A Jewel in Henry's Crown
Chapter Twenty One: Dinner with Sir Francis Bryan
On meeting council with the Duke of Suffolk, Henry thought it best to inform the request Charlotte had asked him. Charles returned quietly and took his usual place behind the king's chair, waiting for more orders. "Charles," Henry began, "Are you happy with the Lady Wallace?"
Charles hesitated. Of course he was happy with her. "Yes, Your Majesty, I am." He answered. Henry stopped writing and set his quill down again.
"Your fiancé has asked me if my wife and I may be of service during your wedding—to be your witnesses." Henry continued. Charles raised a brow. Obviously, she had planned this after he left. "I have agreed to this, since you are one of my closest friends, Your Grace."
"Thank you, milord; I am sure Charlotte was thrilled with the agreement?"
Henry chuckled and turned to Charles. "Sit," he insisted. Charles took a seat next to the king. "She has changed since her time in court, has she not?"
Charles nodded in agreement. "Yes, she certainly has." He replied, with a small smile forming. He had looked back on a year ago when he first was introduced to Charlotte at her anniversary of birth. She had such a child-like nature then. Now, she was becoming more of a woman. Henry saw the look on Charles' face. "What is it Charles?"
"I was just looking back. I had a sudden moment of nostalgia. The day I first met Charlotte—she was like a child."
Henry smiled. "You love her dearly. I can see." Henry concluded. "It is very visible; your admiration for her."
"I would do anything for her." Charles confessed. "She has indeed changed me."
"Change is often for the better." Henry added. "Has there been any news on the Spanish Inquisition?"
"It has spread rapidly all throughout Europe. Many of the Spaniards are plotting against Your Majesty. In the North, the Scots are raiding Protestant churches and burning heretics and crying out to the Lady Mary to help them overcome this temptation of the New Church."
"The Lady Mary has allies in Scotland?" Henry questioned. "Has she been supporting the rallies?"
"No, she has denied ever knowing anything of this. Her ladies-in-waiting have spoken that she never speaks of the raids and protests in Scotland." Charles replied.
Henry massaged his temple in irritation. "What has been done to stop the Catholics?"
"We were waiting for Your Majesties' orders before marching into Scotland."
"First, we must finish the war in Calais. After, march in to Scotland and burn whoever is causing the riots. Find the main cause of the problem and destroy it." Henry hissed, angrily. Charles bowed obediently. "Leave me."
Charles stood up and left. He walked down the foyers to his chambers to prepare for the evening with his fiancé, Sir Francis Bryan and his future mother-in-law. In his chambers, he took off his heavy coat and set it onto his bed. He sighed as he undressed. On a night table, there was a velvet blue box with a broach in it. It was a gift for Charlotte. He concluded when he married her, Charles would shower her with gifts. Charlotte would be his alone—she would bare his children, he would love her until death do they part. A small smile crept on his face as he thought of her. Charlotte meant everything to him; he would defend her life even if it meant losing his own because of it. A life for a life, he thought.
Once Charles was dressed again, he took the little blue velvet box with him and summoned a carriage to the new palace that was given to Charlotte and her mother. When he arrived, the coachman opened the door for him. Two menservants were outdoors, expecting his arrival. "Your Grace," they greeted with bows. He acknowledged them. The dark-haired servant opened the doors for Charles as he walked up the stairs. A blast of cool air hit him as he walked into the dim entrance. There was low chatter coming from the parlour adjacent to the doors. "Ah, Your Grace, we are in the family parlour. Come and join us. Charlotte will be down in a moment." Lady Wallace greeted. Charles bowed and stepped into the parlour. "Would you care for a goblet of wine, Your Grace?"
"Thank you, ma'am," he answered. A maid poured him some wine. He glanced at Sir Francis Bryan who had been standing by the fireplace, his arm resting above his head on the mantel.
"It is an honour to see Your Grace." Sir Francis said, plainly. Charles just nodded again, clenching his jaw. He despised Sir Francis as much as he despised Thomas Boleyn; perhaps even more. "Might I also give compliments on your engagement to the Lady Charlotte Wallace?"
"You may, thank you." Charles gritted. Charlotte had been terrified of Sir Francis. He was nothing but an imbecile and a seducer. A maid had stepped in, clearing her throat which distracted the three present.
"Milords, and milady; Her Grace, Charlotte Wallace," the maid introduce. Charlotte stepped in shyly but her features brightened when she saw Charles. She was wearing a simple royal navy blue dress—at the waist line and chest; had been embroidered with golden leaves and roses.
Charlotte had, on top her head, the lapis lazuli crown that she had received as a gift from His Majesty. Her hair had been braided. Charles couldn't keep his eyes off her. As far as he could see, she was blushing as she caught his stare. "Your Grace," Sir Francis bowed to Charlotte and she curtsied, just to acknowledge him. Lady Wallace smiled at her daughter. She had become a woman. Charles was completely infatuated. "If you keep on staring, your eyes will burn out." Charlotte whispered to him. He chuckled and their final guest arrived—the Lady Rochford.
"I am so sorry for the delay, Lady Wallace, Your Grace." Jane exclaimed. Charlotte giggled and they went next to the dining room. Charles sat down beside his to-be wife and they stole a quick glance and smile. He held her hand reassuringly under the table. Lady Rochford sat across from Charlotte and next to Sir Francis Bryan. Lady Wallace sat at the head of the table since her husband no longer sat there. She felt a sudden rush of power as she sat in her husband's seat. It was Abigail in charge, not Rupert. Lady Wallace smiled at her guests and raised her hands for the servants to bring food to the table.
"I would like to thank you all for coming tonight." Lady Wallace began. "And, you all know our guest of honour—Sir Francis Bryan."
Inwardly, Charlotte grimaced. She despised the man. She had not the slightest idea why her mother would get herself involved with a man like him. "I offer congratulations to you, milady." Sir Francis said to Charlotte, "On your engagement to His Grace."
"Thank you, sir," she managed to say without swearing at him. Charles stroked her back, which calmed her little. You conniving, selfish, bed-hopping, crude man. Charlotte thought as she glared at Sir Francis. He only chuckled at her look. "More wine, please,"
A maid refilled her goblet. "How is the King?" Lady Wallace interfered. Charles looked up.
"He's not well, Lady Wallace. The news of the Spanish Inquisition and riots in Scotland has increased. His Majesty is doing all he can to control the neighbouring countries; but, it is not enough. I think he means to go to war." Charles answered, stiffly.
"Why on earth would he have a desire for war?" Lady Wallace chuckled. Charlotte sent her mother a look and she stopped chuckling.
"If he gains victory in war, mama, he is sure to be richer than all the countries surrounding England." Charlotte added. "He has power to do so. After all, what pleases the king, we must all attain to even though we wish not to."
Charles studied Charlotte—her movement, the way she spoke. Charlotte had caught him staring again and he could only smile. "Why must you insist on staring at me?" she whispered, teasingly. "It's highly improper of you,"
Charles traced her jaw line with his thumb and she blushed. Lady Wallace cleared her throat and raised a brow at the two young lovers. They quickly recovered from the moment of infatuation.
Charlotte glanced at Lady Rochford who was smiling intently. She was happy to see her friend so in love. Jane so dearly wished that George had been more kind and caring like Charles. As she watched the young couple, she envied Charlotte—but was thrilled. Charlotte deserved happiness after all she had been through, Jane thought.
Quick Author's Note: If I got some history wrong, please let me know because I don't know whether or not the Spanish Inquisition happened during the rule of Henry the VIII; or just Elizabeth I. Also, the dinner scene with Charles and Charlotte, the music I listened to that inspired it was from The Tudors: Season Two CD. The song, "A King Reborn."
=) I hope you all enjoyed and my apologies for the long delay! Please, don't kill me! LOL