Chapter 20:
"His Grace the Duke of Richmond and Somerset and Earl of Nottingham." Fitzroy was somewhat unused to hearing his own full title announced as most people at court knew and only called him Richmond so felt somewhat awkward. Henry's unease was only relieved when the thin woman's familiar warm smile. He had only seen Anne a handful of times since their introduction over a week ago and were swift encounters and so they had never really had a conversation before. When this thought hit Fitzroy his unease came flooding back as he did not know how he would be able to speak with her without his guilt over her situation that she herself was unaware of washing over him.
"Your Grace please come and sit down with me." Anne's warm smile never fading.
"Thank you your Majesty." The Duke had acted as a witness to the wedding a few days earlier an awkward affair. "How are you find England your Majesty?"
"I am enjoying very much my Lord, everyone is very nice to me." Richmond did not if he should believe her or not. He did not doubt that all around were very respectful to the Queen but he was unsure if she indeed enjoyed it at court. The atmosphere since her arrival was thick of anxiety. However, Fitzroy did not want to betray his thoughts so merely smiled at his hostess which was promptly returned. "Your Grace do you spend much time at court?"
"At the moment I have been spending most of my time at court but I must return to the North within the week to manage my estates. May I ask why your Majesty wishes to know this?"
"I wish to know you all after all you are my family now." Richmond's heart sank with sorrow and his guilt threatened to overwhelm him.
"Your Majesty I would like this very much and the first thing you need to know about me is that I try to do anything to protect my family." This statement was very innocent to the Queen but for Fitzroy it was a vow to protect the latest member of his family that he felt that he has allowed to be put in danger by not stopping her arrival in bid to ruin Cromwell. Anne smiled at the Duke and took his hand that was resting on the small table at the side of them.
"Thank you my Lord."
"My name is Henry and if you ever need assistance never hesitate to send for me." Both smiled and the Queen nodded in response. Richmond felt uneasy leaving court while the Queen's future was so unknown but he had agreed with his father that he would return to the North and he was certain the King would not act too quickly. Although he could keep his worry at bay and so he and his wife returned to court within weeks. As they left their carriage a familiar man servant approached the couple.
"Your Grace, my Lords Suffolk and Hertford request your presence immediately."
"What now, I have only just arrived?"
"I am sorry your Grace but my Lords say that is very important to see you." The boy hunched uncomfortably.
"Alight." Richmond turned to his wife and took her hand. "I will come and dine with you later." He kissed her cheek gently.
"Yes husband." Mary leaned into her husbands ear and whispered. "Be careful of those two they have troubled you already." Henry understood the concern and shared it but he immediately followed the boy to Suffolk's chambers.
"Your Grace, I am sorry to bother you so soon after your journey but there is something you need to see." Seymour's words were calculated as usual but there was something unsettling about his manner to the Duke. "Have you met Sir Francis Bryant?" Hertford pointed to a corner the room that Fitzroy had not paid any attention to. Bryant a somewhat unsavoury character at court appeared from the shadows and bowed. Richmond had always dislike Bryant but he had always been a favourite of the King and so he had been forced to endure his company on occasion.
"What is this about?" Fitzroy found it difficult to hide is growing frustration.
"We have found a solution to Cromwell." Bryant's intrusion made the situation no clearer.
"Your Grace Sir Francis has found a ... distraction for the King. Bring her in Bryant" Bryant approached one of the doors to private chamber and seemed to someone from within.
"Your Grace my I introduce Miss Catherine Howard." A young small attractive women appeared from around the door and curtsied to the group before her.
"Howard?"
"Yes your Grace, it seems she is the cousin of your wife, the Lady Richmond." Again a pang of unease hit the Duke. However, he knew his wife would not have known about her as she a rather large extended and many were not as powerful or significant as her direct family. At that moment the Duke realised that Suffolk had not spoken at all during this introduction.
"My Lord Suffolk, what do you think about this ... plan?" Charles' eyes shifted from side to side as not to settle on Richmond's face.
"It will force the him to realise that Cromwell has trapped the King in an unhappy marriage and she will ... distract the King." Richmond looked at the young woman and she smiled girlishly.
"Well my Lady I hope you like being a distraction. Get her some new gowns for her introduction." Fitzroy swiftly escaped the room with growing anger. He found himself heading for his wife's chambers.
"Where is Lady Richmond?" This questioned was directed towards Mary's head Ladies maid Alice Norwood.
"Right away your Grace." The red head woman scuttled off and quickly returned with Mary.
"Husband, I did not expect to see you this early."
"Mary, please forgive my intrusion."
"Leave us." The maid's immediately listened to their mistress' instruction and the couple were left alone. Mary stepped closer to Henry and held his face in her hands. "My Lord please tell me what is wrong."
"Why is it a game to them and why have been embroiled in it? I started this because I hated Cromwell but the lives of so many are ruined because of it and I do not even know if it is what I want know." Mary looked into her husband's eyes and pressed her lips against his.
"Then we must learn how to play better than them." For the first time in his life Richmond felt that he could let someone care for him without fear.