Over the week that followed the first and second meeting of Lady Anne, Secretary Cromwell persuaded the King to stick to the original agreement and marry the woman. Unfortunately for Cromwell, this would be the start of his downfall. It brought much delight to the Prince of Wales.
The day before the wedding, Henry told Charles to help him look for grounds for an annulment since his secretary is so incompetent. He stated, "I do not wish to marry a Flander's Mare. But if I must marry the woman to keep the peace between England and Kleve, I will need assurance I can set her aside. I like her not! I like her not!"
And so the King married the woman, but it was not enjoyable. Not for him and especially not for his family, who knew the marriage was doomed the minute they saw the woman. Mary couldn't help but feel sorry for Lady Anne.
As she got ready for the wedding event, she told this to Charles. "I can't help but feel embarrassed for the woman. None of this is her fault. It's my father's wrongdoing in choosing her based on a painting. He should have met Anne before getting himself into a betrothal contract. And the fact that no one of good reputation wanted to marry him is again his fault, due to how he treated his first two wives."
Charles could not disagree with that point. "I agree, but there's nothing we can do except try not to bring her anymore disgrace. Your father has me helping him look for ways to set her aside."
The two finished getting ready for the wedding. Mary wore a soft blue dress embroidered with silver flowers and vines. The whole top half of the gown is nothing but embroidery, and it's stunning. She wore her hair down with a diamond tiara set in it.
As for Charles, he donned a rust-colored brocade doublet with a maroon velvet overcoat. Embroidered in gold on the sides of the doublet are vines with leaves, almost matching the vines on his wife's dress. His princely riband draped over his left shoulder. When they finished dressing, they exited their apartments together. Lady Dot and Lady Paisley followed along with them, as did Sir Anthony and their host of guards.
The children were not attending, as it wasn't necessary. Mary didn't want them to misbehave and cause a distraction unnecessarily. The twins are going through some sort of naughty phase, where they will intentionally test their boundaries and the patience of those in charge of them. Gillian is teething and is miserable. She can see it now with all eyes turning in annoyance on their parents. So, no. The children are staying in their rooms.
The Prince and Princess, and their retinue, met the King, who looked glorious in cloths of gold, with silver embroidery and bands of dark fur. His coat was of crimson satin fastened with diamonds, and one of his great golden chains was hanging around his neck. He appeared very regal despite not wanting to marry Lady Anne.
Solemnly the group walked to the Queen's Closet. Because of Henry's gloom, it felt like they were walking toward a death sentence, not a wedding. Once they arrived, they saw Lady Anne standing with her brother, the Count of Overstein, who is giving her away. Likewise, she too is draped in gold cloth with embroidered flowers, and her hair is left down with a coronet.
Archbishop Cranmer performed the ceremony, and afterward, they left for Mass in the King's Closet. His Majesty, his wife, and the highborn lords and ladies wore away the day with a fantastic meal, another church service, and a masque ball. Eventually, the time came for the couple to consummate their union. With a massive intake of breath, the King stood and went to perform his duty.
Mary leaned over to whisper to her husband. "It's like he's not even trying."
Chuckling, Charles picked up his wine goblet. "I salute you, wife. You will be the one woman bedded properly tonight. Unlike His Majesty, I can assure you my duty will be most thorough and not over with in a matter of seconds." He eyed her, and goosebumps broke out on her arms along with a healthy blush on her cheeks.
The dancing started up again. Before His Highness could ask his wife to take a turn with him, Duke Philip of Bavaria invited her to do so. Mary did not know what to do, so she sought the opinion of Charles. "My Lord Husband was going to ask, I believe." And she left the ball in her husband's court.
Sitting back in his chair, the Prince examined this man and gave nothing away on his face. "I was, but since the Duke beat me to it, it's only right for you to dance with him. I'll dance with you on the next song." He kissed her hand before she got up.
As the Princess and the Duke danced, Mary noted he was elegant and graceful. With the lightness of his feet, Duke Philip led her around the floor. The two did not make small talk, only danced. When the song ended, he escorted her back to the Prince and placed an unsuitable kiss on her hand. It was very improper to do so in front of her husband.
This time Charles's face gave everything away. He eyed the arrogant man with a cold expression on his face. The agitated Prince rose and led his wife back onto the ballroom floor. Mary told him, "I am so sorry. I had no idea he was going to do such a thing."
When the music started again, he let her know, "Don't worry about it. I realize you had no way of knowing. I'll let it slide due to his Germanic culture and customs. But if he tries it again, I might have cause to be truly offended." The two twirled around the floor to the music, enjoying each other's company despite the King's attitude.
The following day, while the Braondons woke refreshed and content in each other's presence, His Majesty did not. After a breakfast of early summer fruit, ham, eggs, freshly baked bread, and cheese, the Prince was called upon by the King. Leaning back in his chair with arms crossed, Charles stated, "I guarantee I will have to hear of the wedding night. I am not looking forward to this. I beg you to have a strong drink and your beautiful body waiting for me when I return."
Mary raised her eyebrows at the suggestions and shook her head. "I'm sure my father will tell you the details of the event. But you'll have to put your big boy pants on and grin and bear it. I think Dot, Paisley, and I will try to call on my newest stepmother today. I suppose I should take Liz with us too. However, I don't know how Liz will take that and what if the woman has Liz call her mother? Liz still thinks of me as her mother, even though she now calls our father, Father." She wonders if he will ever want Liz to live with him at the palace.
Thinking of Liz made Charles laugh out loud. "She may call your father Father, but she calls me Papa. For all the wretchedness that was her mother, Liz is a delight. Interesting to note that the Duke of Norfolk inquired about her the other day."
Mary gasped. "He did? What did you say? And what could that snake possibly want? I refuse to let the man have any contact with my sister."
Angling his body towards his wife, the Prince replied, "I told him Elizabeth is well and happy. She enjoys playing with her two nephews and is ready for her niece to grow older, so she can play with her too. I don't think he wanted anything other than only to know how his niece is fairing." At least he hopes so. Perhaps he should tell this to Henry.
The servants came to clear the table, and Mary rose to smooth out the fabric of Charles's doublet. She buttoned it and reminded him to "Mind your facial expressions when he tells you of the wedding night. You have such expressive eyes." He told her he would, but there's uncertainty that he can contain himself.
He left their rooms and headed for the King's. His face wore a smile for everyone he saw, along with the customary head nod. The Herald announced his presence to His Majesty. Upon entry, he found his friend in poor spirits. Cromwell also happened to be there. "Charles, thank God you're here," the King declared. He beckoned him over to have a seat.
As Charles expected, he learned too much information about Henry's newest wife. He spoke of Anne's breasts and other body parts as he questioned if she was even a maiden. Then he admitted, "I do not know if I can ever sexually desire her. She does nothing for me."
The Prince sat wondering if his friend realized he's not as young as he used to be, nor is he at his healthiest peak. There's the leg ulcers, gout, and more than a few pounds around his middle, none of which make him entirely desirable. Perhaps his new wife feels the same about him. But of course, he'd never say that out loud.
While the Prince sat listening to the woes of the wedding night, Mary sat listening to Dot talk about her pregnancy. "Our Suffolk midwife says I should deliver in September. That's not too far away when you think about it. I really don't care what it is as long as it's a healthy baby," Dot explained. She dunked her chocolate biscuit into the cup of tea.
Then Paisley asked, "Mary, when do you think you'll have another one?"
Mary told her friends, with a cheeky smile on her face, "At least not until Gillian is two. I want to enjoy my life and my three children before another one arrives. So anytime after next February." She sipped her tea.
A laugh came out of Dot's mouth. "Mary, you're hilarious. The way you and Charles go at it, I'm surprised you don't have a whole army by now. Plus, you said that same thing before Gillian came along."
Paisley agreed with a nod of the head. This only served to make Mary huff out a breath of indignation. "I will have you know that I wanted Gillian earlier. This time, though, I'm serious about not another one until she's two. Now stay seated. I need to get you something." She got up and fetched a beautiful box, which she presented to Dot.
Dot opened it and started to cry. "Oh, look! It's a baby blanket!" She held it up for Paisley to see. The blanket is a soft buttery yellow color of quilted squares. Each square depicts different childlike scenes of gorgeous embroidery. It's truly a work of art.
Mary revealed that "Paisley did the embroidery. As you know, I can't embroider to save my life, but I can sew. So I sewed it all together. We both chose the colors and scenes." Dot stood and hugged her two friends with many thanks and tears, that she attributed to pregnancy hormones.
Then the ladies sat discussing if they should visit Lady Anne or not. In the end, they decided to do so. The Royal translator was sent for and accompanied them to the lady's apartments. When they arrived, Paisley and Dot curtsied as is custom. Anne welcomed them all inside with gracious hospitality.
Though awkward, the conversation provided insight into Anne's personality. She shared with them her love of reading and needlepoint. Mary commended Her Grace's work on a pillow and communicated that she too enjoys reading. The two talked about books and their current selections. And by the time the trio left, the Princess felt even more sorrowful for the lady. The poor woman has no idea that her father is looking to set her aside. That is terribly disingenuous, at least in Mary's mind.
To make matters worse, in the coming days, it became noted that His Majesty spent time with the tasteless Catherine Howard. As the King plodded along with the annulment to Anne, he became enamored with the girl. He conveyed to Charles that he admires the youth, beauty, and vitality of Catherine. When the Prince shared this news with his wife, it made Mary want to vomit.
In a fit of temper, she grumbled to her husband. "She's a nit-wit! Plus, she's nothing more than a young girl, who happens to be much younger than me. I see the writing on the wall. He's going to divorce Anne and marry this, this trollop. I also find it to be hilarious, considering she's a Howard. The same Howard family that Anne Boleyn came from, with the same despicable uncle." She flung herself dramatically onto the couch.
Charles took this all in and withheld his laughter as best he could. "Why My Darling, you seem incredibly put upon. Nevertheless, her beauty is nothing compared to yours. You, Sweetheart, shine like the noonday sun. You're beautiful inside and out. As for your father, I would wager you are correct." That is all he cared to say on the matter even when Mary pressed him for details.
Soon the palace became abuzz for the May Day celebration. The King, being of jovial spirits, made his wishes known to have the grandest extravaganza yet. Greenwich Palace transformed itself into a beautiful spring masterpiece. The gardens bloomed with all sorts of flowers and the inside flourished with springtide arrangements. However, it became apparent there is only one thing not blooming- King Henry's marriage.
In fact on the day of the celebration, His Majesty brazenly wooed Lady Catherine. It did not go unnoticed by his oldest daughter this is the same thing he did with The Evil Stepmonster. It sickened her. The whole repulsive display of the two of them made Mary, Dot, and Paisley nauseous. The trio kept to themselves and tried to hide their contempt for the girl. They sat off to the side of the jousting stands as well. Her Highness knew that if she sat near her father she might say something she shouldn't. Like, "It is revolting to see a man of your age court a young girl," or "Stop disgracing yourself, your title, and your wife." But then when has he ever cared about such things?
Picking at a bead on her blush-colored gown, the Princess stated, "It's so tacky to see him act in this manner. It is blatant disrespect to Anne and with her maid of honor no less." The fact that Howard girl would be her top lady in waiting is also an absurdity. Her two friends agreed and turned their attention to the joust. Sir William and Lord Jacob Marbary were jousting each other.
Seeing Sir William prompted Dot to say, "When will he ever court you properly, Paisley?"
Her curly-haired friend's face turned almost as red as her hair. "He's written me letters, sweet letters. That's all I need. I know his affections are true."
Mary acknowledged this. "I think they are courting Dot- secretly." She winked at Paisley, who shook her red head.
Once William disposed of Marbary, Charles jousted with the Duke of Bavaria. Despite the Prince of Wales being in love with his wife and not setting eyes on another woman in years, the crowd still goes wild for him. The cheers make Mary proud of his popularity status. His horse rode over to her and bowed. She stood and waved to the public, who also cheered equally as loudly for her.
The Prince and the Duke jousted valiantly. Duke Philip proved to be a worthy opponent, but in the end, he lost. Turning to her friends, the Princess declared, "There will be no living with him after this." Her husband's ego just grew three sizes.
And it did because he also ended up winning the joust, overall, beating out Anthony. "Did you see me, Mary? Did you see the brilliant move I pulled off against the Duke of Bavaria and Tony?" She told him yes, and he went on to say, "I think this deserves a reward."
Her face grew quizzical. "Whatever do you mean? You received the flower crown and the golden goblet. Which, by the way, thank you for giving the crown to Lady Anne. That was very chivalrous of you. But what else do you need, Sir?"
He pulled her to him. "You, My Love. I need you. That's all." Then he kissed her right there in the open for all the court to see. He did not care one iota, and now being used to her husband's antics, she didn't either.
Days following the joust, the King began his plan to annul the marriage by sending Anne to Richmond. His explanation is, "The Plague in London is a hazard to her health. She must be moved for protection." The thing Mary found to be curious is that her father did not go along, nor did he send herself and his grandchildren away. Everyone knows her father is obsessively fearful of any plague and sickness.
So she grumbled her discontent, muttering things like "Liar!" Of course, she said that only to herself, not in the company of others except her husband. She became so caught up in grumbling and complaining that she had no time and energy for gratitude- much less seeing what is good. All she had time to do is find fault with her father and Catherine Howard, especially with his dining with the girl every night.
It made Charles annoyed. So much so that he raised his voice to her, which he's never truly done before. In a fit of frustration, he exclaimed, "Mary, be quiet! Be grateful, and you won't grumble." So, she added her husband to her gripe list.
And even her friends told her "Mary stop being so contrary." This annoyed Her Highness greatly, as she isn't contrary just incredibly displeased with her father's behavior.
While Mary listed her laments, Charles worked behind the scenes with Thomas Howard to get rid of Cromwell. They worked alongside Edward Seymour and started a whisper campaign against the man. In time, as hoped for, the whispers returned to the King, who heard that Cromwell plotted a rebellion against him. His Majesty, already being of a paranoid and suspicious nature, did not hesitate to arrest the secretary. The fact that he did not care for Cromwell's handling of this latest marriage fiasco factored into the decision.
Upon hearing of the secretary's arrest, the Prince poured himself a strong drink. The news reached Mary, who was out walking in the gardens. She ran inside the palace and into her apartments. Looking at her husband sitting, staring out the window, drinking, she questioned him. "Charles, what have you done?" His Highness didn't answer, just continued surveying the grounds from the window.