Gardening doesn't begin in the springtime. Nor do the plants start blooming then, either. Gardens grow and blossom all year long. Even in the harshest of times, flowers can thrive in the absence of light. The beauty lies in their resiliency and tenacity because it takes a resilient thing to claw its way out of the darkness. Buried under the blanket of winter lies a miracle waiting to unfurl.
In the sparse, desolate, frigid season, a gardener's delight begins by preparing the soil to nourish the plants the following year. Though that's a dull thing, it means so much. Preparing the dirt is essential compared to the commotion of the other seasons. Without it, nothing would bloom or grow. That requires the hush of winter.
Just because the garden and the ground look quiet or dead doesn't mean it is so. Things are always happening in the stillness. Being still doesn't mean a lack of movement. It only means moving in peace like the slug, and the worm does under the ground by tunneling, draining, and creating space for roots to develop. Their work exists in the quiet, with no merit given they survive.
The success of gardening comes from the inside out. As in life, it starts by working the soil because any change on the outside begins from within. Some of life's best moments are not loud or fussy. Quietude has its own virtue because even then, life is happening.
That is how it went for the Duke and Duchess of Somerset. Small, soft gestures like breaking their fast together each morning, afternoon constitutionals on the grounds, and sitting and talking started to add up. Building a relationship doesn't have to be loud or flashy to be present. Quiet love can make the best connections when grounded in care and tenderness. Because love is all of the small moments, the tiny things, that fill the heart in the silence. It doesn't have to be perfect. It only needs to be true.
On one occasion in the weeks after the wedding, Edward was out inspecting various problematic issues in the province. Mary found herself sitting with Dollie and Liza. It was just the three of them having a sisterly brunch. At least, that's what Dollie calls it.
"Jane, Liza, and I always had them. Even when Liza married and moved away, she made time for us. We have the sweetest, craziest conversations about anything and nothing at all. We're all three very different, you know. Liza is the realist and seeks to keep us grounded. She's like Edward sometimes and can be the crab grass in our sunny garden. Jane is neutral but more caring and compassionate. And I am the dreamer. I'm not the least bit sorry for it," the youngest Seymour told Mary.
For an instant, it made Her Grace long for that type of relationship with her own sister. But Elizabeth is much too young at the moment. Instead, she has her two dearest friends, and the Seymour girls have welcomed her into their close circle. That's plenty. Husbands may come and go, but sister love seems to last forever, from what Mary figures.
The three gathered around the dainty circular table in the east wing conservatory of Wolf Hall. It's a lovely room steeped in romance and adventure like the rest of the house. The decor alludes to it because it looks like it's had a woman's touch, which must be one of the sisters doing, especially since their mother lives in the Dowager house.
As the ladies ate and talked, Mary discovered that Edward and his household moved to the Bradley House in late spring through early fall. She did not know that and must remember to inquire about Edward's properties and other vital things. Since she's his wife, it's her responsibility to know in the event of a catastrophe. Mary refuses to look like some ninny of a wife, especially since she's viewed negatively by many of her father's nobility already.
The trio discussed the upcoming Christmas and Epiphany season. The Duchess learned that the Seymours hosted multiple parties during the time, and now, with Edward named Duke of Somerset, there would be even more. That includes the Somerset Noel Ball, which made Mary's thinking cap turn on. There's much to prepare and organize. It will keep her incredibly preoccupied and busy.
Then after the talk had turned from home life matters and Seymour family traditions, the Seymour girls had a personal inquiry. It's the kind of inquiry a person handles with kid gloves because it could sour quickly. Liza buttered some fruity bread and casually asked, "So, how are things going with our brother? He's not being disagreeable, is he?"
When Liza bit a piece, Dollie declared, "Sometimes he gets inside his head and won't come out for days. He can be very tiresome that way. It's one of the reasons women seem to think him unfriendly and possibly arrogant. But Edward isn't; he's just reticent."
Thinking about her husband made Mary smile. "I find him quite amusing and his conversation a breath of fresh air," she admitted, not wanting to divulge too much or break Edward's confidence. Their time together has gone swimmingly, and Mary would hate to say anything that would make him guarded.
The two sisters shared a look of understanding. Honestly, they've never heard another female speak that way about their older brother. Or, well, anyone, really. They've listened to people say Edward's too frigid, taciturn, haughty, everything but amusing or fresh. Indeed, the more the girls get to know their new sister-in-law, the more they see similarities between her and their brother.
It's lovely. Opposites may attract, but similar souls make the best companions. More than anything, they want that for him! He needs someone who understands and can love him. Edward needs to be cared for, especially since he seldom does it for himself.
Dollie, who has a knack for saying what she thinks in the kindest way possible, exclaimed, "No one has ever called Edward amusing. That word never applies to him."
Liza silenced her with a stern expression. Instead, the elder sister affirmed Mary and revealed new information. "We love our brother, he's a dear heart, and we want the best for him in all things. He has a tendency to put himself last and work his life away. But these past few weeks, we've seen him put himself out there more than before, and that's only because of you. You've brought out the best in him, and he's smiling, which he never does. That alone says so much."
While Mary took Liza's words and stored them in her heart, Dollie spoke. "Yes. Edward is all of that and more. You see, extraordinary things hide in places people often wouldn't look, sometimes in mundane packages. Edward has so much to offer for the right person. But he's lonely, Mary. It's one of the reasons he's so independent. That and he's deathly afraid of rejection."
The Duchess bit her lip to keep quiet because she's the same way. Perhaps she and Edward are cut from the same cloth. Although every time Mary talks with the man, she feels a little bit more and a little bit more for him. Maybe it's not love at first sight, but something more extensive- a sense of belonging. That's so profound a realization that the Duchess filed it away to mull over later.
The two Seymour sisters seemed to read each other's thoughts. They traded words and sentences like the bishops make change in the offering plate, but the sisters are much purer in intent. And yet, it showed Mary how much they care for their brother and his happiness. It warmed her heart as Liza followed up by saying, "I know by now you've discovered that Edward is somewhat of a loner, an introvert. He wasn't always that way, but life happens. Life hurt him and severely disappointed our brother in the worst way possible. But I think, like you, he's an overcomer. And overcomers will always find a way to survive."
And then, the eldest encouraged Mary and shared something remarkable. "If you love Edward, or could love him, then love him forever. Make him smile again, Mary, and appreciate your time together because we're not promised tomorrow. He abhors small talk or any form of chitchat, but he's made time to do so with you. Take care of him but don't spoil him because our mother did that, giving him a big head for a long time."
Dollie chuckled and told the new Duchess, "Let him take care of you as well, so he can show you that he thinks you're worthy of his admiration. Edward's never had someone he could do that with. Cuddle, kiss, and love him because once you've won our brother, he's the kind of man who will do anything to keep you around and make you feel his love. He's a man who will drop everything to be with you at any time, no matter what. Edward is selflessly sacrificial for those he loves."
Mary wiped her eyes with an unused cloth napkin. There's something inspiring about families that positively have each other's backs, like these sisters. Really they don't have to work so hard to convince her because her husband is endearing in his unique way. He is as handsome as he is, kind, generous, and intelligent, all qualities the Duchess admires.
The three enjoyed their time talking. Even though Liza left for her home a few days later, Dollie and Mary took brunch several times a week. They included Mary's friends, Cecily and Mabel. The four formed an agreeable friendship and began planning the Somerset Ball, which the Duke happily passed into their capable hands.
About two weeks later, the ladies were gathered in the great room, which had been turned into party planning central. Beautiful parchments, ornate decorations, detailed drawings, and everything else found their way into the area. As the women poured over the plans and agenda, an invitation arrived. It came to the Duchess from Dollie, who was all a dither. "Look! It's embossed and oh-so-pretty. It has to be from Jane and the King," she declared as if it couldn't be from anyone else.
Mary, who had been thinking about topiaries and seasonal floral arrangements, took the message and inspected it. If it were from His Majesty, his special seal would be attached with a ribbon at the back. She flipped the letter over and noticed her father's particular emblem as a warrior mounted on horseback. However, the ribbon is much more feminine, which must be the Queen's doing.
Mary immediately delivered it to her husband without giving in to Dollie's demands to open it. Her groans could be heard down the hallway in complaint. As Her Grace carried the message, it felt heavy in her hands. She hadn't thought about her father in weeks, and the odd part is she hadn't missed the thinking of him. It's strange because so often in the past, Mary yearned for some affection, any offering, from the man she calls father.
Since she hasn't thought of him, does that mean she's finally unburdened herself of the man? Maybe time didn't heal wounds exactly, but it gives protection or a new perspective. The man's absence in her mind has extinguished some things that have inflamed her ire in the past. But then there are moments, as with the sealed letter, that makes it rush back. It's funny because people have often told her over the years, "He loves you in his own way."
And Mary loathes that statement like she despises dreaded porridge. Porridge was the food of choice when her household income was reduced, and made to fend for herself. She made a vow that when her circumstances were raised, she would never eat that stuff again. So when people say that about her father, the Duchess wonders why they're making excuses. Because why can't he love her in her way? Why is it always his? And how is it love when you're declared illegitimate?
All the thoughts Mary hadn't considered concerning her father returned at once. It cast a dark shadow on her spirit as she knocked on the wooden door of Edward's home study. His baritone voice bid her enter. He was hunched over a ledger but sat up straighter at seeing his wife. One of his occasional golden smiles graced his scruffy, mustached face.
The man greeted her, saying, "Darling wife, what brings you my way?"
She couldn't help it; her own smile shone forth, mirroring his. When seeds of love are planted, beautiful things bloom, like sweet talk and terms of endearment. Edward has taken to calling her darling wife lately, and Mary couldn't love it more. The last time a person called her something other than bastard, illegitimate, unworthy, or anything else negative was from her mother and Lady Salisbury.
Edward stood and moved to sit on the plush velvet settee beckoning his wife to join him. Mary handed the letter off and stated, "It's from the palace. My father's personal seal is on the back."
Before opening it, the Duke wondered, "How are you since breakfast? Have you done anything interesting?"
She touched her hand to his arm and shared, "Everything has been fine. I'm working on the Noel Ball plans and new stitching for your shirt. The only excitement has been the arrival of this message. As you can imagine, Dollie is beside herself with curiosity."
He wore a grin picturing his sister's delight. "It's not hard to imagine at all. She's probably dying to know. One day her curiosity will best her or drive me mad, which are unpleasant options. Anyway, let's see what this is about."
Edward broke the seal and opened the message to reveal an invitation. He read it and gave it to his wife, who likewise examined it. But the Duke studied Mary as she read, and he took notice of her tense shoulders and facial expressions. Every raise of the eyebrow or furrowing meant something, and now that he's attuned to her moods, Edward knew when she's not forthcoming.
He angled himself and rested one hand on the back of the settee. His eyes caught Mary's as she looked up from the invite. He needs to know something he hasn't dared to ask before concerning a serious matter of the heart. The Duke is no fool. Like everyone in the kingdom, he knows how his wife has been treated by her father and the scrutiny she's had to bear because of it.
And yet, for all of that, his Duchess has a beautiful soul. She hasn't let her harsh conditions taint her, which is admirable. At least for Edward, it is. Mary, to him, is like his mother's favorite winter roses. His mother loves those things and will spend hours pruning and caring for them. They are her pride and joy when they bloom during the Yule season. Those flowers are vibrant and hardy, brightening the darkest of days. Mary is the same. She's someone who thrived in conditions others would wilt under.
For all their conversations and time spent together, the pair have yet to discuss her father or his previous marriage. It's not for lack of wanting to know, but rather timing. Waiting for the right time to ask tough questions is part and parcel of getting to know someone. If you push ahead with everything at once, then you risk closing the heart off. And Edward has come to realize that with every passing day, he feels more and more confident that only Mary alone can make him happy. That's why he refuses to push her into discussing difficult things.
So with gentleness, he took the bait and questioned, "Tell me how you feel about being invited to the Royal Yule Ball."
At first, Mary brushed it off by saying, "It's a ball like the one we'll host here. Dollie will love it."
But Edward wasn't having that. He took the invitation from her hand and cast it aside. Then the Duke let his feelings take over and pulled her close. Holding his wife's hand, he responded, "I didn't ask about my sister. I asked about my wife. How do you feel, Mary? Please tell me the truth."
She stared into the distance, not wanting to say anything, particularly complicated things to speak of. And considering she's married to the Queen's brother, well...
Noticing this detachment, Edward volunteered, "Hmm... Allow me to share something I've been realizing. It may be a small bit at a time, but my past is yours now. If there's anything you want to know, I will describe it for you, but it comes at a cost. It's a small one, I think. You have to promise me I can have your past too."
She turned her head to him and faintly nodded. The Duke took that as a good sign and began to share things with her- things he's kept bottled up inside. His tale starts with him recounting his ex-wife and how she cheated on him "With my father. That wrecked me. Vows were broken, rules were broken, and people were broken. Love became unattractive. And all that ugliness consumes you; at least, it did me. It drove me to close myself off from the world, particularly to love, because you think it's not worth it. The hurt and heartache turn you indifferent, and you just give it up like a person stops drinking cold turkey. You know?"
As Mary held his hand, her thumb stroked over it. She understood completely and scooted closer to him, wanting to feel his warmth. Edward continued. "That experience made me never want to love again. It caused me to be a laughingstock all over the kingdom. So I threw myself into my duties and estate because it's easier to hide than put yourself out there only to be broken again. And my sisters, bless them, saw I was alone, especially Dollie and Jane. They made me stop wallowing in self-pity."
Mary brought his hand to her lips and placed a kiss there. She asked, "What happened because you seem strong and optimistic? What made you want to try again?"
He laughed lightly and replied, "Mary don't you know? The pain, I think, will always be there in passing. But that misery is no longer my life. They're only fleeting moments because something marvelous came along. That's you. I want you, Mary, to be who you are. I want your messiness, tears, pain, and fabric stashes all over my manor- I want everything because I simply want you."
Edward's voice softened to a delicate caress. "And if you would have me, truly have me, I want to be the one by your side."
When Mary glanced at him, it was easy to see her worries and fears were pointless. Edward would love her no matter what she told him because he was the kind of man who loved with everything he had and would love her forever. Just like that, she realized she had fallen hard and fast for him. It became all too complex. The Duchess was tired of putting up walls and feeding herself on leftover feelings.
However, the longer she sat there saying nothing, the more Edward felt like his heart would shatter again. He closed his eyes to turn off the utter distress that started to rise. But then His Grace felt her move, and without warning, his petite wife climbed into his lap and threw her arms around his neck. Her tears and sniffles made him ache because he knew then that she had been equally hurt.
Edward rubbed Mary's back and kissed the top of her head. He prayed she could feel his love, but he told her, "You deserve more than what you've been given or what you're allowing yourself to have. You're my wife, my woman. I'm responsible for you, and I have to know, has anyone ever taken care of you the way you should be taken care of?"
Her tears were his answer, but she whispered, "No."
Again he kissed her head. "Well, that's going to change. Would you laugh, cringe, or run away if I told you I loved you?"
Another soft "No" sounded from her mouth. Mary's arms tightened, and her heart raced, waiting to hear what he would say. Then it was as if time stopped because Edward told her, "It's beautiful moments like this that make up for all the challenging things in the world. These moments are like God winking at you because it's uplifting. You make everything in my life better, Mary. I feel reborn. Now, I'm not perfect, and at some point, I will upset you, but I will love you with everything in me. Because I do love you."
Mary responded by repositioning herself, kissing his lips, and holding his face. She closed her eyes and felt deep in her bones and blood that she had found her place. And that place was with Edward Seymour in Wolf Hall.