Chapter XXXV
December, 1542
It was a quiet Christmas Eve at Richmond Palace this year. The majority of Court were sent home to celebrate while the royal family retreated to Richmond Palace.
Accompanying them were Philip, Jane and Anna of Cleves whom Mary regarded as family. Both Anne and Mary were delighted to spend time with their children.
Everyone in the royal party sat in a circle in front of the fireplace, chatting pleasantly, the subject of politics not mentioned at all. The children played within the circle, their laughter often proving as a distraction for the adults.
"Mary," said Elizabeth, looking at Mary who was rocking baby Elizabeth in her arms. "Did you name little Bess after me?"
"Elizabeth!" reprimanded Anne gently. "Not everything is about you."
Mary laughed and turned to George. "Why don't you tell her?"
"Yes, we did name her after you," said George, ruffling Elizabeth's hair fondly. "You are our favourite, dearest niece. However, we also named her after your grandmothers – Lady Elizabeth Boleyn and Queen Elizabeth of York – just like you were. 'Bess' is a good name for our Elizabeth, isn't it Mary? We can call her 'Bess' to distinguish her from sweet Elizabeth."
Elizabeth beamed happily.
"Perfect," agreed Mary. "We will call her 'Bess'."
"What about Edward?" said Elizabeth curiously. "I don't have a brother called Edward."
Mary and Anne glanced at each other.
"Your Uncle George and I wanted to name him 'Edmund'," spoke Mary. "We thought it would sound nice for the twins to be called 'Edmund' and 'Elizabeth'. However, you do have a brother called Edmund, and we thought to call him Edward instead."
"It sounds better!" decided Elizabeth. "Ned and Bess!" She looked at young Anne and George. "We can call them Annie and Georgie!" she said excitedly. "That way we can't get them confused with Mama and Uncle George!" She looked pleased with herself.
George nodded in agreement.
"The Princess has spoken!" he declared, giving her a mock bow from his seat. Elizabeth giggled and returned to the game with her siblings and cousins.
"She is clever and beautiful," commented Mary indulgently. "I will miss Elizabeth when she leaves for France. She deserves to be a Queen, not the wife of a second son."
The others nodded.
"Elizabeth will be the perfect Queen," remarked Philip. "Intelligent, attractive and innocent. Orleans will be a fool to hate her."
"Why have you not married?" George asked Anna. "You are a homely woman embedded with noble blood and other royal qualities. Your sister Sibylle is married and already has children. Does your brother not find interest in choosing you a husband?"
"Not particularly," said Anna pleasantly. "My younger sister Amalia is also unmarried. Brother Wilhelm is too occupied with his armies and forts rather than marrying us off. I have no desire to be a wife to a man who has mistresses and illegitimate children. I enjoy the freedom of an unmarried woman, and I like it here in England. If Wilhelm summons me back to Cleves for marriage, I will not go. I like England. If he wants a marital alliance, he can marry Amalia off."
"You do not miss your family?" inquired Anne.
Anna considered it. "I miss my sisters, and I heard my mother is critically ill. As for my brother...he did not particularly care for us girls and did not say goodbye to me when I left for England. I do not miss him as much. When I was in Cleves, I was close to my uncle Philip III, Count of Waldeck and his wife, Princess Anna of Cleves (my late father's sister). I remember the beautiful Christmases with them, but they ended when my brother ordered them to return to the Count of Waldeck's lands."
"I'm glad we are not holding Court here," said Mary, changing the subject. "I found Christmas the most enjoyable when it is with the family, not celebrating Christmas festivities with the Court. It is jolly good fun, and the feasts are delicious, but I find it more meaningful for Christmas to be celebrated more privately than with the entire Court." She smiled at little Bess and then at little Ned in George's arms. "If only my sister Isabella was here."
Silence uncomfortably descended upon the circle of royals. They were all aware of Lady Salisbury's folly and Catherine of Aragon's mistake in trusting that wily old lady till her death. After Mary gave birth to Bess and Ned, she immediately placed Lady Salisbury and her family under house arrest in the Palace of Beaulieu and sent Isabella to Hatfield House with a few loyal servants. The people had not heard of the news yet, and she was determined they would never learn of it.
Her first step was to dissolve the marriage between Isabella and Arthur Pole, but to her utmost chagrin, Isabella refused to an annulment.
She rejected a divorce on grounds of youth and coercion. To Mary's annoyance, Isabella claimed she was deep in love with her husband.
Mary loved her young sister, but felt guilty at the harsh treatment she subjected Isabella to.
"Well," said George finally. "It is getting late. The children should be put to bed."
"Yes," said Anne, rising from her seat. "Children, it is time for bed."
"No," said Elizabeth stubbornly. "I do not want to go to bed. I'm a big girl now."
"You are only nine years old," said Mary, bemused. "You should be sleeping by now if it was any ordinary day. As it is Christmas Eve, you children were allowed to stay up for an extra hour or two. Now it is time for you to sleep. You will need all your strength to play in the snow and unwrap the presents tomorrow, or do you want to be a tired, grouchy princess tomorrow?"
Elizabeth sighed.
Simultaneously, young Arthur yawned.
"Arthur!" said Elizabeth, glaring at him. "Now they will send us to bed!"
"Indeed," said Anne, taking hold of her hand. "Come, Elizabeth. Be a good girl. If you are not, you will not get any presents tomorrow."
Pouting Elizabeth obeyed and followed her mother to her bedchambers that she shared with Janey, her siblings following suit.
Mary found her own children more sleepy and compliant than the spirited Elizabeth. Wordlessly, they went to their rooms while George and Mary placed the twin babies into the cribs.
"Anne and I thought of something," said Mary, as she and George retired to their chambers. "We thought it would be better for our children and her children to share rooms. It will allow them to form closer friendships with each other and save the cost of giving each growing child their own rooms. I know it is against tradition, but-"
"You may do whatever you want," said George, kissing her forehead. "It is a good idea, allowing them to share rooms. When did you two intelligent ladies plot this brilliant scheme? Was it when I was inspecting the troops, or dining with the Austrian ambassador?"
"It doesn't matter when...we decided that Elizabeth, Janey and Katherine will share a large apartment as they are closest to each other in age. The plan is that in their bedchamber, there will be three beds and three vanity tables. We kind of discovered the idea when Anne was telling me about her visit to her step-grandmother's house in Lambeth where she met Mistress Kathryn Howard. All the girls shared a large room together, and both Anne and I liked that idea for our children."
"Very well. I suppose the boys will share a room too?"
"The younger boys yes, but the Prince of Wales will have his own chambers."
George looked at her with interest. "Oh? Why?"
"He is the future king of England, and even though it is good for his brother and cousins to advise him, but both Anne and I want him to be open to all ideas and advice. He may not like having his own chambers while his siblings shared with their cousins, but it is better for his future."
After an early morning of prayers and breakfast on a delicious yet simple meal of slices of crunchy-crusted bread, freshly churned butter and tasty pieces of pork and chicken, it was time of gift-giving, a moment everyone was excited for.
All the elder children – Elizabeth, Katherine, Arthur, Janey and Hal – had small tables in front of them, all
groaning under the weight of the large pile of presents they carried while the adults sat in another circle with presents on a huge table in the middle. Everyone donned clothes of Christmas colours and the ladies wore pretty wreaths in their hair.
"Merry Christmas," said Anne, smiling at the others. "All your gifts are lovely!" She had pinned the jewel incrusted crown-shaped brooch Anna gave her on her chest and patted the spaniel puppy that Mary had gifted her with that sat obediently beside her.
"What will you name your new pet?" inquired Philip.
Anne thought for a moment.
"It is a 'she'," added Mary helpfully.
"Joyeuse," Anne decided. "It is French for cheerful and merry. This is by far, the most jaunty and joyful Christmas I had ever celebrated! Mary, I know you are an excellent huntress and archer, and I have decided to give you this as a Christmas present." She stood up and handed Mary a large box from the table still littering with unopened gifts.
"Open it!" said George, as excited as a little boy.
Mary laughed jovially and opened it. She gasped in amazement as she saw a beautiful bow placed beside a quiver of arrows. She was the owner of many fine bows, but she had never seen – or held – such an exquisite bow Anne had just gifted her with.
"Where did you find this?" she said in astonishment.
"I commissioned it specially for you," said Anne warmly. "I asked the best craftsmen in England to make it for you. They were richly rewarded for their work, and after I saw the bow and quiver of arrows, I could not resist but order this..." She handed Mary another box, which she immediately opened. Inside was a magnificent crossbow accompanied by its own set of arrows. By then, everyone gaped at an extremely pleased and happy Anne.
The sudden silence was broken by a knock on the door.
Jeanne stood at the entrance with a worried expression. "Your Majesty," she said respectfully with a curtsey. "Your Royal Highnesses, Your Grace. I am sorry to interrupt your Christmas festivities, but I must see the Lady Protector immediately."
"Continue without me," said Mary, walking towards her before Anne could retort sharply. "I'm sure what Jeanne must say will not take too long."
"She is only a servant," grumbled Anne.
Mary frowned slightly, before closing the door behind her.
"I am truly sorry, Your Highness," murmured Jeanne, glancing around nervously. "If it wasn't so important, I wouldn't have asked to see you in such a hurry. I received a letter from King Francis and after reading it, I became...worried."
"Is he ready to accept you back in France?" said Mary, who had grown to rather like Jeanne in her household. "You may return if you wish."
"No, he has offered me a mission where the reward is wealth and a luxurious life in France. That is not the point. The mission is to deliver a message...to King Henry."
Mary stared at her. "What?"
"King Francis wishes for me to send a letter to King Henry and participate in what he says will bring England back to order, as it is not thought natural for a woman to rule England. He also says that my imprisonment at the hands of the English has gone for long enough."
"What is the letter about?"
"He says he will send it if I agree."
Mary's forehead furrowed. "Why are you telling me this?"
"You are my mistress," said Jeanne loyally. "Ever since I was England's prisoner, you have been kind to me and did not show me any contempt because I am French or a defeated soldier. I fought for King Francis because I believed in his goodness, but it was not until too late when I realised he was nothing but a sinful king with no care for others. My allegiance is to you. You gave me new clothes and good food, and you never suspected me as a traitor."
"I know you are no traitor," said Mary truthfully. "Every time I look you in the eyes, I see nothing but determination and truth, not lies. Now...if what you say is true, we have a political situation. The only reason Francis would wish to send secret messages to King Henry, is if he plans to break the alliance with us and restore King Henry as a true king on the throne..."
"That is what I thought, my lady."
Mary looked thoughtful. "You will write back to King Francis, telling him you are grateful to accept the task as you are his loyal servant and have suffered at our hands. We will send it via a royal messenger disguised as a peasant you can say you bribed with whatever little money you have. Inform me immediately once you receive a reply. I will strengthen the forts and prepare troops while posting snipers in towers near the King's chambers. I will also send word to my cousin, the Holy Roman Emperor, and ask him for sanctuary if needed."
"Very well, Your Highness. However, may I suggest you do not write to the Holy Roman Emperor about this um...this matter?"
Mary stared at her, surprised. "Why is that?"
"If King Francis is planning to break the alliance with you and put King Henry back on the throne, what is to say he didn't already have a secret alliance with the Holy Roman Emperor, and the both of them are plotting against you?"
All the happiness and pleasure that flowed through Mary's heart had stopped and were slowly replaced with horror, betrayal and alarm.
"When...when do you think this invasion will happen?" she said quietly. "You are – were – a soldier. If you were planning an invasion that involves delivering secret messages, what would you do? When will the battles begin? Why a secret message?"
"I am not a good general," said Jeanne softly.
"Just tell me what you would do. Please."
Jeanne nodded. "I would want King Henry to be extremely grateful and desperate," she said thoughtfully. "I will send him a list of terms and conditions for aid in reinstating him back on the throne, all favourable to France. I will send in troops on the coast while sending another army at the other side of the country with orders to march – thus crushing the English troops in the middle of two large French armies – only when King Henry is freed and his guards killed. I will retreat and allow King Henry to rule for a few months, with him believing that he has French back up from potential threats. Later when it all calms down, I will launch a full invasion and conquer England. I will not attack during winter. The weather will not be in anyone's favour and crossing the channel will be horrible. Secret negotiations between the kings will begin in January once the first message is delivered. The best time for me to invade will be in the spring months. I will personally choose April."
"Thank you. I will talk to Philip and Jane. If what you say does happen, I will send the royal children – especially the Prince of Wales and the Duke of York – to safety abroad. The King will not want harm to come to his sons. Even if he does try to declare Guillame his heir, I am certain the Ropers will not give him up without a fight and the people will not accept it. Either he will negotiate for Prince Arthur's return, or he will declare his marriage to Anne null and void and choose a new bride. If he decides on that path, he may be obliged to marry a woman of Charles V or Francis I's choice."
"There is another matter..."
"What is it?"
"Chapuys – I mean, Lord Lancaster – has returned from Spain and he wishes to see you at once. If you do not mind me saying, he did not look too well so I sent him to the spare chambers and called for a physician while arranging for another maid to give him soup and bread."
"That is good of you. Lead the way."
She quickly followed Jeanne to the wing of spare rooms and was shocked to see a pale and ill Chapuys coughing while struggling to sit up on the bed.
"Chapuys!" she said, hurrying to his side. "You are ill! What happened?! You should have stayed in Spain if you are this ill!"
"No," coughed Chapuys, gasping for breath. "I had...I had to come here to see you! The Holy Roman Emperor! He is not the dear cousin to you as he was many years before! Spaniards are not all content with his rule, and they heard what happened here! He fears a revolution, and what better way to crush the civil unrest than to show them his power? He has signed a treaty with King Francis I of France, and they plan to reinstate Henry VIII on the throne! He...he is not to be trusted! His affection for you is second – or even third – to securing his position. You are a woman and that does not suit the Emperor's purposes! He is more merciless than the King of France! He will invade with a large armada and immense army of soldiers to control England if needed!"
"How did you find out?"
"The Emperor sent me to arrange the alliance with France. They have also decided on marriage between their children to secure the alliance. Queen Anne will not be happy." He chuckled hoarsely before launching into another bout of coughs.
"No...the Emperor is too wise to marry one of his daughters to the Duke of Orleans. He will never have his daughter married to a second son."
"Indeed. He is extremely powerful in Italy, and King Francis has agreed to annul the match between his heir and Catherine de Medici. That is not important...you must go! King Henry will execute all of you once he is back in power! Even if the Duke of Bavaria is your staunchest ally, England and Bavaria cannot survive against the French troops and Charles V's armies."
"I will do what must be done. You must rest."
Chapuys shook uncontrollably as he coughed again.
"That was my last trip," he managed to say while he breathed deeply. "My last diplomatic journey to Spain and Charles V's other domains. I do not think I can manage another trip...I always thought I would retire and die in Spain, but over the last few years, I realised my loyalties were to you: not the Emperor nor the King. Not even to your dear mother. I was always your faithful servant since my first diplomatic journey to England, but my allegiance was to the Holy Roman Emperor. I promised your mother I would be your servant, but only lately did I discover my true allegiance is to you..."
Mary listened patiently as he continued rambling. He was one of her most trusted friends since the days of turmoil before her marriage.
Chapuys's eyes widened. "Forgive me, Your Highness! Forget the ramblings of a dying man-"
"You are not dying," said Mary, in an effort to convince herself and him even though they both knew it was a lie. "You are only sick. The physician is on his way. You will get better."
Chapuys shook his head and gave her a ghostly smile.
"Not this time," he said quietly, tears appearing in his tired eyes. "I am afraid this time when I close my eyes and then open them, I will be at God's side. If it does not inconvenient you, I wish for my body to be buried in my country of birth, Savoy, but I want my heart to remain here in England, preferably close to Catherine. I do not want an elaborate burial, after all, I am nothing but an ambassador. I was born a commoner and I wish to die a commoner."
Tears flooded Mary's eyes.
"You...you will get every honour you deserve," she said softly, wiping away her tears. "You have been nothing but a faithful ambassador and a good friend. I will always remember you. Anything you want, I will grant it to you."
"I always considered you my daughter..." murmured Chapuys, squeezing her smooth hand. "The child I never had...my dear girl..."
"You have a child," Mary reminded him. "Isabella."
"I was never a good father to her...all those diplomatic missions during her youth. Tell me, how is my little girl now? Is she well."
Mary could not bear telling him Lady Salisbury's treachery involving Isabella. "She is beautiful," she answered. "She looks a lot like my mother, but has your eyes and bears your name. She is healthy and told many stories about you. Here, a portrait of her has been painted." She showed him the small painting of Isabella that had been commissioned a few years ago.
Chapuys smiled fondly at the daughter he hardly knew.
"Promise me you will take care of her," he requested, feeling his heart beat slower by the minute. "She had lost her mother by Death's hand and had a father who was hardly there for her. When I join God, she will have lost both her parents. You are her only family left. Protect and love her as if she is your own daughter. She is now eight, is she not? Still young with much to learn. I trust you will give her an excellent education? I always thought I would arrange a good match for her and watch her get married, or at least betrothed. Alas, I am a terrible father and had not even found a single suitor for her! Promise me you will find Isabella a fitting spouse."
"I will," lied Mary, wondering if she could annul Isabella's marriage on any ground. "I will supply her with a dowry appropriate for a royal princess."
Chapuys sighed, relieved. "Thank you, Mary."
"It is the least I can do for you."
"You would have been a brilliant queen regnant, Mary." He smiled faintly. "A ruler both your mother and grandmother would approve of. England would prosper under your reign. As you will not be the queen your mother wanted you to be, I believe you will advise the Prince of Wales to be a fair and benevolent ruler when the time comes...trust yourself and those around you. Family is stronger than a thousand armies. Believe that. What unites a family together? Love. Remember, a united family is what you need to defeat your potential enemies at home and abroad. Do not put your trust in alliances, but in yourself and in your family. Remember that."
He squeezed Mary's hand for the final time before closing his eyes and taking his last breath before his chest stilled and his cough ceased.
Mary held his hand and stared at him for a moment, her stomach filled with mixed emotions. A minute later, she turned around and looked at Jeanne with teary eyes.
"Christmas is over," she said quietly, wiping away her tears and breathing deeply. "While the French and Spanish Courts still celebrate, we get to work. We will show the world that England is not ripe for plucking and is indeed a nation to be feared and respected! Christmas is over."
I thought it would be nice to write a cosy family-based chapter before setting the stage for the next event. I would have liked it better if the presents were around a Christmas tree, but Christmas trees weren't introduced until the Victorian era. I hope you like the chapter :)