Disclaimer: I do not own the Tudors.
Chapter Forty-Three: Another Boleyn Delivery.
23rd of October 1533 - Palace of Beaulieu
"What news from the privy council?" George asked stepping into his study, he had been most surprised with his father's arrival that morning especially when his wife had gone into labour early that morning. His mother had been visiting them in preparation for the delivery of Clarice's second child, she had insisted on being here to aid Clarice like she had done when Contessina had been born and how she helped Anne through her deliveries.
Contessina was currently with her Governess, who had been told by George himself not to tell the little girl that her mother was labouring until they had news that all was well. He was most hopeful that they would receive news that Clarice had safely been delivered of her child; he prayed that all went well and that soon he would be able to hold their child in his arms.
"The King has drawn up the Act of Succession that is to go before Parliament in the coming days, he wishes to ensure that no one doubts nor plots against Prince Alexander and the Princess Elizabeth to install either of his bastard children in their place," Thomas explained, his lips twisting upwards knowing that not only would everyone be expected to sign but those who did not would find themselves outed as enemies to the Boleyns.
After the former Princess of Wales had been banished to a nunnery, the King had set about insuring that none could doubt the line of succession that was vested within the children bore to him by Queen Anne and no other. The Duchess of Hertford, any children born from her marriage, the Duke of Richmond and of Somerset and any heirs that he might produce when he married were illegitimate.
"He's also considering dripping the Duke of Richmond and of Somerset of one of his Duchy, so that people will not think to look to him instead of Alexander as King," Thomas continued knowing that any removal of a threat to his grandson taking the throne was a good one. The Duke of Richmond and of Somerset would be married to the Duke of Norfolk's only surviving daughter, making her a niece to him and his wife; although they might be king. Thomas did not trust his brother-in-law to not advance his own instead of the family that he had currently on the throne.
"He is wise to see his mistake, he advanced Fitzroy too high when he believed that Katherine would not give him a son," George agreed, he had seen little of Henry's bastard by Bessie Blount but he knew the boy favoured his mother in looks. They already had Katherine to deal with and her plans to cause an uprising to put Mary on the throne, now the plans to get Mary out of England were underway they could say that she was no longer such a threat.
The same could not be said for her half-brother, there was no way to send Fitzroy away without fear of him doing what his grandfather had done and come back with an army. Fitzroy was already Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland, a title that he had been granted in 1529 and there was a plan to crown him king of that country until it was discovered that Katherine was a traitor.
The King's counsellors had feared that making a separate Kingdom of Ireland whose ruler was not that of England would create another threat similar to the Kingdom of Scotland; one that they had only held off because of Margaret's marriage and the fact that she had been regent for her son. There was a knocking that snapping George from his thoughts, he knew that fighting in a war would be expected of him and he had no desire to leave his wife nor their children.
He would fight for King and country but he hoped that such things could be avoided, there was much unrest as it was especially with the King's unhappiness with the Pope. More than once George had found himself in private discussion with the King about such religious matters especially since Anne had shared a book with him on such matters.
"The Duchess has been delivered of a healthy baby girl," the lady announced entering the room, her eyes lowered slightly thought she didn't miss the thunderous look on Thomas Boleyn's face at the news that Clarice had failed for a second time to deliver him the grandson that he needed.
Staring down at the little girl in her arms, Clarice could not find the words to describe how she was feeling about the fact that she had birthed another girl; she did not wish to think that she was disappointed for her child was a healthy one. In only two years of marriage, she had produced two healthy children but a part of her could not deny that she had hoped for a son; an heir that her husband needed.
Clarice had not thought that she would find herself in the position, Anne had made it look so easy when she had birthed Alexander on the first try and even Mary had a son for a second child. She wondered if perhaps there was something wrong with her or God was punishing her for not doing as the Pope had asked; surely, he would not be so cruel to deny her a son because she refused to become the King's mistress.
Hearing the doors to her chambers open, Clarice hesitated to look up at her husband who strode inside; she feared his reaction especially having heard from her ladies that Thomas Boleyn was here. No doubts her father-in-law had been far from pleased that she had failed to do her duty to the Boleyns; he had been furious when Contessina was born and she did not think she had seen him interact with the little girl since her birth.
"I am sorry," Clarice whispered looking up from their newborn daughter, her green eyes searching his face worried what he might say; he had been so happy when Contessina had been born and yet this time she feared he would be angry with her. Things had been going well for them and their time away from court had been good for them, she preferred being home at their estate with Contessina than at court.
"You have nothing to apologise for, we have a healthy baby girl and that is a gift," George stated, a small smile upon his face as he approached the bed where Clarice was with their daughter. In the space of two years of marriage, so much had changed for them and he knew that the birth of two healthy children in that time was a sign from God.
They had been blessed that George was sure of, he did not think that many could say that and it was God's will that these beautiful girls were born; it would be his duty to make sure they did not become pawns in his own father's plans. Carefully lifting the baby from Clarice's arms, George was in awe of their daughter; she reminded him of Contessina when she had been born.
"I love you Clarice. You have given me the greatest gifts in the world," George whispered staring down at the baby, he had never thought he would feel this way about a wife that had been chosen for him but she was everything that he had ever wanted. They now had now been blessed with two beautiful daughters, he would be happy even if they only had daughters; he would be happy as long as she was.
His words completely caught her off guard, Clarice unable to believe that he had said those words; she had never heard her parents say them nor did she think anyone had ever said those words to her. She loved Contessina and she loved this new baby as well, she knew that but she had never considered that she would share such a feeling with her husband; they had been a political match so that she was tied to the Boleyns.
Opening and closing her mouth, Clarice could not find the words to express how she felt for George; she cared about him deeply and the fact that he did not care that she had given him another daughter meant everything. George had not shamed her for failing to give him a son, many other would likely have been disappointed in two daughters even thought they had been married nearly three years.
"I had a thought of a name for her," George stated knowing that he had drawn upon both their family tree one that he had drawn up for their children. He wanted them to know of their family, not just that they were descended from his side and were related to the Queen but he wanted them to know of Clarice's family.
Rocking the little girl in his arms, George had no doubts that she like her sister would have him wrapped around her finger; he would have it no other way and he looked forward to playing in the gardens with them just as his father had done with him and his sisters. Thomas Boleyn might be a changed man now but he had been an amazing father before greed and ambition had ruined him; something that George would not allow to happen to him nor would he put his daughters in the positions that their aunts had been.
Highly recommend Athenais Penelope Clemence's story, Chained by Love and War as well as the short prequel An Enchanting Dance in Calais by Countess of Sherwood. I also recommend For Even as Love Crowns You by wizardfantasy and Sanctuary by Cattyfan
There is a poll on my profile to decide Baby Boleyn's name.
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