Chapter XI
January, 1552
It was another family dinner in the Grey apartments when Jane received shocking – and extremely unexpected – news regarding her most recent betrothal.
"You have remained unmarried for too long," declared Frances, sipping a cup of wine and staring at her eldest daughter beadily. "Finding a suitable spouse for you was not easy, but your father and I have finally decided on a husband for you. I must admit, I am not particularly pleased with the choice, but due to current political development, your father and I both agreed that it will be best for you to marry Lord Warwick's youngest son, Lord George Dudley."
Katherine giggled. "Lord George is younger than Jane."
"Silence, Katherine!" said Frances sharply. "Lord George may only be a boy of fourteen, but he will be given an earldom upon marriage, and Jane will be a countess! I rather her a duchess or marchioness, but it seems our cousin Princess Elizabeth, is in high favour with the King, his generosity may shower over her husband and his family. From what I heard, the King is kind to Lord George Dudley and treats him like a younger brother compared to the other Dudleys (except Lord Leicester of course). I heard rumours that Leicester will be elevated to the station of a marquess or a duke very shortly, and if the King is fond of Lord George, he may give him a marquessate too."
"I'm afraid that won't be possible, lady mother," said Jane nervously, yet clearly.
Lord John choked on his wine in surprise. Over the years, he had accepted that his nieces would remain under the thumb of their powerful mother for the rest of their lives and presumed his own daughters (the three year old Margaret and and two year old Frances) would view her with respect and fear. He placed his cup back on the table and stared at his eldest niece in shock.
Even Lady Grey's mouth was open in astonishment.
"I beg your pardon?" said Frances in an icy tone. "You will marry Lord George Dudley by the end of this month whether you like it or not. If I must thrash you until my hands are red, so be it. I'm surprised you have decided to voice your refusal to marry Lord George Dudley, but I must admit, I am slightly pleased you are aware of your station as the daughter of a marquess and your noble lineage."
"It is not because I do not wish it," said Jane, looking steadily at her mother's eye. "It is because I am already betrothed to Prince Henry Boleyn of Lancaster, Marquess of Ormond."
Clang.
Three sets of goblets – Frances's, Dorset's and Lord John's – fell to the ground.
"You are betrothed to the Marquess of Ormond?" repeated Frances, her eyes sparkling with intrigue, faint admiration and political machinations.
"Yes, lady mother," replied Jane uncertainly.
"You will be a princess!" gasped Katherine. She frowned and murmured, "Her Highness, Princess Jane of Lancaster, Marchioness of Ormond and Viscountess Rochford."
"Princess Jane of Lancaster," echoed Frances, as if in a dream state. "My daughter, wife of Prince Henry of Lancaster, daughter-in-law to the Lady Protector and Duke of Richmond, niece to the Queen Mother, cousin to the King and mother of Dukes of Lancaster, Richmond and Wiltshire."
"What about Lord George?" asked Lord John.
"Mary can marry him instead," said Frances carelessly, not even giving her youngest daughter a passing glance. "She is more suited to marry Lord George than Jane or Katherine. Well!" She offered Jane a rare, impressed smile. "It seems there is hope for you yet, dear Jane. How, may I ask, are you miraculously engaged to the Marquess of Ormond, when he is also betrothed to Princess Eleanor Tudor? The Princess is not dead, and there were no news regarding the end of their betrothal."
Jane thought for a moment. "Lord Ormond proposed to me," she said finally. "As it was a spur of the moment, I do not think he informed the Lady Protector and the King."
Dorset frowned. "That is problematic, Jane! The King and the Queen Mother will believe we – your mother and I – arranged for you to be affianced to the Marquess of Ormond! It is one thing to marry without the King's permission, but for Lord Ormond to jilt the King's sister?!"
"That is indeed a difficult situation," agreed Frances as Lord John nodded slowly. "The King may actually feel threatened if Lord Ormond marries Jane. After all, our Jane has royal blood through me and is related to the oldest noble families through my lord husband, while the King – let us be frank – is not descended from royalty from his mother's side."
"In one way or another, we are related to the Queen Mother (very distantly through the FitzAlans), but her father is descended from knights and merchants."
"I wonder why he did not marry Katherine of Lancaster in the first place! If he did, he would not find our Jane's betrothal to Henry of Lancaster a threat!"
"What do we do?" said Lord John, before his brother could retort.
Frances thought for a moment.
"We must go and seek audience with the King," she declared. "However, we will do so after the Marquess of Ormond informs the Lady Protector, the Queen Mother and the King. We will beseech the King for clemency and swear on our lives that we had no part in it. The King is kind and chivalrous, and here we play Jane as the damsel in distress. We will tell the King that she has fallen hopelessly in love with Lord Ormond and is indeed, in distress."
"I hope for all our sakes it works," muttered Dorset, draining another cup of wine. "My family's fortunes did not rise for you to have it forfeited by the crown." He looked at Jane. "It is indeed an honour for you to receive a proposal from Lord Ormond," he said plainly. "However, look at the mess we are now in! Oh, why couldn't you have just accepted your place as future Lady Dudley?!"
"Be quiet, husband!" snapped Frances. "You should be pleased our Jane will be Lady Ormond and the future Duchess of Lancaster, Richmond and Wiltshire! Lord Ormond is the first heir in all of English history to inherit three dukedoms and half a dozen earldoms, viscountcies and baronies, and our Jane will be beside him as his wife!"
"I rather keep my head and live well in the King's graces."
Frances narrowed her eyes. "Jane's marriage can increase our family fortunes. You may be given a dukedom, Lord John elevated to an earl, a barony for your nephew..."
"You may be safe from execution due to your status as a cousin to the King, but my brother and I do not have the same privilege as you. If we must face the King's wrath, the most we can hope for is a swift execution without the confiscation of our lands and possessions."
Frances stood up abruptly.
"I never knew I married a coward," she said stiffly, her frosty eyes swivelling to Dorset. "Very well. You go and hide while I fight for Jane's betrothal to the Marquess of Ormond. If you do not help me, I will ensure you suffer while I reap the rewards of Jane's engagement to Lord Ormond."
After supper, Hal cautiously entered Arthur's chambers, a little nervous about Arthur's reaction to his secret betrothal to Jane Grey.
He knew Arthur liked Jane as a friend and cousin, but his affection towards his sisters and brother were deep and obvious.
"Hal," said Arthur warmly, gesturing for him to sit down. "How can I help you?"
"I..." said Hal nervously. "I have news that may um...hurt you."
Arthur laughed. "Oh? In what way? If anyone's plotting to assassinate me, I think I would be told about it all day and sent secretly to another castle!"
"Well...it's more about my betrothal to Eleanor..."
"Oh?" Arthur handed him a goblet of wine. "The only way you will hurt me gravely is if you ravished my dear little sister!" He laughed again, but looked at him suspiciously and said quietly, "Well? Did you ravish my dear little sister?"
"No!" exclaimed Hal, horrified at the thought. "No, no, no, no! I would never ravish Eleanor! That is indeed a horrifying thought!"
Arthur relaxed and smiled again. "Very well. What is it?"
"I am in love with Lady Jane Grey. I tried to conceal my feelings for her and pretend it is nothing but childhood affection during my betrothal to your sister, Princess Eleanor, but I cannot hide it anymore. Your sister is a lovely girl and will one day be a wonderful bride, but not for me. I love Princess Eleanor, but as a friend and cousin, not a future wife." Spotting anger flash in Arthur's eyes, Hal barged on and said, "I just thought to let you know that I love Jane Grey and it was my own decision to ask her to marry me, and neither she nor her family had anything do with it. It was an honour to be betrothed to Princess Eleanor, but I am now engaged to Lady Jane Grey."
Arthur placed his cup back on the table and stared at him silently.
"I am affianced to Lady Jane Grey," Hal repeated apprehensively.
"You have already told me," muttered Arthur. "Thrice." He stood up and walked towards the fireplace, his hand shaking with rage. "You're telling me...that you came here to inform me of your...secret betrothal to Jane Grey, a mere marquess's daughter, when I offered you the hand of a princess!"
He flung an empty bottle of wine at the wall across the room.
"Love!" Arthur spat furiously, throwing a silver plate in Hal's direction. "You hardly even speak to this Lady Jane Grey during feasts! It's her mother! She must've persuaded or coerced you to marry her daughter! You talk and dance with Eleanor! You love her! I even offered an enormous dowry, including numerous titles and estates, and what can Lord Dorset do? I doubt he will give you the marquessate of Dorset in his daughter's dowry now that he have a legitimate Grey nephew! You fool! Why?! Why would you agree to marriage with Dorset's girl?!"
Hal ducked as another plate sailed over his head.
"It's only a betrothal!" he said hastily.
"Only?!" growled Arthur, his actions reminiscing Henry VIII's infamous temper. "For how long?! I cannot believe this!" He threw his last plate at Hal before flinging himself onto the chair. "You jilt my sister for a noblewoman," he muttered, breathing heavily. "You are a fool, Lord Ormond. A fool. You were chosen to marry my sister – a royal princess – and you reject her for love! Bah! I did not know I have a fool for a cousin! Agh! I can't even call you my cousin for your treachery and deceit! I am not King Richard II and you Lancastrians always plot treason against kings!" He took a deep breath. "I am ready to listen though. I will be merciful. Tell me, did Lady Dorset convince you to marry her daughter? Did she bribe you with a large dowry and the marquessate of Dorset?"
"No, Your Majesty! I love Lady Jane and wish to marry her!"
Arthur looked at him, shaking his head – sadly? – and murmured, "You cannot marry her. I do not give you my blessing or permission. You are still betrothed to my sister and you will marry her when she is of age. You will soon understand that it's for the best."
"Best for whom, Your Majesty? You or England?"
"England of course!"
"Forgive me, Your Majesty, but in what way does my betrothal to Princess Eleanor help England? It is indeed an honour to marry a princess and only nobles of great loyalty have that honour, but I do not know what service I have done for you would deserve such a reward." Hal hoped his words would please Arthur enough for permission of marriage to Jane and possibly clemency.
Arthur thought for a moment. "Your kindness to Eleanor," he said after a short interlude of silence. "It is not easy, but you showed her love. It must be rewarded."
"You must think about England," said Hal calmly. "If I marry Eleanor, you lose a valuable piece in your political chess game."
"I am not a cold-hearted king!" snapped Arthur. "I cannot just ship my sisters off to different kingdoms for the sake of alliances!"
"Other kings do."
"My God! It is already irritating having my mother badgering me about it, and now you!" He glared at Hal grumpily. "Why can't you accept your betrothal with Eleanor without a fuss? If you must, think about it as an alliance between my side of the family and your side."
"Please, Your Majesty. As my cousin and friend, can you not at least consider my betrothal with Lady Jane Grey? I am willing to pay any penalty for it. Please."
Arthur sighed. He poured himself a cup of wine and sipped it thoughtfully.
"Very well," he said finally. "I will consider it."
"Thank you," said Hal, relieved. "I do-"
"You will leave for Scotland immediately," Arthur interrupted. "From now, you are England's official ambassador in Scotland. I will relieve our cousin, the Duke of Suffolk, of his duties in Scotland at once and call him back to England. For his services to the crown, his eldest daughter Mary will have a lavish wedding suited for a princess to her betrothed, Lord William Paulet."
"I see. How long will I remain in Scotland for?"
"Oh...not for long." He smiled slyly a Hal. "Perhaps...until the Queen of Scots is finally of age to marry me and give us heirs for England and Scotland."
Hal's mouth dropped open with indignation. "Arthur! The Queen of Scots is only ten years old! It will be another six years before she can marry you and have children!"
"Well...after three years in Scotland, you can come back home to England and marry Eleanor before moving to Scotland for the remaining three years."
"You said-"
"That I would consider your betrothal with Lady Jane Grey? I will indeed, but until I directly send you an answer, you will remain as my ambassador in Scotland. If you wish to return to England before the Queen of Scots reaches sixteen, marry Eleanor. Otherwise, be patient." He shot him another crafty grin. "Oh, I expect to hear that you have a flawless reputation in Scotland. We don't want Eleanor to hear you are no longer her knight in shining armour, now do we?"
"You're banishing me to Scotland for six years."
"Hmm. Now that you're putting it that way, I suppose I am. If you want to marry Lady Jane Grey in the distant future, I suggest you go and pack your bags. I hear it is chilly in Scotland." His smile widened as his eyes flashed maniacally. "Until we meet again, Lord Ormond. Enjoy your stay in Scotland."
Everyone was in a sullen mood during that night's feast. Maximilian hated England and wished to return home, his sisters – except Archduchess Margaret – were furious when the King rejected their charms, the Queen Mother was fuming with rage at the King's actions for banishing Lord Ormond to Scotland and the Lady Protector was livid with anger at both the King and her son.
"Do you know what you did?!" Anne hissed at Arthur. "Are you trying to send yourself to a very early grave at the hands of angry relatives?!"
"I did what was right," muttered Arthur. "Lord Ormond disobeyed my orders, and I am merciful enough to give him a light sentence of exile in Scotland. Besides, it's only for six years."
"You fool! Are you trying to be-"
"Don't you dare."
Anne ignored him. "Are you trying to be like King Richard II? Hal still has royal claim and you decide to send him to Scotland?! Even though Mary and I have a hopefully everlasting alliance, there will always be those who will support Mary and her descendants over you. It is disappointing Hal loves Lady Jane Grey, but you cannot just exile him to Scotland! That doesn't solve anything at all! I'd prefer Hal safely married to Eleanor, but if he insists on his devotion to Lady Jane, allow them to wed and then exile them. Hal can be sent to Scotland for six years and Lady Jane can go to Poland with Cecily or to serve Elizabeth. Once six years are over, command them to hand over their first child – no matter if it is a girl or boy – and return (if a girl) her when they have a son."
Arthur looked at her, impressed. "And what will that solve?"
"If you do allow them to wed, forbid them to consummate their marriage. Lady Dorset has proven incapable of siring sons, but the Lady Protector can. Once you have a son and daughter and they have a son and daughter, betroth them to each other. In my opinion, the Lady Protector's children will cause us more trouble than your brother's future offspring."
"If you knew that any earlier, why did you allow Katherine to marry the Archduke?!"
"She was the only princess available at that time. If Elizabeth did not repudiate him, she could've been the future Holy Roman Empress. Never mind that, you must retain your friendship with Hal! Mary is a peace maker, but who knows what Hal will do?!"
"Whose side are you on, mother?"
"I do not like the Greys or that they have royal blood maternally, but there's nothing we can do to prevent Lady Jane and Hal from loving each other. You created a breach in the family, and you must fix it as quickly as you can. The Lady Protector is just as furious as me. Look at her. She's been stabbing that piece of meat with her knife for five minutes. She wanted Hal to marry Eleanor as much as we do, but she knows she can't do anything. Your uncle, the Duke of Richmond, is fine with his heir marrying Lady Jane, but he will never admit it openly. Especially in front of us or his wife."
"What do you want me to do?"
"You're the king! Announce Hal's betrothal to Lady Jane Grey! Thank God Eleanor isn't here! I fear she will be more difficult to deal with than Cecily."
"How was Cecily?" Brotherly concern returned in Arthur's tone. "Did your conversation go well? Does she accept her betrothal to Sigismund?"
Anne scoffed. "She will go through with it anyway whether she likes it or not. She is here. Why don't you ask her for yourself?"
Arthur nodded and walked over to Cecily, to the surprise of others present.
"How are you feeling?" he whispered.
"Much better," muttered Cecily, who wasn't hungry. "If you must know, my conversation with our mother went well to a certain extent. I agreed to accept my betrothal to the King of Poland without any more complaints on the condition that Elizabeth does not accompany me to Poland and I do not have to ever see her again unless absolutely required. The only reason I look forward in marrying His Majesty of Poland is to gain higher precedence than Elizabeth, who is only a mere countess by marriage. Her children will only be half-royal while mine will be royal on both sides. She has always been the rising star in your Court and I will finally be the first lady in the Polish Court."
"Do you really hate Elizabeth this much?"
"It will be cruel of me to say yes, but it is a lie if I say no. When you marry the Queen of Scots, please invite me to your wedding. I wish to see Elizabeth scowl as I take my place in front of her as the wife of a reigning king." She smirked.
"I will miss you." He smiled genuinely at her. "I wish we spent more time together, but time wasn't on our side. I hope the Polish treat you well. You are the first English princess to marry a Polish king and you will be a rare sight to the Polish."
"I'll miss you too. I hope Elizabeth doesn't control you."
"I assure you she won't."
"My lord," spoke Archduchess Eleanora. "I heard you are a fine musician. Will you not sing us a song of your own composition?"
Arthur forced himself to smile at her as he replied, "I'm glad you think of me highly as a musician, but tonight is not the night for me to perform or sing."
"Oh?" Eleanora leant forward and smiled enticingly. "Why is that?"
"If you must know, my dear Archduchess, I have news to tell."
"Really, my lord king?"
"Indeed, my dear Archduchess." Arthur straightened up and gazed at his mother before switching to stare at the Lady Protector, Maximilian and his sisters, Elizabeth and finally at Hal.
"I bring exciting news to everyone," he announced. "Earlier today, my dear cousin, Lord Ormond, confessed to me his desire to wed Lady Jane Grey, eldest daughter of Henry Grey, 3rd Marquess of Dorset and Lady Frances, Marchioness of Dorset. Some of you may be aware that he was betrothed for over a year now, to my sister, Princess Eleanor Tudor, and it would be most unseemly for him to reject the hand of a princess for that of a noblewoman. It can also be considered treasonous for Lord Ormond to repudiate a princess – and my own sister! – for a noblewoman with royal claim. However, I have vowed to be a merciful king, and as Lord Ormond is my cousin, I will show him clemency for renouncing his betrothal to Princess Eleanor." He smiled at the scowling Hal. "I have decided to forgive Lord Ormond for his hasty and rather love sick actions and will give them permission to be betrothed and married next month once the dowry and paperwork are arranged."
Hal stared at him, surprised at the sudden news.
"What about Princess Eleanor?" inquired Mary worriedly. "She will be devastated!"
"Do not concern yourself with my sister, lady aunt," Arthur assured her with a flashing smile. "I will arrange a fine match for her. I love her and I must admit, I may have spoilt her, but she must be aware she is a princess of England and one of my pieces for peace making with other kingdoms. If luck is on her side, she will spend her married life in France. Scotland is close, but France has sunnier, more warmer regions that Eleanor will feel more comfortable in."
"I can marry Lady Jane Grey?" said Hal suspiciously.
"Of course!" exclaimed Arthur. "Tomorrow morning, I will announce the news to the Court and speak to Lord and Lady Dorset about their daughter's dowry! You cannot be officially betrothed to Lady Jane Grey without an agreed dowry! I will speak to the Marquess and Marchioness and negotiate the dowry on your behalf! A toast!" He raised his glass. "To Lord Ormond and Lady Jane Grey!"
"To Lord Ormond and Lady Jane Grey!" chorused the others, all with different facial expressions that ranged between surprise, happiness and confusion.
"Thank you, my king," muttered Hal. "I appreciate it."
Arthur's smile widened as a spark of his old rebelliousness reappeared. "Oh, that is not all," he said in a sickly sweet tone. "As you already know, I have decided to give you the great honour of being my ambassador in Scotland. Lord Suffolk will be relieved of his duties a month after your wedding, and you will take his place in Scotland. Lady Jane will serve Cecily as a confidante and lady-in-waiting in Poland until Cecily feels more at home. I suppose five years should suffice, do you not agree?"
Dear God, thought Mary as she watched her son's eyebrows shoot up in rage. Please tell me Arthur is not serious. What happened to the sweet King of England? Did Guillame remind him of his life before he lost his memories? I pray he sees sense very soon.
Hopefully Arthur won't be so nasty in the future! Hal and Jane Grey's wedding will be in the next chapter! ;) Out of interest, if I ever write a one shot/multi chapter story from this version of the Tudor era, which princess would you like me to base it on? Elizabeth, Cecily, Eleanor or one of Mary's daughters? :)