Chapter 10
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- Your Majesty, I would like to tell you something – said Mary to Kitty, the day after she returned to Court, two months after the Howard clan gathering around the Queen. They were dining together, along with the King, who immediately arched his eyebrow. In spite of having argued with Cromwell about it (and how she regretted having done so), Mary had considered long and hard and thought he was right. She would better make peace with Katherine (at least apparently).
- Yes, Mary? – said Kitty with that purring, annoying voice of hers.
- I would like… to apologize – Mary lowered her tone, looking directly to her dish. – My behaviour towards you has not been appropriate, and I am sorry.
Katherine blinked in surprise. She is as sorry as you're pregnant with her father's child, said a small voice inside her head. Still, it would be better to befriend Mary than to despise her, although Katherine enjoyed doing the latter. It would make her rise even higher in her husband's good graces.
- No need to apologize, Mary – she faked her best smile. – I understand my marriage to the King is something quite… recent – she chose her words carefully, since Henry's gaze was directed at her. – Your father always said you just needed time to get used to it, and he was right – Katherine smiled towards Henry, who kissed her hand. – All is forgiven. I wish nothing more to be your friend from now on, and I'm sure you will be a role model to your future brother – she said, caressing her belly.
Mary had to suppress the urge to slap her for pointing out, once again, that she was pregnant and Mary was not. That she was married and her stepdaughter was not. Instead she looked into Kitty's eyes and smiled.
- Thank you, Your Majesty. Your words give me great joy and relief.
- Katherine. There's no need to be formal with me in private. We are family, are we not? – Kitty said, winking. Mary faked a smile once again.
- Indeed we are – they both looked to the King. – I am very pleased with you, Mary. I knew it was a matter of time for you to come to your senses.
- I ask your forgiveness for being so intransigent, Father.
- No need to, milady – Mary's heart ached a bit. A long time ago, he used to call her "my pearl" instead of this cold "milady". But she bowed her head and ate in silence, until her eyes lit up with an idea.
- What is it, Mary? – noticed King Henry. – Something has just crossed your mind, has it not?
- I was just wondering… if I could invite Lady Anne to the Christmas celebrations. And Lord Cromwell, as her husband, of course. She is to be in confinement after the New Year, so this would be a great opportunity to enjoy a little distraction before doing so – she blurted out.
Katherine shifted uncomfortably in her seat. The last thing she needed was someone stealing all the attention from her and from her supposed son. And another pregnant woman, to make things worse. But her husband seemed oblivious to her obvious disagreement.
- That's a wonderful idea. I'm sure she will love it. It must be boring to live in the countryside – said him, with subtle disdain. Mary didn't dare to say that Anne was happier than ever in Essex, away from the court, where she had no responsibilities other than running her household and love her husband dearly. As soon as the meal was over, she excused herself and retired to her rooms, dismissing her ladies and giving them permission to attend the Great Hall's dances and distractions. Then she wrote a note to Anne of Cleves:
My dear Anne:
I hope this letter finds you in good health and good spirits. I have asked my father's permission (which he granted) to invite you and your husband to the Christmas celebrations, just before you begin your confinement.
I think you will amuse yourself. Besides, and forgive me for being a bit selfish, I need you by my side. I can't stand the thought of celebrating Christmas with that Howard creature: she is so futile and annoying it makes me sick. At least we could keep each other company. It would make my task much more bearable with you by my side.
With all my love
Mary Tudor
She reread the letter and chided herself for sounding so childish. Whatever. Anne would understand her request. She sealed the letter with her ring and opened the doors carefully, not bothering about wandering through the halls alone. She only stopped in front of a dark wooden door in the other end of the castle.
- Come in.
She entered the office, closing the door behind her. Cromwell was there, but he wasn't alone. A young man, approximately her age, was with him.
- Lady Mary – they said in perfect unison, bowing their heads.
- I'm sorry… I didn't know you had company. I've come in a bad time, Lord Cromwell.
He shook his head and offered her a seat in front of the fireplace.
- Don't worry, milady. This is my son, Gregory. I believe you haven't meet him yet.
The young man curtseyed elegantly.
- Nice to meet you, Mr. Cromwell. The Lady Anne has told me a lot about you.
- Good things, I hope – he answered, and Mary was impressed with his voice. It was different from his father low, velvety tone. It was warm, sweet and smooth, like a gentle breeze.
- Yes, of course. What else you would expect from such a sweet stepmother?
He smiled openly, making his delicate features seem every more pleasant. He had not inherited Cromwell's black hair nor his blue eyes. His hair was light brown and his hazel eyes seemed sincere and humble.
- May I ask why you have come here, milady? – Cromwell's voice interrupted her brief trance.
- Oh, of course… I am here to invite you and the Lady Anne to the Christmas celebrations. If she is good enough to travel, that is. And you are invited too, Mr. Cromwell. Christmas is the family's celebration.
- Thank you, milady. It's such an honour – said Gregory, shyly.
- I am sure Anne will love it. Thank you, Lady Mary – Thomas smiled politely.
- Please give her this letter, would you?
- Sure – he put the parchment in his doublet.
Mary looked straight in his eye as if there was something she wanted to say. He noticed her uncertainty.
- Greg, can you give us a minute?
- Sure – the young man rose from his seat. – It is late, I must leave anyway. Good night, father – he whispered. It warmed Mary's heart to see him embracing his father. That was a side of Cromwell she had never seen. He curtseyed to her and left.
Thomas waited until the door was closed to speak.
- Milady, is there something...
- Yes – she interrupted him. – I want to apologize for our argument. I was tired and confused. I said things I regret deeply. None of this was your fault. I know you don't like her any more than I do – she blurted.
- Milady, I am the one who must apologize. I let my emotions take the best of me.
- You are human, Thomas. Deep down, it must not be easy to be in your skin.
- Not in yours, either – he countered gently.
She sighed.
- I guess it is my fate not to enjoy happiness. But I don't envy the ones who deserve it, like Anne. – They both smiled. – She speaks very highly of you, Cromwell.
- She is far too gracious – he shook his head. – I am but a mere servant compared to her.
- You make her happy, that's all that counts. And that's why I can't hate you. How could I, if you make someone who I love so much (and I quote) the happiest woman on Earth?
His hear swelled with love and gratitude.
- Thank you, milady. Please bear in mind that I never wished you ill, in spite of all the things that occurred.
- I know – she said, turning to the door. – Good night, Thomas.
- Good night, Princess Mary – he whispered. She smiled and curtseyed, closing the door behind her. She had not walked a foot when a male voice surprised her.
- Lady Mary.
- Mr. Cromwell.
- It's not safe for you to walk alone and uncovered this late at night – he said concernedly. Let me escort you to your rooms.
Mary blushed involuntarily.
- That isn't proper, Mr. Cromwell. If anyone sees us together, the Court's viper tongues would be restless.
He laughed.
- I insist. Take my coat. It will shield you from indiscreet eyes – and he seemed so well-intentioned that Mary hadn't the heart to refuse. Plus, it flattered her to see he had waited for her, only to keep her safe.
- Well, it seems I can't refuse, can I? – and she covered herself in his coat. Her senses were invaded by the sudden warmth of the fabric against her skin. His body's warmth was still glued to it, as was his smell. Cinnamon, as far as she could tell. It was subtle; yet intoxicating… it suited him.
He offered her his arm and gently guided her through the halls. Her tiny hand marvelled at the strength of his grip, the scent of cinnamon always present, leaving a trail behind them.
She didn't noticed they had arrived to her chambers' doors until he stopped.
- Here we are, milady – he whispered.
- Thank you – she whispered, giving his coat back. – Good night, Mr. Cromwell.
- Good night, milady – and he kissed her hand, leaving a funny sensation in the pit of her stomach. Mary sneaked into her chambers and into her bed as soon as possible.
The last thing she recalled as her eyelids were getting heavier and heavier was a faint aroma of cinnamon surrounding her.