Chapter Ten – My Every Thought is Bent Upon It
Mary 10, 1534 – Whitehall
When the Duke of Suffolk returned from his visit to his estates he appeared to Chapuys to be almost positively giddy.
"Ambassador, I believe I have found the perfect bait with which to snare the King." Brandon began one evening over a game of cards.
"Have you indeed, Your Grace?" Chapuys looked up from his hand.
"Remember I mentioned that I would be stopping off on my way to my estates at the home of Sir John Seymour? Well, it appears that Sir John has a daughter, three to be precise, but it is the elder girl, Jane who caught my attention. She is as fair a maid as one could ask for, meek and obedient as well."
"What of her faith?"
"Like her father, she is an adherent to the true Church. Her family assures me that, with proper guidance, she would be a most excellent match for the King."
"That is welcome news, Your Grace. But, pray tell me, how shall we place Lady Jane in a position to win his notice?"
"The King wishes to go out hunting soon to take his mind off the cares of state. I shall lead him out to Wolf Hall, the family seat. Believe me when I tell you, Ambassador, that once there he will not fail to notice Lady Jane's charms."
Chapuys smiled as he took a small miniature out of the drawer by his bed and gazed at it, caressing the frame. Their plans were coming into form. Soon, his beloved Princess would no longer be in the clutches of that damned ape.
May 15, 1553 - Beaulieu
The past few weeks, George had never known such happiness. Their days were spent enjoying the spring days with picnics and their nights were spent making love. One evening as Mary lay curled up by George's side he could sense something pricked at her mind.
"Is there something on your mind, love? You are very quiet this evening."
"No, I am only tired. Well, maybe, I just, I wonder - have you bedded many women before me?" She smiled and played with his hair, her tone was light. She had to have assumed that a man of George's age and reputation had shared his bed with other women before her.
George laughed. "Mary! You know a gentleman does not speak of such things."
"Please?" She asked, trailing little kisses down his neck to his collarbone in a most pleasing manner. "I want to know. I promise I won't be angry."
"Mmmmm…see when you ask me questions in such a manner, you make it well nigh impossible to refuse to answer."
"So?" She propped herself up on her elbow next to him. "Was it five or ten or twenty?" George laughed at her insistence.
"I did not keep a precise count, love."
"Aaah, so it was that many." She gently tapped his nose and grinned. Then her face turned serious. "Did you love any of them?" He looked into her eyes which were unsure and vulnerable.
"No." He said honestly, caressing her face gently. "There were many I lusted after, some whose company I enjoyed, and a few I considered friends, but none I loved as I do you. You mean the world to me, and I would do anything to make you happy." He pulled her in for a kiss and hoped that it would answer whatever doubts she had.
"Must you go to court next week?"
"Unfortunately, I must. The King hopes to begin a program of dissolving the monasteries and we must make provisions for the division of the assets." George looked over at Mary's face and could see her brow furrow and her lips tighten. "You do not approve?"
"Of course not, you know how I feel about my father's movement away from the Catholic Church."
"I must say in this case, while I support the reformed faith, I believe that the King is following some poor advise on the part of Lord Cromwell."
"How so?"
"Well, my sister and I had recommended to the King that the funds from the dissolution be used to form schools for the poor families of the locality, and that the land should be distributed to them as well."
Mary looked pensive. "I suppose if the monasteries are to be dissolved it would be best if the proceeds were expended on charitable purposes. What is Lord Cromwell's proposal?"
"He believes the funds would be best used in filing the royal coffers, and I suspect not a little to his own pockets." The very thought angered George. This reformation was meant to be for the benefit of the people, to free them from the superstitions of the Catholic Church. What funds there were from the dissolution of the old church should be spent aiding them.
"My God! Do you have any proof? You should speak of this immediately to my father George." Mary propped herself up on her elbow again and looked at him earnestly.
"Sadly, I have no proof, only supposition, and I would hate to ruin a man's reputation on a suspicion alone. No, I cannot go to your father until I am absolutely certain. It is a shame if it is true anyway, since I had previously thought so well of him. He is an intelligent man, and a capable advisor."
"Be careful, George. If Lord Comwell is as powerful as you have said he may be able to manipulate my father against you."
"Do not worry, my love. I am more than capable of investigating with discretion. Now, calm you mind, you should try and get some sleep."
Mary let out a small yawn and rested her head back on George's chest. "Shall we ride out to the north field tomorrow? I hear there are some lovely violets blooming on the hillside and I should like to see them." Her eyes began to close.
"If that is what you wish, I believe we can take a picnic there." He stroked her hair and he felt her breath grow deeper as she drifted towards sleep.
"That would be lovely." She murmured and finally gave in to her exhaustion. George stayed awake a little while longer. He enjoyed watching Mary sleep, she was very peaceful, though occasionally she would furrow her brow and crinkle her nose slightly. The first time he noticed it, he was forced to stifle a laugh, for fear of waking her. Now as he lay there tracing small circles on Mary's back, George considered how best to approach the question of Lord Cromwell. A direct approach was not obviously not the best, though doubtless it would be Anne's choice, she seemed to thrive on confrontation. No, Lord Cromwell was a subtle minded man and thus required subtlety to combat whatever plans he might have. When he returned to court tomorrow he would begin making a few simple inquiries into Lord Cromwell's finances.
May 16, 1534 – Lord Cromwell's Chambers, Whitehall
Lord Cromwell had, with skill, survived not only the overthrow of his mentor, Cardinal Wolsey, but also his predecessor, Thomas More. He was also a devout reformer. But, more than anything else, Thomas Cromwell knew opportunity when he saw it. The overthrow of the Church in England would not only throw off the weight of Rome and its superstition from the people but it would also provide a valuable new stream of revenue. New revenue would mean new patronages, which would give the King the ability to buy the loyalty of the nobility. There would be no more Buckinghams. And, if a little happened to end up in his pocket, no one would notice or blame him. He knew however, that the Queen was not in agreement, and that she was beginning to suspect him. It was an unusual position for him. The Boleyns had, after all, been of great assistance to his rise in the King's favor and in achieving his current position. However, in this court Cromwell knew that if one wanted to keep his head, his allegiance had best be as subtle as his mind.
Cromwell had been aware for quite some time of the intimate meetings between His Grace, the Duke of Suffolk and the Imperial Ambassador. He also had a fair idea of what they were discussing. The Duke of Suffolk was a supporter of the Catholic Church and the Princess Dowager. As for the Imperial Ambassador, his feelings on the recent marriage of the Lady Mary and the Acts of Supremacy and Succession were quite obvious for all to see. It, therefore, did not require a great deal to leap to the conclusion that they were conspiring against Queen Anne.
While the complicity of the two men was clear, what was less so was what use he should make of this information. As far as he saw it he had two options: join the conspiracy and find himself on the side of a potentially victorious palace coup or inform the Queen of the conspiracy, cementing his loyalty, and possibly be forced to explain to the King why he supported a Queen he wished to rid himself of. Of course there was a third option, he could simply watch as events moved and then decide upon which side he would weight in. Thomas Cromwell was not a man of inaction, but he knew in some circumstances a wise man did nothing. A wise man waited until it was clear that one party was stronger than another and only then did he make a move in one direction or another.
On his journey to court George passed the time deciding on what sort of gift he would return to Beaulieu with. It would have to be something more than a trinket of course. Perhaps Mary would enjoy a small dog? A little lap dog, such as the one Anne kept was never an unwelcome present, yet, George could not help thinking that it was a highly impersonal one. Maybe some jewels, a new fur, or some silks for a new gown? No, each was equally as impersonal as the dog. Perhaps she would appreciate another visit with her mother? Yet her last visit had left her so emotionally drained and fragile that it seemed a poor gift, but it did give George an idea. While a visit to her mother may not be the best idea, perhaps he could arrange to have the Kimbolton refurbished. With new flooring, windows, and the an addition of a doctor and a nursemaid, perhaps the Dowager Princess's remaining days could be spent in comfort. This he felt would please Mary greatly. To know her mother was well cared for would ease Mary's conscience greatly. Yes, that is what he would bring back to Mary: permission to refurbish and provide new servants at Kimbolton, and of course the dog.
Upon arriving at court, George paid his traditional call upon his sister in her chambers, which he felt would also provide the perfect opportunity to make his request to Anne of the funds for Kimbolton.
When he was escorted into her chamber, George noticed that his sister was paler than usual and rather listless as she sat staring outside the window.
"Your Majesty." George bowed to Anne and she looked up and gave him a warm smile, but one that did not completely reach her eyes.
"George – it is good to have you back." Anne stood up from her seat and embraced him. "How was your journey?"
"Long, but the weather was good, so I didn't mind so much." The two walked over to the settee Anne had occupied before George's arrival. Examining his sister's face, it was evident she slept little as there were dark circles around her eyes and her eyes were red. "Are you well?"
"I'm perfectly fine, thank you." Usually so in tune with his sister's moods, George was so anxious to ask for the favor regarding the refurbishment of Kimbolton that he missed the warning note in Anne's voice and rushed ahead.
"I was wondering if you might make a request to the King for me."
"Of course, anything for my dear brother." Anne smiled at him.
"Well, you see when Mary and I visited the Dowager Princess at Kimbolton we were surprised at the condition of the manor. I was wondering if perhaps you could petition the King to permit me to use some of my own funds to make some renovations and provide for an apothecary to care for her as well as another servant to look after the estate –
"Absolutely not!"
"But, Anne you should see –
Anne bounded up from her seat. "I do not give a damn! That woman has made it her life's goal to torment me and thwart me at every turn! No doubt she prays daily that my womb becomes as infertile as her own has been – her and that loathsome daughter of hers! I could not care less if she were confined to the vilest hut in the vilest quarter of this country!"
"Anne? What has happened to you?" He walked over to her and tried to place a comforting hand on her shoulder, which she promptly knocked aside.
"What has happened to me? What has happened to me?" Anne shrieked. "I wasted my youth waiting for that stubborn ass of a woman to realize that she had no right to the title of Queen. Years in which I could have been married to Henry and given him the strong healthy sons she could not! But now, now everything is ruined! No, I will not move an inch to help that harpy!"
He walked over to her and placed his hands on either side of her face. "Anne, this is not you. This is not my fine brave sister." He looked her in the eyes. "What has he done to you?"
At this Anne let out a great sob and collapsed into his arms. "He hates me George. I've lost my son and I've lost my husband. He has not come to my bed in weeks and he barely speaks to me. I know he blames me for the baby, for More and Fisher being imprisoned. I don't know what to do, how to make him love me again." He wrapped his sister in his arms and whispered soothing words to her. Of course he did not see the pair of shrewd eyes that observed the two from behind door to the other room. Slowly, Anne's sobs began to subside and he walked her back over to the settee where they both sat down again. George handed her his kerchief and she dried her eyes.
"So, More and Fisher still refuse to sign the Oaths?" Anne nodded.
"They plead their conscience. They want to martyred."
"Do you believe that More and Fisher are men of their word – men of honor."
"I suppose, but what of that?"
"I believe that often a man's silence can be as powerful as his words. What if More and Fisher were not forced to sign the Oaths?"
"But everyone must sign!" Anne looked askance at her brother.
"True, but what if we could make people believe that they signed. Say we offer More and Fisher their lives in exchange for their promise to never speak or write about the Oaths or the King's matter, to live plain private lives. Then the King could say to the public whatever he wished about them and they could not, on pain of death refute it. In the mean time they would keep their honor for having not submitted to signing."
George could see that Anne's quick mind was considering all the possible outcomes. "It could work." Anne seemed to brighten considerably. "Oh George, thank you! Thank you so much!" She flung her arms around him and kissed his cheek. "You are my favorite brother."
"I am your only brother." He said laughing. "Better now?" Anne nodded. "Good, so, no more tears, now. And no more cursing my wife." He gave another quick laugh
"So, the Lady Mary has grown on you has she? Has my little brother fallen in love? Is he quite bewitched?"
George blushed. "I believe I am. I only wish that you two were not such enemies."
"Do you truly wish us to become better acquainted?"
"Well, it would certainly make my life easier if the two women I cared for most in the world were at peace with each other."
"Very well, for you I shall do my best. I will speak to the King about refurbishing Kimbolton if that would please you."
"Thank you. Now! I was told that there was to be quite the feast at this evening's meal as well as dancing."
"Indeed! I have arranged for a brand new troop of dancers on tour from Florence to come and perform this evening."
They spent the rest of the interview discussing the qualities of Florentine dancers as opposed to French ones. In the end George left quite satisfied that his sister was better in body and in spirit.
It was the middle of the night but still Archbishop Cramner hurried down the halls of the palace towards the King's chambers. One of the King's men had awoken him from a sound sleep to inform him that the King was in need of his counsel. He did not even have the time to ask or even think what could disturb the King's spirit to such an extent that he required the aide of his archbishop. A horrible passed through his mind – perhaps the King was ill, perhaps even near death! He would leave his kingdom in a perilous position, Cramner in particular. There were still many who clung to the old faith. Those who wished to return England to the backwardness of Catholicism. What would become of him if the King should perish before his great work had been completed, before the reformation had truly begun to take hold?
Arriving at the King's chambers Cramner was relieved beyond words to find that, rather than near death in his bed, the King was pacing the room obviously quite agitated.
"Your majesty." Cramner bowed low. "You summoned me."
The King waived off his other servants and flung himself into nearby chair.
"I believe G-d has cursed me, Archbishop."
"Cursed you, your majesty?"
"I thought that when I annulled my marriage to Catherine it would remove the taint of the sin of laying with my brother's wife, that finally G-d would see fit to grant me a son. But no, now Anne has failed me as well."
"I don't believe your majesty is cursed. You have only been wed to her majesty for a year and these things, I'm told take time."
"I need a son!" The King slammed his fist down upon the arm of his chair. "I cannot afford to leave the kingdom to a girl. Honestly! What would happen if I died tomorrow? Hmm? I ask you? What would happen? Little Elizabeth would be Queen. She may be my daughter and a bright little thing, but no girl could keep the throne for long. Damn it all!"
"IIIIff, I may ask, your majesty, have you – have you shared the Queen's bed recently?"
The King's face turned sour. "If I even do so much as glance at another lady in court she throws a fit! She's a harridan and a scold."
"I'm sure her majesty is merely distressed from the recent loss of the child, your majesty. I'm told that with women these things always come out as scolding. I'm sure a few soft words from you will ease things between you."
"Perhaps. Say what you will of Catherine but at least she knew how to behave herself. She never complained when I took an interest in another woman, never chided me for Bessie Blout or the others."
"I'm sure it is not but the great love she holds for you that keeps her majesty on edge."
The King let out a sigh. "Thank you, Archbishop for ministering to me this evening. I believe I shall sleep much better."
"Your majesty." Cramner bowed and left the room. He was still shaken by their conference as he finally returned to the Archbishop's palace. It was quite obvious to him that the Queen's position was a perilous one, and with it his own. He respected Queen Anne and her zeal for the reformation and he knew that he should speak to her about making herself more agreeable to the King's will. That, and he would pray for her to have a son, as it would be the only thing to keep the King's affections.