George Stafford decided to stay in England for the time being. He was considered a duel citizen but he knew very little of England and he wanted that to change. The more he learned about England the more he realised that there was little difference between the English and French court. Almost everyone had their own agenda whether it be for power or religion. George's Howard relatives put on a good show of being a proud Catholic family but George knew better. The only thing the Duke of Norfolk worshiped was wealth and power.
Katherine Culpepper or Kitty as she preferred to be called, told George of how her uncle wanted her to spy on Lady Richmond but Kitty would never betray her mistress. Mary Tudor saved Kitty from being used as a glorified prostitute when she and Archbishop Cranmer had shut Lambeth down. Lady Richmond had provided Kitty with a good education and had also enabled her to marry the love of life Thomas Culpepper.
George should have been surprised that Lady Richmond was able to inspire such loyalty from her servants but he wasn't. He could see the similarities between Lady Richmond and his cousin Elizabeth. George hadn't seen much of Elizabeth recently. He wondered whether memories of her own mothers' death had caused Elizabeth some distress. It was certain that the Dowager Queen had caused the King to age considerably.
It was no surprise to George when Mary Tudor informed him that the betrothal between the King of England and the Scots Queen would be cancelled. George knew his sister in-law Catherine de Medici would be anything but pleased with this development. Her son Francis had become closer with the young Queen and her husband had become more impatient. King Henrys' advisors were pushing for the match between Francis and Mary no doubt at the Pope's urging. The Pope wanted England back into the Catholic fold and was prepared to use the Scots Queen to make it happen.
However George had found another contender that he did not consider. As he walked through the gardens he happened to stumble on an argument between Katherine Grey and Lord Hertfords' son Ned Seymour, "You said you loved me!" Katherine cried.
"I do Kathy but my father won't allow it." Ned tried to reason with her, "My family can't be seen consorting with yours. People would think we are plotting treason like my aunt and your mother."
George could not fault Neds' logic but it did not sooth Lady Katherine's distress. "So you'll stand back and allow my father to have me marry a Howard. My father has not forgiven the crown for mothers' death and you know that Lord Norfolks' intentions are not honourable." This caused George to worry. If what Katherine Grey said was true it would mean that Norfolk intends to go for the crown himself and have Katherine as a puppet ruler. George knew that should Norfolks' plan fail it won't be him that paid the price it would be Katherine and her father. George had to stop this plan before it had even begun. He had to see Lady Richmond.
King Henry had just finished his meeting with his councillors when his wife entered the room. It must have something to do with her own meeting with the Cardinals to discuss the Spanish inquisition. Normally France wouldn't get involved in Spanish affairs but Catherine was determined to have justice for Brigitte. Henry tried to tell his wife that Mary Tudor had already accomplished that when executed the perpetrators in the most vicious way possible but Catherine was passionate about this cause.
If anything Henry found Catherine's passion to accomplish her goal very attractive and he never ceased showing his appreciation for it. They had no more need to have more children but he still continued to share her bed. It was freeing for the couple to enjoy each other without the pressure of trying to conceive more heirs. Some of the courtiers questioned why he had taken no new mistress, some even assumed he was still heartbroken of Diane but Henry just told them, "I have a mistress and her name is Catherine."
Henrys' thought were interrupted when his Queen presented him with a document. Henry looked over the documents in shock, "I don't believe it. The Spanish actually agreed to disband the Inquisition?"
"The Pope threatened the Emperor with excommunication if he did not agree and considering the fact he's been ill recently I doubt the Emperor would want to lose his place in Heaven." Catherine explained looking very pleased with herself. "However Charles won't rule Spain forever. There is still work to be done."
King Henry was impressed that Catherine had made it this far but he couldn't help but admire his wife's enthusiasm. "What do you propose?"
"I was thinking of a betrothal between our daughter and Prince Philip." Catherine suggested, "It's highly unlikely that Philip of Spain would get the English match he wants but if he marries our daughter he will have a Catholic ally which would most definitely appeal."
"Don't you think it would undermine our alliance with England?" Henry questioned.
"I think our English allies would be more than pleased that our daughter marries him rather than that Scots Queen." Catherine reasoned coldly. Catherine could not put her finger on it but there was something about Mary of Scots that just rubbed her up wrong way.
"How many times do I have to tell you wife that Mary is betrothed to King Edward." Henry knew his wife had no love for Mary but he couldn't understand why. Catherine had been more that kind to Elizabeth and she adored Henrys' half brother George but for some reason Catherine could not find it in her heart to except Mary.
"That is what you think husband but I just received a letter from George." Catherine revealed the letter to Henry. "The King of England has taken ill and it is unknown if he will recover. As much as I hate to say it our son Francis may end up marrying the spoiled brat after all."
"Catherine." Henry admonished though even he knew he could not stop Catherine from saying what she really thought of the Scots Queen.
"Oh don't worry my love." Catherine tried to reassure her husband, "I will welcome Mary into our family with all the dignity of a Queen."
Somehow Henry did not feel so reassured and then there was the matter of his brother Charles. The Duke of Olean had his heart set on making the English Princess his bride. If the English King did not recover Elizabeth would be Queen and thanks to the fiasco with the Spanish the chances of England accepting a foreign Prince as Elizabeths' husband was highly unlikely. Henry just prayed that Charles would not be too hurt when England rejected the match though Henry highly doubted it.
Juana was sat reading in her rooms. Whilst she knew her niece was doing everything she can to avoid signing a death warrant for Juana, Mary was risking her own popularity to do so. Fortunately the Princess Elizabeth helped Marys' cause by speaking in defence of Juana. It was a surprise to Juana that Elizabeth was willing to do this for Mary for Juana herself could never imagine Catalina doing such thing for her. Catalina had the King of Englands' love when their relatives conspired to remove Juana from her throne and yet Catalina had done nothing. Juana knew that such thoughts were foolish as she herself could not defend Catalina when King Henry grew tired of his wife. Both Elizabeth and Mary were only half sisters and yet their bond had been far stronger than what Juana and Catalina had been. Juana was impressed by this bond and yet also saddened for once again she had been betrayed by her own family.
Although there was no love lost between mother and son Juana would never imagine that her son would try to frame her for the English Princess' abduction and not only that. Charles had completely left his mother at Englands' mercy.
Mary had arrived to inform Juana of her fate, "The council has decided to place you under house arrest indefinitely. From what I can gather from the Spanish prisoners that Lord Cecil interrogated, your son wanted to have justification to launch an invasion force against England and the only way he could do that was if…"
"Royal Spanish blood was spilled." Juana finished, "I have to say it was rather cunning of the bastard. I take it you have placed me somewhere better than that convent"
"Lady Essex has volunteered to act as you gaoler so to speak." Mary knew that despite Anne of Cleves complete dislike of the Emperor she knew that Anne would be kind to Juana. There were times Mary had wished her father had married the Lady of Cleves but there was no sense of lamenting over it now.
Lady Katherine Culpepper entered the room with urgency, "Lord Stafford wishes to have word with you my lady."
"Send him in Kitty." Mary could only wonder what new problems were arising now.
"Well this certainly a surprise." Juana commented cynically as George walked in, "Mary and I were only just discussing royal bastards and here one comes."
"Aunt." Mary quickly admonished and then turned to George, "My apologies Lord Stafford. I believe there was something in important you wish to discuss with me."
George hesitated as he was unsure whether he should be discussing this in front of the Spanish Royal. Juana saw George's hesitation and smirked, "Oh don't mind me. I'm far too old to be dealing with such intrigues but do intrigue away."
George couldn't help but shake his head in amusement at the elder womans' words. He could see by just looking at her that her mind was sharp but he didn't come here to speak to Juana. Instead he turned to Mary, "Your grace with the Kings' permission I wish to marry Lady Katherine Grey."
This surprised Mary, "Forgive me your grace but I believe the lady is already being courted by Lord Hertfords' son."
"Not anymore." George revealed, "In light of recent events the Seymours have cut all ties with the Greys."
This made sense to Mary but there was one thing that Mary could not understand, "But why the urgency your grace? As far as I'm aware you only just met her recently. Surely you wish to court her first."
"I would if I had the time your grace but unfortunately Lord Norfolk has his sights set on Lady Grey for one of his sons." George revealed.
"My uncle is already troublesome enough but to have one of his own married into the Tudor line would most definitely cause even more problems your grace." Lady Culpepper reasoned.
"You are right of course." Mary agreed. "My servant trusts you Lord Stafford and my sister trusts so I will trust you. I will speak with my brother to finalise the arrangements."
Juana watched as the Duke of Calais left, "You would really trust that boy with your cousin?"
"It strengthens Calais ties with England." Mary reasoned, "Also Lord Norfolk cannot use Katherine as figurehead if she is out of the country."
"The King of France could use her for that instead." Juana sat back observing Mary. "He already has the Scots Queen. If the Pope changes his mind about Princess Elizabeth her place in the succession could be precarious."
"Hopefully it won't come to that." Whilst it was true that Edward had not been the same since his mothers' execution Mary still had hope that her brother would recover. "However I do think it is best to strengthen Elizabeths' claim to throne should the worst happen." Henry Brandon was the last surviving male heir to the Tudor line. No one could possibly question his legitimacy and by having him marry Elizabeth neither Katherine Grey nor Mary of Scots could be used to usurp Elizabeths' place in the succession.
Elizabeth was completely excited and relieved when Mary told her that she would be able to marry Henry Brandon. It almost didn't seem real to Elizabeth more like a pleasant dream that she didn't want to wake up from. She couldn't wait to go and tell Hal the wonderful news. Elizabeth hoped he would be as happy as she was but he knew his sisters' death weighed heavily on his mind.
Elizabeth didn't know how she would feel if she were at odds with Mary like Henry had been with Frances. However despite their mothers' history they remained close. There were some who tried to turn the sisters against each other with that wretched Eustace Chapuys being a prime example. Mary had told Elizabeth of how Chapuys came to Mary as friend filling her head with false hopes that her father would miraculously come to his senses and restore her to her rightful place as princess. Elizabeth felt sad for Mary. Elizabeth wanted more than anything to give Mary the title of Princess but it wasn't her power to give such titles. Even if Edward was not King, Elizabeth as Queen could not reinstate Mary because it could cause destabilise the realm. Mary was not prepared to let that happen so Elizabeth chose to leave it alone.
Henry Brandon had been walking in gardens trying to get Frances' poisonous words out of his head when Elizabeth called out to him, "Hal!"
Elizabeth was glowing with happiness but frowned in confusion when Henry bowed and greeted her formally, "Your highness."
"There is no need for that Hal." Elizabeth sliding her arms up his shoulders and around his neck holding him close, "We're quite alone."
Henry very much wanted to return her embrace. Her lips looked particularly inviting but then he remembered where they were and pulled away. "I can't Elizabeth I don't want to ruin your reputation."
"Hal we spent many hours alone together running through the wilderness and hiding from Spaniards." Elizabeth joked, "I seriously doubt the stories about us couldn't get any worse."
"If anyone says such words will have their heart cut out." Henry threatened.
"Why my Lord that is certainly not gentle of you." Elizabeth smiled alluding to the pageant they performed in. "However you need not worry for it seems my perseverance has paid off."
"What do you mean?" Henry was curious about Elizabeths' good mood. Her beautiful eyes alight with mischief.
"My sister has just informed me that my brother the King will allow us to marry." Elizabeth could barely contain her excitement.
"My God." The news brought Henry Brandon to his knees. He could hardly believe that his prayers were answered.
"My love." Elizabeth stood over him, placing her hands on his face and kissed his forehead. "Soon you need not bow to me for you shall be my husband."
"A lot of things will change my love." Henry stood up and kissed Elizabeth on the forehead. "But one thing that will never change is my love for you."
"Whilst I do appreciate your love my Lord I would also have your honesty." Elizabeth had remembered her fathers' words about love and honesty. Elizabeth wanted to always have that with Henry Brandon. She did not want to follow the same mistakes both of their parents made.
"You're right of course." Henry sighed, thinking about his final conversation with his sister. "That's why I feel I must tell you of my visit to the Tower to see my sister."
"The visit I told you not go on." Elizabeth knew Frances would try to upset him which was Elizabeth tried to convince Henry not go. However Henry could not be stopped and although Elizabeth did not know what was said she knew that Frances mush said something to hurt him.
"If it had been Mary would you not want to see her and try in someway to reconcile?" Henry looked into Elizabeths' eyes imploringly. He really wanted Elizabeth to understand his predicament.
Elizabeth didn't want to admit but she did understand his reasons for going though she did not like seeing Henry hurt in this way. "I take it that did not happen." Elizabeth looped her arm through his as they walked through the gardens he began to share with her of what was said in his confrontation with Frances. Elizabeth could hardly believe how vindictive the woman was. Elizabeth was no fool; she knew Frances did not have the foresight to predict that Henry would be considered as a potential suitor for Elizabeth after the crazy scheme with Jane Seymour failed. After Henry Brandon finished explaining to her what happened Elizabeth shared the only conclusion she could come to, "She only said those things to hurt you Henry. She didn't think you deserved to be happy with me when she spoke those words but she is wrong. We will not let her ruin what we have."
"You're right." Henry placed his arms around her. Elizabeth words had lifted his spirits. "We shall be the most happy."
"The most happy." Elizabeth agreed remembering her mothers' motto and sealed their agreement with a kiss.