Chapter X
January, 1523
From her place at the high table, Catherine watched Anne dance with Edmund indulgently. She – along with Joan FitzGerald and a Neville girl – seemed to be Edmund's favourite dance partners.
"It is about time Edmund is married," Arthur remarked.
Catherine nodded. "He should settle down and have a family. It is a pity Henry could not be convinced to join the church. I feel safer with Somerset-Tudor nephews than York ones. At least Henry does not have a son yet. Placing Edmund ahead of young Meg of York in the succession will be simple enough, don't you think, dear husband?"
"I rather not discuss the succession." Arthur shuddered. "I cannot believe Wiltshire chose such a feeble princess to be the future Princess of Wales! I rather Harry married to a robust and fertile Austrian Archduchess or Infanta of Portugal!"
"That would've been a wiser decision."
"Indeed. Alas, we cannot send Charlotte back to France! We must pray for her to be blessed with strength. I trust you will succeed in that." He smiled at Catherine. "I am honestly astonished in Lord Rochford's diplomacy skills. He is nothing like his father! He has charm, wit, and at least half the ladies at court are in love with him!"
"Yes. I trust him more than I trust that wily Wiltshire. I think we should send him to Scotland to negotiate a peace treaty. I am not pleased in the prospect of our Cecily marrying the King of Scots – I rather her be the Queen of Portugal or Queen of Navarre – and I heard the Scots are a barbaric race. I do not want our Cecily to be treated poorly."
"Oh Catherine, you worry too much! The King of Scots is my nephew, and he won't dare strike Cecily or repudiate her for another woman. Besides, his mother is in favour of peace with England. It is only his regent I am concerned about…"
"Do you think Viscount Rochford will succeed in convincing the Scottish Regent to have peace with England including the marriage clause?"
"I don't see why not. Lord Rochford seems to be a capable man. We should arrange a good match for him – with the agreement of Wiltshire of course."
Arthur smiled. "Who do you propose?"
"Maria's daughter is the Willoughby heiress, but I have higher hopes for her as she is not only the daughter of my best friend, but my goddaughter. Perhaps Suffolk's eldest son for her? I was thinking of Lady Elizabeth Grey for Lord Rochford. Lady Elizabeth is a virtuous woman and of excellent stock. After all, she is the eldest daughter of Thomas Grey, 2nd Marquess of Dorset and his lady wife. I'm sure a suitable dowry can be arranged."
"An excellent suggestion! I will inform Lord Wiltshire at once! I'm certain if Rochford is successful, he will be able to wed Lady Elizabeth Grey by spring!"
Katherine stiffened.
George…wed to Lady Elizabeth Grey?
"Are you alright, dear sister?" said Arthur, looking at her concerned.
"I am well," said Katherine faintly.
"You look a little flushed," Catherine noted. "Why don't you get some air?" She gestured for Henry to join them. "Go for a walk with your sister," she instructed. "Katherine is not feeling her best and she needs fresh air. Ensure she remains safe from…certain people."
"Of course." Henry nodded and offered Katherine his hand. Even though he wanted to drink, chat with his friends and dance with his beloved Mary Carey, he noticed Katherine's stricken face at once. He smiled at the King and Queen and escorted Katherine outside.
"What is the matter?" he asked. "I can tell something is amiss."
"Lord Rochford will marry Lady Elizabeth Grey after he returns from Scotland," said Katherine, still shocked by the news. "I cannot believe it…"
"It is an honour for him to marry a Grey," said Henry, feigning ignorance at Katherine's affection for Lord Rochford. "He was a knight's son before his father was elevated into a peerage. He should be honoured at the prospect of having a Grey lady for his wife. Her father will give her a magnificent dowry and he will be a rich man. An extremely rich man, knowing Lord Dorset. He will wish to provide ample dowries for all his daughters – including Lady Elizabeth."
"Lord Wiltshire will be pleased at a noble daughter-in-law, wouldn't he?"
"Indeed. He would be over the moon if he discovers his son and heir is in love with a princess, and she with him." He winked knowingly at her.
Katherine blushed. "I cannot marry him. Arthur will not approve of it. He wants me to stay in England, but he will arrange for me to marry a highborn nobleman, not Wiltshire's son."
"So? Our sister Mary became the glorious Queen of France, yet afterwards, she chose to marry Suffolk of all people and face the King's wrath for love rather than remain Dowager Queen of France or married to a royal prince at the King's behest. I am a widower, and if I choose to marry again, it will be for love. I do not care if the King wants me to marry another French princess, or a Portuguese Infanta, but I will marry the woman I love. It is in our blood to marry for love. I do not see why you have to suffer being married to a haughty nobleman when you have the chance to marry for love!"
"But the King-"
"Do not worry about our brother, dear sister. He is fond of you, as is the Queen, and our siblings. We will all support you in your marriage with Rochford. I do not care if the King exiles me for my defiance, but I won't stop defying him until he gives you permission to wed Rochford. You are my dear sister, and I will never let you suffer."
Katherine smiled at him gratefully. "Thank you Henry. I appreciate it very much."
Henry grinned back at her. "We will ask the King in the afternoon tomorrow. I'm certain by then, he will be in a jolly mood."
George reached for another bottle of wine in his chambers – only for him to be slapped on both cheeks by his furious father.
"What are you doing here?!" Wiltshire growled.
"Drinking away my sorrows," slurred George, who usually had good control over his drinking. "Would you like to join me, Father?"
"You should be out there dancing! You are usually the light of the feast! What in the name of God has gone into your head?! Must I lock you in your chambers as if you're a child again?!"
"My love…she is betrothed…"
"You're speaking nonsense! Be a man and sober up!"
"I love her…I will never find another woman like her…"
"Oh, who is this woman?"
"Princess Katherine Tudor…"
Wiltshire frowned slightly. "You are mad! Princess Katherine…? You are ill, my son. I do not want to send you to Bedlam…"
"I am not mad! I love Katherine, and she loves me! She is the love of my life, and I will not abandon her for Jane Parker!" He spat as he mentioned her name. "I rather die a bitter, sonless, penniless man than marry any other woman but Katherine!"
"Son…you must have heirs…"
"Not if I must marry that shrew!"
Wiltshire's frown deepened as he listened to George's drunk ramblings. Could it be true that he is in love with Princess Katherine, and she with him? His spies had already informed him that the King and Queen are considering marrying George to Lady Elizabeth Grey – a great honour for George – but if George marries a princess of the royal blood…no one – especially those of the old nobility like Northumberland and Buckingham – can look down on his family again.
"You will not marry Jane Parker," Wiltshire said smoothly. "Do not fear, dear son. I will never allow you to marry a Parker. She is far too vile for you to marry. So you love Princess Katherine, do you? All I care is for your happiness."
It was an obvious lie, but George could not tell the difference between truth and lies anymore. Wiltshire himself had the ability to control his level of drinking, but experienced being a drunken man once or twice in his life and knew it must be something deeply troubling for George to be drunk. He would never purposely get drunk – even on the urgings of his pals. Wiltshire was a shrewd man – he knew an opportunity when it presents itself.
"I shall go and speak to the King," he lied. "Perhaps he will agree to the match between you and his royal sister. He is a kind-hearted king, after all."
"It is too late," moaned George. "She is to marry Buckingham's son!"
Wiltshire's expression hardened at the mention of Buckingham. He knew that as long as Buckingham lived, he would never be treated with the respect due to him. Just the other day, Buckingham rudely addressed him by calling him 'Boleyn' rather than his title!
"No she will not," said Wiltshire, more firmly than he intended to. "Princess Katherine will not marry Buckingham's son – I will make sure of that."
The first thing Wiltshire did was seek out Suffolk, a man infamous for his womanising, drinking and friendship to the royal family.
"Go away Wiltshire," said Suffolk, once Wiltshire approached him.
"I believe we have something in common," said Wiltshire, picking up a goblet of ale and ignoring his earlier words. "It is to do with our King and his family."
"Oh really? What can that be? You finally saw sense and decided to berate the Duke of York for sleeping with your whorish daughter?"
"It is to do with Buckingham."
Suffolk stiffened. Even though he was a duke and the King's brother-in-law, he was seen by Buckingham as nothing more than an upstart noble like Wiltshire. He knew all too well that Buckingham had wanted his son to marry his Mary for a short time before turning his attentions to Princess Katherine for his heir. He also resented Buckingham for fervently urging the King to execute him for treason once his secret marriage to Mary was discovered.
Wiltshire smiled once he knew he had Suffolk's full attention. "I believe he is plotting treason like his father before him," he said smoothly. "I believe you are close to the Duke of York and the King? Perhaps you should warn them?"
"What is in it for you?" said Suffolk suspiciously.
"Oh, I know you have more influence with His Majesty than I ever will."
"I doubt that is your sole reason for telling me this."
Wiltshire looked around and whispered, "Are you not tired of being viewed as nothing but scum by those like Buckingham? You are a duke, and I am an Earl, yet we are both still treated as if we're nothing but knights! We should have our revenge!"
"What do you get out of this, Boleyn? Your daughter is too old for my son and I rather marry my daughters off to Poles rather than to your son."
"Now that is quite harsh, don't you think?"
"Either tell me what it is you want or get out of my sight!"
"As you wish, Your Grace. I propose we incriminate the Duke of Buckingham in some treasonous plot – he probably is as we speak – and we have the pleasure of watching him be executed and his family disgraced once and for all. You are the King's own brother-in-law, and Buckingham still treats you with contempt! Besides, wouldn't you think of removing Buckingham as a favour to the King? As long as he lives, he will remain a threat to our gracious King."
Suffolk nodded slowly. "What you speak is truth – for once. Buckingham has risen; it is time for him to fall. Perhaps he will be executed like his father before him."
"So do we have an agreement, Your Grace?"
"What do I get out of this, apart from the satisfaction of watching Buckingham die?"
"What is it you wish for?"
"I want the King to pass a new succession law that states one who is born outside of English soil and princesses who marries into another royal house is excluded from the royal line of succession to the English throne. Furthermore, I want it stated that those who do not support Catholicism are removed from the succession too." At the mention of the last clause, he narrowed his eyes at Wiltshire, who merely smiled and nodded.
"Very well," Wiltshire replied. "I will aid you in that if you help me succeed in convincing the King to marry Princess Katherine to my son."
Furious, Suffolk flung his wine at his face and stormed out, muttering under his breath, "You will never succeed in this, Boleyn, you snake! Once Buckingham is executed, I will make sure you are next! Mark my words, Boleyn, I will not rest until you and your scheming family are utterly eliminated and destroyed! I will not have you as an ally! Ever!"
Anne gingerly approached Katherine, her heart pounding with worry. She knew what she planned could be considered as treason by the majority of the Court – it most likely is treason – but she had promised George and could not let him down.
"Your Highness," said Anne nervously. "May I speak to you?"
"Why of course," said Katherine, surprised at her unusually anxious tone. "What is the matter, Lady Anne? Are you unwell?"
"Not exactly, Your Highness. I am physically well, but mentally ill with worry over my brother, Lord Rochford. He has succumbed to the evil of drink, and as his sister, I am concerned for him. He has been told bad news, Your Highness, and he was struck down by a broken heart. You see, Your Highness, if I may speak out of term, my brother is fond of you. There are rumours that he will marry one of Lord Dorset's daughters, but he feels he cannot go through with even the betrothal! My brother is in love with you, Your Highness, and I believe you are too, with him."
The Princess slowly placed her embroidery back into the basket and dismissed her ladies with the exception of Anne.
She looked at Anne carefully and said softly, "I do not want to see Lord Rochford heartbroken. However, there is nothing I can do. The Queen informed me this morning that for the good of peace between Lord Buckingham and the King, I am to marry Lord Henry Stafford, Lord Buckingham's heir. I am to marry for the good of England as much as Lord Rochford is to marry for the good of your family. It seems God has decided we are not meant to be together." A tear rolled down her cheek and splattered on her hand. "I consider you one of my closest friends, Lady Anne, and I confess, I love your brother. I wish I am as bold as Mary and can openly declare my love for Lord Rochford. Unfortunately, I am not, and I have already agreed to be married to Henry Stafford."
"Your Highness!" murmured Anne. "There is still time for you to repudiate your betrothal and marry for love! You are the King's sister! The King loves you and will not want to see you unhappily wed to the son of one of his potential rivals!"
"Even though I am his sister, I am still his subject. He loves me, yes, but he would want to secure the throne for his children and descendants. Buckingham is fickle; one minute, he is Arthur's closest friend, the next, he is plotting to assassinate him! I am unmarried and a princess – it is my duty to marry for the good of England, and I will through marrying Henry Stafford."
"You rather be a Stafford than a Boleyn?"
Princess Katherine raised an eyebrow. "It is not my choice."
"Yes it is, Your Highness! I do not have the freedom in choosing my husband, but you do! You are a princess, and moreover, the King's sister! If I marry for love, I will be disinherited and worthless! If I rashly marry a prince, I will be executed and my children declared bastards. You, Your Highness, you can defy orders and marry for love and suffer minor consequences. The King is too kind-hearted to hurt you, and the Queen will never order you to be arrested. Besides, George can entertain you with stories of his diplomatic travels. What can Henry Stafford possibly offer? A rowdy tale of his drunken night at the tavern with his friends?"
Katherine cracked a smile. "What do you suggest I do, Lady Anne? The King is in a meeting with the Privy Council, and the Queen is with her children. Who shall I inform first?"
"Talk to George," said Anne, her eyes shining with excitement. "He will listen to you. Do what Her Grace of Suffolk did – marry secretly. I know you may consider the idea with doubt and think of it as something I read from a frivolous novel, but if you really want to have a happy life with my brother, take it into your own hands, Your Highness, and be bold! You know this is the last chance for you to marry for love like your siblings did! His Majesty is happily married to Her Majesty, Her Grace with His Grace of Suffolk and the late Duchess of Cleves with her husband! You can be happy too!"
"You do have interesting ideas, Lady Anne. However, I do not think it is wise to speak to Lord Rochford when he is in a drunken state, don't you agree?"
"I will speak to him at once. Hopefully he will sober up by the evening, or at the most, tomorrow morning. You will be happy, Your Highness, I swear it."
"I believe in you, Lady Anne, but how would I know your father does not have his fingers in this? What if he demands titles and lands due to his son's marriage to me?"
Anne was silent for a moment before saying quietly, "I cannot guarantee my father's actions. I cannot read his thoughts as he cannot read mine. He thinks his actions will benefit that of our family's, but mine guarantees my brother's happiness. If the King threatens to dissolve your marriage to George, I will face the consequences. I am unmarried, have no children, and only a spare pawn to my father. I will gladly spend a night in the Tower for you and George, Your Highness."
"I hope it does not resort to that, Lady Anne!"
"I too, Your Highness."
Princess Katherine rose and rummaged through a small chest she kept nearby. She picked up a small square patch of white cloth and handed it to Anne. "I would like you to give this to Lord Rochford," she said shyly, a pink blush rising on her cheeks. "I made it for him for the jousting tournament in a few days' time, but I think it is appropriate if you can give it to him for me now."
Anne looked at the small cloth in her hand. In the middle of it was a falcon – the Boleyn symbol – and surrounding it was a border of Tudor roses. Anne smiled. It was a beautiful gesture on the Princess's part, and she was certain that George would love it.
"The Queen taught me how to sew," Katherine said reminiscently. "Like my sisters, I was looked after by a lady governess who taught me womanly skills, but the Queen would always teach me how to sew. I hated it when I was younger, but now, whenever I hold a needle, I would remember thinking of the Queen as my surrogate mother. I loved her Spanish embroidery and she promised to teach me how to sew the Spanish style of it. She kept her promise. I cannot believe I will break my loyalty to her. She will be heartbroken at my treachery and will never trust me again. Why are you helping me so much, Lady Anne? Your life is more at stake than mine! Besides, you are one of the Queen's maids and the French tutor to my royal nieces and nephew! The Queen will dismiss you from her household!"
"Her Grace of Suffolk was fond of me when I served her in France. I believe she is still fond of me, and I am certain she will accept me as a maid in her household. If not, I will retire to Hever Castle for a short time and then appeal to return to Court."
"You have already thought this out," said Katherine admiringly. "If my sister Mary will not accept you in her household – I highly doubt it – then I will have you as one of my ladies. I always envied the Queen for having such a witty lady like you in her service."
Anne smiled. "Thank you for the offer, Your Highness. I will go and speak to George immediately. I hope he will be presentable to Your Highness by this evening."
Katherine nodded. "I cannot thank you enough, Lady Anne."
"It is an honour to aid Your Highness in any way I can." Anne curtsied and departed. In her haste, she did not notice her father slip quietly into the Princess's chambers.
As Katherine's ladies resumed their normal duties, one of her servants announced, "The Right Honourable, Lord Wiltshire."
Katherine arched an eyebrow in surprise as she received Lord Wiltshire.
"Lord Wiltshire," she said calmly. "What can I do for you today?"
"Your Royal Highness," he said, bowing to her. "It has come to my attention that you are betrothed to Lord Henry Stafford. I have come here to offer my services."
"Offer your services, my lord? I do not understand."
"It is in my belief that in England's best interest, you should not marry Lord Henry Stafford. Not only will it enhance Lord Buckingham's ego, but it will give his grandchildren a claim – a very weak one mind you – to the throne. The only way you can avoid a succession crisis is if you are willing to relinquish your rights to the throne, which I am certain you will not do."
"This sounds like a political matter, Lord Wiltshire. Perhaps it will be in your best interest to discuss it with my brother, the King?"
"Oh, I will, Your Highness, I will. However, I thought it would be wise to approach you about it first, before I speak of it to His Majesty."
"Do you do so to get my support in your argument, Lord Wiltshire?"
"Why of course, Your Highness. If I have your consent in rejecting your betrothal to Lord Henry Stafford, it will make matters-"
"Please forgive me, but I have no interest in politics, my lord," Katherine cut in coldly like the clean cut of a blade. "I have no desire to be involved in debates regarding my betrothal. Let us say hypothetically, I agree to acknowledge my engagement to Lord Henry as null and void and accept your…services. What am I required to do, Lord Wiltshire?"
Wiltshire's eyes gleamed. "I see you are a woman of wisdom, Your Highness! I too, am a man of ambition and intelligence. If you promise to marry – or at least be solemnly betrothed to – my son, Lord Rochford, I will personally ensure the termination of your betrothal to Lord Henry Stafford and all potential betrothals between you and any princes in Christendom."
Katherine is not as gullible as Wiltshire thought...hopefully she will marry George (even secretly) in the next chapter :)