Chapter 12
So here I am with a new chapter. Just one thing before we start: since the last chapter took place in December 1541, this one will advance to March 1542. I know that Katherine Howard (the historical figure) was beheaded on February 1542, but in this story she'll live… for now *insert evil laugh here*
After the New Year, as expected, Anne of Cleves began her confinement. She was nervous but at the same time bored with the perspective of spending the next four months enclosured in a room, but then her husband surprisingly proved to be one step ahead of the men of his time. Although it was not custom for the men of that times to visit his wives during their confinement, or receive any visits other than doctors or midwives, Thomas Cromwell insisted in visit her everyday. One of those days, when Anne was already on her eight month of pregnancy (and third of confinement) he went even further to please her.
- Anne, I have a special visitor to present you – he said, smiling at the doorway and moving aside.
- Mary! – Anne couldn't hide her feelings, forgetting for once the protocol and simply opening her arms to the young lady who hugged her as tightly as possible without hurting her. – How wonderful it is to have you here! How did you manage that?
- I have become an expert in the art of pleading my father – she rolled her eyes. Long ago, she could simply snap her fingers (so to speak, of course, since she prided herself on not being spoiled or futile) and immediately get her father's permission to go play outside, to ride her favourite horse or to call her ladies-in-waiting's daughters to keep her company. Now that she was a woman of twenty-six, she had to beg her father's good graces, since he was married to a vain and silly harlot who, in spite of having reconciled with her in public and in front of her husband, continued to subtly poison his father's mind and ears, especially now that she believed to carry the country's heir. Although the Prince of Wales and the first in the line of succession was her brother Edward, it was whispered (much to Mary's chagrin) that his health was even frailer than hers had been at such tender age, so many had secretly started to put their hopes in Kitty's belly. The feeling of déjà vu was difficult for Mary to bear, even more considering that Kitty was the relative of that whore who had twisted his father's mind not so long ago.
– But personally I believe Lord Cromwell here had something to say on that matter – she looked over her shoulder to Thomas, with a playful smirk in her lips which matched his own.
- I only tried to bring you both satisfaction – he said, shooking his head. – Now if you excuse me, I have to go back to work – and he crossed the room to kiss Anne before leaving them alone.
- I am so lucky to have him – said Anne dreamily, looking at the door from where he had left.
- I believe you are, indeed – Mary had to agree. Anne had never looked happier and Thomas… well, at the surface he was still the cold and calculist man of state, but Mary was learning to uncover the softer man hidden so many years beneath the robes of Chancellor. That was certainly Anne's doing: her kind nature could transform even the worst of men in something better. – How are you doing? The big day is approaching, is it not?
- Yes, it is – Anne smiled. – Soon I will be able to hold my child in my arms. I dream about it everyday.
- Are you nervous? With the deliverance, I mean?
- Yes – Anne lowered her tone. – It's my first, and as much as I try to keep my spirits light for Thomas's sake, I can't help but worry.
Mary could imagine her feelings. In her life she only had seen one woman in labour, her dear Queen Jane, and that had ended tragically, with Jane dead barely two weeks after the deliverance. Nevertheless, she tried to reassure her former stepmother.
- Don't think too much about it. I'm sure God will bless you with a healthy child and ease your pain.
- I pray so. This last month has been a nightmare: my back hurts all the time, my legs are crampy… The doctors say the baby is slowly trying to find his way out during the last month – she laughed.
- What if it is a girl? – Mary let her tongue slip and cursed herself immediately.
- I've asked Thomas that question many times. His answer is always the same: I don't have a country to rule and a throne to pass to my children. So, as long as it is a healthy baby, we could have a girl every year.
Mary couldn't help but laugh. Although it pained her to admit, she envied Anne's life: she was loved by her husband, adored by her stepson, cherished by many former subjects, peasants or not, admired by both her former stepdaughters and free to live as she pleased in the quietness of the countryside, with no obligation to present herself at court except on special occasions. Mary chided herself: Anne deserved every moment of happiness the Lord had chosen to pour on her and it wasn't her fault that things had changed so much in the last decade.
- Well, that's good news. Very few men in this country would say the same – Mary smiled.
- I guess not – Anne nodded, resting her head in the pillows and yawning lightly. – I'm sorry, I am always tired lately – she blushed a little bit.
- You should rest – said Mary, rising from the edge of the bed. – I will take a stroll in the gardens while my rooms are being arranged.
- How long will you stay?
- One or two weeks, at the most.
- That's wonderful – Anne beamed. – Enjoy the sunshine for me, will you? – with one last smile and a small curtsy Mary left the room towards the gardens, almost bumping into someone as soon as she gave a step outside. She could tell who he was even before his eyes had met hers.
- Mr. Cromwell – she said, regaining her balance.
- I am so sorry, milady – Gregory said worriedly. – Are you alright?
- Yes, yes, I should have been more careful. I was lost in my thoughts. Have you come to visit your stepmother? I'm afraid she is asleep by now. I've just left her room.
- I'll see her when she wakes up, then. Those last weeks have been exhausting for her. The doctors say the baby is probably heavier than the most.
- That should be a good sign. It means he or she will be a strong baby. But she looks radiant, even despite her pains.
- Indeed. I have never seen such a gracious woman during pregnancy.
- You are very fortunate to be able to visit her, although it is certainly not usual, especially for men.
- What harm can we do to her, except lifting her spirits and keep her some company? Speaking of company, I see my father has succeeded in his plan to bring you here.
- You knew about that?
- Sure, he told me. He said you would grab the opportunity to stay away from your father's spouse with both hands – he said with a playful smile.
- Well I have to admit he is right. She's probably the most annoying creature who has ever walked the earth. I am relieved to be away from her. Anne is by far greater company.
- How long will you stay?
- Maybe two weeks. I was thinking of taking a walk while my ladies are installing herselves and my room is being arranged. Will you join me?
Mary could have slapped herself for being so ill-disciplined. She was a maid, she shouldn't have invited him to walk alone with her, although her heart jumped in happiness when he smiled.
- It will be my pleasure – he said, clasping his hands behind his back. They started walking in silence, but it was a comfortable one. Mary was the one who broke it.
- How come I haven't met you during my last visit? I've stayed for more than a month, if I recall correctly.
- I was in Oxford back then. Finishing my studies – he added.
- Are you a lawyer?
- I hope so – he smiled again and Mary couldn't help but join him. His smile was warm, welcoming, contagious. – I hope to be elected for the Parliament very soon.
- I'm sure you will do a great job. You seem to be a good man – Mary cursed herself and her wholehearted tongue.
- How do you know? We have barely met – he said with a twinkle in his eyes.
- I… don't… - she struttered. – It's something I can tell, I don't know how. You look good natured, that's all – she shrugged.
- I feel flattered, milady. Too bad that most women in court don't think so highly of me.
- They don't? – Mary seemed startled.
- No. The only thing they seem to notice about me is my father's money. I look for someone who loves me for who I am, not for what I can provide her. Furthermore, some of them are so dumb they don't even attract me.
Mary couldn't help but laugh.
- Well, if you're looking for a philosopher among English women, I fear you will die single and childless – she couldn't help but tease him. He wasn't offended, for she joined her laughter.
- That's mostly true. But there are some exceptions. One of the things my father admired about Thomas More, although their different views on politics and religion, was the way he educated his daughters. His eldest is said to be one of the brightest women of England. Along with you, milady.
Mary blushed.
- How do you know that?
- You are the daughter of the Queen Katherine and the granddaughter of the Catholic Kings. You are born to reach high places milady. And who says that women can be as educated as men?
- You are right. One of my mothers greatest dreams was to fund a school for girls only. She used to say that although this country has done nothing for its women, English women could do much for their country, if given the right chances.
- My sister Anne would have loved to be part of that. Before the sweating sickness, we used to bet on which one of us would learn Greek faster. But then she was gone. All the women of my house were gone – and his voice saddened.
- I'm so sorry – Mary said sincerely.
- I haven't studied Greek ever since. It reminds me too much of her. I preferred to focus on other subjects.
- Such as?
- Italian. I love Italian. – he said, meeting her eyes.
- Really? Why? I have learnt it too, quando io era bambina (when I was a little girl).
- C'e il idioma del cuore (it's the language of the heart). His accent was perfect and Mary felt her heart melt a little bit. She was about to answer when a sudden cry of pain was heard. She could recognize that voice easily.
- Anne! – she said, picking up her skirts and running towards the manor, followed by Gregory. One of Anne's ladies met them outside.
- Milady, Frau Anne is in labour! What should we do? It's not time yet !
- Unfortunately, we have no choice. It's the baby who decides these matters, not the mother! – said Mary. – Mr. Cromwell, go and fetch your father as quickly as you can. I'll go in and stay by Anne's side during the deliverance.
- Sure – he said, mounting his horse and disappearing in the woods.
Mary ran to Anne's bedchamber. The German princess laid in her wet sheets, hair dishevelled, legs wide open and beads of sweat forming on her forehead.
- MARY! – she cried in pain. – Mary, it is time!
- I know, my dear, I know. The doctor is already here – she said, nodding to an old man who came forward.
- Please make it stop! – cried Anne. – It hurts too much!
- I need you to breathe, milady and push whenever I tell you so. Is that alright?
- Yes – said Anne, between deep breaths. Strangely, it calmed her to breathe like that. However, she gripped Mary's hand with such force that the poor princess feared her fingers would break.
- Now push, my lady! PUSH! – incited the eldest of the midwives, while the others fetched towels and bowls of hot water.
All Mary could hear was Anne's cries. Silently, she prayed that Gregory could bring Thomas home soon, and that the Lord could spare his family from tragedy this time.
Meanwhile, in Whitehall
- Father – Gregory ran into the room, not caring about announcing himself first. Thomas jumped a little, along with the Imperial Ambassador Eustace Chapuys, with whom he was having a meeting.
- Gregory – he said in a stern tone. – Can't you see I am busy?
- Forgive me, Excellency, but Lady Anne has gone into labour!
- WHAT? - Cromwell rose from his seat. – But it isn't time yet!
- Go tell that to my brother or sister – answered Gregory.
- Eustace, I have to go. I'm sorry – said Cromwell, patting Chapuys in the shoulder.
- Of course, of course, Lord Cromwell – the Imperial Ambassador grabbed his arm. – Good luck. I will pray for Lady Anne.
- Thanks, we will need every prayer we can muster – said Cromwell, running down the hall with his son behind him. – RAFE – he spotted his secretary coming towards him. If the King asks for me, tell him I am in Essex. It's a matter of life or death!
And with that both Cromwells were out of the castle, riding their horses as if their lives depended on it.
Essex
- ONE FINAL PUSH, MILADY! – cried the midwife. With a shrilling scream, Anne did as she was told, and everybody in the room rejoiced as a baby's wail was heard.
- What is it? – asked Mary anxiously.
- It is a healthy girl, Lady Mary.
Mary beamed in happiness.
- Did you hear, Anne? It is a girl, a beautiful girl!
The only answer she got was a loud cry of pain.
- Anne? ANNE, WHAT'S WRONG? – Mary was starting to panick.
- It is… not over… yet! – Anne gasped, crying in pain, scratching the blood-stained sheets.
- I can see another head! – exclaimed other midwife!
- Another? – Mary was confused. Twins? No wonder why Anne was having such a hard time lately.
- Milady, one last effort and everything will be fine! – cheered the doctor. Anne nodded and took a deep breath, pushing… and pushing… and pushing harder.. until another baby's cries finally filled the room.
An hour later
Thomas peeked his head through the door, only to find Anne laid back, already in a clean nightgown. Her expression was peaceful, but she looked a bit fragile. For a moment, his stomach turned in fear.
- Don't worry, she is just sleeping – said a calm voice beside him. It was Mary, who sat in a cushioned bed near a white wooden cot, cradling a baby in her arms. – Come in, Lord Cromwell. You must want to see your children?
- Children? – asked Gregory, who had sneaked into the room following his father. – That means…
- It's more than one – said Cromwell in awe, looking at the cot where a tiny baby boy slept peacefully. – My God, twins! – he said, taking the baby in his arms. The small bundle wept a bit, but Thomas managed to calm him a few seconds later, nestling him safely in his chest.
- Hush, hush, little one. It's me, your father – he said, kissing the small strand of blond hair on the top of his newborn son's head. Mary smiled wholeheartedly.
- And this is your daughter – she said, uncovering a tiny black-haired girl from the crook of her neck.
- They aren't quite alike, are they? – said Gregory, visibly radiant. – I guess this young lady is going to take after you – he said, carefully looking over Mary's shoulder and caressing his newborn sister's cheek.
- They are beautiful, aren't they? – said a voice behind them.
- Anne – Thomas expression was of love and admiration. – How are you feeling sweetheart? – he said, carefully sitting at the edge of the bed in order not to wake his son.
- I'm tired, but otherwise I am fine. Can I hold him? – she asked. Thomas passed her the bundle and kissed her lovingly. She rested her head on his chest and kept cradling their son. Gregory moved the cot to the other side of the bed and sat on the edge of it, still awed by his new sister.
- How will we call them? – asked Anne.
- What do you suggest for this little lad?
- I don't know. English people are not very… original in that matter, are they? Everyone is called Henry, George, Thomas or something like that.
They all laughed.
- What about Stephen? – asked Gregory. – It's not a very common name.
- Stephen Cromwell – Anne said aloud. – Sounds good to me – she said, looking up to her husband. He simply nodded.
- Stephen it will be. And our little princess?
- Well, I believe their godmother has the right to choose her name – Anne said, winking to Mary.
- Godmother? – Mary repeated.
- I thought it would be fitting, since you have witnessed their birth – Anne smiled.
- Thank you, Anne. It means a lot to me – said Mary, smiling at the baby sleeping in her arms. – What about Eleanor?
- It's a beautiful name – agreed Thomas. – Welcome to the world, my little ones – he said, while Mary placed them in the cots. Anne yawned, visibly tired, joined by Mary.
- Looks like someone needs to rest – said Gregory. – It's better for us to leave, Father.
- You go ahead, Greg. I'll stay here with my wife.
Mary and Gregory exchanged looks and smiled. The young man escorted her to the door, closing it behind him. The last thing he saw of this father was his dark figure nestling his wife against him and dozing off to sleep with the German duchess in his arms.