Chapter 10:
The breakfasts with his wife had been going well and they both were finding it easier to be with one another. For the past week the pair had been able to rekindle a good foundation for the friendship they once had. The two of them had not allow their families to be involved with their meetings. Luckily Henry's sisters had been occupied by visiting the Queen since their return but the Earl of Surry had more than once tried to join them. The Duke had made him leave the couple which had not gone down well with Surry or the Norfolk as he later found out. The rumour was that Mary would not tell her family any detail for their meetings and Norfolk had sent Surry to find out what head way the pair had made.
"How are you this morning Mary?" This had become the usual greeting between the two in the past week as it always seemed to break the ice between them.
"I am well my Lord." Again the usual answer.
"I hope that you are hungry my Lady. Thomas has seemly bribed the master of the kitchen as he once again produce an early morn feast." The Lady giggled at the thought as the past few days the two had barely touched the amount place before them. For the most part the majority went cold after they had started talking. They had quickly began remembering the good times they had with each other.
"Have you heard of how the Queen is doing."
"According to my sisters there has been little change. The midwives have said that all they can do is wait. Usually my sisters are always with me at court I have been rather board after you have left the past few days."
"I hope that means that you have enjoyed my company my Lord?" This was an opportunity for Richmond to increase the amount of time they could spend together.
"Of course my Lady. I have missed our friendship, after all I have known you since I was a small child." It was clear that the affection between the two was growing and that they both were trying very hard to make their marriage work despite the difficulties they had recently face, they were now determined to face adversity together. Even though they had preferred to be left alone they had been the chief topic of conversation at court as there had been little sign of a birth anytime soon. So the two had decided that they would attend the evenings events together to relieve some of the over whelming gaze upon them. Henry was unsure if his plan would work but he was certain that this first outing with his wife would be a trail for them both.
"Their Graces, the Duke and Duchess of Richmond and Somerset." The crowd immediately turned bowed and the whispers were so many it was as the hum of a bee hive. Of course the first to approach the couple were Norfolk and the Earl of Surry.
"My daughter." Norfolk kissed her cheeks and looked at Fitzroy. "How goes you Henry?" This familiarity was unusual now that the Duke was so much older than when in the care of the Howard's and the reason was clear.
"I am well your Grace, thank you. Have you been well?" Richmond was eager to remain as formal as he could with the Duke as he had a habit of trying to control those around him.
"I am very well at this happy time my dear boy."
"Indeed my Lord, please excuse us." Mary now kiss her father and brother upon their cheeks and the young couple swiftly made their way towards the King. "Good evening father, you remember my wife Mary." The King stood moved towards them and embraced them both.
"Of course I do my Lady. I am glad to see you both tonight." The Kings mood seem to be less electric than it had been recently.
"What is the matter my Lord?" Henry warily asked this question to his father as it rarely ended well.
"Oh it is nothing Henry, just tired of waiting for the arrival of my son. It seems that the child does not want to be here."
"I cannot blame the child for that my Lord after he will be the most important in all the kingdom. I do not envy his burden my Lord." Fitzroy was careful to emphasis that the child would indeed be a male other wise face the anger of the King. The King smirked at the comments and replied,
"I seemed to think that you may be correct. Although perhaps you should start to pray that the Prince of Wales arrive soon so that you too can start the proses of creating royal grand children." The young couple began to shrink as it had been the first time they had to think about what would soon be expected of them. Richmond decided that it was time to escape from his father for some more casual conversation.
"Your Grace, how delighted I am to see you and the good Lady." Cromwell had made sure he would the next to speak with the two of them. "May I say my Lady that it is a shame that such a beauty has been away from court for so long." Richmond clenched his jaw other wise he may have been unable to control himself. "The two of you should of course please dine with me and my company." Knowing of the Dukes hatred of the Chancellor Lady Richmond was the one to answer.
"We thank you my Lord but as it is such a busy time at the moment we may not be able to join you any time soon." Cromwell reluctantly bowed and shifted away from the pair and Henry breathed with great relief.
"I thank you for that Mary I find the man ever more horrid and I surely will betray myself if I speak in his presence." His wife nodded in acknowledgment of the thanks and the pair began to speak among themselves when a strange echo reached the hall. Again and again the shout became more clear until finally there was no mistake in what was being said.
"ITS HAPPENING! ITS HAPPENING! PRAY TO GOD TO SEND US PRINCE!"