A/N, I am sorry this took a little while to get out (not to long, but a longish wait nonetheless), and I do so hope you all enjoy this chapter which was full of many important events and developments.
It is a long chapter and I do so hope no one is disappointed.
As I always do I would like to thank everyone for their support, and for the reviews, favourites and alerts.
I own nothing as usual. Please please please leave a review.
Chapter 21:
March 1st 1544
Beaulieu Palace
Residence of The Princess Elizabeth Tudor, The Princess Royal of England
Her mother had always stressed to her that red was not her colour. Queen Anne had a keen eye for fashion and always she told her eldest daughter (gently of course) that the colour did not suit Elizabeth's complexion and that with her flaming locks it was ill suited. Yet Elizabeth was almost eleven now, and the following year she would be a woman married and bedded, she designed her own clothes now, and she would be the one to judge what suited her and what did not.
The Queen would be arriving later that afternoon, Elizabeth's father would not be with her, no doubt it would be only her mother and Aunt Mary that would come, perhaps her eldest sister as well if Mary was returned to court. Elizabeth was to have her first fitting for her wedding gown, yet she could not muster any enthusiasm for such a task. She did not want to marry Charles of France, she did not want to move and leave her family behind, she wanted to stay in England. She wanted Robert Dudley.
Elizabeth and Robin would often spend the afternoons in the gardens, Kat of course was always within arms reach but for the most part she left the two of them be and did not pry into their business. For their meeting today Elizabeth had chosen to wear the only red gown in her pocession, it had a scoop neckline and was embodied with golden flowers. Around her neck Elizabeth wore and extravagant necklace, and in her hair (that was placed up for a change) she wore a golden tiara, she was a Princess of England after all, the Princess Royal now after her fathers latest decree, it would not do for her to look a pauper, and if Robin disliked the way the colour suited of her he made no vocal objections. Her mother was not right about everything after all.
"And will you leave me thus? Say nay, say nay, for shame to save you from the blame of all my grief and grame and will you leave me so? Say no, say no and will you leave me thus? And have no more pity of he that loves thee? Alas, your cruelty! And will you leave me thus? Say no, say no," Robert Dudley's voice was sweet and soft, yet there was an air of command in his tone and Elizabeth could not help but listen to his every word as if he spoke of the most important matters. Sometimes she forgot that he was only a year older than her, he always seemed years older to her for some reason, " they say Thomas Wyatt wrote that poem for your mother, do you know?'
Elizabeth could do nothing but nod her head at that, they also say that he and my mother were lovers and that he wrote that poem because she was going to leave him for the king, " My mother would say that only a fool would think such innocence, Wyatt wrote the poem for his wife."
" As you say my Princess," Robin responded moving a stray stand of red hair from Elizabeth's face, he thought she was the most beautiful girl he had ever laid eyes upon, and he loved her as she loved him he knew. They had never said it before but they both knew, " You would know best."
" Still it is a pretty poem, no matter who it was written for." Elizabeth concluded with a smile. Soon all this would be taken from her, soon she would be a bride of France and her dear sweet Robin would be lost to her.
" Perhaps I should become a poet," Robin said with his own smile, the one that Elizabeth knew meant he was thinking something mischievous, it was a smile he wore so often of late, " So that I could write about all the cruel women I have come across."
" Are you accusing me of being cruel Sir?" Elizabeth questioned with a laugh, she knew this game well enough now.
" You are cruel, my princess." He had a sad look in his eyes, and Elizabeth knew she would have done anything to be rid of it.
" Am I?" Elizabeth questioned with slight confusion, she did not know how she had been cruel, not to him, never to him.
" Yes, " Robin said his expression unchanging, " Why else would you wish to leave me."
Elizabeth could not help but frown at his accusations, it was not as if it were her choice to go to France, she was a Princess of England, a chess piece for her father to move around to suit his needs, she had a duty to her father, family and country, it was something few people would understand, even someone of noble birth.
" You have no claim on me, Master Dudley." Elizabeth responded trying to keep her tone light, she did not want him to know he had upset her.
" Do I not?" Robin responded and Elizabeth thought she saw a hint of anger in his eyes, " Have you not given me your heart."
" Woman are always free with their hearts are they not? Just like these poets you inspire to be." Elizabeth questioned angrily, it was not fair of him to do this to her, not today, not now, " I am due to be married, you must not speak this way."
" See I am right you are going to leave me." He responded just as angrily, although Elizabeth thought he looked more hurt than he did angry.
" Robin stop it, please." Elizabeth pleaded, why was he ruining it, why was he ruining everything, " You know I have no choice."
" You could refuse," Robin said in answer, Elizabeth had been afraid of such a response, " They cannot marry you against your will."
My father would have me sent to a nunnery if I dared, " You know I cannot do that."
He made no answer to that, he simply moved closer to her and took her had in his hands, before she had a chance to stop him his lips were against hers, it was a chaste and simple kiss yet still it made her breathless and left her wanting more. You mustn't, a voice inside her head reminded her, you are promised to another, Elizabeth ignored the voice and leant in for another kiss.
" Princess Elizabeth," The sound of Kats voice broke them apart as if they had been struck, the look on her face told Elizabeth all she had needed to know; they had been seen, " The Queen has arrived."
Elizabeth could feel her face reddening at her governesses words, what would her mother say if she were to find out what had occurred, what would her father say, " Kat I…"
" You will go to your rooms, and wait to be called, Your Highness." Elizabeth could do nothing more but nod her head in response to the words, she sent one last look Robin's way before departing, Kat did not follow her, but Elizabeth did not dare look back.
" What you have just done is treason, Lord Robert." Kat said once she was sure the Princess was out of sight, Robert Dudley stood shaking in front of her, and it was the first time she could remember him looking afraid. I should of kept a closer eye on them, Elizabeth should never have been alone with him, " If the King were to find out I do not think he would hesitate in removing your head from your shoulders."
" I…"
" No," Kat cut in fiercely, this could not continue not anymore, " you will return to your rooms and you will stay there until you are called for."
She had to tell the Queen.
Anne stared at the woman in standing in front of her with her mouth slightly open in shock, and horror there was horror in her mind and look to she would have thought. At first she had been tempted to bring her hand down across her eldest daughter's governess face, but she had held herself firm, it was not Kat's fault, not truly.
There should have been more supervision, that Anne would not forgive nor allow to happen again, at Elizabeth's age she should never have been left alone with one of her male companions, and while Kat had promised that she had always been within a close range of the two in all of their dealings, Anne could not help but think that the woman was obviously not close enough. This was not a new thing, Anne had noticed Elizabeth's crush on young Robert years ago, but she had never thought anything of it, she had never been given reason to believe anything of it. She understood the need for her daughter and her daughters governess to have a small level of confidence between them, but Anne was Elizabeth's mother, and Elizabeth was the Princess Royal of England, betrothed to a Prince of France, she should have been made aware of such dealings, she should have been given the opportunity to put a stop to them, before they got out of hand, before this was allowed to occur.
Still Elizabeth and her little friend were not blameless in this; Elizabeth especially knew what was to be expected of her. Her daughter was bright and intelligent, more so than her years, this was the kind of behaviour Anne would of expected of Charlotte (when she grew old enough), not of her eldest, not of Elisabeth who was always so eager to please.
" Send my daughter in." Anne ordered her voice firm and not lacking emotion. Kat immediately made her way to the door and ushered the red haired princess in.
Elizabeth at least had the decency to look ashamed, she walked into the room with her head bowed and her shoulders slouched, before dropping into a deep curtsey with a muttered, " Your Majesty."
" Your Highness," Anne greeted with a raised eyebrow, if Elizabeth was intent on using formalities, she would as well, and "Your lady governess has told me a very troubling tale."
Anne could do nothing more than watch as Elizabeth scrunched her hands up into fists, she made no move to look at Kat but Anne could see the anger in her daughters eyes, my eyes, she will not forgive her governess quickly.
" Yes, Your Majesty." Elizabeth responded, never raising her eyes to look at her mother, she was not going to make this easy. She was too stubborn, too proud and too smart for that. She is her father's daughter, and your own as well, what else could you have expected.
" Do you have nothing else to say for yourself, Your Highness?" Anne questioned, some of her anger coming through in her tone, Elizabeth said nothing in response, she simply bit her lip and lowered her head further, " Very well, I see I have no other choice, Lord Robert will be sent from here as soon as suitable transportation can be made for him."
At that Elizabeth did look up, with tears shining in her dark orbs, she had an angry scowl on her face a look full of anger and hate, a look Anne had never before seen on her daughters face, a look she never wanted to see again, " Mother, you can't, Robin and I…..we are in love…you cant send him from me, I will die if you do."
She is still just a child, how easy it was to forget sometimes, " Do not make such threats towards me Princess Elizabeth have you forgotten yourself?" Anne reprimanded her tone firm, her daughter was too smart for this, she had too much potential Anne would not stand for her to be disrespectful, she would not allow her eldest child to throw her future away, " You are a child Elizabeth, not even eleven yet, what could you possibly know of love?"
" I know I love him," Elizabeth spat out furiously, her face had grown almost as red as her hair, perhaps it had not been wise of Anne to say what she had, but she had been frustrated and angry, she had been a mother, and sometimes even mothers said the wrong words, " and I know that if you take him from me I will never forgive you."
This was not the daughter she had raised, "Have you forgotten that you are promised to France Elizabeth, that to break your betrothal would mean war for England, will you see innocent lives taken simply because of some childhood fancy?" Anne knew her words were hard and harsh but she could find no other way to get through to her daughter, not in this, " What would your father say, if he heard that you the Princess Royal of England had been acting a common strumpet."
" You cannot force me to marry against my will," Elizabeth declared furiously, why was her mother being so unreasonable, she of all people should have understood, " You promised me to France, you and father, it was no choice of my own."
" You are a Princess of England Elizabeth, you have a duty to your father and this country, you will do as you have been commanded."
" I…"
" No Elizabeth that is enough," Anne interrupted, she would hear no more of this, such actions by her daughter could not be tolerated, Anne would not allow her to think that she could do as she willed, " Robert Dudley is to be sent to Ludlow as a companion to your brother, your cousins too will be leaving you. You will forget about Robert Dudley and focus your attention upon France and your future, do you understand?" Her nephew and Edward Brandon would go to Ludlow as well, Anne would replace them with girls of good breeding.
" You can't…"
" I am the Queen of England Elizabeth, and your mother, I can do as I will, now I asked you if you understood, do not force me to involve your father in this." At that Anne could see her daughter relent, Elizabeth did not want Henry involved in this anymore than she did.
" As you say, Your Majesty." Elizabeth said with an angry curtsey, She will forgive you in time; in time she will see you were right.
" Good, your aunt and the seamstress are waiting for you in the next room, best not keep them waiting any longer. I will be in shortly."
Elizabeth left the room with another curtsey, Kat made to follow her but Anne stopped her once her daughter was out of hearing, " Bring the boy to me."
Robert Dudley was a handsome youth, tall for his age and slender in his build he had dark hair and even darker eyes, it was easy to see why her daughter had fallen for him. Unlike Elizabeth, Robert did not enter the room looking shameful, he held his head eye and made eye contact with Anne. Anne was glad for that in a way, it would allow the boy to see how angry she truly was.
" You have committed treason today Lord Dudley," Anne said smoothly, her voice clear and firm, at that the boy did bow his head, but only slightly, good, Anne thought, let him be afraid, " Do you know what happens to traitors my Lord?"
Robert nodded slowly, before gulping out his response, " They die."
Anne would never harm a child, not even for this, and nor would Henry, but she wanted to keep their actions today as quiet as possible and scaring the child into submission might be the only way to do that, she could not have him talking, Elizabeth's reputation could never be tarnished.
" Yes, they do," Anne responded with her own nod, before dropping down to the boys level, " feel lucky, my lord, that I am feeling merciful and that I have not deemed it necessary to inform the King or your father of your activities today."
" Yes, Your Majesty," Robert responded softly, " But if I may Your Majesty, I love the Princess Elizabeth and I believe she loves me."
I Love his majesty, and I believe he loves me, " Be silent, " Anne ordered, she could not allow this kind of talk, " You are to leave for Ludlow in a few hours time, from this point onwards you will never ask of Elizabeth and never if you value your life will you speak of her to others. Do you understand?" Never ask of me, and never if you value your life will you speak of me to others.
Robert Dudley did nothing more than nod his head in response, in turn Anne stalked past him, the skirts of her cream coloured gown swaying angrily with her steps.
She had a wedding to plan and a dress to design.
March 18th 1544
Hampton Court
Privy Council Chambers
" They mean to include me in this war of theirs then? Henry questioned, his tone even, yet a part of him was worried to hear the news his councillors would bring forward.
" Both King Francis and the Emperor have requested your aid, yes." Richard Rich responded staring at the pile of papers in front of him.
At that Henry could not help but sigh, once he would have been pleased to enter into a war against either nation, yet now he could think of nothing worse. He was not the young man he once was; he no longer yearned for battles and glory. Yet now he did not know what his best course of action was, Elizabeth was promised to France, and Alexander was all but promised to the Scottish Queen, if anything he should ally himself with the French, yet still he was in no mood to make an enemy of Spain.
Since Katherine's death and the birth of William, relations with the emperor had been much improved, to add to that was Henry's recent reinstatement of Mary as one of his legitimate heirs, he did not want to see such efforts go to waste simply because his foreign counterparts hated each other. He needed France and he needed Spain, England would not join this war.
" England will have no part in this war," Henry stated firmly, let them say what they would about his courage and loyalty, Henry would do only what was best for his country and his family, " We will have to find some other way to appease our dear brothers."
" The Princess Elizabeth's dowry perhaps could be increased." His brother-in-law put forth from beside him, and Henry could not help but nod his head in agreement, Francis would not be so easily pleased, but for now perhaps it would be enough.
" And for the Emperor?" Henry questioned, he had no formal alliance with the Emperor it would be harder to appease him than it would be to appease the French, of this Henry was certain.
" In his letter to Your Majesty, the emperor suggested marriage alliances between the Prince of Wales and the Princess Charlotte with children of Spain." Rich offered, passing said letter into Henry's waiting arms.
For William, Charles had offered three potential brides, his two daughters Maria and Joanna and his niece Margaret of Austria. For Charlotte the Emperor had offered only one possible suitor his son and Heir, Phillip. Henry saw his message clearly; I will make your daughter a Queen, if you only do the same for mine.
He could not accept both betrothals, to do so would only serve to make Francis weary of him, and with Elizabeth's wedding so close, Henry knew he could do nothing to make Francis want to break the betrothal. Anne would never forgive him if he did.
" Send a letter to the Emperor inform him that we will consider his proposal between the Prince of Wales and his niece Margaret," Henry said evenly, for now that was the most he could do, one of Charles' daughters would have bought a more prosperous match it was true, yet it was better for England's alliance with Spain if William was promised to his niece instead, yet it was also essential that the betrothal not be made formal until after Elizabeth's wedding the Duke of Orleans, " I will have to speak to the Queen before any agreement can be reached."
" As Your Majesty commands," Rich said evenly, making a note as he spoke, " What of the Princess Charlotte?"
At that Henry frowned, Charlotte was still young and Henry did not think it would be wise to promise two of his children to one nation. Other options would become available for his youngest daughter in the coming years, for now William would be enough.
" Inform the Emperor that at this time we are not considering any offers for the Princess' hand but that we might in times to come."
" Very good, Your Majesty."
" On a happier note, Your Majesty," Thomas Audley said from across the table, " We have received news from Scotland, they have accepted your terms to the betrothal between the Duke of York and the little Queen."
" Very good, Lord Councillor," Henry responded with a smile, finally some good news, " When are they to be married?"
" As per our own terms, The Scots have agreed that Prince Alexander go to Scotland at the age of ten, and that the couple will be married at the age of twelve," Audley responded simply, he always seemed to have a tone of formality in his voice, " They have also agreed to Your Majesty's condition that the marriage be annulled if it is without issue."
" My dear Queen will be most overjoyed, her second son a King of Scotland." A King of England, a King consort of Scotland and a possible Queen of France (that was if the Dauphin remained without children), and another two children who were not yet promised, all out of his union with Anne. If the doubters had not been proven wrong by now, they certainly would be once the matches became public knowledge.
March 23rd 1544
Ludlow Castle, Wales
Residence of the Prince of Wales
Lady Bryan had dressed him smartly in a black and red doublet, he was receiving a new companion today, to make up for the one he had lost when his cousin Jane had been sent to join Elizabeth's household. Robert Dudley had come to Ludlow (as had his two cousins, Edward Stafford and Edward Brandon) in her place, but William's mother and father had also made arrangements for a daughter of one of his father's councillors to join him and Edward at Ludlow.
He had not liked Ludlow at first, even Edward had adapted to their new surroundings quicker than he had. Ludlow was so different from Hatfield, it was larger and lonelier too, despite his companions, and William often thought the castle too quite. Hatfield had always seemed loud to him, loud and busy, Ludlow always seemed to be still and silent. He was also now the furthest away from his family than he had ever been, and that meant visits between his parents and siblings had become less frequent. He had understood in those first few months why Elizabeth had hated leaving Hatefiled so much, he at least had had Edward for company, and for that he would always be thankful.
Out of all of his siblings William knew that he was closest to Edward, even if there were some people that whispered that he wasn't his true brother, William would never feel like that, he would be lost without his brother, he loved all of his siblings equally, even his half siblings, but he knew that his time at Ludlow would have been much harder without Edward with him.
He had grown used to Ludlow now, he no longer missed Hatfield as he once had, he still longed for his family he would not lie, but he was growing older now, he was the Prince of Wales, and one day he would be the King of England, it did not bode well for his to act childishly, he was not a baby like Alexander and Harry, it was his duty as his fathers heir to be strong and able in all that he took part in.
" Your Highness," Lady Bryan said from next to him, she would not be with him for much longer William knew, perhaps another year or so before his care was put solely in the hands of his Tutors. It would be a sad day when she left them, William had not known a single day without her in his life, " The Lady Eleanor has arrived, shall I send her in?"
" Yes, if you please, Lady Bryan." William responded properly, before bringing himself to his full height, Edward had recently grown taller than him, yet William knew he was by no means short.
With a nod of Lady Bryan's head the doors to the audiance chamber of Ludlow were opened and through it walked the Lady Eleanor Rich, William's newest companion.
William had been informed that the Lady Eleanor came from a large family, she was one of many children the Rich family had to care for, and so the King and Queen had offered to house five of them with the royal children, one for each child's household (Alexander and Harry of course would not yet receive their companions but in the coming years they would).
The girl looked to be around the same age as William, although she was far shorter. She was dressed simply in a deep blue gown, her blonde hair hanging loosely down her back, she had nice green eyes, and her curtsey was very proper. William thought she was rather pretty.
" Your Highness, Your Grace," William had almost forgotten Edward had been in attendance with him until the Lady Eleanor addressed him, Edward was always so quite when meeting new people sometimes it was easy to forget he was there, " It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
She spoke gracefully for a girl of her birth and age, her voice was sweet and soft, " The pleasure is ours, Lady Eleanor, I do hope you will enjoy your time here at Ludlow."
" I am sure I will, Your Highness." Eleanor responded with a smile, blue eyes locking with green.
August 10th 1544
Richmond Palace
Mary scarcely came to court anymore, if she was needed for an official or family duties she would attend without any fuss, yet she never longed for court and while there she yearned for home. Katherine and Arthur always attended with her, Mary was firm on that much in her dealings with her father and the Queen, but they did little to comfort her while there, she did not belong at Court legitimate or not it had ceased to bring any great level of comfort to her for a long time, and since little Mark's death she had enjoyed her visits less and less.
George was a more frequent visitor, yet she knew that like herself he preferred the sweet and simple life in the country with their children. Yet once again, Mary was needed at Court and her father's summons could not be disobeyed, not in this. She was his legitimate daughter once again after all, sixth in line for the throne, with her own independent title as well. England needed her, and as always she would do her duty by her family and her country.
The war between France and Spain had ended quicker than anyone would have expected, and now her father wanted to firmly ally himself with Spain, as he already had done with France. As Mary was a granddaughter of Spain and a cousin of the Holy Emperor himself (and now once again a legitimate daughter of the King of England), it was not just expected of her to be there, her presence was needed to ensure that the festivities ran smoothly.
The Prince of Wales was to be betrothed to a Spanish Princess, not for the first time, Mary could not help but think with a small sad smile, she could not help but pray that this time the union between the two countries would be more fruitful. Her mother had been betrothed two to Princes of Wales, her uncle Arthur who had died before his time, and of course her own father who had cast her mother aside for his current Queen, the mother of his heirs. Mary could not help but wonder what fate would await Margaret of Austria when she married William.
The emperor had sent the Duke of Najera as his own personal envoy; the Duke would sign the betrothal on behalf of the Emperor and his brother, the Princess' father. The Duke was one of the Emperor's most successful generals, in another life, he may have been one of Mary's suitors, she did not like to think of such things often, she would not trade her children nor her husband for anything in the world, yet still in times like these she could not help but let her mind wonder.
Her father and the Duke had already been introduced, unfortunately her father was currently unwell and as such the festivities for the night fell into the hands of the woman, Anne and herself would entertain their Spanish guests. Her father would no doubt be well enough for the signing of the betrothal agreement that would be conducted the next day. The King was not much for feasts these days; Anne and Mary would be able to handle the night well enough without him.
Three of her brothers were present, William was the subject of the betrothal and as such his attendance was just as important as Mary's own, Edward had of course come with him, and Hal too had come to enjoy the entertainments. Elizabeth had also been called to court; she was of the age now, where it was expected of her to be in attendance for such things. No doubt she would enjoy the celebrations, her sister enjoyed dancing as much as the Queen. There was no doubt of who the girls mother was, yet Mary could not help but think there was more Tudor in the girl than Boleyn.
Anne currently stood silently beside her, her hands clasped together in front of her stomach. She was dressed in a gown of turquoise and gold, with eleborate beading and sleeves that opened up to reveal a golden undergarment. She wore her dark locks up in a simple bun, a French hood sitting prettily upon her head. The Queen wore no jewellery save a necklace and matching set of earrings. Anne had aged well, better than her own mother once had, but then Anne had delivered of her saviour, Queen Katherine never had.
Mary was (for once) dressed more extravagantly than her stepmother, for that she had Anne herself to thank. When Mary had arrived at court the gown had been waiting for her, and it was quite possibly the grandest gown she had ever worn. It was dark in its colourings, a rich green colour that almost looked metallic in its appearance, it was embroided in purple thread and on the bodice was the vision of two peacocks. Mary wore her hair down a tiara sitting in her hair and a necklace around her head.
As the trumpets blared throughout the room to announce the Duke's arrival, Mary stood up to her full height; she could not help but notice that Anne did the same beside her.
The Duke was handsome and appeared to be charming, Anne addressed him first as was her right as the Queen.
" Your Highness." Anne said gracefully, smiling widely and giving her hand to the Duke for him to kiss. Mary could not help but wonder if the Queen was nervous, Anne knew well enough that she was not much loved by the Spanish, yet still she more than anyone needed this visit to go smoothly, she wanted her son to have a Spanish bride.
" Your Majesty." The Duke responded with a deep bow, his English was thickly accented, and he smiled at the Queen as if they were old friends.
" May I introduce to you, Her Royal Grace, The King's eldest daughter; the Lady Mary Boleyn." Anne said smoothly, taking Mary's hand in her own before placing it in the hands of the Duke.
Mary kissed the Duke lightly on the cheek, before addressing him in her mother's tongue, "Alteza," Highness, Mary started, the language falling effortlessly from her lips, "que es un gran privilegio y un placer darle la bienvenida a la corte de mi padre, aquí todo el mundo sabe de su gran renombre como un general de las fuerzas emperadores." it is such a great privilege and a pleasure to welcome you to the court of my father, everyone here knows of your great renown as a general of the emperors forces.
The Duke smiled widely at his words, it was clear to her that he was surprised of her knowledge of his native tongue, "Usted Habla español, Lady Mary?" You speak Spanish, Lady Mary?
"Sí, un poco " Yes, a little, Mary lied smiling slightly, she was fluent in the language she spoke it as easily as she did English, and then before Anne had the chance to introduce their guest to the other Royal children Mary added quietly, "No soy la hija de mi madre?" Am I not my mother's daughter?
It had felt an age since she had danced, especially with anyone other than her husband, yet as she danced with the Duke Anne did not feel out of step with the movements, she still danced as well as any maiden half her age, and for a second she felt as if she were a young maiden again, the young girl of eighteen years who had come to Court to capture the attentions of the King.
She was a woman now she was almost forty, she had come to court to capture Henry's attentions and now she was the Queen of England, she had borne the King five beautiful children, three of which were healthy princes. After this Spanish visit was over with William would be betrothed to marry a Spanish Princess, Elizabeth would be married to a French Prince in a year's time, and Alexander was now promised to Scotland. Yet none of that mattered much to her now, all she wanted to do was dance.
Yet her eldest daughter's voice bought her attentions away from the music, while she did not miss a step, she could not help but strain her ears to listen to what Elizabeth was speaking of.
" Kat, " She began her tone almost a whine, She has forgiven her governess then, yet still she looks at me as if I were the devil, " May I not dance, please?"
Kat made no move to answer her charge immediately, she knew better than that, instead her eyes sought out the Queens, it was almost as if they were having a private exchange, Anne nodded her head slightly, no one would have noticed it save her daughters governess, but she got the message clearly. Anne was not a monster, she would not deprive Elizabeth the opportunity to enjoy the festivities, and besides Anne had ensured that the only of William's companions to arrive from Ludlow would be Edward, Robert Dudley was not present. Anne need not worry about her daughter's actions not tonight, and hopefully not anymore.
" Of course you can, my lady of course you can."
And with that Elizabeth joined the dancing her bright green dress swaying around her ankles as she moved. If it wasn't for the hair bright and flaming with her every movement Anne would have almost thought she was looking at a younger version of herself. Perhaps one day her daughter too would be a Queen.
August 11th 1544
Richmond Palace,
Queen of England's Apartments
" I heard the festivities went well last night?" Henry questioned enjoying the sight of his children and wife all about him. Anne had arranged a lovely meal for them all, Mary and Hal would be leaving court the following morning, with William and Edward set to depart for Ludlow the following day, while Elizabeth would be staying at court for a week or two longer so that Anne could make more arrangements for the upcoming wedding.
This could be the last opportunity for them all to be together for a long while, and while neither his younger children, nor his grandchildren were present it was still pleasant enough to have his elder children about me, for a family meal, something that did not often occur in Royal families.
" Yes, it was quite enjoyable, the Duke was charming and pleasant." Anne said smiling softly, " What about you children did you enjoy yourselves?"
" Yes Mama." both William and Edward responded duitifully, while Elizabeth did nothing more than nod her head stiffly.
" Did you not enjoy yourself Elizabeth?" Mary questioned from Anne's other side, obviously noticing her sister's mood, Anne was just thankful that Henry had not noticed how sullen their eldest daughter had been during her visit, she had managed to keep the business with Robert Dudley quiet, she hoped to continue to do so, " You seemed to be having fun with the dancing."
" Yes," Elizabeth answered with a smile, " It was a lovely night Mary."
" I was sorry to have missed it," Henry said quietly and Anne could tell that he had meant his words, thankfully her husband had recovered from his recent illness quickly, he had been well enough to sign the betrothal agreement that morning, " Hal we have missed the Duchess and the girls at court, you must bring them with you the next time you come promise me?"
" I am sorry father, " Hal responded dutifully, there was a small happy smile playing on the side of his lips as he spoke, " and I know that Mary would have loved to have come, but in her condition she did not think it best to travel."
" Her condition, Hal?" Anne questioned confused, her stepson had said nothing of his wife or either of the girls being unwell.
" She is heavy with child," Hal said the smile widening on his face as he spoke, " I had not wanted to put such news in a letter."
" Oh Hal that is wonderful news," Elizabeth exclaimed excitedly it was the first genuine smile Anne had seen on her daughters face since she had arrived at Court, " you must allow me to come visit, once the baby is born."
" Of course Elizabeth." Hal answered kindly, Anne would forever be thankful that Henry's eldest children and her own got along so well.
" We shall keep Mary in our prayers Hal."
" Yes," Henry said with his own large smile, " We shall pray for a son this time, a future Duke of Somerset and Richmond."
" Mary swears it is a boy this time Father, she says she feels differently to how she did with Bessie and Maggie." Hal put forward his smile tightening somewhat. He wanted a son to carry on his legacy as much as any other male would, but still to have the pressure of a King upon you made the need for a son even greater.
" You and Mary are both young still Hal, if it is another girl this time it will surely be a son the next, all that matters is that the child is delivered healthy." Anne soothed gently, she knew as well as any what it was to feel pressured by the sex of your unborn child.
" Of course, Your Majesty."
August 28th 1544
Hatefiled Palace
Residence of the Princes Alexander and Henry and the Princess Charlotte
" Princess Charlotte, you must hold still I beg of you." Lady Herbert implored as the dressmaker sighed impatiently once again.
Queen Anne had had the seamstress sent to Hatfield to begin the process of making the Princess' new gown for the Princess Royal's upcoming wedding to the French Prince. The Queen had been very firm about the designs and colours of the gown, but she had also allowed for Charlotte to design three dresses of her own that would be completed much sooner.
While Charlotte had at first been pleased by the prospect of getting new gowns, she had quickly begun to tire of the process, as only a child of her age could.
" I am bored Lady Herbert," Charlotte stressed, her eyes moving longingly to where her brothers were seated with Lady Parr, " must this go on much longer?"
" Do you not want new gowns Princess? You would not want to have to wear one of your old gowns to your sisters wedding would you?" Blanche coaxed, knowing how much her young charge enjoyed new gowns.
" No of course not," Charlotte replied crossly, she could not wear an old dress to Elizabeth's wedding, people would laugh at her, and her mother and father would be most distressed, she was a Princess of England, she must always look fashionable, " It's just cant I have a break, and Alex and Harry can have their turns?"
At this Blanche could not help but look at her counter part in alarm, she had not expected such a question, neither of the young princes needed to be fitted for new outfits. When the Royal wedding took place both Alexander and Harry would be present for the wedding only, Queen Anne had not even wanted the boys to make the journey to France Blanche knew, but the King had insisted that they be present. No doubt King Henry wanted to show the strength of his bloodline, there would be no other reason as to why his bastards too would be in attendance.
" Your brothers do not need their outfits made yet," Catherine Parr said softly, " They grow too quickly Princess."
" Oh," Charlotte said in response her lips forming a small 'O' shape, " Well may I have a break at least?"
" Of course Princess," Catherine Parr replied smiling gently, Blanche could not help but sigh slightly at that, despite her being with Charlotte for a longer period and despite her role as the chief governess in the Palace, little Charlotte had taken to Catherine Parr quickly and would often listen to her words more so than Blanche's own, " Would you like to share some sweets with your brothers?"
" Oh yes please." Charlotte exclaimed, hurriedly moving from her position much to the seamstress's dismay.
" But first you must promise me something," Catherine Parr stressed watching the young princesses eyes light up in confusion, " you must promise that once you have finished playing with your brothers for a while, that you will be a good girl and allow for your new gowns to be fitted properly."
Charlotte scrunched her eyes up slightly in response to the governess's words; Blanche thought the young princess looked as if she were contemplating which option to be the lesser of two evils. Blanche just hoped that the girl took her counterparts bait, the way this fitting was currently travelling it was likely that the poor seamstress could be here for a week at least, and then what would the King and Queen say to know that the woman they had entrusted their youngest children's care to could not keep their daughter under control. Blanche did not like to think on that.
" I will be good," Charlotte promised sweetly, taking a sweet into her hand eagerly when it was offered to her, " I promise."
Oh yes Blanche Herbert thought with a slight frown, she would be good, for an hour or two, and then this whole little war would start again, she could not help but pray that the two young princes would be less of a handful than their elder sister.
July 15th 1544
Richmond Palace Chapel
Her cousin, the Queen, had helped in the creation of Kitty's wedding gown. As was the tradition, Kitty wore a gown of ivory (She may have been no virgin when she married, yet still she knew well enough that she must play the part), with golden thread. Her sleeves were fitted tightly upon her arms; she wore her chestnut locks down in loose curls behind a veil. She looked beautiful, the way a bride should look on her wedding day.
The long walk down the aisle was one of the longest she had ever taken, her father had died years ago now (her mother years before that) and so it fell upon her uncle Norfolk to give her away. Not that Katherine minded, her uncle was a Duke the head of the Howard family; she looked more important with him on her arm.
Thomas, her future husband, looked ever so handsome standing at the end of the aisle, he was dressed smartly in a cream doublet and she could tell that he could hardly keep his smile at bay. Neither Kitty nor Thomas were serious beings, the wedding ceremony itself was a process that the both of them found to be tiring, and boring as well, Kitty knew that she may find it hard to keep a straight and serious face especially if Thomas too was struggling to keep his humour in check. It was the feast and the bedding that the both of them were looking forward to, but Kitty knew how to play her part well, the Queen had put a lot of thought into her nuptials Kitty would not disappoint her by acting the fool.
Both the King and the Queen were in attendance, Kitty could not help but feel a surge of pride at that, there were not many ladies at court that would be able to say that both Queen Anne and King Henry had been present when they married. The Princess Elizabeth was also present, as was the Lady Mary, who had just recently announced her fourth pregnancy (only two of her pregnancies had resulted in a healthy offspring however), the King had stressed his happiness at the hope of another Grandson (with the Duke of Richmond also expecting his third child), but Mary had in turn stressed that she did not care for the sex so long as the babe was healthy (her last boy had died, Kitty doubted that Mary cared whether she had another son or not so long as she carried a healthy child in her womb).
After her wedding Kitty would return to the Queen's household rather than the Lady Mary's, she would be a married woman now, and with her husband holding a position at Court it would not do well for her to be spending all of her time in the country, no matter how much she would miss Mary and her little cousins. Kitty would have children of her own one-day soon, and besides she enjoyed the Court more than she ever would the country. She would enjoy being at its centre once again.
Kitty knelt carefully beside her future husband once she was by his side, taking specific care as to not rumple the skirt of her gown. She had practised the action countless times before that day, she did not want to look a fool not on her wedding day. Kitty often did such things, when she knew she had a specific part to perform she would spend hours upon hours practising until she got her part absolute perfect, she had practised her vows that she would be saying today in such a manner. She bit her lip slightly as she thought that if she were ever executed (not that such a thing were possible, but it was a funny thought nonetheless), that she would practice how to lay her head on the block perfectly as well. Practising was something she had always believed in, Kitty had few memories of her mother, but in the back of her mind she could always remember the woman telling her that practise makes perfect.
There were some at court who had once whispered to her that in another life King Henry may have taken a fancy to her, she was the kind of woman he had always taken an interest in for a mistress (or even as a Queen), once such a thought would have filled her with joy yet now it did nothing to increase her spirits if she had a choice of dying as a Queen, or dying as the wife of her beloved she would always choose to die as the wife of Thomas Culpepper.
After today she would always be known as The Lady Katherine Culpepper (nee Howard), the Countess of Gloucester, life was truly beautiful.
17th of July 1544
Sherriff Hutton Castle
Hal had watched his wife give birth two times now, today would be his third, with Bessie and Maggie, Mary had always seemed to be in pain, but the labours were always quick and Mary never complained much, despite the obvious discomfort she was feeling. This labour was different, this time she complained.
Mary wailed and screamed with everything that she had until her voice was coarse and her tears dried up upon her face, and even after that, she still screamed with all she had left. It was the longest labour she had been through and clearly it was also the most painful.
When Mary's time was almost at an end Hal's father had sent the Queen's own midwife to attend upon them. Mistress Nobly was a kind and stern woman, she had delivered Charlotte and the twins and was clearly highly respected in her field, and Hal was glad for her presence, as was his wife he was sure.
" It won't be much longer now." The midwife promised, her tone soothing, Hal was not sure if Mary had even heard her speak yet her body seemed to have responded anyway, giving out another almighty push.
And as quick as that, after hours and hours of labour the baby was squirming and screaming in the midwives hands, just as it's mother had been moments before.
" What is it?" Hal questioned firmly, let it be a boy, please God give me a son, " Is it healthy?" He should have asked his questioned the other way around he knew, what good was a son, if it were sickly, but his father's voice was in his head, The King wants another grandson and I best give him one.
" It is a Boy, Your Grace," Mistress Nobly answered with a slight smile, " and he is very healthy."
" A son?" Mary questioned happily, as her ladies perched her up on her pillows, she had been waiting for a son just as long as he had he knew, they both loved their daughters dearly, but a son was always needed and cherished a son to carry on his name and legacy, " May I hold him?"
It took a few minutes but soon enough the boy was placed in his mother's arms wrapped up carefully in the blanket that had been made in preparation of his birth.
He was a robust and long looking child, and Hal thought he looked a true Tudor boy. He had the red hair that was so often associated with the Tudor line, he had his mother's eyes, but the rest of the boy was Tudor, he had no other signs of Blount or even Howard in him. In another lifetime, in another world, if Hal had not been born into this world as a bastard, perhaps his little boy would have been a King.
" Does the name we choose suit him still do you think?" Mary questioned taking her eyes away from their new son for the first time, " Or had you thought of another perhaps, if you wished we could call him Henry or…."
" No my sweet," There were enough Henry's now, " We always swore our children would have their own names."
" Well then, hello little Benjamin Fitzroy."
Benjamin Fitzroy, the heir of the King's first born son, the future Duke of Richmond and Somerset.
A/N: so there it was chapter 21, I do hope you all enjoyed it.
In this chapter the focous was mostly upon the Royal children, it is there story too afterall.
Elizabeth's affection for Robert Dudley became more than simply affection and could have resulted in a dangerous outcome if it had not been nipped in the bud so quickly by Anne. This will not be the last of the Elizabeth and Robin story but for now it will be put on hold, how it unfolds well you will just have to wait and see.
I have steered away from history in regards to the war between Spain and France. I have ended it quicker than it was ended in history, and have excluded England in participating. Also the Duke of Orleans, Elizabeth's betrothed remains healthy and well.
From the war however, we also got a betrothal put in place for William who will now be betrothed to marry Margaret of Austria the neice of Charles of Spain and daughter of his brother, the Future Holy Roman Emperor. In history Margaret became a nun so very little is known of her. She will be a key part of this story in time.
Speaking of betrothals the betrothal agreement between Alexander and Mary Queen of Scot's has been finalised and Alexander will go to Scotland once he reaches the age of ten.
We also saw the development of William at Ludlow and were introduced to his new companion Lady Eleanor Rich the daughter of Richard Rich. Richard Rich had around 14 children not all were well known to history, and so there is ever possibility that he had a daughter named Eleanor who is of age with my Eleanor. I will not say much more other than to advice you all to watch this space for Eleanor will be very important.
We also saw how the younger Royal children were travelling at Hatefiled. Oh and Kitty got married. Yay Kitty.
And lastly, Hal finally got his long awaited son, a healthy boy named Benjamin, and Mary Boleyn (Tudor) is pregnant for the fourth time. I promise that this pregnancy will have a happier outcome than the last.
Please review, the next chapter will be all about a wedding. I wonder whos hehe ;)