Jane watched as her husbands smile widened and he clasped her hands in his, kissing them fervently.
"My queen," her murmured between kisses. "This is wonderful news! I shall send for a midwife to join your household and I shall have Doctor Linacre make weekly examinations." He continued to chatter on with precautions they would take, but Jane listened half-heartedly. To be honest, she wished she could share in her husbands excitement but found her soul heavy. She knew the implications that came with this pregnancy. Knew the risks that she was taking going to the birthing bed again. She had almost died last time and her precious little boy... Now she would return to confinement in a few months and sweat and bleed for the hope of birthing another son-a healthier one. She also knew what would happen to her should she fail in this duty.
But she plastered a smile on her lips at her husbands delight. She couldn't be seen as less than ecstatic at this news, no matter how she truly felt. She had gotten quite used to feigning excitement and joy lately. Ever since that dreadful night that Henry had... It was obvious that he was trying to make it up to her. Practically this entire month he had ignored everyone else, leading her out to dance every night, spending every meal by her side, even walking with her in the gardens during the afternoon. She had made up her mind that night though that no matter how he responded to her the next morning, she would treat him graciously, as a good queen would. It would have done her no good to rail at him or sulk or treat him coldly. He just would have gotten irritated with her and then where would she be. So she allowed him to hold her and kiss her as he pleased and she could tell that he thought all was forgiven.
But her heart had cooled.
He came to her and used her to satisfy his lust for another. He had hurt her in the process and honestly, Jane was surprised that the child growing in her had not been dislodged. She had wept in her bed for hours afterwards and in her anger had almost hoped for it, hoping to punish him for his actions. But immediately her hands had come to cup her belly, praying away such evil thoughts. This poor child had no fault in this and it was terrible of her to even think such things. That was the moment when she knew that she must forgive him for his actions if she was to give this child any true happy future. But forgiveness did not mean that she had forgotten the humiliation and pain of that night.
"I should tell you, my love. I am arranging for a betrothal between the princess and King Francis' younger son, Charles, the Duke of Orleans. The news has not become public yet, but we should be announcing it within the fortnight. I want you to help prepare Elizabeth for the ceremony and coordinate an ensemble for the royal family."
At this Jane truly smiled. It was a great match for the little princess and she knew Anne would be pleased with sending her little daughter to the court she had grown up in. "Oh that is wonderful news!" Jane beamed. "I'm sure the Marquess will be more than pleased to help me design a new gown for Elizabeth! She must be so happy!" She caught Henry wince slightly. "She does know...right?"
"I had not intended to tell the lady myself." He said stiffly. "Her family can easily inform her of the new development." Jane studied him and saw the tension radiating off of him. Now this was interesting...
"I see," she said gently. "Well I'm sure when she hears she will be happy for her daughter. I know that she has spent quite a bit of time investing in teaching the princess french. I hear her highness is practically fluent now!"
Henry nodded tightly before taking her hand again and pressing a kiss to it. "Yes, yes." He waved away his daughters accomplishment. "In any case. Do you think you can be prepared in a fortnight?" Now he placed a hand lovingly on her not yet showing belly. "I want to see the betrothal finalized before her little brother comes along." He grinned at her and she returned it, placing a delicate hand over his.
"Yes, Your Majesty. It will be plenty of time." It would be a rush job, but she was sure she could do it.
"Excellent!" He clapped his hands left her to her ladies.