by June Francis
‘What is it, Jane?’ asked Rebecca, her eyes narrowing. ‘You appear to be trying to make up your mind about something.’
Jane took a deep breath. ‘It is about your father. I must be honest with you.’
Rebecca gasped. ‘He has had an accident and you didn’t like to tell me? Is that it?’
‘No!’ cried Jane. ‘He is in good health as far as I know, so you must not worry about that.’
‘Then what is it?’ Rebecca stared at her with an anxious expression on her slender face. ‘Tell me, Jane. It must be important if you have hesitated to mention it before but now decide to do so.’
So Jane told her the little she knew about Louise’s sister and Anthony Mortimer’s interest in her, saying that she had no idea what Nicholas had told Pip in his missive about her.
‘Pip has spoken little to me of what was contained in the message. Most likely because he wishes to protect me from upset at the moment,’ said Rebecca, fiddling with a fastening on her gown. ‘It must have come as a surprise to you that Louise had a sister.’ She frowned. ‘I wonder what my father was thinking of when he took her to Draymore Manor? Is she as pretty as Louise was, I wonder?’
‘She is pockmarked, so I am told. I wish I could meet her and then I would know how to judge her actions better,’ said Jane, relieved that Rebecca had taken the news fairly calmly. She placed the crosses into the basket along with the remaining greenery and, getting to her feet, said, ‘And now I will see how our supper fares.’
Rebecca accompanied her over to the fire and asked if there was aught she could do to help. ‘No, but you could tell me some of the court gossip and pour us some ale,’ said Jane.
Rebecca did as bade. ‘What I tell you now is part of the reason why Pip has to remain at the court for the near future. Princess Mary is to be betrothed to Henry, Duke of Orleans, the son of the King of France. No doubt Nicholas knows of this?’
‘If he does he has made no mention of it to me,’ said Jane, taking a container of preserved sliced apples in honey and opening it. ‘He’s had much on his mind these last weeks.’
‘It will soon be a secret no longer as envoys and noblemen and their wives are expected at court for the celebrations. Pip says that it’s doubtful whether Queen Katherine and her nephew, the Holy Roman Emperor, will welcome the news of a peace treaty between France and England. Apparently Henry is still annoyed with him for breaking off his engagement to the Princess Mary and marrying a Portuguese princess without informing him.’
Rebecca paused to drink some of her ale and then added, ‘Henry has been funding the Emperor in the war against France but there has been little in the way of a victory that would benefit England. No doubt Nicholas will know of this from his sojourner on the continent. And while we are discussing Nicholas and the royal family I must say that it could be a mistake, his growing a beard, due to that vague likeness of his to the King. At the moment Henry is growing a beard. Nicholas is bound to meet His Grace at the shipyard and one never knows how he would react if he were to suspect the Hurst brothers have a blood tie to the throne of England,’ she said seriously. ‘Of course their father built ships for the old King, so maybe Henry already knows of the connection.’
Jane’s grip on the spoon she clutched tightened. ‘What are you saying? Nicholas denied any kinship to the King.’
‘He would, because the brothers do not want it known. No doubt now the pair of you are to wed he will inform you of it.’
Jane dropped the spoon and took a pace away from Rebecca. ‘But what if the King does know already and begins to believe the brothers are no longer loyal to the throne?’
Rebecca twirled a loose strand of hair around her little finger. ‘I see I should not have spoken of this, but I’m certain you are worrying unnecessarily. Henry admires Nicholas and has read of his adventures.’ She paused. ‘Now, let’s change the subject. I have other gossip that you might find interesting and I doubt Nicholas knows of it.’ She did not wait for Jane to comment but continued, ‘It is to do with the King’s sister, Queen Margaret.’
‘The one who married the last King of Scotland?’
‘Aye. He was killed in a battle up north. Henry is vexed with her.’
‘Why?’ asked Jane, all ears.
‘Apparently her second marriage to the Earl of Angus has been annulled on the grounds that when it took place he was pre-contracted to another lady.’
Jane gasped. ‘What about their daughter? Has she been declared illegitimate?’
Rebecca shook her head. ‘No, and that is what infuriates the King. Apparently because Queen Margaret entered the marriage in good faith the Pope has declared her daughter legitimate. You might ask why the King should be so against the Pope’s decision.’ She paused again to drink. ‘I know what Pip thinks.’
‘What?’ asked Jane with bated breath.
Rebecca hesitated. ‘You mustn’t repeat it. At least only to Nicholas. Although no doubt the two brothers will discuss it when they meet.’
‘Naturally, but tell me what Pip thinks?’ asked Jane impatiently.
‘The King is envious of her. He wants two things: one is a legitimate male heir, and he believes it highly unlikely that the Queen will provide him with one now. She is nine years older than him. The other is Anne Boleyn, with whom he is deeply infatuated.’
‘It is very sad for the Queen,’ said Jane.
‘Aye, especially as Anne Boleyn is refusing to be his mistress. If the King could bed her Pip says he would rid himself of that itch. He believes she is holding out to be queen.’
Jane gasped. ‘Really?’
Rebecca nodded. ‘No doubt if Henry could find a legal way to annul his marriage, so that his daughter Mary remains legitimate, then he would do so in order to marry Anne.’ She paused and frowned. ‘Henry is a religious man and is struggling with his conscience. He needs the Pope’s agreement and for that he has to make certain His Holiness does not fall into the hands of the Queen’s nephew. Emperor Charles is fond of the Queen and would never permit the King to annul the marriage.’
‘Is there any likelihood of the Holy Roman Emperor having the Pope in his power?’ asked Jane, fascinated.
‘Pip says Nicholas is the person who knows. He gained information about the Holy Roman Emperor’s army whilst abroad. Henry doesn’t really want a French king sitting on England’s throne. Which might happen if the Emperor was able to get his way.’
Jane said slowly, ‘A French king on England’s throne would certainly not prove popular.’
Rebecca agreed. ‘It is certainly not the future for the dynasty Henry imagined when he became king.’ She yawned and stretched. ‘Anyway, Mary is only ten years old, so even if the marriage takes place it is unlikely to be consummated for several years.’
Jane agreed, and found herself thinking of Nicholas’s deathbed wedding. She felt a spurt of anger. Had he been completely honest with her about it? Should she mention it to Rebecca? She really would like to have another woman’s opinion on the matter.
She glanced in her stepdaughters’ direction. They were now darning hose a few yards away and she decided it was unlikely they would hear her from that distance. ‘He married her, you know,’ she said in a low voice.
Rebecca looked startled. ‘Who married who?’
‘When Louise knew she was dying she asked Nicholas to marry her. He agreed and sent for a priest. She wanted her sins absolved and for Nicholas to rear Matilda here in England.’
For several moments it was obvious to Jane that Rebecca was lost for words. Then she said slowly, ‘I can see why Nicholas would do that, because of course it means that Matilda does not have the taint of illegitimacy attached to her name. She is legally his daughter in the eyes of the world.’
‘That is what he said, but what if Louise had not died but recovered?’ whispered Jane. ‘That is a thought that comes back to me, despite him telling me that she wouldn’t have recovered. Maybe deep down Nicholas hoped that she would survive; he was very mu
ch in love with her, you know.’
Rebecca shook her head. ‘You should not allow such thoughts to get a hold on you, Jane. She is dead and you are alive. Would you have cared that such a wedding took place if it had been Simon standing in Nicholas’s place? Answer me honestly.’
‘No, but I did not love...’ Jane’s voice tailed off and she could only stare at Rebecca. At last she had to admit that she loved Nicholas, and probably had done so almost since she first set eyes on him—when despite his broken arm he had defended James from that savage dog.
Rebecca placed a hand on her shoulder. ‘I believe he has long stopped loving Louise and that it was noble of him to do what he did by marrying her,’ she said softly.
Noble! Jane supposed Rebecca could view Nicholas’s actions in such a way, because there had been a time when she had hero-worshipped him. ‘I feel that I will never match up to her beauty,’ she whispered.
Rebecca shook her slightly. ‘I am surprised at you, Jane. You always used to say that inner beauty was more important than outer appearance. The trouble with you is that you don’t yet feel secure enough in Nicholas’s love. These are early days for you both. It was different for me and Pip; we had known each other from childhood.’
‘You could be right, but Nicholas has never said he loves me,’ murmured Jane with a hint of sadness. ‘I’ve certainly never told him that I love him.’
‘But he’s asked you to marry him and you’ve agreed.’
‘He wants a mother for his daughter.’ Jane sighed. ‘Simon was the same.’
Rebecca’s eyes widened. ‘You must be blind if you think it’s solely for that reason Nicholas has asked you to marry him. Few men would be prepared to support a penniless widow and four children who aren’t his without having strong feelings for her. Don’t be a fool, Jane! Put Louise out of your mind, accept what Nicholas has to offer you and be joyful that you are to marry the man you love.’
Jane felt her heart lighten. ‘You always were able to lift my spirits.’
‘Then do what I say,’ said Rebecca, giving her a hug. ‘I’m only sorry I brought news that means him being taken away from you. Hopefully it won’t be too long before his return.’
At that moment Simon began to cry, and the two women separated and Jane went to tend her son.
She was still thinking about what Rebecca had said a while later, when the door opened and Nicholas entered. Rebecca went over to him and slipped a hand through his arm. ‘I have been admiring your daughter. She is beautiful.’
He smiled. ‘So you were able to tell her and Simon apart?’
She darted him a reproachful look. ‘As if I wouldn’t recognise my handsome nephew now I have a beautiful niece.’
‘I had not thought of her being your niece. I pray that her beauty will not be a fault in her,’ said Nicholas quietly.
‘It would be wrong of you to judge your daughter by her mother’s deeds. Besides, I cannot believe any woman you fell in love with wouldn’t have some saving grace,’ said Rebecca.
A flush darkened Nicholas’s cheekbones and he glanced at Jane before murmuring to Rebecca, ‘You are saying that my judgement was not lacking after all? Jane would not agree with you.’
She nodded. ‘It is true that Louise was not honest with you about being betrothed to another, but perhaps that was because she saw all that was good and exciting in you. So she behaved rashly by living for the moment and no doubt hoping that her betrothed would not return.’
A muscle tightened in Nicholas’s jaw. ‘I appreciate your defence of her. She gave her life for Matilda and not one word of reproach did she speak to me on her deathbed. It is her sister who lays the blame for Louise’s passing at my door.’
‘That must have been difficult for you.’
He nodded. ‘When Louise gave birth I could not help comparing the experience I had with Jane.’ A faint smile lifted the corners of his mouth. ‘She didn’t care an iota about her appearance at the time, and when the birth was over and she held Simon in her arms I thought she looked beautiful—like a Madonna.’
‘Jane considers herself lacking in beauty and that you’re marrying her simply because you need a mother for Matilda,’ said Rebecca.
He frowned. ‘I have told her otherwise but I can see I must keep on telling her. She has the most beautiful eyes and the gentlest of touches.’
‘Tell her that, too,’ said Rebecca, smiling.
There came a knock on the door. ‘If you will excuse me?’ said Nicholas.
She nodded and exchanged a glance with Jane as he went to open the door. A priest stood there. ‘I’ve come as you requested, Master Hurst,’ he said.
Jane’s astonished gaze flew to Nicholas’s face, but before she could speak he asked the priest to excuse him and hurried over to her. ‘You will understand my being away so long when I explain what I’ve been about, Jane,’ he said. ‘I’d appreciate it if you obeyed my wishes without question.’
With Rebecca’s earlier words about Nicholas’s reasons for marrying her playing in her head, Jane nodded. ‘Tell me what they are and I will obey.’
His eyes softened. ‘Will you, Jane? I am honoured that you are prepared to trust me so blindly.’
‘I am certain you have my well-being and that of the children at heart.’
For a moment their eyes met and she felt an unexpected moment of pure happiness.
‘The priest has agreed to marry us here in the house before I leave,’ he said, taking her hand.
Her breath caught in her throat and she heard Rebecca gasp. Out of the corner of her eye she saw her stepdaughters’ heads turn. How had he managed this? Why was he doing it? Could it be that he thought he might be killed? For a moment she was gripped by fear, and then she told herself to calm down. If a wedding was what he wished, then she would marry him.
‘May I tidy my hair and change my gown first?’ she asked, surprised at how calm her voice sounded.
He looked relieved, and she realised that he had not been as confident of her willingness as he appeared. ‘Of course,’ he said.
‘I’ll come with you,’ said Rebecca hastily.
Jane nodded and hurried upstairs. She was followed not only by Rebecca but her stepdaughters, too.
‘Are you really going to marry Master Nicholas now?’ asked Elizabeth, panting up the stairs.
‘It is his wish, and a woman must obey her future husband,’ said Jane brightly, opening the door of the bedchamber.
‘But I thought the wedding would not take place for some time,’ said Margaret, ‘and that we would have new gowns.’ She looked disappointed.
‘You will have your new gowns, but not yet,’ said Jane, flinging open the lid of the chest beneath the window and beginning to root amongst the garments there.
‘But why now?’ asked Margaret.
‘Because Master Nicholas’s brother has been hurt and he has to go to his shipyard at Greenwich and help him,’ said Jane.
‘Can’t we go with him?’ asked Margaret.
Jane shook her head. ‘He must go soon, and there is no time to make arrangements for us now—’
Rebecca interrupted. ‘You will wear a gown that is bright and gay?’ She nudged her hip against Jane’s so that she could also peer into the chest.
‘You mean as is fitting for the occasion,’ said Jane, dragging out a gown she had made from cloth bought at the autumn fair in Oxford eighteen months ago. She had scarcely worn it, because first she had become with child and then her husband had died. On the heels of that thought came the memory of her wedding to Simon Caldwell. All the strength seemed to drain from her and she fell back and put her face in her hands.
‘What is it, Jane?’ asked Rebecca, putting an arm around her.
Jane smothered a sob.
Rebecca looked at her nieces. ‘Go and fetch a bowl of warm water, soap and a drying towel, girls. Your mother will need to wash.’
Elizabeth made to speak, but Rebecca said, ‘At once!’
The girls le
ft.
‘Well, Jane, they’ve gone,’ said Rebecca softly, stroking her back. ‘There’s just me and you here. Tell me, what’s wrong?’
Jane lifted her gaze to Rebecca. ‘I can’t marry him!’ she cried.
‘You are not still thinking of Louise, are you?’
‘No, but I am not the woman he believes me to be. I have not been honest with him in the way he has been with me. I carry the shame of something I did and I will be a disappointment to him. He believes I have such high standards that he will find it difficult to accept that I have not always behaved as I should.’
‘I can’t accept that you’ve done anything so bad that it wouldn’t merit Nicholas’s forgiveness,’ said Rebecca firmly.
‘You can’t really know that,’ said Jane, wiping away a tear with the back of her hand. ‘I must speak to him before it is too late for him to change his mind.’
‘You want me to fetch him?’
Jane nodded and, getting to her feet, went and sat on the bed.
Rebecca hesitated, as if waiting for her to reconsider.
‘Go!’ said Jane, her expression fixed.
Rebecca went.
No sooner had she gone than Jane rose to her feet and paced the floor, playing over in her head the words she would say to Nicholas. She did not have long to practise them, because it seemed only a few moments before he rapped his knuckles on the door before entering the room.
Jane stared at him and saw the tension in his face. She wished that she could rewrite the past. She ached with longing for him and wanted to be to him all that he believed her to be.
‘What is it, Jane?’ he asked quietly. ‘Have you changed your mind and decided that it would be too dangerous being married to me after all?’
Instantly she realised that she did not have to speak of her shame, could agree with what he had just said, but a voice in her head told her that would only be compounding her shame.
She cleared her throat. ‘No, I am prepared to take that risk.’
He looked relieved and surprised. ‘Then what is it?’
