Chapter 11 – Winter of Our Discontent
September 1534 – Beaulieu
When George returned from Court at the end of May, he surprised Mary with a small puppy. The puppy had a red ribbon around its neck to which he had attached a rolled up piece of parchment. Unrolling the parchment she was overwhelmed to find a promise from her father permitting George to pay for refurbishment to her mother's estate as well as an apothecary and nurse. There seemed little else Mary could ask for that would make her life complete. She had a loving husband, a comfortable home, and the knowledge that her mother would be taken care of. Now she waited anxiously for the arrival of a midwife to examine her – to possibly give her information that would make her happiness complete. She thought back to yesterday's conversation with Mistress Keppel, the conversation that had brought about the lady's impending visit.
Stroking little Chipper's soft fur she examined the plans for an expansion to the upper floor of Kimbolton. Perhaps it was the late afternoon sun or the comfortable warmth of the fire, but Mary felt tired, much as she had the past few weeks.
"My goodness My Lady, have you eaten all that?" Mistress Keppell's exclamation shook Mary awake. "You've had quite an appetite recently. One would almost think you might be…"
"Might be what, Mistress Keppell?" Mary was curious, it was unlike the gregarious housekeepr to keep her thoughts to herself.
"Well, my lady, if I recall, you've not had your courses in quite a while." Mistress Keppell busied herself cleaning up the table and straightening the papers.
"No, no I haven't." It dawned on Mary that nearly two months had passed, why she had not noticed it before, considering how painful they normally were for her. It took Mary only a moment before she realized what this could mean. "Do you think, Mistress Keppell, do you think I might be with child?"
Mistress Keppell stopped her bustling about. "It seems quite likely my lady." She smiled broadly at Mary who placed a hand on her stomach.
"I suppose we should call for an midwife."
"Absolutely my lady. My, won't his lordship be pleased. It's been a long time since I've had a little master or mistress to look after."
Mary nodded and allowed herself to imagine holding a little baby in her arms, small and pink, a little boy who would doubtlessly be the image of his father. George was down at the east fields at the moment speaking with some of the tenants there about the fall harvest. He had been home for a week from his latest sojourn to court, and had brought Mary some wonderful news. As George described it, after months of persuasion, Sir Thomas More and Bishop Fischer had been convinced to trade their life for their silence. It was, in a way, a solution that would allow both parties to maintain some degree of honor. While her father would be able to claim victory over his critics, More and Fischer would have the comfort of knowing that they had never signed the Oaths they found distasteful. Since he Apparently, Anne had gone to the King and begged mercy for the two devout, honest men. Though Mary could well believe Anne did not want their deaths on her head, or the anger and disapprobation it would bring, she was sure the idea was all George's.
Finally, Mistress Fincher, the local midwife, appeared to examine Mary after George had gone on his daily rounds about the estate. She asked Mary various questions about her appetite, her courses. Then she bade Mary lie down upon her bed as she felt her stomach, and examine her breasts for the typical swelling. Mary looked on nervously as the older woman went about her business in silence. She longed for her say something, anything soothing or consoling, even if it was only to tell her that she was not in fact with child. After several more agonizing minutes, the grave faced woman told Mary that could sit up.
"Well, my lady, it appears that you are indeed with child, if I am not mistaken, about two months along in fact. The child should be born sometime in April."
Mary beamed. "Thank you Mistress Fincher. Thank you very much. This is the best news."
"Now," Mistress Fincher pronounced, clearly not willing to brook any argument, "before I discuss your diet with Mistress Keppell, I should tell you that you should limit your exercise. A few turns about the garden will be sufficient, but by no means more. I'll give you a packet of herbs that you should place under your pillow at night to aid your rest."
"I appreciate all your assistance Mistress Fincher. I shall not fail to follow your advice." Mary stood up from the bed and arranged her dress and began to re-pin her hair.
"Very good, my lady. If you have no questions I shall go speak with Mistress Keppell now. I shall return in two weeks time to examine your progress."
Mary walked downstairs ahead of Mistress Fincher, her hand running over her abdomen imagining the life that grew inside. Seating herself on the sofa she allowed her eyes to close and drifted off into pleasant late afternoon nap. A few hours later Mary was awoken by a gentle kiss to her forehead.
"Sleeping?" George asked with a smile as he sat down beside her. Mary placed her head on his chest as he wrapped an arm about her.
"Hmmm. A little. How was your conversation with the tenants?"
"It went very well, they are happy with the new apportionment of farm land and the plans for the harvest market and fair are coming along."
"I am glad. When do you next go to court?"
"Not till Christmas darling, unless of course there is emergency. The King is going on a fall progress. In fact he plans to travel within a few miles of here."
"Really?" Mary shot up from position curled up beside George. "So close? Will he come here? When does he expect to arrive?" The words tumbled out of her with the exuberance of a small child on Christmas morning.
"Calm yourself my dear." George chuckled. "I have spoken with him and, I believe that His Majesty may be prevailed upon to rest here for a few days before he turns north."
"Oh George!" Mary threw her arms about her husband and covered his face with kisses.
"Are you happy?" George smiled as he brushed the hair from her face.
"Happier than I could have ever imagined for I have some news that will please you."
"Go ahead, love."
"I am with child."
September 1534 – Wolf Hall
Sir John Seymour paced the floor of the great hall while his daughter Jane sat at the table her hands primly folded in her lap. Edward Seymour sat at the head of the table, leaning back into his chair with his cool eyes trained upon his father. Thomas sat with his elbow on the arm of his chair and his head leaning on his hand while he tried to stifle a yawn.
"Do you really believe the King will stop here, at Wolf Hall, father?" Edward asked in even tones as though his mind were involved in some methodical calculation.
"That is what I have been informed by his Grace, the Duke of Suffolk. The King is anxious for his progress to stop on its way north. His Grace particularly asked that you Jane attend His Majesty most closely." Sir John ceased his pacing behind his daughters chair and placed his hands on her shoulders.
"I will of course pay the King every courtesy. His Majesty is a good King, it is only a shame he is under the power of that harlot." Jane hissed her normally placid face scrunched up into a sour look.
"Now, now Janey." Sir John patted his daughter's shoulders. "It is the King's command that Lady Anne is the Queen, and as we have taken the Oath and she is to be here as well, we must accustom ourselves to referring to her as the Queen, lest something slip and the King believe we are disloyal."
"Of course father." Jane let out a sigh. "But it is very unfair. She has treated Queen Katherine most abominably, and Lady Mary too! Marrying her off to that ape of a brother!"
"That, dear sister, is exactly why our father and the Duke wish for you to pay the King special attention. They believe that you may be able to catch the King's eye and thereby loosen the Queen's hold upon him, and perhaps bringing the country back to the Church, correct father?"
Sir John shifted uncomfortable. "Yes – well yes that is correct."
"You mean you wish me to become the King's mistress?" Thomas nearly fell out of his chair at Jane's questions.
Sir John sighed and nodded.
"Very well. If it will help Queen Katherine and Princess Mary, and of course the church, than it is what I must do."
"Thank you Janey, I knew we could rely upon you." Sir John kissed her on the cheek and gave a gentle squeeze to her shoulders. "His Grace and Sir Nicholas Carew shall be arriving in a few days to speak with you about how best to capture the King's attention."
"I shall attend most carefully, father."
"Good, good." Sir John seemed then a bit at a loss for what to say next. "Well, I must attend to some business now, but I leave you to begin to prepare yourself."
As Sir John left the room, Thomas rushed over to his sister. "Jane, Janey, my G-d! What an opportunity, what an honor! If you succeed we could have anything we ask for! Places at court, estates, titles!"
Jane smiled at her brother's exuberance. "Calm yourself, brother. We must first think of the great deal of good we can do by releasing the hold that Harlot has over the King. We can see the country returned to the one true Church, and Princess Mary and Queen Katherine restored to their rightful places."
The three raised their glasses and said in unison, "Queen Katherine and Princess Mary!"
October 1534 – Beaulieu
As soon as George had informed Mary of her father's impending visit, she began putting all her energy into transforming humble Beaulieu. George gave her carte blanch to refurbish the house, some of which she continued to spend on Kimbolton, but a good deal went into hiring builders to construct additions to the building and gardeners to create new gardens. As her morning sickness subsided she began to feel her energy return and devoted endless hours to the various projects that required completion before the King arrived. Mary become so engrossed in the preparations that George had to remind her that she needed rest and to eat for the sake of the baby.
"Truly Mary, I believe that Mistress Keppel and the Steward have all well in hand and will ensure that the refurbishments are completed satisfactorily. You need not personally oversee everything." George said with a note of jovial exasperation in his voice one night as he walked into their bedchamber to find Mary in bed reading a parchment full of details on timber and shingles.
Mary sighed. "Of course they can, but I feel responsible. It is my father after all and I do wish him to feel at ease here. "
"And he shall, dearest, I promise you that." George leaned over, kissing Mary, and then placed a gentle hand on her swelling stomach. "And how are you feeling today?"
"Very well. I no longer feel ill during the day and the food Mistress Keppel has been preparing has agreed with me, plain though it its. Do you know where my father will stop after he leaves here."
"Yes, apparently he intends to travel on to Wolf Hall, the home of the Seymour family. Do you know them?"
Mary put her parchment down for a moment and considered. "Hmmm. Seymour? The name is familiar. I think perhaps the eldest daughter, Jane, might have been a lady-in-waiting to my mother while she was..." At the thought of her mother, Mary's voice trailed off.
"And how is your mother?" George asked quietly.
"The reports from the doctors are fair. They say she is responding well to the medication but that her mind troubles her and her spirits are low. They think it hinders her care to be so melancholy."
"I am sorry to hear it. I had hoped that the improvements to the estate would improve her spirit. Would you like to visit her?"
Mary looked at her swelling belly and shook her head. She knew that, no matter how happy George made her, her mother would never accept him as her husband and their child – the knowledge that her daughter had broken her promise, it would kill her. "No, I do not think it wise. I must trust that she is in capable hands and that the doctors are able to see to her well-being."
"You have not mentioned the child to her in your letters, have you?" George's tone was matter of fact as though he new the answer.
"No. I have tried to many times, began the letter so many times. But every time I find I cannot write the words to her. Every time I try all I see is her face, such sadness."
"Are you sure she would not welcome the idea of a grandchild, the knowledge that you are happy and settled? Besides, once we tell the King it is bound to spread through the court and eventually to her. Would it not be kinder to tell her yourself?"
Mary sighed, George was of course correct and she must steal herself to tell her mother the truth. Besides, who is to say that all of the things Queen Katherine hoped for her daughter could not still be realized. Even if they were not, even if, G-d forbid, Anne gave birth to a son who became King or Elizabeth became Queen, Mary was happy as she was and she should be bold enough to tell her mother so. "Of course you are right, it is far kinder. I shall write her tomorrow morning."
"Very good. Now," George said taking the parchment from Mary's hands against her protests "I believe it is time for you to sleep." With that he blew out the candle and Mary nestled down in the sheets. Mary's mind drifted to the letter she knew she must compose the next morning, but eventually, the soothing sounds of George's light snores helped her fall into a restful slumber.
Three days later – Kimbolton Castle
Katherine of Aragon sat in her chair by the large window in the first floor. It let in a good deal of light, which made it easier for her to read with her weakened eyes. The pain in her stomach today was manageable as the tea the doctor prepared did a great deal to sooth it. She was pleased this morning to find that a letter had been delivered from her daughter and now settled in to read its contents. She had to admit of late that her situation was much improved over when she was first exiled to this place. Renovations had been made to the estate, making the rooms larger and more comfortable and a doctor had been dispatched to ease her suffering. She was sure that it was a sign Henry was softening and that the whore was losing her power over him, for surely such actions could not have taken place without his knowledge and consent. It seemed only a matter of time before this ugly period in their marriage would over and she would once again be presiding over her husband's court.
My Dearest Mother,
I hope you are well, and that the renovations to the estate are pleasing. George and I continue comfortably here at Beaulieu. He is as attentive and kind a husband as you could ask for. And what is more we have just received such blessed news. We recently learned that I am with child. I hope you will be as pleased to be grandmother as I am pleased to be a mother, for nothing could complete my happiness more than to know that is welcomed by one so dear to me.
Your loving and dutiful daughter,
Mary
At first Katherine had to read the letter over to actually believe its contents. Her denial quickly wore away though.
"Mistress Darrell! Mistress Darrell!"
Elizabeth Darrell rushed to her Queen's side hearing her so distressed. "What is your majesty? Is it your stomach? Do you require more tea?"
"No, no." Katherine said, shaking her head. "It is this letter. It is my daughter. She has abandoned me."
"She has signed the Oaths, your majesty?" Mistress Darrell was shocked. She had always thought of Mary as such an obedient child, so attentive to her mother.
"No, but she writes me – she writes me that she is with child by the brother of that whore! She has betrayed me." Katherine let out some great heavy sobs and Mistress Darrell knelt down beside her chair.
"Oh your majesty, please do not be so downcast. All is not lost."
"How can you say that? She has fallen into their trap and become the pawn of that miserable family."
"But listen your majesty." Elizabeth Darrell spoke quickly grasping for some point of hope to keep her mistress from utter despair. "What if the child she has is boy? If the Lady Anne is unable to give him a son, perhaps the King will look to Princess Mary and her child as his heirs. He will throw Lady Anne aside and you will regain your rightful place by his side."
"Yes, but there will still be a Boleyn in a position of power. Will I never be rid of them?"
"His Lordship does not seem so very bad though? After all, he has allowed Lady Mary to have a private conference with you, despite the King's command that he be in attendance, and he has, out of his own pocket, paid for the renovations to the estate as well as the doctor."
"It is true. It is just, I had thought – I believed that it was all at the King's insistence. That he still loves me in some way. But you are right, even if the King no longer loves me, he will welcome a grandson.
With that Katherine made up her mind to welcome the impending birth of her daughter's child, the child who would be born to bring this country back from heresy.
October 20, 1534 – Beaulieu Palace
George watched as Mary stood anxiously in the entry way of the Beaulieu, awaiting the sound of hoof beats and the herald's horn signaling her father's arrival. He did not want to admit that he too was ill at ease. After all, while many men had the joy of telling their father-in-law that they would be a grandparent, few made these declarations to a King. But, he did not wish to add to Mary's distress by speaking of his owns anticipation so instead he walked over and wrapped his arms around her, hoping to provide her with some comfort.
"He shall be here before you know it." George said quietly into her ear.
Mary sighed. "I know, but it has been so long, and are last words were spoken in such anger. I wonder if he has forgiven me?"
"Of course he has. He would not be staying here if he did not."
"I wonder if Anne has forgiven me." Understanding Mary's difficulty at giving Anne the title of Queen, it had become custom between her and George to refer to her solely by her first name.
"Anne is under my instructions to be on her best behavior whilst she is here. Besides, I do believe she really wishes to know you better. After all, she knows how important you are to me, and to the King."
"And I know how important she is to you, and so I also promise to be on my best behavior."
George turned Mary to face him. "I have no doubt of that. You are a good and gracious hostess, and the best wife a man could ask for." As he kissed her the sound of the trumpets could be heard in the distance and they both knew the King had arrived.
Minutes later the King and Queen arrived at Beaulieu. As King Henry climbed down from his horse both Mary and George made their obeisance.
"Now, now, enough of that! We are family are we not!" It was obvious that the King was in a excellent mood. "Mary, my pearl. How are you? You look in excellent health! Better than I've seen you in ages, marriage suites you. Come, let me give you kiss." With that, the King swept Mary into an embrace and kissed her forehead. "Now, great your step-mother."
George hoped Mary recognized this as the test it was. She turned and curtsied low. "Your majesty." George was pleased that Mary managed to seem sincere in her greeting, perhaps this visit would go painlessly after all. Anne then embraced Mary and kissed her on both cheeks. She then took Mary's arm and asked if Mary would show her about the estate, to which Mary readily agreed. It warmed George's heart to see them on such even terms.
"Well then my Lord Ormonde, now that the ladies have abandoned us, will you not join me for a turn?" The King placed his arm about George's shoulders and steered him to the gardens, leaving him little choice.
"Of course your majesty. In fact I was hoping to have a moment alone with you, for I have some news which I hope will be as pleasing to you as it has been to me."
"I am listening George, pray continue."
"Well, your majesty, my wife, the Countess, is, it would appear, with child." At this the King stopped talking and turned to face George, placing his hands on George's shoulders, beaming.
"Truly! I am to be a grandfather?" The King's eyes seemed to twinkle.
"Yes, your majesty." The King then let out a great bark of a laugh and nearly doubled over.
"My G-d! Let's see Phillip out do me on this! For the very day you tell me I am to be a grandfather, I was set to tell you that I am once more to be a father!"
"Indeed, your majesty that is wonderful news!" George was thrilled, no wonder Anne looked less care worn than the last time he saw her.
"Good lord! I may be getting on in years George, but let no one doubt that there is not still vitality in this body yet! Come now that we have shared our news, let us both return to the house. Tonight we'll have a feast and I'll share both our blessed news with the whole of the court!"