*A Jewel in Henry's Crown*

Chapter Twenty-Seven: Arrival of the Flanders Mare

.::*::.

After the parting of Charles and the Earl of Hertford, Charlotte had grown weary. Henry had never been so ecstatic for meeting his new future wife. He had also told Charlotte personally of her elder brother's whereabouts and that Thomas Wallace would be arriving to court very soon. Charlotte was happy again after hearing news of Thomas. Perhaps, this would be a match for Jane Boleyn. Charlotte longed to have Jane be her sister since she never had one. She and the Lady Rochford were walking in Whitehall Palace when Thomas arrived at last. Immediately, Charlotte recognized him and gasped. "What is it, Charlotte?" Jane inquired. She held onto Charlotte's hand as they saw a handsome, dark-haired gentleman walking towards them.

Unbeknownst to Charlotte, Jane felt her chest flutter when she saw the mysterious stranger. He was very fit. "Forgive me, milady, but do either of you know Her Grace, the Duchess of Suffolk? Is she present?" Thomas inquired, with a wicked grin. "I do believe we are related."

"Thomas," Charlotte laughed. He, too, chuckled and lifted his little sister up. "I can't believe you are here!"

"In the flesh, I am…I heard the news of Father's death three years ago. His Majesty had invited me to court and since Father's death, I am made the new Lord Norfolk."

"Congratulations," Charlotte said, smiling. She looked at Jane. "Thomas, I want you to meet one of my dearest friends, The Lady Rochford, Jane Boleyn."

"It is a pleasure, Lady Rochford." He bowed and kissed Jane's hand. Jane blushed furiously. "I am sure I shall be calling on you more often."

Jane gave a nervous chuckle and Charlotte nudged her gently. "Where is your husband?" Thomas wondered.

"He is currently traveling to Flanders with the Earl of Hertford."

"Shall I like my brother-in-law, Lottie?" Thomas asked, haughtily. "Has he treated you well?"

"Yes, very well," she said, giggling. "Have you met the King yet?"

"No, but I should be much delight to meet him personally."

"Your Grace, I must apologize but I have to make preparations for Anne of Cleves. I shall see you at supper." Jane said. Charlotte nodded and Jane walked down the other end of the hall.

Once alone with his sister, Thomas pulled her aside. "You said her last name was Boleyn?" he asked.

"Yes, she is George Boleyn's widow. She has been since his execution a few years ago when I arrived."

"I pity the fact that she had to marry such an ass." Thomas said, as the siblings continued to walk down the hallway. "Have you had any children?"

"Yes, a son…"

"I am sure His Grace is extremely happy then?"

"Very," Charlotte nodded. "But, I do not know who else to tell this to. He has not seen much of me, Tom. Well, we spent a night together before he left for Flanders…but, His Majesty always calls on him for meetings."

"He is, after all, the King's closest friend." Thomas reminded. "Is he not?"

"Yes," Charlotte thought for a moment. "Did you find the Lady Rochford agreeable, Tom?"

"She was, indeed, very agreeable. Has she had any courting since George Boleyn's death?"

"No,"

Thomas smiled inwardly. It was time he found himself a proper wife. He was almost thirty and own Norfolk. He knew very well that Charlotte would be happy if he chose Jane Boleyn as his wife. He could see they were very close. But, of course, he would give it time.

"When may I see my nephew?" he inquired. Charlotte smiled and led him to her chambers where Harry was with his tutor.

"I suppose that is enough reading for today, Master Brandon." The tutor said. He rose and bowed to the little boy and then to Charlotte. "Your son is learning very quickly. He is very accomplished, Your Grace."

"Thank you, milord," Charlotte said and the court tutor left. "Harry,"

Harry stood up and walked over to his mother and hugged her. "Where's Father?" he asked.

"He went on a business trip for His Majesty. Come and meet your uncle."

Harry smiled as he saw Thomas. "Good morrow, Your Grace," Thomas greeted with a bow. Harry bowed in return. "How old are you now?"

"I am three…and a half." Harry exclaimed, showing three fingers up. Thomas and Charlotte chuckled and Harry sat down. "Mama, may I ask the Lady Mary to take me horse riding?"

Charlotte nodded and with his maid, Harry went to find the Lady Mary; his godmother. "He is a wonderful nephew." Thomas said as Charlotte asked for some wine. "Why was Father executed? Tell me everything and where is mother?"

Charlotte sighed and a scowl was formed across her face at the mention of their father. "I see it bothers you, Charlotte."

"He had mistresses. There were five or six of them. Two conceived his bastards. Our half-siblings…think of it!" she hissed. Thomas raised his brows in shock. "I do not know where they are now."

"Do you think His Majesty would have put them—"

"No, he would not execute children. Would he?" Charlotte asked, horrified at the thought. Yes, he would put women and children under execution. She remembered then that Charles had been ordered to go to the northern part of the country to hang anyone against His Majesty and the new Reformed Church. Charlotte paled.

"What is it?"

"He has asked Charles to put men, women and children under execution two years ago. Charles was told to do so. Out of his own reluctance, he had to go. Oh, speaking of our mother; she had returned to Norfolk to settle some business with the Protestants and their burning of the Catholic heretics. She went in place of father since he is no more."

"Well, now that I am here, she shan't have the need to do that anymore. I am the Lord Norfolk and can most certainly take over Father's assets and business." Thomas concluded, with a smile. "There is no need for you or mother to worry any longer of such matters. As for the Lady Rochford, well; I can perhaps make myself known to her as more than an acquaintance."

"I am sure that Jane will be beyond thrilled that you are taking notice of her. I shall have a special dinner planned just for the two of you so you may get to know her better."

"Thank you,"

One of Henry's doormen had interrupted their reunion. "Milord Norfolk, His Majesty the King would like a personal audience with you since you are now to take your father's place as an administrator."

Thomas gave his sister a warm embrace before leaving her chambers. She grinned and chuckled at the return of her brother.

.::*::.

The palace in Flanders was nothing compared to the grand Whitehall Palace back in London. Charles felt ill at ease being here just with the Earl of Hertford. He rolled his eyes at Edward Seymour's haughtiness and pride. "How is your wife?" Edward asked. Charles cleared his throat as they walked up the steps outside the palace.

"She was quite well. But, Charlotte was not pleased that I had to leave again for so long." Charles muttered.

"And Harry?"

"He's a wonderful son. I am glad he was a part of my flesh and blood—not the King's."

Edward laughed and patted Charles on the shoulder. "Well, Your Grace, even if it was—would you still have raised him?"

"Yes, after all, Charlotte would have been the mother and I would have loved her nonetheless; as His Majesty loved your sister."

Edward gave him a small smile and the two Englishmen walked into the palace of Flanders. It was made of pure white marble inside and staircases trailing down from either side. One was to the west wing and the other to the east. The Duke of Flanders was seated in the front of the palace entrance; tall, gaudy and very stout. "Welcome, Milords, I trust your journey was pleasant?" the duke inquired.

His German accent was not as heavy as they thought. "Yes, thank you," Charles answered, shifting around a bit. "When are we to meet the Duchess?"

"No one will see her now. She is not in a presentable state, Your Grace. But, I must assist you to wait until evening when you will be able to introduce yourselves properly. I hear that His Majesty has taken a great liking to my sister?"

"He has but one question, Your Grace." Edward continued. "Was the Lady Anne of Cleves betrothed before His Majesties' courtship to her?"

Edward's face was made of stone and the Duke cleared his throat and chuckled nervously. "Well—that is none of the King's—"

"It is the King's business if Anne of Cleves is to be his wife and the future Queen of England." Edward snapped. "Answer the question. Was she betrothed?"

"Well, yes, she had suitors but none as fine as His Majesty. Before she could accept to the others, His Majesty had offered his hand and surprised her. So, Anne declined the others and went to accept the King of England."

Edward gave him a hard look before finally accepting the answer. "Very well," he muttered. The Duke of Cleves gave a lopsided smile before offering his hospitality.

"We have rooms prepared for you and I shall have my maids be of service to your needs. If you will excuse me, Milords, I must attend to my own business."

The three men bowed to one another before departing. Charles let out an irritated sigh and glanced at Edward Seymour. "I personally do not like the Duke. His Majesty should not be getting involved with the Germans."

Edward smirked and laughed. "Since when did your opinion please the king, Charles? When does anyone's opinion please the King?"

.::*::.

"Thomas Wallace," Henry began, "I bequeath you all of your father's land. You are to become now the Lord Norfolk and take your father's place as my second-hand advisor and are welcome to stay in court. I am also giving you Castle Rising of Norfolk…should you marry and have heirs."

Thomas bowed his head as he kneeled before the King. Charlotte was happy for her brother, that he has achieved so much only in a few hours of his stay. He would have his own quarters of Whitehall and Windsor Palace. Jane Boleyn had also been present during his inauguration as Lord Norfolk. Even though she admired Thomas Wallace, she also liked the sound of Lady Rochford. It had a nice ring to it. Jane also knew that Charlotte and Thomas' mother was already the Lady Norfolk.

The evening's celebration was in honour of the new Lord Norfolk who was seated near the King; as was the Duchess of Suffolk. "Your Grace," Henry greeted to Charlotte. She curtsied and bowed her head.

"Your Majesty," she said. He smiled and took hold of her hand.

"Are you well?" he asked. She sighed and nodded. "Charlotte, has it anything to do with Charles?"

"Yes, Your Majesty, all I ask is to spend more time with my husband. I hardly ever get to see him. Harry hardly knows his own father." She whispered.

"Your Grace, as soon as your husband returns home from Cleves, I give you my word that he will no longer travel far for a long time. He shall receive a few nights to be with you and your son."

"I thank Your Majesty most humbly." She sighed in relief. Henry kissed her hand gently and set it down after.

Meanwhile, Thomas had caught Jane's eye and walked over to her—with his hands folded behind his back. "Lady Rochford,"

"Milord," she curtsied, a smile forming on her face. "Congratulations,"'

"Thank you, Lady Rochford; if I might ask to be bold—why is it that such a beautiful young woman like you has not married since George Boleyn's death?"

She blushed and smiled. "Well, I have not yet found the right suitor. Also the fact that I am a widow,"

"You should not have been a widow at such a young age, Lady Rochford." Thomas murmured. "May I have the next dance?"

"You may, and please, my lord; call me Jane." she said.

"Then, you may call me Thomas." He returned, and kissed her hand again. Thomas had gone to the King and Charlotte raised an amused brow towards Jane and smiled victoriously. Jane rolled her eyes and chuckled at her friend.

"Your Grace, may I have this next dance?" Henry asked. Charlotte nodded and took Henry's hand.

She felt weary that Charles was still not here, but was happy that the King was good to her. Her brother was home and she had wonderful friends. She prayed that that would last.

.::*::.

Author's Note:

Thank you for your reviews =) Well, I'm starting school this week and soon you will see how Charlotte reacts to Anne of Cleves and then Katherine Howard. I'll give you a heads up that Katherine Howard and Charlotte Brandon will not be very friendly towards each other ;) Thanks!