The Dowager smiled as well. Now was the time. "This a joyous occasion. I have something to say that will make it all the more special."
"Go on Mother," Henry said.
She motioned for Lady Bessie to come forward. "Lady Bessie bears the imperial heir."
Katherine's eyes widen and she stood. "Impossible!" Everyone stared at her. She cleared her throat. "I mean... What use is there in getting excited? It could be a girl."
"Still, this is a joyous occasion for the royal house," the Dowager replied.
"You're right Mother. We celebrate my pearl's engagement and the news of Lady Bessie's birth."
Katherine couldn't believe it. "Must we really? It's Mary's day."
"Katherine. Silence." Henry glared at her.
The court moved outside. Everyone danced and enjoyed the beautiful day. Charles asked Mary to dance.
"With Your Majesty's permission, of course."
Amusement shined in Henry's eyes and he regarded his nephew and daughter carefully before responding. "Permission granted!"
Mary smiled widely and followed Charles. Katherine sighed in contentment before her eyes wandered to Bessie. She was hunched over with her hand to her mouth. Morning sickness, Katherine thought. After she lost her second child she welcomed the sickness that came with pregnancy. Embraced the uncomfortableness of a swollen belly. The feeling of the child moving.
"Lady Aunt. Are you all right?"
"Huh?" Katherine wiped her eyes and felt something wet. "Yes. What is it?"
"How are you?"
"Well."
"Are you sure? You seemed quite upset at the announcement of Lady Bessie's pregnancy."
"It could threaten Mary's chances of being Queen."
He smiled. "Never fear Lady Aunt. She will be my Queen."
Katherine nodded.
Mary was in love with the necklace her cousin gave her. Even more in love with him. She asked her mother if he would come for her birthday next year.
"I will send a letter and ask."
Mary nodded and went to her chambers. Though Katherine was glad the engagement went off without a hitch she knew that if Bessie had a boy everything would have been for naught.
"Lady Isabella."
"Your Majesty?"
"Send for Sir Thomas."
XXXXXX
"What is this?" Eleanor Luke asked Lady Isabella. It had been some time since Jane had been to pay her respects to Katherine. The doctors said she was melancholy and needed to rest so Eleanor took it upon herself to visit the poor girl.
With Bessie being pregnant all eyes were on her so the other concubines fell to the sidelines.
"A favorite of Her Majesty's. The incense produces a calming effect."
"Hmm. I like it. Give one to Jane as well."
"Of course, Your Grace."
XXXXXX
"Lord Boleyn. How goes the peace treaty with France?"
"Well, Your Majesty."
"Good. I've been thinking of marrying Mary to Francis's son, the Dauphine."
"I will speak with him."
"Good. Now, my lords is there anything you wish to say."
Sir Thomas stepped forward. "There is the matter if the succession."
Henry sighed and leaned his head in his left hand. "Not this again."
"Your Majesty?"
"My son is soon to be born."
"That's not for another seven months. And we can't be sure that it will be a boy," Sir Thomas insisted.
"Fine. Mary will be Crown Princess officially until Bessie gives birth."
XXXXXXX
"He said this?" Katherine asked.
"Yes, Your Majesty. There will be a ceremony and everything."
"What will happen if she miscarries?"
"He didn't say. I imagine the Her Highness will remain Crown Princess."
After he left she called Lady Isabella. Katherine smirked. "Have you noticed, Lady Isabella, that Lady Bessie seems sick so often? Perhaps we should send something to her so she can get better."