A Jewel in Henry's Crown:
Chapter Thirty-Three: Another Katherine
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Much to Charlotte's distaste, Charles had gone with Edward Seymour and Sir Francis Bryan to Lambeth to find Henry a new, young bride. Charlotte had been reading Thomas More's Utopia when the king stepped into her husband's study. Quickly, she hid the book and rose to curtsy. The Lady Rochford came running in with Harry but stopped as she saw the King.
"Your Majesty," she said. "Forgive me,"
He raised his hand and nodded. The four-year-old Harry Brandon stood by his mother as the king walked up to them.
"Your Grace," he said. "Come and walk with me. We have much to discuss."
"Yes, Your Majesty," she curtsied. "Harry, I want you to stay with Miss Jane. Be a good little boy. Do as you are told."
"Yes, Mama," he said, quietly. Charlotte kissed his rosy pink cheeks before following the king to the gardens. Henry groaned as his ulcer was piercing his leg again. Charlotte took his arm.
"You are so compassionate, Your Grace, to an old man like me."
She sighed.
"You are still very handsome, Your Majesty," Charlotte said. "I am sure your new wife will love you above all others."
Henry chuckled and kissed Charlotte's hand with a smile. She smiled back. Her womb had grown a great deal—but she still looking marvelous for a young woman of ten and nine.
"I must ask a favour of you, Charlotte. When my new wife arrives to court—I wish you to be her lady-in-waiting alongside Lady Rochford."
She raised her brows.
"Of course," Charlotte agreed. "I have always taken care of the queens—Anne of Cleves and Jane Seymour."
"That, I am indefinitely pleased to hear. You have many allies and good friends here at court. You have done well, my dear." Henry rasped. "But, there is someone now who I wish you to meet. We are to have lunch with her."
"Oh," Charlotte exclaimed, surprised. They came to a large tent by the fountains where a large table was placed and mounds of food were spread out. Charlotte gasped. It looked extraordinary.
"Lady Elizabeth," Henry called. The red-headed princess walked up to them gracefully. "Allow me to introduce Her Grace, Charlotte Brandon, Duchess of Suffolk? Charlotte, this is my daughter—the Lady Elizabeth."
"It is a pleasure to finally meet Your Grace. I have heard much of your kindness and good heart towards others." Elizabeth said. Henry swallowed back tears. Elizabeth had so much of Anne in her. What if he had spared her life? I was innocent of my charges, Henry. Anne's voice whispered in the back of his mind.
"You are most kind, Lady Elizabeth." Charlotte said, with a smile. "You look so like your father."
"Thank you," Elizabeth replied. "May I sit with you while we have our luncheon, Your Grace?"
"I would be honoured, Lady Elizabeth. Do feel free to call me Charlotte. There is no need for any formalities."
Elizabeth smiled before they sat down. Henry was happy that Charlotte was getting along well with his daughters.
Charlotte and Elizabeth became close friends during the luncheon and talked continuously. Henry sat back and studied the two women. For a brief second, Anne had been sitting beside Charlotte and Elizabeth.
"She is a kind lady." Anne said. "I hope you tell her to treat Elizabeth well."
"They already like one another. Elizabeth is interested in what Charlotte Brandon has to say." Henry responded. Anne smiled.
"Please, treat her well, Henry. I beg you. She will do many great things in her life. School her like you do for your son." Anne insisted.
"I have—"
"After my execution, you shut her out. You completely shunned her when she was your legitimate child!" Anne yelled.
"Leave me in peace, Anne. She is naught but illegitimate now."
Anne disappeared and he looked at Elizabeth in horror.
"Your Majesty, are you well?" Charlotte asked. He cleared his throat and took his mind off the reverie.
"Yes, Charlotte," he lied. "Lady Elizabeth, how do you like Her Grace?"
"Very much, Your Majesty," Elizabeth gave a kind smile before looking back at Charlotte. "I am glad we were introduced."
"As am I, my lady," Charlotte said. Then she thought of something. "Your Majesty, may I be so bold as to ask if I may be of service to the Lady Elizabeth? As in to be one of her ladies-in-waiting,"
Henry was surprised by her question.
"If the Lady Elizabeth would like," Henry answered.
"I would, Your Majesty, at least until the new queen is here and then Charlotte may serve Her Majesty."
Henry laughed and nodded.
"Then it is settled. Charlotte, you are to become a lady-in-waiting for Elizabeth until my new wife arrives." Henry concluded. "Now, let us eat and not let the food run cold."
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It was late in the afternoon when Sir Francis, Charles and Edward arrived in Lambeth. Sir Francis led them up the gravel road to meet Lady Bryan—the mistress of the household who had quite a few young maids in her care. Sir Francis smiled and kissed her cheeks when she let the king's men in.
"I am in need of a wife for the king, Lady Bryan. I was hoping you would have a suitable young maid in your house?" Sir Francis asked, seductively. Lady Bryan grinned mischievously before bringing him up the stairs.
"I must ask His Grace and my lord Hertford to remain here until we bring the young lady to you." Lady Bryan insisted.
"Of course, my lady," Charles bowed. Edward and Charles gave each other looks of annoyance.
"I wonder which little bitch that proud, dismal man will provide the king." Edward whispered, jokingly. Charles laughed.
"…Come this way, Katherine," Lady Bryan's voice was heard as she opened the sliding doors. A small blonde haired girl walked shyly towards the king's men before curtsying.
"What is your name?" Edward asked.
"Katherine Howard, my lord," she answered.
"Is there any relation to the Lord Edmund Howard?" Charles inquired. Katherine nodded. He knew immediately that she was then first cousin to the late Queen Anne Boleyn.
"Yes, Your Grace,"
Charles sighed.
"She is fit to be queen." Edward exclaimed. "Yes, she will be taken to Hampton court where she will be made ready to wed His Majesty."
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