A Jewel in Henry's Crown
Chapter Five
A/N: I'm so sorry for the long delay in writing! I've been so busy, going to places. I've been in Canada for a while, hanging out so now I've finally decided to update!
Thank you so much for reviews! Keep them coming! =)
.
.
.
The church bells struck seven times when Charlotte woke up the next morning. Lady Rochford was already tending to clean out Anne Boleyn's chambers. Henry had caught Jane Seymour's eye now and was doting on her—hardly paying anymore attention to Charlotte. Lady Wallace stepped into her daughter's chambers. "Are you well, my love? News has been spreading around the castle that you are with child."
Charlotte slammed her book shut and placed it on the table. "I hardly know. I know it was father who spread those rumors. I am not with child—yet at least. Henry has not asked for me. His gaze has befriended Jane Seymour. He takes an interest and a liking to her." I muttered.
"I am sure that it will not be too quick of a marriage, after all—he favours you as a mistress. He wrote me the other day saying how you are a jewel in his crown and nothing in the world could tear you out of it." Lady Wallace sighed, sitting down next to Charlotte.
Charlotte, in turn, rose and began to pace. "Mummy, I know what I saw! He was wenching Jane!" she yelled, furiously.
"Now, Charlotte; you know you have not been very kind to His Majesty either. You could show him some discretion and thank him for giving your father an opportunity of a lifetime! Many men beg to be in the position of your father. And much more women are begging to bed with His Majesty." Lady Wallace lectured. Charlotte ignored her mother and stormed out. As she stormed furiously down the darkened hallway of Whitehall Palace, she bumped into Charles Brandon.
She stood there stunned. "Forgive me, your grace. I did not mean to—"
"Not at all, milady Wallace; are you well?" he asked. Charlotte nodded. "Would you care to join me for a walk in the gardens?"
Charlotte smiled happily. "That would give me great pleasure, your Grace. Thank you."
"Please, call me Charles. There is no need for proper titles when His Majesty is not present."
Charlotte felt her cheeks go hot as she blushed. Now why couldn't there be more men like Charles Brandon? She thought. If His Majesty were like his friend, then Charlotte would appreciate him more. "Are the rumors true, Charlotte?" Charles asked as they arrived in the gardens.
"No…no they are not; I am not with child yet." She answered.
"His Majesty will be disappointed if he hears of this." He sighed, turning to look at Charlotte. How did she blossom so beautifully? She was richer than a jewel in Henry's crown, Charles thought to himself.
"You will not say anything to him, will you? Because then my father would be furious and he might lose his place. Then he would murder me and blame me for his troubles." Charlotte begged. "Please!"
"You needn't worry, for I will not utter a single word to His Majesty until you are expecting."
"Thank you so much. You really are a loyal friend, Charles." Charlotte told. She smiled and he took hold of her hand slowly. They walked together in the gardens until the clock tower struck nine times. Lady Rochford came running outside and was calling for Charlotte. Charles dropped her hand as she came.
"H-his Majesty—w-would like a word—with Charlotte." She exclaimed, panting. Charlotte and Charles exchanged glances. Inside, Charlotte felt butterflies turning and her stomach going into knots. What if her mother had told His Majesty she was not expecting? The question ran through her head a million times as she walked up the gravel road, further and further away from Charles—her keepsake. Around him, she felt like she could be herself without a care in the world. She glanced back at him as she and Lady Rochford hurriedly ran up the stairs of Whitehall.
By the time she came to His Majesties' library, she was short of breath and bending over. "Are you alright, Charlotte?" Lady Rochford asked. She nodded in reply and entered slowly to His Majesty. He was signing papers and death warrants. Charlotte curtsied to His Majesty.
"I have heard the news. You are with child?" he asked. Charlotte nodded, lying only to keep her father happy. She was not yet with child, although. His Majesty looked up and smiled. She did not want to disappoint anyone. "This is excellent! Thomas," His Majesty called. Thomas Cromwell stepped into the room. "Lady Charlotte Wallace is expecting the next child of the King of England. We must have a celebration in honour of her and my child."
Sir Thomas bowed and left the room without saying anything. There were only three people in the whole of his court who knew this was a lie and His Majesty would be wasting enormous sums of money for a celebration that should not have been allowed.
Later that afternoon, Lord Wallace burst into Charlotte's room with joy. He grasped his daughter's hands and kissed her cheeks. "Charlotte, my dear, you have done a most splendid job! Now our family name has more recognition than that Duke, Charles Brandon! We are known in Scotland even!" Lord Wallace exclaimed, nearly prancing about in a circle. Charlotte smiled weakly at her father's joy. How long would she have to pretend?
"His Majesty has offered you a sum of large money—£2,000!" Lady Wallace cried, entering the room, wide-eyed. "Thomas Cromwell just sent the news to me. He has never favoured any mistress as much as you."
"I could not see why. I have made a decision. If—he should make me Queen of England, I should be a happy wife to please my mother and father."
Lord Wallace smiled. "You should make a wonderful Queen. Now he has lost interest with Jane Seymour. He is regaining his passion for you!"
Charlotte knew that Henry was not the right man for her. There was another man…waiting for her…wanting to be with her. She knew this man to be Charles Brandon for every time he came near her or kissed her hand; her stomach fluttered and went into several tangled knots. That never happened with His Majesty.
It would be nine months to wait to see if her child was a boy or girl. She prayed day and night to be blessed with a son.
God have mercy on me and give me a son. She begged.