It was undeniable. The Queen is large with the King's child, and in the heat of summer. Mary doesn't envy her. Having been pregnant with the twins, during this same season, she commiserates. However, being wiser now, she's already told Charles no more babies until Gillian is two. She's absolutely sincere about it this time. Three children all under the age of three is a difficult thing to manage.
When they introduced their newest member of the family to her grandfather, of course, he said something about the fact she is a girl. "You've already got two sons. Having a girl now is good." Being the good daughter that she is, Mary refrained from rolling her eyes or saying something she shouldn't have. Then His Majesty dismissed his granddaughter altogether in favor of his grandsons, whom he hoisted into his arms and carried around showing them off. This made the frustration rise within her.
While Charles held the baby in his arms, his wife's hand ran over their daughter's head. She had put a cute red headband through her short wispy baby hair. The headband even had a big Tudor Rose made of small rubies and pearls situated on it, angled to the right. She thought Gillian looked precious, despite how she was snubbed by her grandfather.
But it was then, her husband whispered "It's OK sweet girl. Daddy loves you. You're his special princess." Hearing his words, Mary gave him a soft smile of appreciation. Gillian smiled too and patted her father's chest with her tiny hands. So instead of her grandfather, her proud father showed her off to the room.
After making it through the family meal, that first night, Charles and Mary helped both the King and Queen with the Royal delegation preparations. While Charles listened to His Majesty play tennis with his decisions— "I think we should have a joust, but then that what good would that do since I can't enter. However a joust is fun entertainment, although it's been done so much it gets boring."— Mary helped the Queen with place settings, picking which Royal China patterns to use, guest room arrangements, and other such trivial nonsense.
The King made a decision on the entertainment. It came down to the traveling circus, a carnival, hunting, the prancing ponies, the All Saints Troubadours (which is the most sought-after group in the country), an archery tournament, and an afternoon game of cricket. Once it was decided on, Charles, William, and Edward Seymour were in charge of making it happen. Charles organized the hunt, the archery tournament, and cricket. He left the more complicated arrangements to William and Charles.
William complained "How am I to guard your wife, when I'm having to secure the traveling circus entertainment and the stupid prancing ponies? The hell if I even know where the dumb traveling circus is at." Charles laughed at his friend's response. When Anthony arrives he'll have him help William with the circus and the prancing ponies.
Lady Paisley was actually the one to help William tremendously. She told him that her snobbish sister, Sophie, wrote to her complaining about the ridiculousness of the circus. Apparently, they were last seen in Glasgow, which is where her sister lives. She offered to write and see if the circus is still there.
William all but begged her to, saying "If you this for me, I'll take you to see Lord Warnock's new litter of puppies as soon as we get back to Cardiff." As a huge lover of dogs, especially puppies, Paisley took him up on the offer. But she would have written regardless, as she kind of fancies Sir William.
Two days before the delegations were set to arrive, Anthony and Dot appeared. Mary noted they both look happy and content, which is good considering a lot of married couples do not. When Dot saw her dear friend, she ran to her and embraced her in a huge hug. "I have missed you so much," she exclaimed. Mary told her the same. Then the sorely missed friend gave Paisley a hug too.
Later that afternoon, while the three of them were in the gardens sitting to tea, the Countess of Rutland (one of the Queen's chief ladies in wait) graced them with her presence. The trio saw her coming down the backset of large stone steps. The woman's boring red frock paled in comparison to Mary and her two ladies.
Since she hired Lady Lillian permanently, everyone wants to know who her dressmaker is. But Mary, who has never made heads turn in her clothing, has decided to keep Lady Lillian to herself. So she sends them all to the tailor in Suffolk. It's terrible, she knows, but she likes being the only lady of the Court of England wearing a unique Lillian creation (besides Dot and Paisley of course).
"I wonder what that old scuttlebutt wants," Dot whispered. She gave Lady Rutland a saccharine smile. Paisley reached for a cookie and shoved a bite into her mouth, so wouldn't have to smile. Over the last few days, she learned this woman thinks far too highly of herself. She doesn't particularly care for this Countess.
Also thinking this a bit suspect, the Princess asked as the woman drew close "What can we do for you, Lady Rutland?"
The Queen's lady curtsied and stated "Your Highness, do you mind if I sit down? There is something I would like to discuss with you." Motioning with her hand, Mary permitted her to sit. "Princess it has come to the Queen's attention that you are well below your number of ladies in wait. You only have two— Lady Dorothy and your new Lady here. Plus you have that other red-haired maid of yours."
Not liking this conversation, Mary mentioned "Paisley. Lady Paisley and Joan." She sipped some tea and let her hawkish eyes stare at Lady Rutland, as she picked at one of the floral embellishments of her petal-pink dress.
The Countess wore a dubious expression and a sour look. "Yes, well. It was a great slight for a woman outside of England to have been chosen, you know. Regardless the Queen would like your help in the matter of Katherine Lisle. She thinks the girl would be a good fit for your household. Katherine has expressed interest in serving you."
Knowing this was where the conversation was headed, the Princess took offense. No one underhandedly insults her ladies and gets away with it. "Lady Paisley hails from a fine household in Scotland. Her father is a Count and her mother is a Countess, like yourself. She came very highly recommended and I am thankful to have her serve alongside myself and Lady Dot. Not having had the luxury of a full slate of ladies in years, has allowed me the freedom of truly running my own household. As I told the Prince, I just don't know if I could manage with the whole slate of attendants."
Plus she really doesn't care for the ladies of the English Court. They tattle back to the Queen on every little thing to try and undermine authority. She doesn't need that kind of drama in her household. Tapping her index finger on the lace table cloth, Mary looked off in the distance for a brief moment. Then she put a sweet smile on her face. "Lady Rutland, please tell the Queen thank you for her input. It was a lovely consideration on her part. However, I am going to decline for myself and my household. Nevertheless, I do know Viscount Griffiths's wife— Lady Griffiths— is in want of a new lady. I could put in a good word for Lady Lisle."
Lady Rutland was displeased and her demeanor changed. She wore a very false smile and spoke with a sugary voice. "Thank you, Your Highness. I shall discuss it with Her Majesty." Then the lady got up and departed, with the anger radiating off of her. They all knew she would go gossip and speak badly of the Princess.
Once she was out of earshot range, Dot declared "It's sad how some people are so jealous of you that they either make up things to say or talk negatively behind your back. If gossip were food many people would be severely rotund. Lady Rutland being the supreme of them." She dunked her cookie in the tea to soften it.
Paisley agreed with that. "A healthy mind does not speak badly of others. Only those with tacky character do so. Now, what can I expect when the royals arrive? Will you walk me through it, so I don't mess up?"
Having finished her bite of raspberry tart, Mary told her "Paisley, I promise everything will be just fine. Don't let any of these snobby girls of the court intimidate you. You're just as good as they are, if not better. Now as for what you can expect... that's easy. Expect a grand show of the different Princes and Princesses with their retinues accompanying them. Lots of curtsying will follow, and the three of us will have the best curtsies around thanks to Mr. Harris."
Unable to hold it in, Dot snorted with laughter. "Tell me you didn't have lessons with him again."
Motioning her elegant finger between her and Paisley, Mary pointed out "We did and we're all the more thankful for it. He reviewed all sorts of things with us."
"He made me cry several times. He's a scary little man," Paisley mentioned. She took another cookie.
Picturing it in her head, Dot laughed again. Then something struck her in remembrance. "Paisley, did you know Mary was betrothed once to the Dauphin of France?" Their friend shook her red, curly head.
After wiping her mouth with the napkin, Mary launched into that tale. "The Prince who is arriving this week is Prince Charles of France. I was betrothed to marry his older brother, the Dauphin, Francis. Except it was broken off due my being contracted later to marry my cousin Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. That fell through too, because of various reasons my father concocted."
This made Paisley wonder "Having been engaged to so two would-be kings, are you happy you didn't marry them?"
With a true smile that is as brilliant as the sun, Mary nodded. "I am. First of all Prince Francis is dead. He just keeled over one day. So I would have been a young widow. As for my cousin, he's much older than me and he's my cousin. Even though it's normal to marry into families it's still weird. I am truly joyful I didn't marry them, because I would have missed out on a life with my husband— my own Prince Charles."
"Speaking of there he is walking with my husband and Paisley's love interest," Dot stated. She motioned where the men were coming from the stables.
Paisley threw a bit of a cookie at her. "Shush. Someone might hear." She sipped some tea. Both Mary and Dot shared looks.
It was Dot who spoke. "No one is around, except the two of us. And we're your friends and approve of it. William needs someone like you. But we promise not to embarrass you." She paused before she said "Too much." Her hand waved the men over.
Turning her head in the direction of her husband, Mary watched him as he walked their way. He was laughing at something his friends said. His whole face lights up when he laughs or smiles. It makes him all the more handsome. Knowing he was going riding with them today, his doublet is unbuttoned and his white tunic is undone at the neck.
She cannot picture a life without him. It would be depressing. So, she's very thankful her father's moods messed up her earlier betrothals. As he neared, she settled into her seat and smiled a sweet smile only for him. His eyes caught hers and he smiled too before he dipped into a graceful bow.
Taking her hand, he kissed it. "My Lady Love, how are you this afternoon?" Not caring what anyone says, he had her stand. Then he sat in her chair and pulled her to sit on his lap. He knew his behavior would give some of the older ladies the dithers. But come to think of it, when has he not?
Her arms went around his neck. She kissed his cheek and smiled. "I'm good. We're just enjoying the summer afternoon having tea. Would you like a biscuit or tart?" The plate was taken by her hands and she took a chocolate cookie. She put it in his mouth and he bit it. The two of them continued on like that with her feeding him bites until nothing was left.
They had completely gone into their own lovey-dovey world, forgetting all about their companions. Until one of them cleared their throats. Their eyes met those of their cheerful friends. "Hi there. It seems you two forgot about us," Anthony remarked. Dot was on his lap as well. This left William to stand behind Paisley's chair.
Mary spoke for them with an "Oops." Although they were absolutely not sorry. "How's it going rounding up all of the entertainment?" she asked.
This made William launch into complaints about "Stupid prancing ponies. I can't find them anywhere. And besides, they're interesting for kids not people of our age. I told His Majesty this, but he didn't listen to me. So I have to find these puke ponies."
She couldn't help it. Mary started to laugh at her chief guard's distress. He always makes things more complicated for himself than they ought to be. Her laughter made Charles laugh. It did not make William Compton happy at all. "Oh. The two of you think this is funny. Of course Mr. I took care of the easy things would find this humorous. Well, it's not your neck on the line here."
Charles spoke up. "Hey, it's hard work arranging a hunt. Especially when you have to deal with the curmudgeonly game master."
Totally straight-faced, William responded to him. "Oh yes. Such hard work. I see the sweat pouring off you, and the worry in your eyes, as we speak." It only made Mary laugh harder. Her husband tickled her side, in good humor. She jerked and fell onto the ground. This made Dot and Paisley's eyes go as wide as melons at the sight. Charles scrambled to help her up and back into his lap.
Turning her eyes upon his, she let him know "That was not funny. Now my fanny hurts." Her hand rubbed her arm because it stung a little as well.
To which he questioned in a serious manner "Do I need to kiss it and make it better?" An unladylike snort left her mouth and chose to ignore that comment.
The group continued on chatting until it was time to go inside and get ready for dinner. The Prince declared "I hope we're not having roast quail again. I'm rather tired of it. I realize the Queen is pregnant, but enough is enough. Even you weren't that bad pregnant. You at least thought of others and Mrs. Evans made special dishes just for you." Mary, Paisley, and William agreed with him, as Anthony and Dot just arrived that morning.
That evening they did in fact have quail again. Mary promised her husband she would not put quail on the menu for a very long time at home. He showed her his thanks with much enthusiasm later.
When the day of the royal delegation dawned on the palace, the servants were up before daylight. Everyone was bustling to get the last-minute details perfected. The palace was shined and polished to a state of impeccability. The Prince and Princess of Wales and Suffolk were up before dawn too.
Mary kept changing her mind about Charles's outfit. She pulled one doublet out after another. This would be the first time he's welcomed anyone as a Prince. They have to get this just right, otherwise, it could be a big fail. What he wears is important today, despite him thinking it is not so. She had Lady Lillian make a few of his newer doublets with the embellished embroidery on the front and back. In fact, his coat of arms, and some of the arms symbols, are embroidered in great detail on them.
So doublet after doublet went flying across the room. Where Charles retrieved them. Finally, she settled on a black velvet overcoat with tons of golden embroidery down the front, the arms, and at a V on the back. On the back of the coat, the embroidery merged into the new design of the coat of arms. Little jewels had been sewn in various places too. Underneath she made him wear a navy blue brocade doublet with a white tunic. For pants, black leather along with his black leather boots.
Oh, the fuss he made! One would think he was having to herd cattle. "Black leather pants? It's summer with summer heat outside. I'll sweat to death or I'll die of a heat stroke. You can't be serious." But she was... very serious. And so he put on the whole "damn outfit", as he called it under his breath. Which she heard and gave him a cross look. He told her "I'm so happy to wear it, Dear." She knew he was telling tales because he only calls her dear if he's displeased.
Then she fixed him with a look. "Don't be uncouth either." She felt the need to remind him of that.
His finger pointed at her. "You know, I am civilized. You can let me out of the house in public."
She turned his own words back onto him. "Yes, Dear." He tossed a small pillow at her for that comment. With a squeal, she caught it and set it back onto the bed. He caught her and kissed her nerves away.
Then she stressed over her own gown. Deciding to match her husband's navy brocade waistcoat underneath his overcoat, she wore a gorgeous, gauzy, feminine dress with delicate embellished blue flowers. A crystallized belt cinched her waist. She forgoed a necklace in favor of long dangling diamond earrings and a myriad of jeweled bracelets. Her hair was left down with loose curls, the way Charles likes. A small diamond tiara is set in it. She had Joan bring her the most comfortable heels she owns. Finally, Her Highness was ready for the day.
As she joined her husband for breakfast, he whistled his approval. "You look beautiful as always. How did I ever win you over? What with my old age and all." He handed her the plate of fruit.
Before she sat, she kissed him lightly on the lips. "Haha. Why you're no older than... fifty, is it?" He gave her an unimpressed look. "I'm joking. You're not even forty yet and still the most handsome, kindest man in all of the kingdom."
They ate their meal and discussed the events of the day. It starts with the arrival of the royal envoys. The first one is the French delegation followed shortly by the Genoan one. Then it's on to light refreshments in the gardens, followed by an afternoon of resting up for the evening banquet. "His Majesty is going all out for the welcome feast. I hear the menu is lobster with glazed carrots, green beans, broccoli, asparagus, roasted potatoes, a rice dish, clams, and scallops. Plus eighteen more side dishes and desserts," Charles informed her. She felt full just thinking of it all.
After breakfast, while they sat and relaxed, Anthony, Dot, Paisley, and William came to join them. The whole group were laughing and chatting when a Page came to get them. The French delegation was spotted entering the city. Charles put his leather-printed baldric over his shoulder and placed his sword into it. Once he was ready, he held his hand out to his wife— who was busy fretting over her hair, running a tad of rose oil through it (so the summer frizz would stay away).
Taking his hand, he whispered, "You look gorgeous, truly." She smiled at him. Together, followed by the Kniverts and Paisley along with their guards, they walked out to the front steps of the palace. The King and Queen were already there, with her Seymour family, important parliamentary members, and ladies in wait. The Prince and Princess took their place beside His and Her Majesty's.
Mary noted her stepmother looked uncomfortable in the morning heat. Pregnancy will do that to you, but her pink gown had long sleeves. Not the most practical dress for the summer. Whereas her own dress had long sleeves too, but they were sheer and breathable. She realizes she shouldn't upstage the Queen in her manner of dress, but sometimes it's easy to do.
And as Lady Flora says, "Be yourself. All of your dresses are more than appropriate. Just because she is dour in dress, does not mean you must be. As you know, you're the Princess of Wales and Suffolk. You set the tone by how you attire yourself." So she is fun and youthful, while the Queen is temperate and austere.
"Alright let's all look alive, shall we," the King addressed his party. It was then the French party entered the courtyard, carriage after carriage pulled in as far as the eyes could see. Happy faces were plastered onto everyone. The Princess grabbed the Prince's hand for comfort.
The first to exit and be introduced were the two high-ranking Royal family members. The Herald introduced them. All the ladies of the court noted that the Prince of France was most handsome with his wavy blonde hair and striking sapphire eyes. Princess Madeleine and Prince Charles walked down the line greeting the Royal Family of England. When His Highness got to Mary, he held her gaze as he kissed her hand. Her own Charles did not like that, not one little bit. Mary wiped his kiss off on the skirt of her dress, once it was appropriate to do so, and squeezed her husband's hand affectionately.
Next was the rest of the party, Dukes and Duchesses of all sorts. Orleans, Bourbon, Bar, Valois, Berry, Nemours, and Chatellerault. Plus all of their maids and men. The French Ambassador received the guests with aplomb and the Senior members of the King and Queen's house showed them all to their rooms.
Just when they thought they could breathe, the Genoa delegation pulled in. They too had tons of carriages with them. First to make an appearance were the Doge's sons, Niccolo and Gioffredo. The two men were exactly what Mary had envisioned the Italian monarchs to look like, with the classic Italian features of brown hair and tanned skin. They could give the French Prince a run for his money in the looks department. Even still they cannot compare to her own husband.
Niccolo, The Duke of Spinola-Havendo-Haderslev (or SHH as Charles calls it) greeted each member. His Majesty was most excited to meet the Duke of SHH's acquaintance, as he's not had too much relation with the ruling families of Genoa. This is a very special occasion, or rather he thinks it is.
The Duke of SHH was followed by his brother Gioffredo. Then were the Dukes and Duchesses of Monaco, Venice, and Milan. It was quite the show from Genoa.
By the time the Royal Welcome was over, Mary burst out laughing. "Charles you're terrible whispering SHH to me," she chastised him. But the reprimand didn't work because it was too funny.
Even His Majesty wanted to know what was so amusing. When the Prince of Wales told him, he laughed too. "Only you would think of SHH, Charles. That's a good one."
Everyone walked into the palace and retreated to their rooms. Only an hour to rest before refreshments in the garden and a very long welcome banquet that evening. Many motives will be on display. Every moment matters. The words of Lady Flora ran through Mary's head. "Be careful of selfish motives My Dear. You can easily mistake them for principles. Genuine kindness doesn't have ulterior motives." Too true. She'll do well to remember that these long two weeks.