But it was not Catherine who was by her side throughout the day but Jane Boleyn. The woman was spineless in her maneuvering. She was all sweetness and comfort, saying that the King would forget and they would be happy.
Catherine wasn’t so stupid as to believe her, knowing the King never forgot an insult, but Lady Anne was new to court and she wanted to believe that her marriage would go ahead without any impediments.
The next day they began their travels towards Blackheath. Lady Anne was escorted by the Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk.
Catherine had avoided her uncle’s gaze when he entered the solar to greet the lady. She was sure he would have an audience with her. After all, she was here to collect information for the family as well.
She saw he must have been warned that the King was unhappy with her, for he had greeted Lady Anne coolly and spoke more to the Duke of Suffolk rather than to her or any of the other German lords and advisors. To the trained eye, this would have been seen as a snub, but the Germans did not know much about the customs in England and were too busy taking in the sights to pay attention.
The language barrier didn’t help much either.
Kitty Howard had become popular overnight from her brilliant imitation of the future Queen. She had her down perfectly. Catherine thought this was particularly cruel of her, as the Lady Anne had been nothing but civil to all of them.
As their journey came to an end, they could see the tops of tents with banners fluttering in the wind. All over the field, pavilions had been set up and tents pitched with rich cloth. In the center was a tent made from cloth of gold and all the German lords had exclaimed at the richness of it.
It sparkled and shone in the sunlight.
Of course, this was nothing in comparison to the sights at the Field of Cloth of gold. Where a whole makeshift castle was set up and cloth of gold was hanging everywhere, with wine flowing from fountains.
Along the way, the crowd of Londoners had come to greet their new Queen as the people had done in Calais. Of course, these were a selected few personages. Like the Mayor of London, aldermen, merchants and guild leaders. Many of the lords and ladies were already in her train
Then the King appeared mounted on a great courser. He approached their party, on either side of him were his yeomen of the guards and his chosen companions behind him. Catherine could see Cromwell, as he stood out among the gold and blazing colors with his black cloak.
Henry was ablaze of jewels and gold in his handsome suit which included a purple velvet coat embroidered with gold damask and lace, his shirt was made of cloth of gold as well. Around his neck hung a collar of large diamonds and white pearls. Around his waist, his girdle and sword hilt were studded with emeralds and other precious jewels. Even his cap had a few jewels in it.
To Catherine, he looked more gaudy than magnificent, but she would never let her opinions show.
His outfit certainly impressed the Germans who stared in amazement at his outfit.
As he was helped down from his horse, so was Lady Anne, and she was led to the top of the pavilion where two chairs were set up, Henry’s higher and covered in cloth of gold as well. She curtseyed to him and he kissed her hand to the applause of the people gathered to watch them.
Catherine, who had been holding her breath, was amazed by how amiable the King seemed to be today. He was in a much better mood and was joking and laughing to those around him.
Musicians played a piece he had composed for the event and a lad recited a poem.
The London Mayor came forth with a gift from the people of London to Lady Anne. It was a fine roll of purple damask silk. The color of royalty — only members of the royal family were permitted to wear the color.
Then the King snapped his fingers, and two page boys came forth carrying a large box. He motioned for Lady Anne to open it, and she gasped in amazement when she found beautiful sables inside. The crowd clapped when the boys turned to show them to everyone.
“Thank you!” she exclaimed. The King nodded as though they weren’t an extravagant gift.
Catherine saw Kitty twitch at the sight of them. The girl could be as jealous as a five-year-old.
After a few more professions of loyalty and prayers by the Bishops and other important personages, they were escorted to the Palace at Greenwich.
Catherine did not retire with the ladies but rather held back, sipping some spiced wine by the window sill, watching Lady Lisle and Lady Brown converse by the fire. There was no one around, and, though they glanced Catherine’s way, they thought she wasn’t paying attention.
“My husband says the King swore he would not marry her.”
“Really?” Lady Brown was horrified. “But he cannot back out now.”
“Exactly, that’s the problem, isn’t it? Cromwell is said to be sleepless with anxiety over this.”
“There can’t be an impediment to the match? They spent half a year going over the documents.”
There was a soft knock at the door, and a man in Howard livery entered.
“I am to deliver a message to Lady Carey and Lady Rochford.”
Catherine stepped down from her seat. “Lady Rochford is asleep but I am Lady Carey, her niece. I will see that she gets the message.”
He looked skeptical for a moment, but then nodded and handed her the letters. Catherine broke the seal on her letter. The message was a simple instruction to come see her uncle when she got the chance. She pocketed Jane’s letter without opening it. Likely, it said the same thing.
“My uncle wishes to see me,” she explained to the curious ladies behind her.
“I can come now if you will escort me,” she said to the messenger.
“Of course,” he bowed.
Her uncle was at his desk, going over papers. He had not yet retired for the night and welcomed her in.
“I am surprised to see you are the first to jump to my summons.”
“Jane was asleep,” she said. She stood before him, as he had not invited her to sit.
“So what can you tell me about Anne of Cleves?”
“She is pleasant and seems to be very kind.”
Her uncle waved away. “No, girl. I don’t need to hear you flattering her. I am sure you have heard by now the King is not happy with the match.”
Catherine nodded, she played with the chain around her waist.
“So…”
She wasn’t sure what he wanted her to say, but she told him all she knew.
“It was that first meeting. She slapped him when he was in disguise, and I think he was furious with her. Perhaps he still is.” Her uncle nodded. Everyone had heard about this event. “She doesn’t know about our English customs and is unwilling to wear some of the English gowns we offered to her.”
“Why not?”
“She says they are too revealing.”
He laughed. “Go on.”
“Of course, she goes to mass like the rest of us, but I can tell she is uncomfortable.”
“Oh?” His interest was piqued. “Have you seen her praying in German or reading any prohibited books?”
“Not as far as I know, My Lord.” Catherine took a step back. “She is just confused. She doesn’t know Latin and barely any English. I am sure with time she will come to learn and understand.”
“You know, if she was to show any heretical tendencies, the marriage could be called off.”
“But she is allowed to practice her religion. The King knew she was a Protestant.” Catherine earned a glare for her outspokenness.
“Only in private. So if you or anyone has seen her acting otherwise then we have grounds to complain,” he snapped.
“I see. I am sorry.” Catherine’s eyes were downcast.
“The King only wishes to find a good Queen for the country. You understand that. We have to make sure she is fit,” he said. His tone was now softer and more placating. “You’ve done well, though. If you continue being helpful to me, you shall be rewarded. Keep an eye out and report to me anything you thin
k of vital importance. I shall summon you occasionally to hear your reports.”
“Yes, thank you, My Lord.” Catherine curtseyed and left the room.
She didn’t need an escort, knowing the way back to the Queen’s apartments. Along the way she passed by the great hall where she spotted a familiar figure playing cards. It made her stop in her tracks. There was Francis, laughing jovially with some other young gentlemen.
He must have sensed someone looking at him because, much to her embarrassment, he looked up and noticed her in the door way. He gave her a little wave; she gave him a quick wary smile before strolling away.
Her mind was not on Francis but rather on what her uncle had said and what he wanted from her. She wasn’t sure she could do what he was implying nor was she sure she wanted to.
To betray someone she was serving seemed like a grave sin.
In the morning, she handed Jane Boleyn the letter, watching as she checked the seal and was surprised to find it unopened.
“I wouldn’t read sealed letters,” Catherine said.
“But many would,” Jane replied.
They were among the first to enter Anne’s rooms and found her dressing with her translator.
“No, my lady. You have us to dress you.” Jane rushed forward to explain. “And you shouldn’t be helping someone else dress either.”
Catherine moved to take over tying up the translator’s sleeves to the bodice of her dress, with a hapless smile.
Anne was a bit confused once she grasped Jane’s meaning but she shrugged. “I am no am Queen yet. Mistress Loew is my lady, nothing strange in Cleves.”
“Alright, but not after your wedding.” Jane clicked her tongue in disapproval at the gown.
“You are sure you don’t want something else?” Motioning to her dress which made her slim figure appear fat and ungainly.
“Perhaps not this.” Anne put aside the high-necked undershirt.
It was an improvement at least.
With Anne dressed and wearing her heavy German headdress, they went into her privy chamber to sit until the King came to escort them to mass. Catherine found it strange he chose not to break his fast with his betrothed. In fact, he seemed perfectly content to never see her again.
Anne was, as usual, ignorant to this, but the rest of the court was buzzing with how ill-suited she was to the King.
They had an evening of dancing and entertainment and the next day the journey to Westminster was supposed to take place for the wedding. This plan was put aside for another day as the King claimed the weather was not suited for travel and his leg was giving him pain.
Even Anne was skeptical of this but did not complain, as she had seen him attempt a dance with Kitty Howard, who had managed to push herself to the forefront of the ladies.
Anne’s translator approached her with an uneasy expression.
“There is no trouble?” she asked in her ear.
Catherine shrugged. “It’s the weather,” she said slowly. “Foul tempered winds.”
She paused over every word and the translator seemed to grasp what she was hinting at. It wasn’t the weather that was in a foul mood but the King.
“She was shocked by the kiss.” She tried to explain, but Catherine, who thought she had implicated herself enough of this, stepped away with a smile.
“I hope all will be well in the future.”
The translator seemed to understand that she was treading on dangerous ground. “You’ve been more helpful than anyone else.” She thanked Catherine.
Catherine had surprised herself by giving away so much. All the other ladies had seemed so tight-lipped.
In a sense of irony, it appeared as though Jane Boleyn and Kitty Howard had become Anne’s favorites. Both these women were after their own gains, but they could be charming and entertaining enough to fool anyone into thinking they were good friends.
Kitty, who was now sporting a gold pendant given to her by the King, was on the lookout for more rewards. Besides the King, Anne was already proving to be generous. She let Kitty borrow some pearls when the young girl had mentioned that she didn’t have a single thing to wear to dinner.
Catherine tried not to be envious. She was not playing the same games as the other ladies. She wanted to be helpful, not use Anne.
Finally, when it was obvious to the King that he could not find a concrete reason to put off the wedding without insulting Cleves and the Protestant League, he declared that the wedding could proceed. Although, not before embarrassing his fiancé by demanding she swear before the council that she was free to marry and was not pre-contracted to wed someone else.
Grand barges had been brought to escort everyone from Greenwich to Westminster. Their party made a spectacular entrance — crowds of commoners had watched from the shore and waved as the barges decked in precious cloth went past them.
The King was all smiles, standing proudly at the helm of his own barge under the canopy of estate. At his side, dressed in a beautiful cream gown, was Anne, who waved with a warm smile to the people.
They had a private ceremony inside Westminster, and, as one of her maids of honor, Catherine watched from the back of the chapel as the couple said their vows before the Archbishop. Her motto would be ‘God send me well to keep’.
Catherine couldn’t help thinking, another motto for yet another Queen.
Having emerged from the chapel, the King led his new Queen to the dining hall for feasting and dancing. For the time being, Catherine would be released from her duties and left to her own devices.
The ladies dispersed from their table as soon as the platters of food had finished coming around. They took up dancing partners or went to speak to other friends or family. Catherine was alone at the table, happy to be sitting after the long travels the previous days.
A tap on her shoulder made her turn to look behind her. A strange young man was there.
“Pardon my forwardness, Catherine Howard suggested you might like to dance?”
Catherine was going to object but could think of no reason not to say yes.
“My cousin is quite outspoken. But I shall dance with you. What is your name?”
“Richard Grey.” He gave her a little bow.
She stood and let him lead her to the dance floor, already packed with partners.
“Perhaps you can ask your cousin to dance with me when she is next free?”
Catherine wasn’t surprised by the question. “Mister Grey, I shall try because you look hopelessly in love with her.” She laughed when he shook his head.
“No, I have no eyes for any but you.” He twirled her round.
“You cannot lie to me.” Catherine had seen him trying to catch Kitty’s eyes even as he tried to make conversation with her.
“Don’t think I am insulted.” She reassured him, seeing him blush.
Once the dance ended, she led him over to Kitty. “Katherine, you must do me the favor and let Richard Grey have the next dance with you.”
Kitty looked him up and down, giving him one of her toothy smiles. “I have so many men asking me to dance.”
“But he is graceful and just the right height for you,” Catherine said.
“Alright then. I shall dance with you, Master Grey. I am afraid you shall be the envy of all of these other men though.” Indeed the group of men around her seemed displeased.
Catherine left them to fight over her and tried to weave her way back to her seat when someone stopped her.
“I was hoping to run into you, Lady Carey.” It was Francis Knollys again.
“Good evening, Master Knollys.” She met his gaze head on.
“Would you care to dance?”
Catherine, who was feeling tired, hesitated, her feet were aching.
“Perhaps you would prefer someone else?” He looked over to Richard Grey, who was dancing with Kitty.
She shook her head. “Not at all, I am simply tired. But I shall accept your offer as thanks for your help on the boat.”
; He doffed his cap to her. “Then I shall accept the wonderful reward.”
They took their places in line as a galliard began. She asked him questions as the dance began with them taking slow steps beside each other.
“And where are you from?”
“My family home is in Berkshire, but my mother resides in a home near Essex.”
“That’s where my family is.” Catherine was surprised. “I never heard of a Knollys neighbor.”
“My father and I mostly lived at court, and my mother was never one to entertain. My father was a companion to the King’s late father and then served King Henry until his death.”
“And you are following in his footsteps?”
“As best as I can.”
“Do you like being at court?”
“As all good courtiers must.” He smiled.
The dance began in earnest now and they had to take turns making their jumps. She admired the way he made them seem so effortless.
“And are you happy here?”
“Yes.” Catherine wasn’t lying entirely.
They spoke of trifles whenever the dance allowed them to talk, and then he walked her back to her seat.
“I shall leave you to rest now, Lady Carey.”
Catherine tried to remain indifferent as she watched him go. Everyone flirted and danced with ladies of the court. There was nothing special about him asking for a dance. Besides, he probably thought she was besotted with him from the way she had stopped to look at him back at Greenwich. She had only stopped because it had surprised her to have recognized someone at last.
Many of the faces she saw at court were still new, and he made her feel at ease. As she promised herself to put thoughts of him aside, the King stood up.
It was time for the bedding ceremony.
Catherine was not needed to be witness to it, but she went alongside the other ladies in waiting to prepare Anne for bed. She helped undress her mistress and pack away her rich gown. Others helped her into her nightgown and plaited her hair. Then they led her into the chamber.
Catherine did not follow. Instead, she went to bed.
The next day, the ladies knocked on the Queen’s door.
The Lady Carey Page 10
