Chapter 48:
Since the rioting had stopped and Wymbish had been executed the King had been free to pursue his marriage to Catherine Parr. As usual the King was very pleasant during this period of courtship and life at court seem blissful. Richmond's sister Elizabeth Tailboys had decided to remain at court for a few days and then retire back to Lincoln's estate at her brother's bid so no eye of suspicion lay upon her. Once Elizabeth had left Fitzroy was able to enjoy the celebrations, the court had been fully decorated in preparation for the wedding and there was only a few more hours to wait. Richmond made his to the tower as he had been elected by the King to escort Lady Parr to her wedding.
"Good morning my Lady." Lady Parr turned so that she could see the Duke. She was wearing a dress of fine gold woven silk and had golden jewels with emeralds.
"Good morning your Grace, I hope you are well?"
"Yes my Lady and you my Lady?"
"Of course my Lord, this shall be the happiest of days." Fitzroy turned to see several maids watching them.
"Could you see if all preparations for my Lady done?" All the maids bowed and left the room. "It is okay to be afraid my Lady. This is no simple thing you find you yourself... All you need to remember my Lady is that as long as you can convince the King you are obedient to him you nothing to worry about."
"I am thankful to your Grace, I of course follow the King's will. I am happy to know your Grace, to all I know and speak to you are source of trust and strength. I hope that one day you shall trust me your Grace." Fitzroy remained still but managed to show a reassuring smile.
"I hope so too my Lady." These few words gave away Richmond's true mind. It was not that Fitzroy disliked Lady only that he seen this path so many times and was wary of walking it once again.
"Your Grace, my Lady, the parade is ready." The maid had said this while looking at the floor and had scurried from the room once it had been said. Henry lifted his arm and pronounced.
"Are you ready my Lady?" Parr took a deep breath and nodded her head. She took the Duke's arm and the pair made their way to the court yard to take their place. The route to the chapel was bustling and cheers of joy were like a wall hitting them. Richmond and Lady Parr were sat in an open carriage waving to the crowds.
"They love the King again." Fitzroy laughed and responded.
"They always love the King, it is his ministers they hate." As their carriage arrived at the church dozens of pipes began play. Henry stepped out of the carriage and raised his hand to help the Lady out and they walked to the doors where they were greeted by a second fan fair. The giant doors were open and flowers covered the arch ways. The pair walked slowly down the aisle with faces staring down at them. After a few moments the King came into view. When they reached him Fitzroy bowed and then Catherine curtsied. The King smiled and nodded his head. Lady Parr took her place besides the King and Richmond took his seat next to his sisters, brother and children. They watched the King and Parr exchange vows and then she was anointed with holy oils and made Queen of England. Once the final words were spoken the crowd burst into cries.
"God save the King, God save the Queen." The entire court were then apart of the parade back to Hampton Court. The feast was one of the biggest the King had ever held and more ostentatious than Richmond had ever seen. The King and Queen sat upon a platform raised above the court and over seeing activities. Fitzroy stepped toward the platform with George and Jane in hand. He bowed and then smiled before speaking.
"Your Majesties, may I congratulate you on this joyous day and we bring a gift to celebrate." George let go of his fathers hand and turned to an usher hold a box. George took the box and began to make his way up the platform. However, half way he began to struggle as it was very large and appeared to be heavy. The King sprang from his chair as quickly as he could to help his grandson. The King pick up George, returned to his throne and placed the boy on his knee who in turn was still holding the box.
"Your Majesties, Pap Pap, Jane and I give you this." The King opened the box to revel two cups. One gold embossed with silver and another, smaller, silver embossed with gold. The King and Queen both smiled and lifted their cups so that they could be seen by the crowd, who erupted in applause.
"I thank you my son for such generous gifts." The King then looked to George and squeezed him close and smiled. "And you my Lord Carlisle." George giggled and the crowd burst into applause again. Fitzroy then threw his free hand into the air and called to his son.
"Come George." The boy jumped from his grandfathers lap and left the box at his feet. He turned to face the King and Queen to bow, turned again and ran as quickly as it was safe to towards his father. They walked a few steps together to the children's governess and the Duke passed Jane to her. "Time for bed George." The boy whimpered that he did not want to leave while rubbing his eyes. A nurse maid stepped forward curtsied to Richmond and picked George up to follow the Governess. When they escaped view Henry returned to the platform to speak to the King and Queen. He bowed once again and the King beckoned his son to join them.
"This is one of the most glorious gifts I have ever received your Grace, thank you." The Queens smile was warm and genuine. Richmond smiled and the King repeated the thanks.
"I am pleased your Majesties like them. Are you Majesties enjoying the feast?"
"Oh yes your Grace it is wonderful." The Queen's voice was serene and pleasant.
"My sister Mary did much planning your Majesty. She wanted it to be perfect for you both." The smiled and turned to his Queen.
"I shall make certain to find a way to thank Lady Mary, with your permission your Majesty."
"Of course, of course, Mary deserves to be thanked for such a wondrous display."
"I should allow you both to enjoy your day and leave you be." The Duke stood bowed and began to walk away and the King called after him.
"Just make sure you enjoy yours also." The King gestured to the room in front of them. Fitzroy looked around to see many women and girls looking towards him, smiling. Richmond immediately understood what the King had meant but there was one face that was sticking out to him, Anne Seymour's.
