Chapter XII
February, 1552
Despite his anger towards Arthur, Hal could not feel anything but excitement as he prepared himself for his wedding ceremony about to be held in an hour.
"You make me proud today, son," said George, patting him on the shoulder. "I should've negotiated the dowry, but the King was quite insistent."
"Indeed," agreed Hal. "He seemed almost gleeful."
"Between us, I am delighted you decided to marry Lady Jane Grey for love." He smiled. "She is a sweet and kind girl and I am pleased to accept her as my daughter-in-law. Many noblemen would love having princesses as their daughters-in-law, but honestly...I feel more comfortable with noblewomen for my daughters-in-law. Believe me, with a princess for a wife, princes and princesses for sons and daughters, an archduke as my son-in-law, a sister as queen (well, now queen mother) and a nephew for a king...I am relieved my daughter-in-law is not a princess."
"You do not feel comfortable surrounded by royals?"
"It is mostly politics with your mother and aunt and all your sisters – except Katherine – are in France. I miss listening to Margaret's chatter and pretending I am an ordinary nobleman rather than the husband of the Lady Protector and father of princes and princesses."
"I hope we will give you grandchildren soon, but it may be a while. The King is eager for me to be his ambassador in Scotland and brotherly enough to send Jane as a confidante for his sister to Poland." His tone was bitter and unforgiving.
"Do not think of it, Hal. Be happy today, after all, it is your wedding day. Forgive me if I decide to give you your wedding present early." He waved his hand and two silent – and extremely loyal – servants stepped forward. With deep bows, they placed a covered item on the table in front of Hal. Curiously, Hal unwrapped it and gasped in wonder.
"I know you would've preferred something more...manly," George muttered sheepishly. "You always wanted a jewelled sword as a child and I promised you one when you are sixteen...I just thought you would've wanted this."
Hal stared at his wedding gift, touched.
In front of him were three large paintings – the artwork of the French painter, Francois Clouet, a talented artist in the King of France's court. The first, was of himself in his finest garments and falconry attire with a falcon perching on his arm. The second portrait was of Jane in the Dorset library standing beside a desk stacked with books, her long, slim fingers clutching a well-painted rose, with the last being a landscape painting of his family – including his beautiful wife-to-be.
Sitting on a cushioned chair in the middle was Mary, painted with a warm smile and in her favourite burgundy red gown with her abundant auburn hair tied into a bun and decorated with a silver tiara decorated with tiny diamonds and rubies. Standing beside her with a proud grin and in his best clothes was George, his right hand pressing a feathered cap against his chest and his left hand behind his back. On his right were four of his siblings – Annie, Georgie, Katherine and Margaret – all dressed magnificently with the girls wearing small diadems adorned with diamonds. Hal saw himself painted on his father's left in equally splendid clothes befitting a king's grandson, with Jane beside him in a lovely dark dress and a jewelled French hood. Hal thought Clouet had painted her to perfection. Next to her were the twins, Ned and Bess, both smiling, the latter having a mischievous glint in her eye.
Hal also noticed in the background behind them were two small – yet prominent – paintings of two infants. "Thomas and Jane," he said softly, recognising them as his deceased elder siblings who did not have the joy of living past childhood.
George nodded sadly, remembering them with a heavy heart. He wondered if Mary still recalled the suspicions surrounding little Thomas and Jane Boleyn's deaths days after their births.
"These are brilliant paintings," commented Hal. "Of course I will always have the childhood dream of wishing to be a soldier-" Both of them chuckled heartily for a moment. "-but I love these pieces of artwork as well! I'm certain Jane will love them too."
"That is not all," said George, pushing his depressive thoughts away as he handed Hal a folded piece of paper. "I thought – well, your mother and I both thought – that as you will have a wife, and later children, it would be inappropriate for you to remain under the same roof as your parents and siblings, and you may want a blissful honeymoon before your departure for Scotland."
Hal opened the letter.
"I, Sir George Boleyn, 1st Duke of Richmond and Wiltshire," he read aloud. "And I, Princess Mary Boleyn (née Tudor), the Lady Protector, Princess Royal of England, Duchess of Lancaster in my own right and Duchess consort of Richmond and Wiltshire, agree to give our eldest son and heir, Prince Henry of Lancaster, Marquess of Ormond, the use and possession of Hunsdon House and the annuity of twenty thousand pounds a year (with the permission of His Majesty, our sovereign King) as a gift for his marriage to the Lady Jane Grey, eldest daughter of Henry Grey, 3rd Marquess of Dorset and Lady Frances Grey (née Brandon), Marchioness consort of Dorset." He stared at George in shock.
George smiled. "I hope you and Jane will be happy in Hunsdon House before your separate journeys in Scotland and Poland. The King urged me to ensure the two of you not to consummate your marriage tonight. I believe he is still eager for you to marry his sister, and what better way than to declare your marriage to Jane Grey null and void due to non-consummation?"
"What are you implying, Father? I should disobey his orders?"
"Well...not tonight. He will demand to see um, the sheets I guess. Most likely, he will employ his own loyal servants to guard your doors."
Hal shuddered. "How horrible!"
George nodded in agreement. "However, I will persuade the King to allow the two of you to honeymoon in Hunsdon House for a few days under the watch of trustworthy servants."
"You must be eager for grandchildren."
George laughed. "The thought of having grandchildren has crossed my mind, but I heard the King wishes for you to remain an honourable man in Scotland. I don't doubt you will be faithful to Jane, but you may have certain...urges while in Scotland. You might as well satisfy your desire with Jane here in England than with a common whore in a Scottish tavern."
Hal chuckled nervously.
"Oh, I almost forgot!" said George, reaching for a velvet box and placing it in Hal's hands. "You will need it in your wedding ceremony."
Hal opened it and saw a necklace strung with pearls with the letter 'J' forged from pure gold with three hanging droplets of pearls that was almost identical to his mother's.
A Boleyn tradition.
"Thank you, Father," said Hal, clearing his throat anxiously. "Do you think I made the right decision, choosing to marry Jane instead of Eleanor?"
"Well..." said George thoughtfully. "When I was a young man, I was politically active, but now, I am ready to settle down. I was ordered to marry your mother, but I always loved her from a distance. I always thought she would one day marry and be queen, duchess or even an empress consort. I never thought I would be fortunate enough to marry her! You had the chance of marrying a princess, yet you turned her down for your true love. Your grandfather would've disinherited you, but I believe in love matches. I want you happily married rather than drinking in the company of misery and despair."
"You do?"
"Yes. Your mother may not be so pleased – neither is the Queen Mother – but I am proud of you. It isn't easy for you to break your betrothal to a princess, yet you did with a light punishment of exile. Five years will go quickly and you'll be back soon."
"I do not trust the King."
"Ssh!" George glanced around hastily. "Do not say that! Not only are you the King's cousin, but you also happen to be a prince of Lancaster! Do you want the burden of kingship?! Are you planning to be the Tudor Henry IV?! The King already has his suspicions on us."
Before Hal could reply, Guillame entered his chambers.
"Lord Hereford," said Hal shortly. "What can I do for you?"
"Lord Ormond," Guillame smirked. "Lord Richmond." He bowed as if he was in front of a fellow viscount instead of to the Queen Mother's brother and the Lady Protector's son. "I come from the King," he said, thrusting out his chest pompously. "He wishes to know how much longer he must wait before the ceremony can proceed. You must understand His Majesty is quite busy, and does not have the time to sit around all day. Lord Ormond, you should be honoured His Majesty can even attend your wedding, even if he does not approve of your bride!"
Hal clenched his fists as he resisted the urge to slap the prick of a servant in front of him.
"We apologise to keep the King waiting," said George calmly. "If he demands an answer, you may tell him it will begin in a few minutes."
"I look forward to seeing you in my wedding one day," said Guillame, turning to leave. "We are family now, aren't we?"
Hal shuddered as he left.
"Is it wrong of me to say I will never accept him as family?" he wondered.
George shook his head, detesting Guillame more than ever. "You may consider it a blessing to be in Scotland," he remarked with a smile. "The King will insist we attend Guillame's wedding, but you will be fortunate enough to be in Scotland. If you excuse me, my son, I must go to the gardens now. It was an excellent idea to have a garden wedding at a time like this. Even though it is still a little chilly, the majority of snow has melted and it will give you and Jane a lovely wedding atmosphere."
The wedding guests' chatter transformed into gasps as the bride appeared in a splendid gown of silver and white. To many observers, it was odd to see Jane – who was usually dressed in more sombre colours – in those lighter shades.
As Jane walked to Hal and Cranmer at the altar, her long train was held proudly by four female relatives: her maternal cousins Lady Isabel Brandon and Lady Margaret Clifford; Elizabeth's sister-in-law, Lady Elizabeth Seymour (née Dudley), Countess of Hertford and a Grey cousin, Lady Eleanor Grey, all delighted to participate in Jane's wedding.
Jane smiled at Hal as she stood beside him.
A few seconds later, Cranmer began speaking the vows.
"I, Henry Boleyn, Prince of Lancaster and Marquess of Ormond, take thee, Lady Jane Grey," announced Hal. "To be my lawful wedded Wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I plight thee my troth."
"I, Lady Jane Grey, take thee, Henry Boleyn, Prince of Lancaster and Marquess of Ormond," said Jane loudly. "To be my lawful wedded Husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, cherish, and to obey, till death us do part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I give thee my troth."
"With this Ring I thee wed," said Hal, placing a ring, decorated with tiny rubies and diamonds on her finger. "With my body I thee worship, and with all my worldly goods I thee endow: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen."
He took the necklace his father had given him earlier and placed it gently around Jane's neck, completing the wedding ceremony by kissing her on the lips.
The guests clapped and cheered for the happy couple.
Hal and Jane led them to the feasting table – currently empty – to receive their wedding gifts before the official wedding feast began.
George pulled Arthur aside before he could approach them.
"I have a request, Your Majesty," said George quietly.
"Oh?" said Arthur impatiently. "What is it, Uncle George?" He harboured bouts of anger at times towards Mary, but had nothing against George.
"Perhaps you can give the Marquess and Marchioness of Ormond a few days in the countryside before their journeys to Poland and Scotland?"
Arthur narrowed his eyes. "Oh? Why is that? They are more than welcome to stay in court for a couple of days before Lord Ormond leaves for Scotland."
"Why not be more lenient, Your Majesty? Hal will not see his wife for at least five years! I swear on my life that I will not allow them to consummate their union. I will send my most loyal servants and guards with them with strict instructions to prevent them from consummating their marriage. I will order my son and daughter-in-law to even sleep in separate quarters."
"If that is the case, then why implore me to allow them a honeymoon in the countryside? They can stay in my court for a week if they wish to spend time together."
"They won't have privacy though, will they, Your Majesty?"
Arthur looked at him closely. "I cannot see if you are aiding potential plotters by sending them to scheme in the countryside or playing the part of a loving father who wants his son to rest before embarking to Scotland," he decided. "I must admit, I have been rather hasty about my opinions regarding Hal's marriage to Lady Jane Grey."
"Oh?"
"Elizabeth's marriage to Robert Dudley strengthened Protestantism in England, while Katherine's marriage to Archduke Maximilian reinforced Catholicism. Jane Grey is a Protestant, is she not? The English people will see it as a good sign for the Catholic Lady Protector's son married to a Protestant English noblewoman. Poland is a kingdom religiously divided – similar to England in my father's reign – but I heard King Sigismund is a Catholic. Perhaps Cecily can smooth relations in Poland between Catholics and Protestants? In any case, I am now interested in creating an alliance with a Protestant kingdom, and as Eleanor is now unengaged-" Arthur smiled. "-she can be my pawn once again."
George nodded uneasily. "I thought you are concerned of her fragility."
"I am, but I must care for England."
"Who are you planning to choose as Eleanor's husband?"
"The Crown Prince of Sweden. He is a devout Protestant and quite popular with the Swedish people, so I hear. What do you think of it?"
"Allow me to travel to Sweden as your ambassador. I am not as young as I was before, but let me serve Your Majesty and England one last time."
"Oh?" Arthur was surprised. "That is an astonishing request."
"Indeed, Your Majesty. All I ask of you is to allow my son and his new bride to spend time together in the countryside before Hal leaves for Scotland. In return, I will go to Sweden and arrange for Princess Eleanor to marry the Crown Prince."
Arthur nodded thoughtfully. "That seems fair. If you fail, I will dissolve Hal's marriage with Lady Jane and send her away."
George nodded in agreement. "Very well."
Arthur smiled at him and turned to the other guests. "My lords and ladies," he announced. "I wish to bestow my gift to the Marquess and Marchioness of Ormond. Originally, my gift was letters patents stating that if they happen to only have a daughter, she will be able to inherit the marquessate of Ormond. However, I realised it was not a worthy gift a king should give to his dearest cousins. I have no decided to give Lord and Lady Ormond permission to honeymoon in the countryside for a week before Lord Ormond must depart for Scotland."
The guests clapped as Hal and Jane stared at him in wonder.
Arthur beamed and the present giving ceremony continued uneventfully apart from the occasional gasps of disbelief at extremely beautiful gifts such as two fine white steeds from Mary's half-sister Isabella, or a large chest of gold and jewels, a gift courtesy of Lord Arundell.
Everyone's stomachs grumbled as the last guest – Jane's father – walked up to the newlyweds, two servants carrying a heavy chest behind him.
"My Lord and Lady Ormond," Dorset said politely. "My gift to you are these estates, which include ancestral manors of the Grey family." He bowed and handed Hal a folded letter. "As arranged, Jane is my heiress to the baronies of Groby, Bonville and Harington," he continued. "I hope the two of you will be happy in your marriage. Lord Ormond, may I have a moment alone with my daughter?"
Hal nodded and left to speak to George while Jane sat patiently.
"I truly hope you will be happy," Dorset said uncomfortably. He had not consumed wine for a few days and suddenly found his mind a little clearer.
"Thank you, lord father," said Jane quietly. "I'm certain I will be."
"I know your mother thinks you have finally done something good and beneficial for the family by
marrying Lord Ormond, but I think otherwise. You pleased me by marrying the man you love."
"How, lord father?"
"I chose to marry your mother for her wealth and royal connections like all the marquesses of Dorset before me. Her connections and ample dowry was not worth the torment I face every day. When she betrothed you to young Westmorland or the Paulet lord, I accepted it, but when she decided to marry you to the Dudley boy, I hoped you would find one you love."
Jane frowned a little, uncertain at the words her father uttered. "Forgive me, lord father, but your words sound..."
"Unlike my own? I quite understand. Either way, I congratulate you on your marriage to Lord Ormond and I bless you again. Anyway, my gift to you is something your mother may not approve of." With a fatherly twinkle in his eye, he waved his hand and the servants approached, placing the heavy chest on the table in front of her.
Curiously, Jane opened it and breathed sharply in wonder.
Folded neatly in the middle were layers of silks and brocades, ranging from a dark, velvet black material to shimmery silver silks. On either side of it were dozens of small wooden boxes. Jane opened one and was shocked to see a pair of emerald studded earrings. In another box laid a bracelet adorned alternatively with rubies and diamonds. Dorset smiled as he watched Jane's expression sparkle as she opened each box to see rings, bracelets, earrings and hairpins.
"These are beautiful," Jane said finally. "Thank you, Father."
Dorset nodded and patted her hand. "I want you to have a grand trousseau fitting for a princess when you leave for the countryside as a princess of Lancaster and marchioness of Ormond. Do me a favour, please: if you have a daughter do not name her after your mother. I do not think I'll be able to stand seeing my granddaughter named Lady Frances Boleyn!"
Before Hal and Jane left for Hunsdon House, Arthur summoned Hal to his chambers (the grandest guest apartments in Beaulieu Palace Mary and George could offer him).
"You asked for me, Your Majesty?" said Hal courteously.
"Indeed," said Arthur, who was in a far more lenient mood than he was at the time of Hal's betrothal to Jane. "You have avoided me at your wedding feast and celebrations."
"As did you, Your Majesty."
"I admit I was kept occupied by many of your guests. In any case, I had a chat with your father, and I confess I have been quite unkind to you since you told me your betrothal to Jane. Forgive me for that, dear cousin." Arthur smiled. "Let us forget our quarrels and be friends again. What do you say, Hal? Will you call me 'Arthur' again?"
Hal looked at him cautiously. "What you say could be lies."
"Are you still angry at me for giving you the honoured position as ambassador? We shall remedy that, shan't we? I will extend Cousin Suffolk's stay in Scotland for...let us say another year, while you and your dear wife can remain here in my court!"
"I see. Will she still leave for Poland?"
"Yes. Unfortunately that cannot change. You will have a place in the Privy Council in two years and until then, you will have a place in my household as my dearest cousin and advisor, while your lady wife will be placed in Cecily's household. Her status as your wife should've reinstated her into my mother's service, but I thought it would benefit both Jane and Cecily if they know each other more before their departure to Poland. What do you think?"
"A wise idea...Arthur."
"Excellent!" Arthur was pleased. "Can you keep a secret? In two months, it is your father's birthday. I wish to make him a prince of England. What do you think?"
"He will not want it."
"Oh?" He gave Hal a surprised look. "Why is that? I thought he would be delighted to be a prince! After all, he is married to a princess, father of princes and princesses, grandfather of an archduke and archduchess and his sister is queen! It is rare for a commoner to be given the privileges and title of 'prince of England' and you are telling me your father will not want it?! You must have a good reason! I cannot imagine Uncle George happy as a plain duke."
Clearly you do not know him, thought Hal, but he said, "A few days ago, he confessed to me he does not have the desire to be a prince."
"Oh?"
"He is happier a duke, I can promise you that."
Arthur nodded, disappointed. "I see. I'd hoped to grant him the title 'prince' before he sets of to Sweden on his last diplomatic mission-"
"What?" said Hal, alert. "Did you say my father is travelling to Sweden?"
"Yes," answered Arthur. "Didn't you know? Uncle George volunteered to be our ambassador in Sweden for a certain time. You see, it is important for us to gain Protestant allies, and what better way than marry Eleanor to the Crown Prince of Sweden? Don't you think that is a marvellous idea? Our dear Eleanor will be a future queen!"
I know Arthur can be sadistically evil like Henry VIII at some points and then angelically sweet at others, but I did it so other characters like Hal could see him as politically dangerous. The next chapter will revolve around Cecily and Jane before they leave for Poland.
Mary's children: Katherine, Archduchess of Austria* (1534), Prince Henry 'Hal' of Lancaster, Marquess of Ormond (1536), Princess Anne 'Annie' of Lancaster (1538), Prince George 'Georgie' of Lancaster (1540), Prince Edward 'Ned' of Lancaster (1542), Princess Elizabeth 'Bess' of Lancaster (1542), Princess Margaret of Lancaster (1544)
Anne's children: Princess Elizabeth, Countess of Leicester** (1533), King Arthur I of England (1534), Prince Edmund Tudor, Duke of York (1537), Princess Cecily Tudor (1537), Princess Eleanor Tudor (1539)
* Katherine is mother to Archduke Ferdinand of Austria (1550) and Archduchess Anna of Austria (1551)
** Elizabeth is mother to Lady Anne Dudley (1550), Lord Robert Dudley (1551) and Lord John Dudley (1552)
If you have any questions regarding the royal and noble families in this story, feel free to PM me or ask in a review :)