace Edward laughed and patted Henry on the back.
"A fine girl your sister. She has taken to court well, has she not?"
The three men began walking.
"Why yes Your Majesty. It seems that our sisters have taken to each other quite well."
Edward laughed, his voice echoing in the cool air.
"Yes, but your darling Margaret seems much more agreeable than either of my sainted ones. Mary refuses to see reason when it comes to her heretic papacy. And Elizabeth is as stubbourn as ever. She has as many suitors as there are stars, and yet she refuses to even entertain the thought of marriage." he sighed "I've let both of them roam free for far too long. Both will have to submit to my will, and soon."
Henry watched his old friend and noticed the look of sadness in his eyes. He had always wished for the family that he couldn't have, and these squabbles with the women who were supposed to be his closest kin cut him deeply. Henry crossed his arms, wondering about Margaret's inevitable marriage.
"Madge is so young, I do not know if I shall have her married off yet."
Edmund Grindal clucked his tongue and looked at the young Sir Sidney. Henry turned, one eyebrow raised inquisitively.
"Do you disagree my Lord?"
Grindal shook his head.
"My dear boy, many a woman would have already been married and mothered by her age. It is sentiment that stops you from choosing a righteous match for the girl. It is better to have women wed, as their sinful natures will rear sooner rather than later."
Henry's eyes narrowed, but Edward sensed the tension and put his hands up.
"Permit a brother time to fret." Edward joked "She IS still young my dear Grindal."
The older man shrugged and opened his bible. Edward and Henry walked ahead, speaking of this and that and laughing. Their friendship was one of the easy things at court and both men took comfort in the ease that they found with each other. But after a span Henry took his leave, and Grindal walked back to Edward's side.
"What did you think of the girl Edmund?"
The Chaplain stood silent for a moment and Edward turned, looking at his face expectantly.
"It would need further study your Majesty, but she had an honest face."
Edward smiled, agreeing wholeheartedly...
