A Jewel in Henry's Crown

Chapter Nineteen: The Lady Rochford Returns

Summer, 1537

His Majesty had summoned Charlotte to his personal chambers. Charles Brandon was standing behind his chair and handing the king documents to sign off as Charlotte walked in. She blushed when she saw Charles. "You asked for me, Your Majesty?" she inquired, with a curtsy. The King looked up and lowered his quill. He turned to Charles. As if on cue, Charles immediately went into the next room and returned with a wooden chest with a latch on it. "This is a gift from me and the queen for when you two are to marry. You may wear this." Henry said. Charles set the chest on the table and opened it. It was the most beautiful and elegant headdress strung together with silver, pearls and lapis lazuli stone. Charlotte gasped. "I do not know how to thank Your Majesties for such a gift."

Henry smiled. "Your Grace," he began, "Deliver this to the Queen at once."

Charles obeyed like a dog. Once the King and Charlotte were alone, Henry wanted to speak his mind. "I have not forgotten you, Charlotte." He began. "I have made sure that you and your mother have still rank and soon you shall be a duchess. When is your wedding to be held?"

"We have not decided officially. If you don't mind my asking Your Majesty this favour, if you and Her Majesty wish to be our witnesses. I know that you and His Grace are close friends and I think he would be delighted."

Henry studied Charlotte. She had indeed change since the first she came here. "I shall see to it." Henry said at last, causing Charlotte to smile. She curtsied low and then stood up. "One more thing," he added, "Her Majesty wishes for you to be one of her leading ladies-in-waiting."

"I thank Her Majesty with all my heart. She is the most generous and sovereign of queens."

Henry chuckled. She was indeed, a noblewoman now and will remain that way. Henry still enjoyed her presence at court and of course respected this girl's happiness for hers was torn away without compromise; that is, until she met Charles Brandon. Charlotte was relieved for all the good things that have happened to their family in just a few days since her father's death. Now, there was no panic.

"You may go, milady." Henry said. Charlotte curtsied and left his study; completely happy and relaxed. Maybe the court was not such a bad place after all.

.:: ::.

As Charlotte walked down the hall, Her Majesty had come to view and stopped her. "Lady Wallace," she exclaimed. Charlotte turned and curtsied to the Queen.

"Your Majesty," she said, quietly. Queen Jane smiled warmly. Charlotte rose slowly and smiled weakly at the queen.

"I have someone for you to see, Lady Wallace. She is waiting in my chambers. Why don't you come in and see?"

Her Majesty led Charlotte to her chambers. Sitting on a chair, doing needlework was the Lady Rochford. Jane Boleyn looked up and immediately set her work down and ran over to embrace her long-missed friend. "Oh, Jane!" Charlotte nearly wailed. They held one another warmly as each of them nearly wept with joy.

"Charlotte, I have missed you so!" Jane cried. The Queen smiled as the two women laughed and cried. "I thought surely you were sent away after the death of your father."

"I thought I was going to be as well! I have the most wonderful news to tell you!" Charlotte exclaimed as the two ladies-in-waiting sat down. The Queen had left so the two friends could reminisce.

"What's happened?" Jane inquired. Charlotte began blushing. "Has it anything to do with the Duke of Suffolk?"

"Yes," Charlotte breathed, "We're to be married. And Jane, I wish you to be my maid-of-honour."

The Lady Rochford let out a squeal of thrill and delight. "I am happy for you! Of course, I should be happy to be your maid-of-honour. This is the most wonderful news I have heard in weeks!"

"How have you been, my dearest Jane?" Charlotte asked. Jane sighed and sank back into her chair.

"I am so relieved to be home again; and of course, see my friends." Jane responded. "I am, as well, offering my condolences."

"My father knew he deserved this punishment; but, he behaved irrationally. We all do sometimes and I forgive him for that. His pride and greediness got in the way of his devout family."

Jane remained silent; not knowing what to say. Charlotte was nearly seventeen and she talked like a queen. A moment later, one of Lady Wallace's mistresses came in. "Milady, your mother has asked me to inform you that Sir Francis Bryan will be joining you and her and His Grace, the Duke of Suffolk for supper on the morrow."

Charlotte raised a brow. "Does His Grace know of this?"

"I shall inform him as well, Your Grace." She curtsied and left in a hurry—as if afraid to be seen. Charlotte pursed her lips.

"I do believe she was one of my father's mistresses." Charlotte hissed. "Did you see the way she stood there? It is like she was trying to hide something."

"Perhaps, she was just uneasy in your presence. After all, you are going to be a Duchess soon." Jane tried to offer comforting words. Charlotte smiled meekly.

"Please Jane; do not abandon me tomorrow for the dinner. I wish you at my side as well as Charles." Charlotte begged.

Jane nodded and the two friends embraced each other once again, happy that each were still here and safe.