A Jewel in Henry's Crown

Chapter Four ~ The Passions of Charles Brandon

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It had been a long tiring night for Charlotte after her first night with the king. She had been in a deep slumber when someone whispered her name in her sleep.

"Charlotte,"

There was a gentle nudge on her arm and a weight shifting down the side of her bed as Charlotte was aroused from her dreamless sleep. She let out a small moan of annoyance and rolled over so her back was facing whoever it was decided to disturb her.

"Charlotte, His Majesty has requested an audience with you. You must make haste, my dear. You have slept through most of the morning." Lady Wallace smiled when Charlotte peered over the silk sheets and rose out of bed dazed. "You are still fatigued from last night?"

"Yes, my thighs ache, Mama. He was so forceful with me the night last and I, in all honesty, do not desire to return to his bed. It is one night I do not wish to remember ever again. Will it ever get better at all?"

"Yes, my love, things will soon. Your father has been made a member of the Privy Council now. He delivered the news to me this morn."

"Mama, must I go to His Majesty?" Charlotte asked, wearily. "I have not the heart to even get myself out of my bed."

"You are His Majesties' new favourite. He dotes on you above all the rest, my love." Lady Wallace responded, gently placing her hand over Charlotte's. "You have won the affections of our king."

"All I have done…for His Majesty was easing his sexual hunger and lust. I am simply a pawn, a whore and a mistress. No man shall have me now for a wife because I have been soiled, my maidenhead taken from me." Charlotte hissed, angrily. "Papa has ruined me!"

Lady Wallace kept a scowl to herself and pressed her lips shut tightly. Charlotte had, indeed, quite an opinion in everything. She was far more intellectual than most women in court, who most had been raised to be good household wives and obedient daughters.

"You mustn't speak thus, Charlotte. Our father has elevated our ranks and we have much to thank God and your father for. Do not let your tongue run away with you. Choose your words sensibly…speak only if you are spoken to in court." Lady Wallace returned, sternly. "You must remember to mind yourself, Charlotte."

"Of course, Mama," Charlotte said her face like stone. She pushed the bed sheets off her and placed her feet on the cool ground. "Where are my ladies? I should look impeccable when I see His Majesty today…and when I walk through court."

She sat down at her table and began already untying her long braid. Just as Lady Wallace left, three of Charlotte's ladies' maids walked in, all curtsying to Charlotte. One of them went straight to the boudoir and pulled out a rich navy blue and gold embroidered dress. The bodice was rich with gold floral patterns and the skirts were a royal blue colour. There was the gold under skirt to match. When Charlotte had her hair pinned back in a diadem, she stood up and let her maids dress her. The sleeves of the dress flared out and the skirt was wide and fell past her ankles. Once she looked at herself in the mirror, Charlotte looked like a lady of the court…and not some country girl from Norfolk. She pinched her cheeks and gnawed at her lips to get colour before leaving her chambers. Charlotte had only one of her ladies' maids follow her to the grand hall where the court awaited. There was music playing as she quietly slipped in as others passed her. Charlotte wandered quietly in the back until a familiar acquaintance of hers found her.

"Lady Rochford," Charlotte greeted, with a smile.

Jane walked up to her and kissed her cheeks and held Charlotte's hands.

"Lady Wallace, you look lovely this morning."

"Thank you," Charlotte said, giggling. "How was your evening?"

"It was a quiet one…I have not much I can do now that I am a widow. The nights are tedious and they seem to go on painfully."

"Do you miss George ever, if you don't mind my asking, Lady Rochford?"

"No, not really…" Jane concluded, "You see, he had an affair within our marriage. He had an affair with another man, a simple courtier with no rank or standards."

"How horrid of him to do such a thing to you," Charlotte said, with a frown. "George must have been as ill favoured as the Whore Queen."

"Do not say such things aloud, Charlotte." Jane hissed.

"It is true, nonetheless." Charlotte reminded.

"Yes," Jane remarked, sourly. "Look quickly, Charlotte, His Grace is heading this way."

Charlotte turned slightly and Jane's statement had indeed been true. Charles was walking towards them and he lightly smiled at Charlotte. He bowed to the both of them and they responded with curtsies.

"Your Grace," said Charlotte.

"My lady," Charles greeted, "have you an answer for your opinion of His Majesties' court?"

Charlotte smiled and giggled a little.

"It is…diverse, Your Grace. I have not made a ready decisive opinion quite yet. I assure you that I will give you my opinion once I have stayed in court long enough."

Charles released a small scoff and a laugh. Charlotte bit her lip as he watched her.

"His Majesty asked that you return to his chambers to dine with him this evening…and he requests that you stay after as well."

"Is that all he has to say?" Charlotte inquired. Charles gave her a quizzical gaze, arching one of his brows.

"Are you disappointed, my lady?"

"No," Charlotte answered, quickly. "I was only inquiring, Your Grace."

"Will you walk with me, my lady? The air is not to hot out of doors."

"I should like that very much, Your Grace."

Charles offered her his arm and she gladly accepted it and led her out to the gardens. They walked through the courtyard, followed by Charlotte's handmaiden and Jane Boleyn. They walked down the gravel paths of the gardens and past several large oak trees and a maze of hedges, talking and laughing. Charles caught himself staring at her every time Charlotte would laugh; the way her eyes would glow and her cheeks would turn red. The curls of her hair swayed lightly as she walked with him. His eyes wandered occasionally down to her bodice where he could slightly see her chest rise and fall as she breathed. Charles felt different around Charlotte, he could sense it himself. As they walked, he wanted to grab hold of her and kiss her with passion and fire. Charles realized it then…how badly he wanted Charlotte.

"Your Grace?" she asked, glancing up towards him. "Are you well?"

"Yes, I am well." Charles answered. "Please, call me Charles. Am I permitted to address you as Charlotte?"

"Of course, Your Grace—,"

"Charles," he interrupted. A blush crept up on Charlotte's cheeks as she lowered her gaze.

"Charles," she said, softly. Charlotte could have sworn her heart had leapt to her throat this very moment. She wondered if Charles thought highly of her the way she thought of him. Charlotte was not afraid to accept the fact that she might harbour some affection towards His Grace.

"Come, my lady, I think we have delayed the King's request long enough. I am quite certain he is anxious to see you again." Charles said, inwardly scowling at the thought. Just as he turned, he barely caught the small frown that Charlotte gave him. Together, they returned into the palace where Charlotte would await the King again. Charles knew that one day he would have her; he had to have Charlotte. He made that vow in Birtsmorton Court and he would make it again until it happened. One day.