Chapter XIII
April, 1552
The English people gasped and murmured as the King of Poland and his courtiers arrived at the gates of London, bedecked in finery and jewels.
In the newest Polish fashion, King Sigismund wore a furred brown cloak over his black clothes (lined in fine gold) and under white ruffles, and covering his brown hair was a matching black hat (also gilded with gold a little above the rim) decorated with a large white feather.
Everyone was excited to witness the wedding of the Polish king with their Princess Cecily Tudor and many common folk from the countryside had travelled for days to London to watch the wedding celebrations and festivities.
Inside the royal apartments of the Tower of London, Cecily shook with nervousness as Jane combed her hair, carefully adorning it with a silver diadem.
"Are you certain you do not want your mother here, Princess?" inquired Jane.
"I am certain," said Cecily softly. "I will feel much worse if my mother and Elizabeth are here. They will do nothing but berate me into knowing my duties and compare me to Elizabeth. Just because Elizabeth has three children doesn't mean I may have three children. In a way, I am glad I am going to Poland. You will come with me?"
"Yes, my lady. I will be at your side as your loyal lady-in-waiting."
Cecily smiled thinly. "My friend, Lady Ormond. It is kind of my brother to ask you to be part of my entourage to Poland, but for how long? You are a married woman, Lady Ormond. If you stay with me in Poland for the rest of my life, you will never have children. Perhaps if you were unmarried, you could've married a Polish nobleman and stayed with me in the Polish court."
"I will still be with you in the Polish court."
"For how long? What if Lord Ormond calls you back home?"
"He will not do that, my lady. He is in Scotland. The King assured me that I will stay in Poland with you until you settle in Poland and have your first child."
Cecily sighed. "Then I will be alone in Poland."
"By then, you will be close to your Polish ladies and hopefully in love with your husband, my lady. Are you ready to meet your future husband?"
Gloomily, Cecily nodded. The wedding was to be held in two days, but celebrations were to be revered for a week, beginning that very day. Dressed in a high-arched bodice with fur-lined trumpet sleeves over a patterned light red forepart and matching paned undersleeves, she was a beautiful sight. Jane smiled and offered her a necklace, but Cecily shook her head.
"You are the star of the festivities, my lady," said Jane uncertainly.
"It does not mean I must wear more jewellery than necessary," Cecily pointed out. "Besides, courtiers can see how much more pure I am compared to Elizabeth."
"In what way, my lady?"
"I will never love Elizabeth for as long as I live. As the wife of an Earl, she wears so much jewellery that from afar, she looks like a mountain bedecked in jewels. I also heard from a couple of maids that there are whispers Elizabeth is taking after her maternal aunt."
Jane gasped. The witty Princess Elizabeth bearing similarities to Mary Boleyn?!
"My lady, you must be mistaken!" said Jane, horrified. "Your dear sister does not bear any...wonton signs in any similarity to Lady Buckingham."
"Do not ask me to sing her praises," said Cecily, with a careless shrug as she descended the stairs to the great hall. "All I will do is whisper her weaknesses."
"Oh, my lady! You must make peace with her!"
"Not until she apologises for all the cruel words she spoke of me in childhood and accept that upon my marriage, I am of higher status than her. She may have married for love, but at what cost? The loss of her royal status and that of her children."
"My lady, the Countess of Leicester remains a princess."
"At the request of our mother! My brother was right in wanting her to remain plain Lady Dudley! If he was of age, he would've done so at once! I support his decisions involving Elizabeth! Then again, I am pleased she chose to marry a nobleman rather than Archduke Maximilian. If she chose to marry him, I would've had to give precedence to her again."
"My lady, this cannot go on!"
Cecily looked at her one last time before they reached the doors. "It can," she insisted with a streak of determination almost identical to Elizabeth and the Queen Mother's. "And it will. I know you are a good person, Lady Ormond, but you must choose a side; mine or Elizabeth's."
"Of course I am on your side, my lady-"
"They are just plain words, Jane. When the time comes, I will need to know whether you are on my side or Elizabeth's. Not now, but someday in the future."
Jane nodded obediently and curtsied – her eyes at the ground – as the rest of the royal family arrived in preparation to greet the Polish royal party. Cecily speaks like a queen, she thought. Even though she is still a girl of fifteen, she speaks with authority and bluntness. She will make an excellent regent if her future husband ever goes away to war. Of course there is her pointless war with Elizabeth, but I'm sure that is nothing but childish rivalry and it will end when she becomes a mother.
She rose from her curtsey like all the other courtiers present and watched as the King of Poland kiss Cecily's hand chivalrously.
" To zaszczyt spotkać się na ostatnim, Wasza Królewska Mość," said Cecily politely. "Słyszałem wiele dobrych słów o Tobie."
King Sigismund nodded approvingly. "Very good, Księżniczka Cecylia. Your speech is beautiful like yourself." He smiled and pulled out a necklace of gold chains studded with rubies. "A gift from my mother," he explained, placing it around Cecily's neck. "She sends her apologies for not coming to England to give this to you herself. My mother is not as robust as she once was."
"I will thank your lady mother when I see her in Poland."
"Excellent, my princess. She is eager to meet you too."
Cecily nodded, slightly disappointed her future mother-in-law was still alive and the de facto first lady of the Polish court. She was now more than certain the formidable Queen Mother of Poland would see her only as the royal child bearer.
"What do you think of England?" she said weakly.
"A lovely kingdom," answered Sigismund. "Quite different from Poland, but equally cold! I believe you will find Poland a wonderful place to call home in a few years. Now His Majesty, your brother-" He nodded at Arthur. "-has mentioned you are to take English people with you to Poland?"
"Yes. His Majesty is very thoughtful and concerned about me. He wishes for me to settle in Poland with as many friendly faces as possible."
"I see. How many Englishmen do you plan to bring to Poland?"
"Do you not permit me to bring an entourage, my lord?"
"Oh no! Bring a suitable number of ladies if you must, but the Polish nobles will insist they return very shortly after your coronation."
"We agreed they will stay until Cecily gives birth to her first child," Arthur reminded him.
"Indeed we did," agreed Sigismund, nodding slowly at Arthur again before returning his attention back to Cecily. "It was a clause in the marriage agreement. An odd one, I must admit, but as an honourable man, I will keep by my word. However, I must ask you to reduce the number of ladies by half. Your Majesty, you know as well as I do how expensive it is to retain a court."
"Of course. Cecily, have you chosen your women?"
Cecily nodded. "Yes. I have selected eight loyal women."
"Excellent," said Sigismund pleasantly. "Eight is quite enough. Do they all know how to speak Polish quite well, Księżniczka Cecylia?"
"Unfortunately not, my lord," admitted Cecily.
"There will be a new court decree," Arthur added. "To symbolise our alliance, the younger generations of nobles will learn Polish."
"In Poland, the young nobles will be taught English," Sigismund replied. "I hope this alliance lasts for generations, good King Arthur! For the good of the alliance, I am willing to relinquish a few of my men here in England to aid them in learning Polish. Perhaps Księżniczka Cecylia's ladies can help my courtiers speak fluent English? If Księżniczka Cecylia is willing to help the Polish noblewomen speak English for the good of the alliance, I am willing to allow her to bring twenty ladies and noblemen of the highest noble ranks to Poland with us."
"That is very considerate of you, my lord of Poland."
"Not at all! My predecessors enjoyed the art of war, while I prefer increasing Polish culture in my court, which includes the fluency of foreign languages."
"Very...wise, my lord of Poland. I too, loathe war. It is peace I desire. I believe one day there will be universal peace in all of Christendom, and together, all united, we will turn out attention to the New World and civilise their people in our ways."
Sigismund nodded enthusiastically. "Tak! Tak! I plan to sign a treaty with my neighbouring kingdoms and duchies before launching an attack on the troublesome Turks!"
"Ah! I heard they often seek war with the Hungarians!"
"Indeed! The Hungarians are my allies."
"My lords," interrupted Anne. "I understand your interest in politics, but perhaps you would care for refreshments? My lord of Poland, why not talk to Cecily more about Poland and your family? I believe you have many sisters."
"Very well," said Arthur, looking at her curiously before smiling at Sigismund. "My lord of Poland, I hope you enjoy today's feasts, as they are both in your honour. Come with me, my lord of Poland. I'm sure you and your courtiers are starving."
Isabella – now a lady of eighteen – sat beside Lady Sudeley in the feast, happier than usual. Earlier in the day, Mary had asked her again if she wished to remain married to Artie Pole, and like the loyal wife the Countess of Salisbury had trained her to be, and she stubbornly said she would remain Artie's lawfully wedded wife till death.
With no other choice, Mary half-heartedly announced the news to the court before the arrival of Sigismund and his Polish retinue.
"I have decided to make peace with the Poles," she had declared to the astonishment of those who were unaware of Isabella's secret marriage to Artie. "Even though they have spoke treasonous words and were suspected of poisoning the Queen Mother, I have neglected to see their hard work and service to the crown. In recognition for their services – and despite their minor treasonous acts – they will be compensated through extensive grants of lands and restored their titles. Furthermore, my half-sister Princess Isabella, 1st Countess of Lancaster, is of marriageable age, and she will marry the late Countess of Salisbury's grandson, Sir Arthur Pole, who will be given the title '1st Earl Montacute' before his marriage to my dear half-sister."
Now here she was, 'officially betrothed' to Artie.
"Are you pleased with your future husband?" Lady Sudeley inquired.
"Yes," replied Isabella carefully. "He seems satisfactory, and I am...grateful my sister chose me a man I already knew rather than a complete stranger. Sir Arthur Pole has been my parents' ward since his grandmother was incarcerated for treason."
"That is fortunate! The Lady Protector must love you."
The Lady Protector only tolerates me as we share the same mother, Isabella thought, but replied, "Yes, my Lady Sudeley. The Lady Protector loves me and is kind enough to betroth me to a man I knew my entire life. She is even considerate enough to give him an earldom."
"That is indeed thoughtful of her. What do you think of His Majesty of Poland?"
"A more honourable king than others I believe."
"He does seem genuine to be England's ally. I heard the common folk are praising the King of Poland as our King's friend and are pleased at the alliance. Poor Princess Cecily. She will have to leave for Poland at the end of the week with her new husband."
"She must be honoured His Majesty of Poland came here himself to marry her."
"You should be sitting at the high table, my lady princess," remarked a noblewoman sitting at Isabella's other side. "I cannot help but overhear your conversation with Lady Sudeley. If the Lady Protector truly loves you as you say, why does she place you here with us instead of at her side? You are still the daughter of a Spanish Infanta."
"That is Isabel, Lady Radcliffe, my lady," said Lady Sudeley, nodding at the other woman. "She is the eldest daughter of Edward Stanley, 3rd Earl of Derby and Lady Dorothy Howard and wife of Lord Henry Radcliffe. She serves the Princess Elizabeth, I believe."
"I do," Lady Radcliffe confirmed, smiling at Isabella.
"Are you one of those the Princess treated badly during her youth?" said Isabella dryly. It was well known at court that Elizabeth had quite a temper when she was a child, and when matched with her wit and pride, she often vented her anger out on her lady companions (at one stage, Jane Grey had been her favourite victim).
Lady Radcliffe laughed. "I cannot speak ill of my mistress, lady princess, but between you and me-" She leant closer and whispered, "-She is a minx, my lady! Unlike other ladies, I remained in her service even after her marriage. Instead of tantrums, it is whispers, my lady. Oh yes, murmurs and soft conversations between herself and her lord husband."
"Lord Leicester?"
"Indeed! What do they speak about?"
"Oh, my lady! I cannot say!" Her eyes spoke otherwise through their sparkles of intrigue. "I should not have listened, but I could not help it!"
Isabella smiled indulgently. "Tired of sewing?"
"The Princess Elizabeth does not like sewing. Can you keep another secret, my lady princess?"
"Of course! Lady Sudeley?"
Eager to be involved in the secrecy of the two younger women, Lady Sudeley nodded in agreement with a conspiring smile.
"The Princess Elizabeth is not an honest lady!" said Lady Radcliffe softly, yet excitedly. "Do you remember when she presented the Archduchess Katherine with a beautifully sewed gown? She claimed she sewed it herself, but that is not true! I was one of those women unfortunate enough to sew it all day before the Archduchess's arrival!"
"No!" said Isabella, shaking her head with a smile. "I cannot believe it!"
"Did you not ever wonder when the Princess Elizabeth sewed so well, my lady?"
"I never thought of it, Lady Radcliffe. You seem to know quite a lot of information that circulate around the Princess Elizabeth's household, my Lady Radcliffe."
"I know everything, my lady princess."
Isabella nodded appreciatively. "I need a woman like you in my household. The Lady Protector had given me ladies that are all loyal to her and of utmost virtue, and are all the most devout Catholics. It seems she wish to turn my household into a nunnery! It is my greatest desire for you to serve as my lady-in-waiting if it can be allowed."
"It will be my honour to serve a daughter of the sainted Queen Catherine of Aragon."
Isabella smiled. "I will ask the Lady Protector tomorrow after Mass."
"The dancing has began," remarked Lady Radcliffe, standing up. She bobbed a curtsey to Isabella. "You must excuse me, my princess. My husband wishes for us to dance!"
Lady Sudeley waited until Lady Radcliffe was out of earshot before saying quietly to Isabella, "What are your opinions on the New Faith?"
Isabella glanced around before replying equally softly, "It was quite interesting."
"Come now, princess," pressed Lady Sudeley. "You must admit it is more...lenient than Catholicism. I can see you are still curious about Protestantism. Speak to the Archbishop of Canterbury. He is very knowledgeable about the New Faith."
"That is helpful, Lady Sudeley. However, I do not think it is a good idea for me to openly visit the Archbishop of Canterbury. The Lady Protector has her spies everywhere."
"What if I invite him-"
"There will be rumours about him and you circulating around court in a matter of minutes. It will not benefit you or your children either. I know you are enthusiastic for me to embrace Protestantism, but please have patience, Lady Sudeley. If I am caught engaged in any activities relating to Protestantism, I fear you will be in hot water with the Lady Protector and I will be whisked into Lancaster Abbey and forced to take the veil as a Catholic nun. Unfortunately, Sir Arthur Pole is as staunch a Catholic as the Lady Protector and his late grandmother. If he catches me talking to the Archbishop, he will report it to the Lady Protector like her loyal dog."
"In a way, the Lady Protector did not betroth you to Sir Arthur out of love."
Isabella shrugged. "I do not care anymore. She openly declares her sisterly love for me, but deep inside, we both know she does not care for me."
"Oh, my princess-!"
Isabella sighed. "Lady Sudeley, you are the fortunate one. You have a husband who loves you and beautiful children who can secure you success. You are a Protestant and you raise them in the faith you believe in. Me? If I have children, they will always be Catholics and viewed warily at court. Your children bear the last name 'Seymour' while mine will be cursed with the name 'Pole'."
Before Lady Sudeley could reply, Artie appeared beside Isabella.
"My lady Sudeley," he said, politely bowing to Lady Sudeley before turning to Isabella. "Your Highness, as your betrothed, I thought it would be an excellent idea to dance. The Lady Protector informed me you are a talented dancer."
I hate dancing, thought Isabella distastefully, but said sweetly, "As you wish, Sir Arthur. Lady Sudeley, you must excuse me..." She rose and followed Artie to the dance floor.
The week of festivities came to an end when the royal family (and the Polish entourage) travelled to Dover Castle to celebrate the last day of Cecily's wedding merriments.
A few hours before Cecily's formal departure to Poland with her husband and new Polish courtiers, Anne slipped into Cecily's chambers alone.
"Lady mother," said Cecily, curtseying a little after she noticed her.
"You do not need to curtsey to me anymore," said Anne, relieved Cecily did not ignore her like she did a number of times before. "You are the Queen Consort of Poland and of equal status to me. You are not required to curtsey to anyone anymore."
"Either way, you are still my lady mother. Where is Lady Leicester? Whenever you visit me, she is always there at your side."
"You do know that I love you, don't you?"
"If you love me, what do you have for Elizabeth? Affection?"
Anne sighed but restrained herself from snapping as she would've done in the past. "This is not about Elizabeth," she said gently. "I know you two have never seen matters from eye to eye, but today, I am not here to talk about Elizabeth. I am here to speak to you as a mother. Take care in Poland, dear one. Do not offend the nobles or you will be alone socially and politically. For your own good, do not shower too many favours on one family. I know how well that will turn out!"
Cecily nodded. "Thank you."
"I know you wish to stay in England, but it is for England's benefit-"
"I know. I am glad to marry King Sigismund for the good of peace between our kingdoms. I suppose I need a fresh start in a new kingdom without Elizabeth. I'm sorry, Mother, but I do not believe I can live peacefully with Elizabeth."
"You are an intelligent girl, Cecily."
"Thank you. I hope it will come to good use in Poland."
"I'm sure it will. Before you go, I wish to give you this." She took off her own bracelet and clasped it on Cecily's wrist. "My mother gave it to me before my journey to France," she explained, smiling as she remembered the memory fondly. Cecily looked at it. Even though it was obviously well-worn, it was well taken care of and the blood red rubies glistened from their golden-rimmed casings and silver chain that joined them together. Alternating with the beautiful rubies were small falcons.
"Even though you are the Queen of Poland and a princess of England, you will always be a Boleyn in spirit as well as through me," Anne whispered. "Out of all my children, I believe you to be the most Tudor and the most Boleyn. You have my black hair and your father's blue eyes. While you have a temper infamous amongst the Tudors, you also have the wits of a Boleyn. I know you will be popular in the Polish court and will be a good regent if Sigismund is ever away."
"Thank you...mother."
Anne smiled fondly at her. "I hope you will not bear a grudge against me for your childhood. Write to me, won't you? I am fascinated by the Polish court. Oh, and take good care of Lady Ormond. If she dies in Poland...that will not be good diplomatically or socially."
"Of course. Lady Ormond will be at my side and I will not let any harm befall her. I wish you good health and a prosperous future." She curtsied at Anne for the final time.
"I will always love you," Anne said quietly, wiping away a tear. "I may not have shown it in the past, but I always loved you, dear child. May fortune bless you."
Cecily embraced her before leaving the room.
She immediately noticed Elizabeth lingering nearby with an envious expression. "Is that our mother's bracelet?" Elizabeth demanded, her eyes falling on the bracelet like a hawk.
Cecily looked at her coldly. "I beg your pardon, Lady Leicester?"
Gritting her teeth in anger and humiliation, Elizabeth sunk to a respectful curtsey in front of her younger sister. "Your Majesty," she muttered, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. "Please forgive my earlier words of insolence. I did not mean to disrespect you. May I ask-"
"I apologise, but I am rather in a hurry," said Cecily, enjoying her new exalted position thoroughly. "Your question must wait, Lady Leicester. Perhaps I will hear it again before I leave for Poland?" She nodded at Elizabeth before walking away, leaving Elizabeth still frozen in a curtsey.
Sorry I didn't upload it earlier, but there was an internet problem...I know lately Elizabeth had been portrayed as a villain, but she will have her protagonist moments later on. I hope you enjoy the chapter :)