A Jewel in Henry's Crown

Chapter Twenty-Five: A New Friendship

It was the end of October and the queen had worsened since the birth of Prince Edward. Charlotte had requested an audience with the Lady Mary. "You asked for me, Your Grace?" Mary inquired, sourly. Charlotte nodded. Mary raised a brow at Charlotte's quietness. "What ails you, Your Grace?"

"There is nothing, except for the yearning that my husband returns home safely." Charlotte replied. Mary surprised herself with a small smile. "I asked to see you because, Lady Mary, I wanted to ask a favour of you."

"Go on," Mary urged. Charlotte's chest was unsteady as she breathed heavily from nervousness. "Please, Your Grace, do not be distressed."

What was this sudden kindness? Mary wondered. "I was hoping that you could have the privilege of being my child's godmother?" Charlotte inquired. Mary was stunned, after all this girl had to go through, with the King forcing her into his bed; losing her father to the block, she was now asking Mary to be her child's godmother? "You mustn't feel pressured, Lady Mary. It was just simply a small request. You need not agree to it."

Mary raised her hand with a smile again. "I would be truly happy to be your chosen godmother. Thank you, Your Grace," she said. Charlotte sighed with relief. "I also hear you are to dine with my father tonight?"

Charlotte nodded. "Yes, I am. The King does not know this yet, but on my behalf; could you join us?"

Mary felt her spirits lift. It was true, Charlotte Brandon had rank now—through marriage. Why hadn't Mary befriended her sooner, she wondered? Maybe she was jealous because Charlotte had stolen her place as the King's favourite. Charlotte Brandon was just as humble as the queen and friendlier than most courtiers. "I would be happy to join you, Your Grace."

"By all means, call me Charlotte, Lady Mary." Charlotte insisted. The two women chuckled.

"Then, you may call me just Mary; there is no need for formalities now that we are friends." Mary returned, kindly. "Forgive me, but I must go to Mass now. I hope we may grow close, Charlotte."

They curtsied to one another and Charlotte smiled after the Lady Mary left. She had then decided to go and visit the King in his privy chambers. "Your Majesty, Her Grace the Duchess of Suffolk, would like a word with you." A doorman exclaimed. Henry looked up rather irritated but then sighed while lowering his quill. He nodded and Charlotte stepped in with a low curtsy.

"Your Majesty," she whispered.

"Your Grace," he began. "I am on very important business matters. Make this quick."

"Yes, Your Majesty, I was inquiring that we have an additional guest to our dinner party?"

Henry raised a brow. "Who might this additional guest be?" he asked, stiffly. His ulcer had begun to bother him again. Charlotte hesitated and responded slowly.

"The Lady Mary, Your Majesty," she said. A grimace form across his bearded face but after thinking it over, he decided to agree to it.

"I suppose then I will allow the Lady Mary to dine with us." He gritted. He had wanted it to be just the Duchess and him alone. But, if it made Charlotte happy, then he would permit it. He wanted her happiness to show.

"Thank you," she exclaimed and headed off. Henry sighed in even more irritation and slammed his fist onto his table. He envied Charles for taking Charlotte for his wife. If Henry had married her she could have been his next queen. But, no…Charles had to be in the way. "Damn," he muttered and sank back into his chair letting out a groan. What could he do about it? He was the King! He could do anything! He could even hire an assassin to go to the North, find Charles and shoot him. No, Charlotte would never forgive him if he did that. There was still time that he could delay Charles to the north. Charlotte was still with child…Charles' heir. This was not worth the aggravation but, it troubled Henry nonetheless. "An assassin," he mumbled, running his fingers through his hair.

.::*::.

Lady Wallace had been walking in the gardens, talking to Sir Francis Bryan. "You are a true charmer, like the snake charmers in mystic folklores of the ancient Chinese."

Sir Francis chuckled and kissed Lady Wallace's hand. "It has been some time since the death of the late Lord Wallace and—"

"If you were wise, Sir Francis, you should keep your distance. My son-in-law may order death upon anyone." She interrupted, with a small smirk forming.

"I have heard a rumour that your son-in-law has been detained to the north for quite some time, leaving Her Grace completely oblivious and alone."

"She has the Lady Rochford to keep her company as the queen is slowly dying away." Lady Wallace whispered. "The King must be in great distress."

"Terribly so," Sir Francis said, with tediousness. He caught hold of Lady Wallace and lifted her chin. "I am afraid I can no longer hold back my desire for you, my lady."

"Why ever not?" Lady Wallace inquired, as Sir Francis inched closer to her.

"You have shown the most—" he paused. The most of what? "—of the same desire for me, my lady."

"Have I? Is it not just because of Rupert's death that I am wanting of company?" Lady Wallace challenged, causing Sir Francis to laugh.

"My good lady," he laughed, "That is exactly why you continuously return to me. You are wanting of my company. Do not deny this."

"Very well, I shan't deny it, Sir Francis. You…entice me."

"Do I?"

"Come join me for supper tonight. My daughter is visiting the King so—"

"I shall."

He kissed her hand and then walked off. Lady Wallace had just wondered why she had done that. Was she falling for Sir Francis?

.::*::.

A/N: And so, there is chapter twenty-five. Will Lady Wallace finally succumb to Sir Francis' desires? Find out! Once again, thank you for your reviews. I would personally like to thank: Nancy Sikes, black'n'burgundy, QueenBee10, and LillianaKay2011…and of course everyone else! Thank you!