Chapter Three - The French Court
The wedding was happening today. Princess Mary looked at her reflection in the mirror. She should have been delighted it was her wedding day. If the man had been around her age and they were in love, she thought. Damn you, brother. Mary was eighteen and marrying a man three times her age. He was ancient and when she met him last night he smelled so bad she wanted to vomit. She took comfort in the fact she had English ladies-in-waiting. She was particularly fond of Anne and Mary. They were younger by four years but at least they were close in age. Princess Mary turned to look at Anne.
"I feel awful, Anne. I don't want to marry old king Louis." Mary cried, feeling rage build up in her.
She hadn't ever told anyone but she had a massive crush on Charles Brandon, recently made the Duke of Suffolk. He was a handsome young man in her brother's inner circle, probably one of the few Henry considered his best friend. He had noticed Princess Mary, too. Henry must have noticed their attraction or someone else must have and so Mary was used as a pawn like in a chess set to make an alliance. Henry hated France, everyone knew it, including Princess Mary.
"Well, maybe he won't pay any attention to you after the wedding. He'll get you knocked up and then you might be lucky. You might have a son and then you won't have to worry about him going anywhere near you." Anne encouraged her.
"I'd rather not have that old man share a bed with me at all," Princess Mary said, grimacing at the thought. "If I don't have a son, he'll continue to bang me until I do."
"I wish things could've been different for you, Mary." Anne said, softly. "I'm so sorry your brother is putting you through this."
"Thank you, Anne. I appreciate you and your kindness so much. Now distract me. Are there any sexy men you've set your sights on?" Mary inquired.
Anne laughed, the way she laughed was contagious and melodious.
"No, but my sister Mary is Charles' mistress. He bangs her like every other day."
"You mean the king's son?"
"The very one."
"Your sister is one lucky bitch, just saying." Princess Mary sighed. "I'd rather be his mistress right now. Don't tell anyone I've said that."
"Nonsense! Your secret will go with me to the grave. I promise you. I've no interest in court gossip or life in the same way. I like reading and politics."
"How modern of you, Annie. Just please be careful. I heard the French are horrible gossip mongers and will do anything to gain power. Be careful who you include in our circle."
"Oh I am. I don't really trust just anyone. I'm very careful in my consideration of who I associate with."
"That's good to hear you're sensible. Not everyone is. I don't feel like I can trust all my ladies. Can you find out for me which ones are my brother's spies?"
"Of course! I can gain their trust and find insight for the both of us. I suppose just this once I can show interest in courtly gossip."
"You are a dear heart. Now, let's go. I do believe my old man is waiting for us."
The other ladies in waiting were lined up outside Princess Mary's royal apartments and Anne took her place directly behind her. Princess Mary sighed, taking in a deep breath and began walking gracefully down to the front loggia of the royal palace. There were four carriages waiting for them to bring the ladies to the church. The two Marys, Anne and Lady Jane Herbert, got into the first carriage. The other carriages were filled with the other eight ladies-in-waiting, four in each.
The bells were ringing all throughout the city from every church. The streets were lined with red and gold and everyone had been out to greet Princess Mary as her royal procession made its way to Notre Dame. White and red rose petals were falling down into the streets and many windows had banners hanging from them. The city of Paris was completely decked out for the royal wedding - "the wedding of the century" Lady Jane had said, excitedly as she looked at the two Marys and Anne. The people of Paris were cheering and waving, some young children were even running alongside the carriages, waving excitedly at the royals. It was only a ten minute carriage ride to the cathedral. Once they arrived, Princess Mary carefully stepped out of the carriage. Anne and Jane picked up the hem of her dress and they made their way up the steps.
The doors opened and the nobles were all standing inside, waiting for the bride to enter. The organ played hymns and the choir sang in Latin, their voices echoing through the cloisters like an angelic choir. The French nobility kept their watchful gaze on Princess Mary and her ladies. King Louis stood at the end in front of the altar with the archbishop dressed in his royal robes. The royal wedding was an extravagant affair and no expense was spared.
Anne admired the whole spectacle before her even as she stood in the front row of the congregation, watching Princess Mary wed the king. The whole service was done in Latin and the vows exchanged in French. There was a lengthy mass and the conducting of the holy communion before God and the masses. Once the communion was finished, the archbishop said a prayer and blessed the royal couple. He declared that they were now husband and wife. Louis leaned forward and kissed Mary. Princess Mary stood as still as one of the statues in the cathedral when he did, Anne could see her hands gripping onto the hem of her skirts. They turned and looked at their court and made their way down the aisle again. Anne led the ladies-in-waiting behind Princess Mary and King Louis.
The royal couple made their way into the carriage. Anne followed in the next carriage with the others. They were returning to the palace for the celebrations. Even after the wedding ceremony had taken place, the streets of Paris were lined up with their people hoping to catch a glimpse of their monarch. They went in through the gates and the carriages lined up behind one another on the gravel path. The royals stepped out of their carriage and went back up the stairs inside. They were greeted by other nobles, all clapping and cheering, offering their felicitations and best wishes.
Louis held onto Princess Mary's hand. She wished she could pull it away because his hand had been cold and sweaty. He lifted their hands up together in the air and shook her hand in his to showcase their union. Anne could see Princess Mary shifting uncomfortably. The princess looked pained and desperately wanted to escape the clutches of this old man. The French nobility all followed the king into the celebration hall. There were vast long tables up and down completely decked out with trays on trays of food, suckling pigs, roasted pheasants and peacocks, endless supplies of Burgundian wine and all sorts of sweets.
The court musicians were ready to play. They readied their instruments and the king ordered the musicians to begin their music. They played serenades, hymnals and jigs. The conversation was loud and boisterous in the grand hall. Everyone was feasting and making merry. Anne sat left of Princess Mary, her sister beside her, Lady Jane Herbert, Lady Alice Radcliffe, Lady Margaret Radcliffe (she and Alice were sisters like Anne and Mary), Lady Elizabeth Talbot, Lady Katherine 'Kitty' Catesby, there was Lady Cecily Knolls, Lady Brigit Pole, Lady Isabel Wyatt, Lady Kathryn 'Kate' Spencer and the final lady-in-waiting was Lady Margery Sutton.
They had all come from England with Princess Mary - all ten ladies aboard the King's ship. Anne had to at least admit to herself she was glad she didn't have to travel with all those ladies across the Channel. Princess Mary said there had been a little drama on board. And three of the ladies had been prone to bouts of seasickness. Anne particularly didn't understand why she needed TWELVE ladies-in-waiting. Six would have been proficient, but Princess Mary was English after all and she was sent to France, technically against her will. Perhaps Princess Mary thought she could do an English invasion at least in the court of Louis XII. She refused to have any French ladies-in-waiting, even if her brother did send spies along the journey. No doubt he'd sent spies to make sure that Princess Mary consummated the marriage bed tonight.
The unfortunate thing about this was Anne even knew Princess Mary's position wouldn't be secure until she provided the king with another heir to make the Anglo-French alliance stronger. If they would have a son, then it would help strengthen both borders, but this heir would have to contend with the eldest son, Francis. What if Francis would have heirs of his own? Anne glanced at Princess Mary, a soft smile of sympathy as she saw the king trying to kiss the poor girl's neck in front of the entire court.
"Anne, help me!" Princess Mary whispered, nearly hissing at Anne.
"Your Majesty, I was wondering if there would be any dancing today?" Anne asked, leaning over to look at the king.
Louis pulled away from Mary and glanced at Anne, obviously frustrated with the young woman.
"Of course there is going to be dancing, Lady Anne. What kind of ridiculous question is that?" Louis asked, gruffly. "Come now, child, this celebration will last an entire WEEK if I have my say! And I do! I am the King!"
"I do love a good dance, you know, I'm quite good at it and I've been practicing for some time. I'm sure Princess Mary would like to put her skills to use too!" Anne exclaimed, with a fake smile.
Louis softened his gaze and chuckled.
"I would like to eat my fill and then we may go dancing on the other side. Patience is a virtue, Lady Anne." Louis reminded, with a smirk on his features.
"Yes, Your Majesty. I am simply looking forward to all the celebrations this week! This is quite thrilling!" Anne replied.
"I am pleased you are enjoying yourself. No expense was spared, you know, for my beautiful bride. I want her to have the best. Look at this angelic creature before me! Is she not ravishing, my little tart?"
Princess Mary and Anne glanced at one another, trying to retain their disgust with stoic facades. About an hour or so went into the feasting before the King finally got up and made a very drunken and brazen testimonial about his love for his new, young bride. He held Mary's hand and kissed the back of it.
"Now that we have all feasted and drank the endless wine, let us go to the other hall to dance! I wish to dance with my beautiful wife before I take her maidenhead tonight!"
The king howled with laughter as did some of the men in the great hall. The French women were whispering and giggling softly to each other as they conversed in groups. Some of them did look at Princess Mary when the King made the announcement. She stood up gracefully and followed her old husband to the dancing hall. This was going to be a LONG night and she was prepared for it as best she knew how to be. There was no stopping what was coming ahead of them. Anne sent her another sympathetic look as Mary glanced behind her for a friend. She nodded and followed the rest of the nobles to the other side, releasing a heavy sigh. This was really going to be such a challenge to watch. But, Anne had to stay strong for Mary's sake. She would encourage her friend to do her royal duty. And she would be right at her side the next day to comfort her. God willing.