The Lady Carey

by Anne R Bailey

  Around them, carts filled with goods would be traveling, as well as a retinue of yeomen to act as their guards, although no one would be foolish enough to attack a band of the King’s.

  The King himself would be following on later. Their official meeting place was set to be Greenwich.

  Catherine, who had never traveled with a court even one as small as this, was flustered by all the activity. But luckily, she had the older ladies to follow and took up a spot behind Lady Rochford who had been just as cold to her as she had been to her after their first encounter.

  All day they traveled at a slow pace until they reached the first inn on the roadside.

  It was Lady Brown who arranged all the sleeping arrangements, and Catherine found herself crammed into a bed with two other girls. She did not sleep much on the journey. When they finally arrived at Rochester Castle, they were housed and fed well.

  It was the first time she was given an opportunity to bathe properly, and, after tipping a manservant a penny, she received a bucket of deliciously hot water and clean towel.

  The next day, a select few ladies assembled to embark for Calais. Catherine was pleased to have been selected, where Kitty had been overlooked. Already, she had developed a mischievous reputation that would not be welcomed on this important meeting.

  Catherine had never traveled by ship before and was anxious about the journey. She thought it would be similar to traveling by barge, but, after the ship disembarked, she felt her legs nearly give out as the waves began rocking the boat.

  Some of the ladies had gone beneath deck to what would be the Queen’s rooms, but she had remained on deck. Now she regretted not going. Perhaps it would be better beneath deck.

  The ship went over a particularly large wave and she reached out her hand to grasp something. That something turned out to be a young man who had been running by.

  They blinked at each other.

  “I apologize, sir.” Catherine took her hand away from his shoulder. He was looking at her, considering.

  “You don’t have your sea legs yet.” He offered her his arm to steady her.

  She wasn’t going to take it; after all, they hadn’t been introduced.

  “The ship is going to rock again, and I’m afraid you will fall.”

  Stoutly, she took his hand, and he led her to the side of the ship.

  “And may I have your name?” he asked.

  “Catherine Carey, I am a maid-in-waiting to the new Queen.”

  “Ah, well I am Francis Knollys, gentleman usher.”

  “And rescuer of damsels in distress?”

  This made him laugh. They reached the balustrade and she gripped it, letting go of his arm.

  “If you feel sick, just lean over and try to avoid the deck and your pretty dress.”

  Catherine flushed with embarrassment, but he was gone from her side to carry out whatever job he had been in the middle of.

  Indeed, she had been sick not long after his departure, and she was glad that Francis hadn’t been around to see. As she wiped the corner of her mouth with a handkerchief, she thanked her lucky stars that she had eaten a light breakfast.

  She hadn’t gotten a good look at Francis, but she knew he was a good head taller than herself and had light blonde hair. She would thank him if she got the opportunity, but, given his flirtatious comment, she was hesitant to run into him again.

  For all she knew he was married!

  The journey was blissfully short. Catherine learned that today the sea had been calm, and she was even more embarrassed by her terrible reaction.

  “I saw you on deck with that handsome young man.” Madge was in line at her side as the ladies assembled to walk off the ship. The dock was strangely empty, as most people had gathered at the gates of Calais to catch a glimpse of the Lady Anne as she entered the city.

  The ladies moved quickly through the streets and entered the palace, where they assembled along with the gentlemen to wait for the Anne of Cleves to arrive. From the noise outside, they did not have to wait long. There was great cheering, and it was clear that she had already gained favor with the people.

  The room seemed to hold its breath in anticipation.

  Then, just as suddenly, she had entered the room. A retinue of German lords and ladies at her heels. There was a pause as the English courtiers took in her strange dress and heavy headgear. In the next moment, they were bowing low, and, after she took her seat set up on a dais, Lord Lisle at her side, everyone stood waiting to be introduced.

  It became clear very quickly that she could barely speak any English. Her German translator was constantly murmuring in her ear, and she seemed dazed by all the new faces and names.

  Then it was time for her ladies to be introduced to her, and Catherine watched as her eyes went wide as Jane Boleyn’s name was said. She must have heard all the tales about Anne. Would it surprise her to learn that several of her cousins were going to be serving her?

  Catherine came forward when her name was finally called and curtseyed low.

  “P-pleasure t-to meet you.” The lady stumbled over the words, but it was a better attempt than what she had managed earlier. Anne extended her hand and Catherine kissed it, promising to serve her loyally.

  As she stepped away, Catherine felt a sense of pity for her. She didn’t know what she would have done if she had been presented at a German court.

  After everyone was presented, Lady Anne announced in her thick German accent that she wished to retire. The ladies fall into step behind her. Lady Lisle taking her husband’s place at her side and showing her where she could rest until they departed.

  The plan was to leave before nightfall, so she wouldn’t be able to rest for long. Catherine didn’t think she knew that.

  Lady Anne seemed sweet, if not a bit naïve as she wondered at the other servants present in her rooms. These were ladies and gentlemen hired from the lower rungs of nobility serving to care for her rooms, from making the bed, lighting the fire, cleaning and other tasks.

  Perhaps she had never been served by so many people before. Catherine could relate, being new to court herself, but she had been better prepared. She promised herself she would try to help her in any way she could.

  Lady Anne was looking from one person to another, she looked lost as to what she could do. Lady Rochford had told her that they would be departing soon but that she could rest in bed if she wished or hear some music. Lady Anne nodded and took a seat by the window, this wasn’t the chair meant for her but the other ladies moved their chairs around so they faced her.

  Lutes were brought in and Catherine, along with some of the other ladies, strung up a tune they had been taught.

  “The King composed this,” Lady Rochford said loud enough for everyone to hear.

  “It very good,” Anne said.

  Catherine was on alert though, sensing a trap. Jane looked too pleased with herself.

  “Yes, he wrote it for Anne Boleyn.”

  Several twangs were heard as the women missed the strings before resuming, trying to pretend as though nothing had happened. To her credit, Anne of Cleves did not blanch or complain. She just repeated herself very forcibly.

  “It very good.”

  Lady Rochford seemed put out by her inability to incite any reaction from her. She settled on a different tactic and was all but friendly to her.

  On the journey back to England, Catherine was prepared and ready with a hand on the railing as the ship set off.

  The crowds of people watching them get on board made her watch the way she walked and she kept a smile until she was well out of sight. Anne seemed to have an easier time with the crowds; they only wanted a wave and a smile from her, which she could easily do. In contrast, the courtiers were much more demanding.

  Now that Anne was here, Catherine couldn’t go gallivanting around the deck or do as she pleased. It was her duty to be by her mistress’s side until she was released.

  In the rooms, they discovered that Anne was a fan of p
laying cards, and the ladies taught her how to play Primero since it was similar to a game she already knew. To win, a person needed to get four of a kind or a variety of different pairs. It was played between two people so they took turns playing against Anne, while the others advised her.

  A knock at the door and a squire popped his head in. “We are nearly there.”

  “So soon!” Anne exclaimed. “This great fun.” Pointing to the cards.

  The ladies smiled and nodded.

  Catherine saw Kitty whispering behind her sleeve to another of the maids and from the giggling it was nothing nice. She nudged her cousin harshly.

  The arrival in Rochester managed to leave Lady Anne gaping in amazement at the great house and the pavilions set up with tableaus in her honor. Catherine thought that Cleves must not be a very rich nation if Anne, the sister of the Duke, found Rochester extravagant.

  Rochester was the palace of the Archbishop, and it was one of his more old fashioned homes. They wouldn’t be here long before continuing on to Blackheath.

  With the ladies settled down, Lady Brown informed Anne of the events tomorrow.

  “We arranged a few entertainments for you, as it is the New Year tomorrow. If it would please you, Lady Anne.”

  “It w-would.” She nodded after her German lady translated for her.

  “Good, good.” Lady Brown smiled a bit helplessly. “You young ladies should retire, I don’t want anyone to sleep in tomorrow.” She had turned to look at them.

  In their room, there was a lot of giggling and mocking of the Queen-to-Be.

  “Would you like card?” Madge tried, mimicking her accent.

  Only Catherine didn’t find this amusing. They went on to comment on her gown, and the way she seemed to be so clumsy and dull.

  Finally the girls climbed under the sheets and fell asleep. Catherine’s thoughts were whirling for the poor girl who was only a couple years older than herself. She stood up and decided to go sit by the burning embers of the fireplace outside.

  She opened the door but then quickly stopped in her tracks. Two figures were sitting by the fire, already talking in confidence. From the headdress of the woman on the right, she could tell was Jane Boleyn. Catherine looked behind her, making sure the others were asleep and, leaving the door cracked open, tried to listen to what they were saying.

  “I told my husband that they would make a poor match, but he refuses to say anything to the King.”

  “He might like her after all.” That was Jane.

  “Perhaps… but I think you know as much as I do the likelihood of that happening. She is sweet enough but the King will not be satisfied with that. If she had a few months before the marriage, perhaps she could be taught more English and her dresses could be changed, but, as she is now, she is doomed to become a laughingstock.”

  “Those can be dangerous assumptions.”

  “It’s the truth.” Catherine finally recognized Lady Lisle’s voice. “But you are right. Cromwell arranged this marriage — he won’t like it if anyone steps in the way of his plans.”

  “No,” Jane agreed. “It’s better if we sit back and wait.”

  Catherine bit her lip, was it really better to sit back? She thought of how out of place Anne had seemed. She closed the door quietly, seeing that Lady Lisle had stood up.

  Slinking back to her bed, she wondered what she could do. She didn’t dare warn Anne — she didn’t want to be interfering with court politics so soon. Especially not when those older than her seemed so hesitant to do so.

  An idea struck her then. Perhaps she could make some effort to learn German and ingratiate herself to Anne that way. Then she could better communicate with her as well.

  The next day, with the promised entertainment to look forward to, everyone took their time getting ready. Catherine selected the burgundy gown she wore at her first dinner at court. The fur would keep her warm in this drafty castle.

  Anne was helped to wash and dress by some of the English ladies, as many of her German ladies had left after escorting her to Calais.

  The gown she wore was another German creation. The ladies had attempted to prevent her from wearing the thick undercoat and the wide hoop skirt that created that unattractive bell figure. They also told her she didn’t need to wear the clothe shirt up to her neckline, but Anne had looked horrified at the thought of being so exposed.

  The English ladies exchanged glances. There was nothing wrong with modesty, but Anne was dressed more like a nun than a Queen.

  They even showed her their own dresses, which were perfectly acceptable. Except Kitty Howard, who had done away with the scarf tucked into the neckline leaving her bust quite exposed when she curtseyed.

  Still they went to hear mass and Anne’s translator for once stopped translating. She did not speak Latin. Anne had seemed perturbed by what she must have seen as very Pope-ish customs. While Henry had broken away from Rome, he had not exactly embraced Protestantism either.

  Catherine had to give her credit for not speaking out or saying anything. She knew how important it was to hold your tongue. Anything contradictory to the King’s wishes could be seen as treason.

  After they listened to the sermon, they feasted on mincemeat pies and drank claret. Anne seemed quite pleased with the food, exclaiming for and over again that she had never eaten so well before.

  Finally, they were taken to the hall where they were given seats by the great windows. Down below in the courtyard, a bull baiting had been set up. The dogs were barking incessantly, causing the bull in the courtyard to paw at the ground with his hoof and bellow.

  Catherine looked away, she hated blood sports. Even jousting held little excitement for her. The sight of blood and danger made her sick to her stomach. So instead of focusing on the courtyard, she looked around the hall. She noticed several newcomers who had stayed behind with the King.

  She wasn’t experienced enough to suspect anything though and turned away when she heard Anne’s cheerful exclamation.

  The bull baiting was beginning. The dogs were let loose in the courtyard and they surrounded the bull. The younger ones were braver and leapt forward to snap at the bull but lost their courage the minute he tossed his horns in their direction.

  Catherine knew this dance would continue for a long time.

  Anne clapped loudly when the beast was felled and the dogs were carried away. All the excitement and blood had left those watching with beating hearts and adrenaline rushes.

  Catherine, who avoided looking at the blood, noticed the crowd near a doorway move aside to let a man through. There was no mistaking the bulky form of the King, but he wasn’t wearing his Kingly clothes — instead, as Catherine had been told he liked to do, he had come disguised.

  Catherine looked around at the other ladies, a few of them had noticed him and kept their eyes downcast.

  Lady Anne and her companions had not paid him any attention. Catherine feared what would happen if she was not warned, but she couldn’t spoil the King’s game either.

  Since she was standing to the back of the crowd, she would have to push to get Lady Anne’s attention covertly. Moving quickly, she tried to do just that, but, before she could say a single word, the King had reached them. And she had been able to do no more than squeeze Lady Anne’s hand.

  She had turned at the action and was face to face with what seemed to her a poor old man.

  “Yes?” She stared at him with annoyance. Perhaps she thought this man was a messenger; he was certainly not dressed like a nobleman.

  “Lady Anne, you are beautiful.” The King in disguise grunted and pulled her to him in a kiss.

  As any woman would do when they were met with such rude behavior, she pulled away from him as fast as she could escape his grasp and slapped him across the face.

  “Ser! Y-you cannot.”

  There was a stunned silence. Catherine went white and took a step back. Lady Anne must have looked around and seen everyone’s horrified faces. No one leapt to escort t
his man away, and she realized something was amiss.

  The King turned on his heel and strode away as fast as he could.

  Lady Anne looked to her translator for an explanation. Catherine leaned forward and whispered in the translator’s ear that the man who kissed her had been the King in disguise. Catherine was close enough to see Lady Anne’s eyes widen, but she looked down to hide her shock and embarrassment.

  Not even a moment later, the King strode in the room, this time wearing all his finery. As he stepped towards her, Lady Anne curtseyed low and stayed down until the King urged her to stand up.

  “I couldn’t wait to meet my future wife.”

  Despite his words, he looked so displeased that everyone in the room cringed.

  “I-I am sorry I did not recognize you.” Lady Anne’s voice was a whisper.

  “I don’t know what you mean.”

  It seemed that King Henry was keen on pretending nothing had happened. Taking her cue from him, Lady Anne changed tactics.

  “And you are well?”

  “Indeed.” Another awkward pause as he looked her over. “I shall return to Greenwich for our formal introduction.”

  He turned yet again and this time his companions followed him out. From behind the closed door they could hear him bellow for a horse.

  Catherine saw Lady Anne grab her translator’s hand, thinking no one was looking. Then she spoke quickly to her and the woman turned to Catherine.

  “Is he very much displeased?”

  Catherine couldn’t lie. “Yes.”

  Lady Anne let out a heavy sigh.

  Chapter Seven

  There wasn’t much time to dwell on what had happened. Everyone pitied Lady Anne. Though they all pretended that the King was still a handsome man, even the most delusional courtier knew that he had grown fat and smelly in his old age.

  There was a bear baiting and a tableaux by a professional troupe of actors. It was supposed to depict her upcoming wedding. A beautiful lady journeyed by sea to be united with her handsome lover. Bringing prosperity to his nation. The play seemed to have a biting irony that even the Lady Anne couldn’t miss.