A Jewel in Henry's Crown

Chapter Thirty-Seven: Back to Norfolk

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My Dearest Mama,

I am leaving Whitehall Palace due to some unwanted competition with the new queen. I must tell you things of this new Katherine. She is a vile little demon; believing that I have in every way ruined my marriage with Charles—saying how I have been a fornicator like my father and slept with Sir Francis Bryan and others in court. I have not seen Sir Francis since his departure last winter. In Her Majesties' power, she is trying so hard to rid me from court and is determined to ruin me. So far, I am allowing her success by leaving court for some time off. Charles is to stay with the king. I feel completely shut out from the world. I do not know who to trust any longer. It feels as though the Lady Mary is the one person I can confide in. She, too, had dealings with Her Majesty. The Lady Mary was greatly insulted as I was. Even Jane Boleyn and I are drifting away. Other than that, I have most exciting news! Thomas has come home and he and Jane are to be married! He had been so besotted by her and fell immediately in love with her. I think it is a fine match. His Majesty made Thomas our new Lord Norfolk. I had had a minor sickness, caused by my pregnancy and stress from court life but; I am well enough to take the long journey back home to Norfolk. I hope all is well and I should be expecting my child during my stay with you, Mama. Harry is growing up so quickly, I do not know where the time has gone and I hope you will be delighted to see your grandson and me. Look to my arrival within the fortnight. How I long to see you, Mama.

With Love,

Her Grace Charlotte Brandon Duchess of Suffolk

Lady Wallace smiled as she read Charlotte's letter. At last! She had been wondering when her daughter would choose to take a holiday here. She demanded that everything would be ready for Charlotte's arrival and ordered a wonderful meal to be prepared. Everything in the Norfolk house was to be washed, cleaned and polished. Lady Wallace had also asked for all the windows to be open and curtains to be drawn. The house had been darkened for a long enough time.

A week went by and Charlotte had arrived by carriage; and, they were followed by footmen. Charles had offered protection for his wife and Lady Wallace was grateful that Charlotte had arrived safely. The coachman helped Charlotte out of the carriage and Lady Wallace smiled when she saw how large her womb had grown.

"Mama," Charlotte exclaimed and hugged her. "Oh, I have missed you!"

"I have missed you, my darling. Now, where is my grandson?"

Harry jumped out of the carriage and hugged his grandmother. Charlotte sighed and took hold of her son's hand and the three walked inside.

"How have things been in Norfolk?"

"Much better since the death of Anne Boleyn," said Lady Wallace, "our businesses are growing again and things have become more prosperous for all of us. It will become easier once your brother returns here to take charge."

"That is wonderful to hear." Charlotte mumbled. She fought back tears of anguish.

"My dearest, are you well?" Lady Wallace asked, noticing Charlotte's weariness. Charlotte shook her head and burst into tears. Lady Wallace had summoned a maid to entertain Harry for a little while.

"I fear that Charles has chosen to side with His Majesty and Katherine Howard. If I were to have told him why I am truly here, he would have scolded me! He will not believe me that Katherine despises me and wants to rid me of this court. He always sides with the king!"

"Why has he done this?"

"Because, he believes he is trying to keep me in court. Knowing Katherine, she will convince her ladies-in-waiting of me otherwise. She is challenging me! Soon, she will cause my own husband and the king to believe in foolhardy lies. She is just waiting for me to snap at her so she may tell the king and put me under execution!"

"The court has made you go mad, Charlotte. I do believe you, my child. Now, you must rest! I have ordered a wonderful supper for us. Do you wish me to write to your husband?"

"No, he will not believe the truth—only the lies I have inflicted upon him." Charlotte muttered. Lady Wallace nodded and sent Charlotte to her chambers to sleep.

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Charles had joined the king and queen for supper that evening, since his wife had left and he had no company. Katherine continued to smirk—she she had one little victory with the duchess' absence. Henry had wondered why his wife was in such high spirits. He had not seen Charlotte in a week and began to miss her presence. Once Charles arrived, Henry would ask him where she had suddenly taken off to.

"Charles," Henry greeted. He embraced his friend and laughed. "I must ask you where your beautiful wife has gone off to."

"She went to Norfolk to have a holiday with her mother. After all, she has not seen her for a very long time."

"Yes, that is true. Come, let us eat now."

"Your Grace," said Katherine, "where has your wife gone to again?"

"Norfolk," Charles answered, noticing the slight victorious look in the queen's eyes. Had Charlotte gone because of the queen? Was that why she was crying the last time he saw her? For now, he shook the thought away from his thoughts and enjoyed the dinner quietly with the king and his new wife. "Your Majesty,"

Henry nodded and cleared his throat.

"What is it, Charles?" he asked.

"Might I have the permission to go and see my wife in Norfolk? There are some things I need to discuss with her."

"I cannot deny you the request to see Charlotte. How long will you be staying?"

"Perhaps a week," Charles answered. Now, he noticed that Katherine's look was turning into a slight glare. He smiled at her and raised his chalice. "I know not how long Charlotte has decided to stay there. But,"

"Very well," said Henry, with a smile. "Give her my warm regards and to her mother."

"I thank you, Your Majesty,"

The rest of the dinner was eaten in silence. There was something peculiar about Katherine…he knew now it had something to do with his wife but he dared not utter it in front of his friend, the king.

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AN: Well, I guess this is sort of a filler…Charles will definitely have a talk with Charlotte—but will still be her knight in shining armour. =) I know Katherine's a bitch. I made her that way; more than the TV series (I have reasons and I promise I'll explain when I come to write her arrest and execution) Until then…