Chapter 5
Heres chapter 5! I hope the story is going well so far. Basically, the beginning chapters will be about King Henry XI finding marriages for his three younger children (Prince Edward, Prince Owen and Princess Eleanor). Also, dealing with this marriage to Anne of Cleves. If you have any marriage ideas, let me know and I will consider it. I have an idea for Prince Edward, which you will see in this chapter. Also, s little spoiler/guessing game: Unfortunately, one of the main characters will die by 1550. Who do you think it is? Drop your guesses and you will soon find out who it is. Anyway, please enjoy Chapter 5! Please Read and Review!
April 9, 1548
Hampton Court
King Henry XI'S Privy Chamber
Harry was sitting at his desk, looking over the European Royal Families. He desperately wanted to find marriages for his children, something his late father really didn't take time to do. Harry was thankful that he got to marry Anne when he was sixteen, but he knew that he only got married that young because he was the only legitimate son.
Suddenly, the Guard walked in.
"Sorry to disturb you, your Majesty, but your cousin, Lady Catherine Grey, is here to see you." he said.
Harry nodded his head.
"You may send her in." he said.
A few moments, she walked in. Lady Catherine Grey nèe Brandon was Harry's younger cousin through his father's sister, Princess Elizabeth, Dowager Queen of France and Charles Brandon. She was raised away from Court. Now, at age thirty-three, she was a well-respected member of the extended Royal Family. Now the mother of three young daughters, her devotion to them was very similar to that of her late mother.
She bowed before Harry.
"Your Majesty." she said.
Harry stood up.
"Oh, Catherine. I'm your cousin, there's no need to be so formal. I'm very happy to see you. I haven't seen you since my coronation. How are things?" he asked, as he offered her a seat.
Catherine sat down.
"Everyone is fine. My husband is good and my daughters are growing very healthy. However, we are having a hard time finding husbands for them. Since we have no surviving sons, our daughters marriage prospects are very important." she said.
Harry nodded his head.
"I know. I'm sure you'll do fine." he said.
Catherine smiled.
"That's why I'm here, dear cousin." she said.
Harry looked at her, with confusion.
"I don't know what you mean." he said.
Catherine rested her hands on Harry's desk.
"I understand that you have a similar problem. So, I have a solution." she said.
Harry rested his hands on the desk as well.
"I'm listening." he said
Catherine cleared her throat.
"I propose that my eldest daughter, Lady Jane, marries your second son, Prince Edward, Duke of York. It will be a good marriage for both of them. England would love if one of their Princes were to marry an English Lady. She is also of Royal blood, since her grandmother was a Queen of France. What do you think?" she asked.
Harry thought about the benefits. The Grey family was very wealthy, so he was sure the dowry would be very good. However, there were some obstacles in their way.
"Your offer is tempting, dear cousin. I like the idea, however we have a problem. Edward and Jane would need a dispensation from Pope Paul. I can't do anything official, until that consent is granted." he said.
Catherine smiled.
"I understand. I'm just happy you are considering it. I shall return to my estate in the country, but I will stay quiet on the matter." she said.
Harry smiled.
"Thank you. I will summon you back to Court, when I receive an answer from His Holiness." he said.
Catherine stood to her feet, bowed and departed Harry's presence.
Hampton Court
Edward Fitzroy, Duke of Richmond's Bedchambers
Edward and Kitty were having a private lunch together. Kitty was due to give birth any day now and she had spent most of her pregnancy at Hatfield House.
Edward smiled at his pregnant wife.
"How are you feeling today?" he asked.
Kitty groaned.
"Large. I feel like a tub full of water. I cannot wait to give birth." she said, as she rested her hand on her swollen stomach.
Edward touched her hand.
"It will be alright. Little Joyce will be here soon." he said.
Kitty laughed. Edward had it in his mind that their unborn child was another daughter and he wanted to name her Joyce, after Kitty's mother, who died when she was five years old.
"Sweetheart, the baby could be a boy. We have to think of a name for boys." she said.
Edward thought about it for a few moments and smiled.
"How about Edmund? After your father and my uncle, the Duke of Somerset." he said.
Kitty nodded her head.
"I like it." she said, as she caresses his hand.
Edward leaned forward and kissed her.
"When do you think we will meet little Edmund or Joyce?" he asked.
Suddenly, Kitty gasped and gripped the table.
"I think we will find out soon enough. My time has come." she said.
Edward stood to his feet and helped Kitty stand up. He sat her down on his bed. She then waved her hand at him.
"Go fetch the midwife. Don't waste time." she said, as she breathed harder.
Edward kissed Kitty's cheek and ran out of the room to get help.
Several hours later...
Edward was pacing outside of his Bedchambers, as Kitty let out another scream. He was scared. Kitty had been through labor twice already, but he was still scared of losing her. They had been married for nine years now and he couldn't live without her.
Princess Elizabeth, who had come when she heard about Kitty going into labor, winced, as she head her lady-in-waiting scream, as another contraction hit her.
Edward, noticing his younger half sister, walked over and hugged her.
"It's alright. God will get her through this pain. It's due to Eve's sin that she is suffering." he said.
Elizabeth, clutching her rosary, nodded her head.
"I know. I'm just worried about her. I've never heard childbirth in my life. My mother said you can actually die during this process." she said.
Edward shook his head.
"God will spare her. I know he will." he said.
Suddenly, an infant's loud cry was heard. Both Elizabeth and Edward looked toward the door, as it opened and the midwife walked out. She had blood on her apron.
Edward walked over to her.
"Is my wife alright?" He asked.
The midwife nodded her head.
"She's doing just fine." she said.
Edward sighed and Elizabeth made the sign of the Cross.
"What about our daughter?" he asked.
The midwife smiled and stood aside.
"Why don't you go see for yourself." she said.
Edward walked into the room and could smell the faint smell of blood. He saw the maids taking the blood stained sheets away. He looked toward the bed and saw Kitty sitting up, holding a baby that was faintly whimpering.
Kitty looked up at her husband and smiled.
"Sweetheart, meet Edmund Fitzroy." she said.
Edward opened his eyes, in shock and smiled.
"We have a son?" he asked.
Kitty nodded her head.
"A healthy, beautiful son." she said.
Edward took his son into his arms. The baby had light brown hair and had his mother's complexion. When he opened his eyes, they were a beautiful shade of brown.
Edward kissed his son.
"He's perfect, sweetheart. Absolutely perfect." he said.
Kitty smiled.
"I just knew we were having a boy. I felt it within me. I hope I have pleased you. Now, your Dukedom will pass on." she said.
Edward caressed his wife's face.
"You know that the King said that if we never had a daughter, little Beth would inherit everything. now, we just have to find her and Maggie good husbands and we will be fine. However, let us enjoy our son." he said.
Kitty nodded. her head.
"Please tell Princess Elizabeth that I want her as our son's godmother and that I will have to be churched before I resume my duties." she said.
Edward nodded his head.
"I will." he said
May 8, 1548
Sintra Palace, Portugal
The Royal Nursery
Infante Duarte was reciting his Latin lessons, while Catarina was helping young Juana sew a shirt for Duarte.
Suddenly, the nine year old boy tossed his book down and groaned. Catarina looked up at her younger brother and walked over to him.
"What is it?" she asked.
Duarte looked up at her.
"I can't get this Latin. I'm not like you. You can easily have full conversations with anyone. I can't do it." he said.
Catarina ruffled her brother's hair.
"It's a process. You will learn it. Latin is an important thing to learn, especially since you are the heir to the Throne." she said.
Duarte smirked.
"If that is so, then why are you so talented at it? Your just going to marry the Duke of Franco." he said.
Catarina smiled.
"That maybe so, however Infante Juan will not have a stupid wife. You just better pray to God that Father can find you a wife just as educated. Or at least be able to educate you in your Latin." she said, with a chuckle and a pat on his head with her book.
Duarte laughed.
"You should be the Queen of Portugal, with how smart you are." he said.
Catarina gave her brother a sharp look.
"Being smart isn't what makes a good King or Queen. Only God can make that decision. It is His decision that you be Queen and I a Duchess. You can't go against that." she said.
Duarte nodded his head.
"Forgive me, Sister." he said.
Catarina stood to her feet.
"Juana, come, We must leave Duarte to his lessons." she said.
Little Juana pouted.
"But I want to stay with our brother." she said.
Catarina glared at Juana.
"Juana, come." she said, as she began to walk out.
Juana, with a few tears rolling down her face, followed her older sister.
A few hours later...
Catarina was sitting in her room, getting her long dark hair brushed by one of her maids when Mary walked in. She looked at her oldest daughter, with pride. She admired her beauty and her wisdom, even though she was not yet eleven years old.
She quietly took the brush from the maid and began to brush her daughter's hair.
"Sweetheart, you do know that vanity is a sin." she said, with a smile.
Catarina looked up at her mother, in shock.
"Mamae, I'm sorry I did not hear you come in." she said.
Mary put her hand on her daughter's shoulder.
"It's perfectly fine, darling. You know that I love brushing you and your sister's hair. When you were a small child, you looked forward to it every night." she said.
Catarina smiled.
"I remember. It is very weird that you still do this, even as a Queen." she said.
Mary shook her head.
"Before I was a Queen, I was your mother. You and your siblings are more precious to me than any Crown or Jewels that being Queen gives me." she said.
Catarina frowned.
"How did your mother deal with you and your siblings, when you were my age?" she asked.
Mary smiled.
"Well, my mother, your grandmother, was an Infanta from Spain. She made sure that we learned different languages. She didn't get to raise my brother, the King of England much, but she still made sure he learned things approved by her. Many of the things you have learned from me she taught me." she said.
Catarina smiled up at her mother.
"Do you ever miss her?" she asked.
Mary nodded her head.
"I do. However, I knew growing up that I would have to leave home to marry in a foreign Court. But, the reason I came is because your brother said you were harsh with him and your sister today in the Nursery." she said.
Catarina nodded her head.
"Forgive me, Mother. I just wish that Duarte accepted that my brother accepted that he is going to be King one day." she said.
Mary caressed her daughter's face.
"Sweetheart, you all are children. Let your Father and I worry about that. You worry about being a child." she said.
Catarina smiled at her mother.
"Alright, Mamãe. I will apologize to them in the morning." she said.
Mary kissed her forehead.
"Good girl. Now, get some sleep." she said, as she walked toward the door.
Catarina walked over to her bed and laid down, almost instantly falling into a deep sleep.
May 22, 1548
Medina del Campo, Valladolid, Castile, Spain
La Mota Palace
Isabella and Andres were taking a walk in the Courtyard, having a very serious conversation on little Maria's marriage.
Andres groaned in frustration.
"Sweetheart, why don't we betroth Maria into the Mendoza Family? They may not be Royal, but they are wealthy and Queen Juana has a special affection for them. She may be able to have great influence one day. Why do you not agree?" he asked.
Isabella stopped and looked at her husband.
"Andres, I cannot decide on a marriage, without the Portuguese King's permission. In the agreement I signed with King Carlos of Portugal, that in order for me not being arrested for the civil war I caused, Maria's marriage is a matter that concerns him. She may not be able to inherit the Throne, she is still a Portuguese Infanta. Now it's bad enough that I am known through Christendom as a Whore, I don't want my children to suffer because of my actions. I will follow all of the agreemts in my contract with my sister's husband. For Maria's sake, I must." she said.
Andres nodded his head.
"I understand. However, Maria is your daughter, not his. He hasn't even seen her in five years." he replied.
Isabella nodded.
"That maybe true, however he does provide for her financially. Besides, an offer was already made for her hand in marriage." she said.
Andres turned away from her.
"You mean to the Prince of Portugal? Why do you think you should agree to that?" he asked.
Isabella sighed.
"Maria is of illegitimate birth. Many European Royal Families do no not respect me, especially my homeland, England. Maria marrying Infante Duarte is a good chance for her. Also, King Carlos would prefer if the Queen Consort of his son would not be a foreigner. Maria was born in his domain and speaks the same language. Why do you not like the idea, darling?" she asked.
Andres looked at his wife.
"I love that little girl like she was my own daughter. I feel we would be sending her into a lion's den. We would not see her and she would have no friends there. We would be stuck here in Castile. What if they are unkind to her?" he asked.
Isabella shook her head.
"No. I know my sister. She would never let anything happen to my daughter. I trust that completely." she said.
Andres placed his hand on his hips and looked toward the garden, where Maria and little Fernando were playing.
"So we have no choice then?" he asked.
Isabella walked up and rested her hands on her husband's broad shoulders.
"No, sweetheart. One day, Maria will be Queen Consort of Portugal." she said, with a sigh.
Hatfield House
Dowager Queen Katherine's Bedchambers
Katherine was sitting in her rooms, eating a small meal. In recent months, she had been very melancholy. She really missed her children and her in-laws. Everything had changed since Henry's death and she was trying to get used to it.
Elizabeth Darrell walked in and bowed.
"Your Majesty, I am sorry to disturb you, but you have a visitor." she said.
After she said that, Edmund walked in.
Katherine smiled and stood to her feet.
"Edmund! It's so wonderful to see you!" she said.
Edmund kissed his sister-in-law on her hand.
"It's wonderful to see you too, dear sister." he said.
They both sat down.
"To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?" Katherine asked, with a smile.
Edmund poured himself goblet of wine.
"I came to see how you were doing. Most of the courtiers are concerned about your well-being. You haven't been seen at Court in a year. The main people who worry about you are the King and Princess Elizabeth and also my sister, Christina. Why don't you return to Court?" he asked her.
Katherine shook her head.
"No. My time as Queen has ended. I will not intrude on my son's reign. Also, I am not as strong as I once was." she admitted.
Edmund gave her a worried look.
"Dear Katherine, please tell me that you aren't ill." he said.
Katherine smiled.
"Don't worry. The only reason for my discomfort is only because age has finally caught up with me. I'm sixty years old now, Edmund. Court life isn't for me anymore. I did my job. I gave England heirs. The only thing I ask is just to be able to enjoy time with my grandchildren and the only daughter I have left in England, before she leaves me and gets married." she said.
Edmund carefully looked at Katherine.
"Are you sure you're are alright?" he asked.
Katherine nodded.
"I am fine. Now tell me, how is your wife? She should be close to giving birth now, shouldn't she?" she asked with a small smile.
Edmund smiled back.
"Yes. The Physician has said that the child will arrive in August. You should see my wife. She has already decorated the nursery and doesn't even know what our child will be." he said.
Katherine laughed.
"Let her enjoy this moment. This is her very first child. Not too long ago, she thought she would never carry your child and now the Almighty has blessed both of you." she said.
Edmund sighed.
"She seems to glow more now. Most days she walks in the Gardens, rubbing her stomach. I guess it's something an old man like me will probably never really understand." he said.
Katherine chuckled.
"Old? I would hardly say that about you." she said.
Edmund looked at her, with one eyebrow raised.
"Katherine, I'm fifty years old. I'm old. Sometimes I feel out of place myself at Court." he said.
Katherine touched her brother-in-law's arms.
"Don't feel too old. Soon, your new child will have you running all over Somerset Palace." she said.
Edmund chuckled.
"I can't wait." he said.
June 1, 1548
Sintra Palace, Sintra, Portugal
Queen Maria's Bedchambers
Mary was praying at the small altar in her Bedchambers. She was in despair. She felt that she was failing her husband. It had been three years since her last pregnancy had ended in tragedy and she was wondering what she was doing wrong. She prayed, she fasted and made Pilgrimages, yet she still didn't fall pregnant.
Suddenly, her sister-in-law, Isabel walked in the room.
"Maria?" she called quietly.
Mary looked behind her. She made the sign of the Cross and stood to her feet.
"Isabel, what brings you by here?" she asked.
Isabel cleared her throat.
"I hear your physicians still can't figure out why you do not conceive." she bluntly said.
Mary shook her head.
"No. Quite frankly. Neither do I. I've done everything I can to please the Lord, so that I might provide Carlos with more children. I don't know what else to do anymore." she said, as she looked away.
Isabel walked up.
"I think I found someone who can help you." she said.
Mary raised her eyebrows.
"Who?" she asked.
Isabel looked behind her.
"You can come in now." she said.
Behind Isabel, a tall dark man walked in and bowed in front of Mary.
"Your Majesty." he said, in Portuguese.
Mary, who had never seen a person of this color before, looked at him curiously.
"Who are you?" she asked.
Isabel spoke up.
"This is Dr. Alfonso Baquis. He's a physician who specializes in the well-being of pregnancy and infertility." she said.
Mary looked at him.
"Is that so?" she asked.
He nodded.
"Yes, Your Majesty. When my father lived in Morocco, he was a physician and he did the same thing. I am not boasting, but most of my patients have thought that they were infertile and they all had several children. Most without any complications." he said.
Isabel nodded.
"He's telling the truth. All of my pregnancies have been attended to by him. I've never lost a pregnancy and all of my children were born healthy, without complications." she said.
Mary looked at her sister-in-law. Isabel was the mother of six healthy children.
"All right, Dr. Baquis, I don't know if I can give you a chance. I'm the Queen and the health of my womb and the children born from it are a matter of State, not just a personal one. I can't just put that responsibility in the hands of just anyone. If you were to fail, I could be in a worse situation than what I am currently facing." she said.
Isabel touched Mary's arm.
"Maria, I promise you, with God and Dr. Baquiz on your side, you will have more children. I promise you that." she said.
Mary looked at her.
"Do not promise me something that you cannot guarantee, Isabel." she said, sternly.
Isabel bowed her head.
"I'm sorry. However, you are not just my brother's wife. You are also my friend. I would never put you at risk. That I can promise you." she said.
Mary smiled.
"I know. Forgive me. Dr Baquiz, I will trust you. Is there anything I need to do?" she asked.
Dr. Baquiz nodded.
"Yes, but we must continue that in private." he said.
Mary nodded her head.
"Of course. Isabel, you can go." she said gently.
Isabel smiled and left the room.
Mary offered Dr. Baquiz a seat and sat in front of him.
"May I ask you some questions, Your Majesty?" he asked.
Mary nodded.
"If my answers can help me have children, ask whatever you want." she said.
Dr. Baquis smiled.
"How old are you, Your Majesty?" he asked.
Mary looked at him.
"I'm thirty-two years old." she said.
Dr. Baquis nodded his head.
"Alright, so you're childbearing years are coming down. I find that most of my patients normally give birth to their last child in their thirties. I don't recommend having children any later than thirty-five. It puts more strain on the body. I recommend not having no more than one or two more children." he said.
Mary closed her eyes.
"My mother had a pregnancy when she was in her forties and my sister, Princess Elizabeth of England was born very healthy." she said.
Dr. Baquis looked at Mary.
"That may be so, Your Majesty, however, it was by chance that the pregnancy was successful. I assure you that Portugal does not want to lose it's Queen." he said.
Mary smiled.
"I do not think that I will die in childbirth. Ask your questions." she said.
Dr. Baquis nodded and continued on asking what he needed.
June 11, 1548
Alcala de Henares, Madrid, Castile, Spain
Queen Juana of Castile and Aragon's Bedchmabers
Juana was sitting in her chair, sewing. Sewing was something that she had not done in years, but in times of great stress.
A knock came at the door. Juana looked up from her sewing.
"Enter." she said, in Spanish.
Her younger son, Fernando, walked in and smiled.
"Mother, it's nice to see you. I have been in Aragon on your behalf. This problem with the French is growing. I'm afraid I have terrible news." he said.
Juana stood to her feet and walked over to her son.
"What do you mean? You were just in France to settle this dispute." she said.
Fernando shook his head.
"They wouldn't listen to me." he said.
Juana turned away, in anger.
"Those damn Frenchmen!" she yelled out.
Fernando walked over to his mother.
"Mother, maybe if we make a marital alliance with the French..." he began.
Juana turned towards him.
"NO! I WILL NOT BREAK THE PROMISE I MADE TO MY FATHER ON HIS DEATHBED! I AM A WOMAN OF MY WORD!" she screamed.
Fernando nodded his head.
"Your father. The same father who married that French Princess to have a son, after your mother died? He tried to prevent you from becoming Queen of Aragon." he said.
Juana smiled.
"Yes, he did. However, God was on my son and that French woman gave birth to another daughter, your aunt Infanta Margaret, may she rest in peace." she said.
Fernando nodded his head.
"The French are threatening a war, Mother. There's not much we can do. Charles is in the Netherlands. As Queen, only you can declare war. Tell me what to do." he said.
Juana stepped toward her son.
"I want the Courts of Castile and Aragon to meet me in Medina del Campo. If those dogs want a war, then it's a war they shall receive. I beat hem once and I shall again. I swear it before God. I'm the Queen of Castile and Aragon and I shall protect these realms as long as God gives me breath in my body. Get everything ready, my son. We will leave immediately. I want the Infantes and Infantas heavily guarded. We are at war and everyone is at risk. I will not take any chances with my heirs." she said.
Fernando nodded.
"Yes, Mother." he said, as he left her rooms.
Juana walked over to the portraits of her parents and rubbed both of them.
"Do not worry. I shall protect your realms with everything that is in me. I swear it." she said, as tears filled her eyes.
July 4, 1548
Hampton Court
Princess Elizabeth's Bedchambers
Elizabeth was reading her bible, while Kitty sewed a blanket for her newborn son. She had finally returned to Elizabeth's services, after recovering from childbirth.
Elizabeth smiled at Kitty.
"How is my beautiful nephew doing?" she asked.
Kitty giggled.
"He is growing so fast. However, I do miss my daughters, who are in the care of their governess in Richmond Palace. Soon, their brother will join them. Edward doesn't want our children growing up at Court." she said.
Elizabeth nodded.
"He is making the right choice. There are things from my childhood that I wish I could forget. However, I had a luxury that my siblings did not have. I was kept close to my mother." she said.
Kitty nodded.
"I remember. When you were little, you always enjoyed seeing the Dowager Queen." she said.
Suddenly, a guard walked in.
"Your Highness, the King is here to see you." he said.
Elizabeth smiled and stood to her feet.
"Show His Majesty in." she said.
Harry walked in and smiled at his younger sister. Elizabeth walked up to him and bowed low to him.
"Your Majesty." she said.
Harry picked her up.
"Rise, sister. There are no need for formalities when we are in private. I'm your brother." he said.
Elizabeth smiled.
"As you wish. However, I would love if my brother were to hug me." she said.
Harry hugged Elizabeth and kissed her cheek. Behind her, he noticed Kitty.
"Ah, Lady Richmond. How is that beautiful baby boy of yours doing?" he asked.
Kitty bowed her head.
"He is doing just fine, Your Majesty." she said.
Harry smiled.
"Excellent. You may go for now. I wish to talk to my sister alone." he said.
Kitty left the room.
Elizabeth turned toward her brother, in fear.
"What's wrong? Is it Mother? Is she ill?" she asked.
Harry touched her shoulders.
"Calm down, dear sister. Mother is fine. She sent us letters and told us not to worry, although she would love a visit from us very soon. I need to talk to you about your journey to Spain." he said.
Elizabeth turned away.
"Is it necessary to discuss it so soon? I wont leave for another year." she said.
Harry nodded.
"It is. As you probably know, Spain is at war with France. The best way to get you to Spain is by sea and I do not want to take that risk. The ships carrying you and your dowry could be attacked. We also do not have peace with France, ever since the war our late father fought in four years ago. I need to find a safe way to get you to Castile very soon." he said, as he sat down and put his head in his hand.
Elizabeth looked at her brother.
"Why can't we just postpone my marriage until the war is over? I am sure that Queen Juana and the French will come to peace eventually." she said.
Harry raised his eyebrow.
"Elizabeth, I am not going to be like our father, may God have his soul. I will keep my word. When you are sixteen, you are departing for Spain." he said.
Elizabeth nodded.
"You're the King. I'll do as I am told." she said, with a sad look on her face.
Harry stood up and hugged her.
"I know the idea of marriage scares you, but I can tell you as your brother and a man. It is a very beautiful union. I have been married to Anne for seventeen years now and there hasn't been a day where I regretted marrying her." he said.
Elizabeth looked away.
Harry smiled.
"How about we visit Mother in a few days? Will that put a smile on your beautiful face?" he asked.
Elizabeth smiled.
"Can we? I miss her so much. I hate to think of her being so lonely in Hatfield." she said.
Harry nodded.
"We will leave in three days. Just you and me." he said.
Elizabeth hugged him.
"Oh, thank you Harry!" she said.
A/N Well Chapter 5 is done! Once again, I am sorry it took awhile to put up, but my goal is to put more events in the chapters, so the this story wont be as long as my previous, but it probably will still be long lol. Now, the war with France that Queen Juana is involved in is completely fiction. I just wanted a conflict with the Spanish Royal Family, besides Infante Juan's sexual escapades. I am still taking suggestions of marriage for Prince Owen and Princess Eleanor of England. Chapter six will be up very soon. Hope you all enjoyed Chapter 5!
