The first week in Wales proved to be a noteworthy time. For one thing, learning their way around their new manor house became a challenging task, for both Mary and Charles. But with one hundred twenty-two rooms that should be expected. One day the Grand Duke was trying to find the way to his downstairs study. Instead of turning left, he turned right. This made him end up on the far side of the house, in some kind of room that appeared to be an arboretum.
Tracing his steps back proved just as difficult. In fact, he got so lost that he went into a large room, let out a curse, and rested both his hands on a bookshelf. The minute he did the shelf swung open. Ah-ho! He had found a secret passageway. Taking up the oil lamp from a small table, which was in the room, Charles entered the secret place.
Though the dark space is a tad frightening, alright a lot frightening, he followed the path. It wound this way and that until it veered off to a fork in the way. After a moment of decision, he stayed to the right and it finally stopped at another door. Pushing on the door, his feet carried him into..."The library?" he wondered out loud.
Setting out a silver tray of tea and biscuits, Glyn remarked "Oh I see you've found one of the passageways. Good for you My Lord."
Playing off the comment, as if he had meant to find it the whole time, Charles asked "Right. Now you said one of the passageways. Are there more?" He observed the hospitable butler arranging the items on the tray just so.
Then the man stopped and stood up. "Yes indeed, My Lord. There are at least five more, that we know of. Follow me and I shall show you if you have the time." Charles does have time and made to follow behind his butler. He took in the way they are going and committed it to memory, as well as glancing at other rooms along the way. The fun began in the large dining room.
There are passageways going from the dining room to a bright and airy sunroom, from a downstairs drawing room to a massive ballroom, from the kitchens to the dining room, from the upstairs master suite to a smallish study, and from an upstairs sitting room to a bedroom. But as the butler said, these are the ones they know about.
This made the Duke wonder if there are others. In a house this large there are bound to be more than a few mysteries waiting to be uncovered. A smirk grew upon Charles's unshaven face. He is going to be the one to unearth them. And now every time he enters a room, he pushes on the wall in different places.
As for Mary, she set out to learn all she could about the house and her grandmother who owned it. Between her and her husband, one of them needs to know their way around the massive place. It took all of one day working with Lady Enid to learn how to maneuver about the house. From then on she was able to freely get around the grand manor.
After that, she took time to research in the library anything she could on her grandmother. This led her to her own enigma. At first, she thought it best to start with her grandmother Queen Elizabeth of York. Instead of looking for her, she went a different route entirely. Mary found a lot of details and facts on her great grandmother Lady Margaret Beaufort.
A determined master player of the court, the woman worked hard to secure the throne for Mary's grandfather King Henry VII. She was also the one who was instrumental in the rise of the Tudor power and name. She had political influence and personal autonomy, which was not a common thing for women. Not only that but she also helped to establish Cambridge College, because she had a love of learning and a love of the arts.
As a woman, Margaret had a lot of power and influence on the court and her family. She even influenced the present king by helping him get established. It was then Mary decided she did not like her great-grandmother very much. She thought the lady disingenuous and opportunistic, two qualities she despises. It makes her think of the evil stepmonster her father married.
Studying her great-grandmother Lady Beaufort, only encouraged her to research the lady's mother. This would be her own great, great-grandmother Margaret Beauchamp. It was from this lady whom she learned she is related to her stepmonster's brother's wife, Jane Boleyn. In a roundabout way, they are related and that is enough to make her want to shut the book and vomit into the bucket.
Trying not to care, she continued reading on. Her fascination rested with one of Lady Beauchamp's children, John Welles. He married Princess Cecily of York. They had two daughters together, Anne and Elizabeth. Supposedly neither of the girls survived to adulthood. Life is precious.
Thinking about her Aunt Cecily reminded her of her aunt's sister- Queen Elizabeth of York. So, Mary went back to her original goal of studying her grandmother. Whom she decided is probably less intriguing than either of her previously examined grandmothers. But she was wrong because a peculiar mystery revolved around the woman.
She and her grandfather, King Henry VII, had six children. All of whom everyone knows of. As the Grand Duchess poured over the page in the book, regarding their children, something curious stood out. There is a footnote, in very small print, at the bottom of the page. It's so small she had to get a magnifier to make it out. What she read piqued her interest.
Taking up parchment, quill, and ink Mary began to write. She wrote down a name, then put in a bookmark, to mark the page, and closed it. Waiting for the ink to dry, she began wandering around the library pulling more books from the shelves. Then all of a sudden something creaked. Stopping cold, the semi-panicked woman turned and looked around in all directions. Not seeing anything, she carried on. Although the nerves did not depart, especially once the creak resonated in the room once more.
This time she took a fat book with her and began to stray close to the dark side, in the shadows of the library. The noise seemed to be following her movements and getting closer. With her heart speeding up, she clutched the book to use a weapon. Daring herself not to breathe, she ever so quietly tip-toed into an aisle of books. The library is so huge it could be possible to make an escape to the door. It would have to be timed just right.
The minute she was going to try to make an exit, a hand came over her mouth. She yelled and hit the culprit with the book. A curse word flew out of the mouth of... "Charles Brandon! What do you mean sneaking up on me like that? What if I had my dagger on me?"
He eyed her with dismay. "Exactly, what if. What if I had been an ill-intentioned person? You would be defenseless and, I'm sorry to say, a book is not helpful. Plus your strategy is terrible. Why would you put yourself in more danger by coming this way?" He took her arm, gently, and led her back to where she was standing prior. "From here you should have stayed in the shadows and inched your way to the door. Much safer than what you were thinking."
Just like that, she began to cry. Her reactions are so unlike his previous wife. By now Margaret would have hit him upside the head with a book, most likely knocking him out cold. Instead, he picked his sweetheart up and carried her to a couch. Once seated, he asked, "Why are you crying?"
Sniffling she told him "Because you're yelling at me and you're angry." She wiped her tears on her sleeve. Very unladylike but she didn't care. She's been crying a lot of late and not really sure why.
With one hand rubbing his wife's back, and the other secured around her waist, Charles's free lips kissed her head. "My Darling, I'm not angry with you. Nor am I yelling. I was talking sternly, but not roaring at you. I would never intentionally do such a thing. However, I think my point about the dagger has been proven. Your book is no match for a man with a sinister reputation and a weapon."
Eyes now dry, she relented. "Fine. I will forever carry the blasted thing. Are you happy and why were you sneaking up on me like a common criminal?"
"I am not happy because you use the weapon like a girl. I'll have to keep working with you on that. I was not sneaking, but curious to know what you would do under attack. Anyway, I heard you were in here and wanted to show you something. Are you up for a trip?" he inquired. In the hopes, she'll say yes, he promised to make it worth her while.
With a nod of consent, Mary stood. "I just have to get something." She raced to the writing desk and grabbed the parchment, which should be dry by now, and folded it up. Then she put it in her husband's pants pocket. "I need you to keep this for me." He gave her a curious look with a raised brow. "It might be something of importance. I'll explain later."
He took her hand and the oil lamp and made his way to the entrance of the secret passageway. "Put your hand on the wall right there and push," he instructed her.
Doing as told, her hand pushed. It was then the wall opened and she gasped. Her eyes brightened and a broad grin filled her face. "A secret passage. I love those! They're all over the palace. As a child, I used to play in one."
That does nothing to reassure him of her safety. Huffing out a breath, he stated "You will not play in these by yourself. Again it's not safe. Please don't make me worry about your safety more than I already do."
Giving him the evil eye, she crossed her arms. "I was a child. I am not stupid you know."
Standing his ground, he is determined to get through to her about safety and taking precautions. "No, you're not. But sometimes you have the tendency to react with emotions before actual reason sets in. Don't be mad at the truth. I still love you." He kissed her cheek. "Now let's sate your inquisitiveness. Stay close to me," he mentioned. A smile grew on his face when he felt her tiny hands grasp the cloth of his doublet. They began trekking through the cold, dark way.
At the fork in the path, he commented "Last time I was here, I came from that direction. It goes to some unknown part of the house. But if I had stayed straight it would have taken me elsewhere. That's the direction we're going." He held her hand and the oil lamp. Together the couple walked on the path and ended up in "My downstairs study. How do you like it? It's huge, isn't it? Everything here is bigger than Westhrope."
She agrees it is huge and stately. Just the kind of place a man like him needs. He had her sit in his lap and they cuddled. They held each other and spoke of their plans for the coming days. Having spoken with Lady Enid, Mary expressed a wish to her husband. "I think it would go a long way in fostering goodwill if we held a ball at the manor. Apparently, most of the region feels forsaken by the King and England. We need to rectify that and make inroads here. What do you think?"
Dazzled by the sparkle in her pretty eyes, Charles stated "Alright. We'll host a ball, the week before we leave to go home to Suffolk." He saw her face light up and couldn't help but feel delighted too. Letting out a squeal of happiness, she threw her arms around his neck. The two shared sweet kisses.
The next day saw the blissful couple awaken only to go in opposite directions. Mary went to explore the town and Charles had a meeting with a few of the lords. Five regional lords met with him: Earl Owen Davies, Earl Gareth Morgan, Count Bronwen Hughes, Count Iwan Jones, and Viscount Lloyd Lewis.
The six of them discussed Welsh issues, especially fortifying the northern borders. Bandits from the Liverpool area of England have been robbing much of the farmers and setting in wolves to kill livestock. It's destroying the economy of the north. Lord Morgan and Lord Lewis said they would ride with Charles in two days' time to view the northern border. Charles, a knight by trade, is eager to attend to the border situation. He has many thoughts that might help it.
Then the men discussed normal governance irritations like taxes and making their own estates more successful. It seems the good people of Wales have been very neglected for years. In fact, Lord Hughes said as much. "Aye, the good folk of Wales has not been granted a hearing with His Majesty for years. We've fallen on deaf ears, we have."
Sadly Charles knows this. He has seen the proof in the copious letters written to him and Mary. As she says, they need to curry goodwill and kindness with the people. They need to be seen as capable rulers of the land. He told the men about the ball they were throwing in a few weeks. The lords thought this would be a good idea to make their presence known.
The Grand Duke also offered to host hearings with the people, similar to Mary's Governance Day. All five men agreed with that too. One key to leadership is making the lives of the people work better. He needs to know what the people of Wales need to make their work and lives run easier. So next week he'll host the smallfolk for hearings, where they can sound out their thoughts.
After this, the men went riding on the Duke's land. Lord Davies showed him which is the best lake for fishing and Charles became excited, because not only does he love hunting he also loves to fish. When Lord Hughes heard His Highness was in need of hunting dogs, he suggested "Take a trip to my kennels. I breed beagles and shorthaired pointers. I've got four I'm looking to sell, three beagles and one pointer. They're one and two years of age. I also have a litter of pointer pups just born and a litter of beagles ready to be born."
An unexpected blessing this is. Charles shook the man's hand. "I'll be out tomorrow," he told him. The two of them made plans to look at the dogs the next afternoon.
While the men talked hunting, Mary explored her new surroundings. Since she trusts Catherine Willoughby as far as she can throw her, which is not far, Mary asked Dot to stay at Westhrope Hall. Dot has been corresponding with her via Maggie, keeping her up to date on the goings-on. She did bring Joan along and it's Joan that came with her to explore.
The city is not nearly as large as London. It's about the size of Ipswich in Suffolk with a population of about two thousand. Even still it's bustling with life and trade. Situated on the coast many merchants have set up shop here. Which means numerous fine fabrics are to be had. From afar there are ancient border fences, an ancient stone fortress built to protect from raiders, and old Cardiff Castle.
The two females enjoyed the afternoon out and took in shop after shop. Mary was correct. In one fabric shop, there was bolt after bolt of fine silks, brocade, satin, lace, velvet, tulle, and high-quality cotton. She purchased some of it all. As she took in the sights, one thing that didn't escape her keen eyes is the manner of dress.
Each lady wore more cotton dresses, instead of the silks and satins and lace she is accustomed to. The women also wore bits of plaid. Wondering about this, she and Joan visited a tailor. It was there she learned that those of no rank or lesser rank wore cotton dresses. This is in comparison to those women of higher rank who wore the English fashions. While there the Grand Duchess ordered several superior cotton dresses in blues and greens. She wants to blend in more with her surroundings, while in town. This cannot happen in her fancy gowns.
Then Mary wanted to have a look at the potter's store. This is by far the biggest pottery store she has ever been in. She and Joan aimlessly wandered all over it. Her eyes became fascinated with ones dedicated to Welsh sea life. The ones she chose have a striking tactile Pysgodyn (Welsh for fish) effect on the outside. The fish are going in one direction all around the pottery pieces in an infinite circle. All of the vast, and numerous, pieces she ordered are in this same design.
One of the things Her Highness also loved about this pottery is it comes in two shades of blue: light oceanic blue and dark almost midnight blue. It's perfect for the House of Brandon, Duke of Suffolk, coat of arms. The lady running the store told her and Joan, "All the pottery in here is created with love by our master potter in the hills of Carmarthenshire. Each piece is special glazed by hand. Since they're all handmade you can expect some charming inconsistencies, My Lady."
But then the two women found out something else. "Our master artisan is actually a woman. Her designs and pottery are created from her workshop high in the hills. It overlooks the Preseli Hills to the south. She works hard to preserve our Welsh pottery heritage. My Lady, she also teaches the pottery basics for anyone interested."
Looking around the shop with this newfound knowledge, Mary could not believe it. A woman made all of this. In England any of the trade craftsmen are men. The wares in this shop are just as good, if not better than the men's work. Right then and there she made a decision. "I would like to purchase more sets of this pottery." She will carry some back to Suffolk and be the envy of all the noble ladies. For once, in a very long time, she will have something none of them have.
Before heading home, the pair made one final stop. The main reason she wanted to go to town today. The appointment didn't take long, but both females left smiling widely all the way back to the manor. Once there, they heard yelping in the distance. "My Lady, you must come to see the puppies. They're the cutest dogs ever," Joan urged.
That is another thing, she remembers Osian saying they have kennels. Now she and Charles are breeders of corgi canines. Opting to go look at the things, Mary followed Joan. When her eyes caught sight of the pups she died. "Oh! They're so cute," she squealed. The dogs, who are now eight weeks old, began barking tiny barks. They all want to play.
For her part, Mary started petting them. It was when Dylan, the kennel master, let her know she can go into the puppy area, that her heart gave out from adorableness overload. Upon entering the puppy enclosure, both she and Joan were greeted with many tiny paws. It was then she made another firm decision. "I want one," she told Dylan.
With a smile the young kennel master, let her know which ones have already been spoken for. Out of the litter, only four remain. Since hers will be free, obviously, she asked "Which one would you say has the least likely chance to go to a good home?"
Going to stand by a precious puppy, the man motioned with his hand. "Well Your Highness, this one here with the tri-coloring is the runt of the bunch. In me opinion, he may not get bought. Also since he's a runt, he'll most likely stay a smaller size" he let her know.
Having made up her mind, she went over the little guy and bent down. She began talking to it. "Hi, puppy. Do you want to go inside the big house with me?" As if to say yes, the pup snuggled into her skirts. Picking him up she thanked Dylan and told Joan, "I think I'll name him Duke." The dog curled into her arms. Apparently, he likes being held, but then being a runt the little guy probably likes any kind of affection.
Sir Dylan, also let her know "I'll train him for you, My Lady." Mary thanked him again. Then she and Joan, who had made eyes at the kennel master, returned to the house. Another one she will have to keep her eyes on. Inside Lady Enid informed Her Highness "His Lordship is wanting to see you." Taking Duke with her, she scurried off to find her husband.
Inside his study, the Grand Duke sat pouring over letters. He looked up when his wife entered and his eyebrows rose. "What is that?"
Stroking the puppy's fur as she walked, her voice declared "This is my new friend." Once close to her husband, she announced "Duke meet your master the Grand Duke." She held the pup out to Charles, who tried to take him, but the little guy whined at being displaced from his comfortable spot. "There, there Duke. You sound just like His Highness in the mornings. He whines the same way when I get out of bed." She petted him.
Charles playfully huffed out a breath of indignation. However, seeing his wife holding the puppy stirred something inside him. He could easily see her holding their own babe, beautiful brown-haired, blue-eyed ones. In fact, he mentioned, "I want us to have a baby." He didn't mean for it to sound so blunt, but there's nothing he can do about it now.
Then his thoughts turned to questions of, what if she doesn't want one right now? What if she thinks she's too young for one? What if she thinks he's not good enough to be the father of her child? What if she doesn't want a child at all?
Putting her puppy down on the floor, against his wishes, she came and took a seat in His Highness's lap. Her fingers ran through his hair and also through his scruff. She brought her lips to his forehead and placed a lingering kiss there. Looking deeply into his eyes, her arms twined about his neck. Her lips deposited kisses there too, on his neck. Letting go and sitting back up, her gaze locked with his again.
"It's good that we're in agreement. I can see us with a baby. Would you care terribly what we have? I mean if we have a girl, would you be disappointed like—" She couldn't finish her sentence because he interrupted.
He had a feeling she was going to wonder that. "No. I'm nothing like your father. We may be best friends, but we are different. As long as the babe is healthy and ours then I'm happy. In fact, I would love a little girl who looks like you." Returning the kisses, he kissed her forehead and cheeks.
Smiling a soft smile, she confirmed "So you wouldn't mind what we had first?" Seeing him shake his head no, gave her the courage to say "Great because I'm pregnant and I just want you to be happy no matter if it's a girl or a boy."
His heart beat faster and excitement bubbled in his stomach. Placing his hands on either side of her head, he asked "You're pregnant? In truth?"
"Yes. I had it confirmed this afternoon. The local doctor thinks I'm at least six weeks gone, almost two months. It would explain all the tears lately," she announced. Her heart raced upon seeing the look of complete joy on his face.
Still having not moved his hands, Charles crushed her to him. "You're having my baby! You're having our baby! Thank you. Thank you for having our child. My life is so full of love and it's because of you. I love you, Mary." He may have shed a few tears.
She may have shed a few tears too. But that's alright because love and babies tend to do that. The happy pair kissed in the light of their joy. When love runs deep, heaven and earth collide on the lips. That's their kisses, soul-deep. This kiss is nothing less than that, soul-deep.