Chapter Seven
With that she start aside well near a foot or twain,
And unto him thus did she say, with spite and great disdain
'Lion,' she said, 'if thou hadst known my mind before,
Thou hadst not spent thy travail thus, nor all thy pain for-lore.'
~Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey
June 21, 1536
Jane’s eyes gleamed with interest as she caught sight of Annie Bassett beside me, but she quickly composed herself and was once more the regal Jane we all knew well. “Anne! Come! I’ve the most splendid idea for a tapestry. I can envision it hanging in the great hall.” Jane’s hands raised in the air as she smoothed an imaginary tapestry onto a fictitious wall.
The queen’s chambers were abuzz with excitement. Ladies tittered here and there. Brightly colored threads of yarn and silk floated in the air, skirts spread out on the floor as ladies sat on pillows surrounding the queen.
I smiled and walked toward her with Annie following. Once again, Jane’s eyes roved over the newcomer.
“Majesty, might I present Mistress Annie Bassett. She has been eagerly hoping to come to court and serve you most humbly.”
Annie curtsied. “Your Majesty, I hope only to learn by your gracious example.”
“Can you sew, Annie?” Jane asked, her brow furrowing slightly as she fingered a length of fabric. “Everyone is required to work on this tapestry.”
Annie nodded. Her face was the utter mask of na?veté and trust. I could not have done a better job myself.
Jane flicked her gaze to mine, her eyes saying what her lips would not—that she knew exactly why Annie was there. Pain etched for a small moment around the corners of her eyes, and my heart went out to her, for I knew how well it hurt to see a husband stray. But Jane also knew how important it was to have a woman we chose ourselves grace His Majesty’s bedchamber. A woman who would not aspire to be queen, nor hatch plots against Jane.
“Welcome to court. I am pleased to have you as a maid of honor. Has Lady Beauchamp informed you of all that is required and expected of you?”
Annie shot me a quick glance, and I nodded imperceptibly.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“And do you swear, as God is your witness, to live a chaste, virtuous life, seeking only to serve your sovereign and God?” Was there a warning to the girl in her words?
“I do, madam.”
“Hmm…” Jane tapped her lip as her eyes roved over Annie’s form. “You will need to request funds from your family for a new trousseau. Your French hood will not do. The women of my court must conform with the English style. Your bodice must be lined with pearls.” Jane scrutinized Annie’s dress, which did have some pearls on it but not nearly enough. I hid my smile as this was exactly how I had wanted things to play out. Jane would reign supreme in Annie’s life. “I am guessing there are no more than one hundred and twenty pearls on your bodice. If you want to attend Mass within my entourage, you will need to double that. No other jewels on your gowns. Pearls signify chastity and yet at the same time show a level of richness that cannot be acquired by those of low birth.” Spoken like a true descendent of Edward III, and meant to put Annie in her place. Now I was certain Jane knew exactly what I’d done.
Annie nodded, lowered her gaze. “Yes, Your Grace.”
“Get some thread and take a seat. The king’s birthday is in seven days. We have no time to waste. I want to make him a large embroidered tapestry for him to use at his pleasure. I imagine it hanging in this very castle for another hundred years or more.” She stood and spread out a large piece of royal-blue silk fabric, the edges embroidered with silver and gold thread. “I want the finished product to be a great garden, resembling pleasure gardens, but above it all, I want a phoenix rising, soaring.”
My eyes widened at the project Jane had planned. Normally, something of this magnitude would take months and months, yet Jane had given us only a sennight. I took a seat on the floor, crimson thread in hand to begin embroidering a rose.
“We shall take shifts. Not one moment will pass until the king’s birthday that there is not someone working on the tapestry.”
I would sew until my fingers bled, as would all her ladies. We loved her that much, but above all, we knew such a gift would please His Majesty greatly. And in the court of Henry VIII, pleasing the king was the key to keeping your head.
June 28, 1536
“Higher! Lift your lance, you dolt!” the king shouted out to one of the men on the field. A tournament had been planned for the king’s birthday. Jousting this morning, followed by a hunt and then a great feast with a play in the gardens. Jane would present her tapestry to the king at the end of the play. “Does anyone here know how to attend their lance?” He looked around the tent, seeking agreement, irritation marring his face. Several courtiers muttered and nodded.
I suspected that the king’s irritation was more from not being able to seat the horse and participate himself. The king had once been the best jouster in England. Fierce and royal he was on his charger mount, lance couched under his arm, body covered in rich armor. I still remembered the exhilaration I’d felt the first time I’d seen him barreling down the list field. My breath had caught, heart had stopped. A sensation I would never forget. But at the request of his physician, Henry chose to sit out today’s joust. Which meant the hunt following would be fierce and mayhap reckless.
King Henry turned back to the field, engrossed in the tournament. When Suffolk, the king’s dearest friend, rode out onto the field, the king cheered loudly. Pleasure covered his features. Henry tapped Jane on the arm, pointing toward the field, showing her what excited him.
I stood behind the seated king and queen, using an ornate fan to wave at Jane and myself. We had been again blessed with a mild day, but with the number of people stuffed into the tent, the heat from all of our bodies, coupled with the summer temperatures, did make it somewhat stifling.
Edward had sent word he would return to court early to partake in the celebration of His Majesty’s birthday, having concluded his business abroad. I could not wait for him to return and keenly felt the angry heated stares of Sir Richard Page and my mother from across the tent. I had requested of Jane to ask His Majesty for court rooms for them. She had sympathized with them as doting parents wanting to be nearer their daughter, but the king had still denied the appeal. To make matters worse, he had denied Page’s last request for an audience.
But Jane had whispered to me that the king was only doing it to put them in their place and that he would soon grant their requests.
Despite my assurances to Page that such was the case, he still threatened to expose my secrets.
Edward could not return soon enough! He was only a day later than he’d told me, and part of me worried that some accident had befallen him. Edward was a stickler for a schedule and very rarely was he late.
A great rumbling in the crowd drew my attention. Courtiers bowed and court ladies curtsied, parting to allow someone to pass. I strained my neck to see who should garner such attention. When I was finally able to catch sight of who had them enthralled, my breath hitched. Edward had finally returned. I smiled and blinked back stinging tears. My heart skipped a beat. We’d been apart before, but this time had seemed so much harder than any other. I suppressed the urge to run to him, to jump into his arms and press kisses to the flesh of his cheeks, forehead and lips.
He still wore his riding clothes, which despite their functional appointment were richly embroidered and of the finest quality of deep green, brown and beige brocade, black-threaded embroidery and crusted jewels. He made for an impressive figure.
Our eyes connected, and for a moment time stood still. Even from a distance I could feel the spark of our attraction renewed, my love for him vigorous and alive. This was why I stayed true to him, because of how he made me feel and how gazing deeply into his eyes, I could see my feelings mirrored there. Longing, desire, passion. I forgave him in that moment for his neglect, for he’d returned to me—and truly, what choice did I have? I could live in misery, or rise above it.
He approached the king and bowed. Only a few feet from me, and my body was like a spring ready to coil and burst. He and Henry exchanged a few words, which seemed to take hours. I wanted to shout, Enough already, let me have him! But, of course, I had to control myself. My foot, however, had a mind of its own, and I tapped it relentlessly, without notice, until Jane looked down at my slippers and then smiled up at me indulgently.
“Majesty, let my brother greet his wife. I do believe she is eager to have him returned to her,” Jane said.
Henry glanced over his shoulder at me with a smile. He patted Edward on the shoulder and then dismissed him, returning his attention to the field.
I walked forward and curtsied to Edward as was appropriate amongst the people. He bowed in turn and then took my hand in his. It was warm and rough, and my stomach clenched in response. He squeezed it as he brought it to his mouth, his eyes sparkling with delight.
“My lady, it has been entirely too long that your presence has not graced mine.” Ever the gentleman and courtier.
“I am pleased you have returned safely. I trust your journey was successful?” My voice sounded squeaky, and I felt ready to burst.
“Very.”
He offered me his arm, and I linked mine through his, taking pleasure in the muscles beneath my fingertips. I absently stroked him. “Come and sit with us. The tournament is quite lively.”
He leaned in and whispered in my ear, “I wish to seek comfort in our chambers.”
I laughed a little and squeezed his arm. My core clenched, and my nipples tightened at the thought. It had been so long, and I had been so tempted by another, I needed the reassurance of Edward’s hands on me, his lips and tongue tantalizing me, and his cock thrust to the hilt. Somehow I managed to answer, “All in good time, my lord.”
My gaze darted around the crowd of courtiers within the tent and fell on Sir Anthony near the rear of the tent, talking animatedly with a few other men of the privy chamber and several of Jane’s maids of honor. He glanced up when he saw us, his eyes flashing with some unrecognized emotion. Was it jealousy? Anger? I could not tell and dared not stare too long. He quickly recovered and excused himself from his party, sauntering toward us.
For a moment, panic infused me. Would he disclose that he’d been intent on rutting with me the entire time Edward was away? Dear Lord, I hoped not. And even after the fear passed through my mind, I knew it was something that I had no need to set credence with. I did not blink as he walked forward, coming closer and closer. I said a silent prayer that all would be well.
“Lord Beauchamp! At last!” he said, arriving to shake Edward’s hand.
“Sir Anthony.” I did not miss the tone of irritation in Edward’s words. Had Thomas told him? “I have missed court. You shall have to fill me in on all the goings-on since I have been away.”
“Indeed, sir, I will.” He turned toward me, his lids lowering a moment as I lifted my hand. “My lady.”
He pressed his lips to my knuckles briefly, and it was all I could do to keep a flush of embarrassment and shame from covering my breasts, throat and cheeks. All I could remember was our heated conversations and how those lips had lingered on my wrist, how his fingers trailed delicately up my back as he tried to entice me. Beside me, Edward went rigid.
“Sir Anthony, do tell us what had you and your company in a height of excitement?” Trying to speak normally of things of little importance came to me easier than I thought it would.
“Ah, yes.” He chuckled. “We were taking bets on who would win the tournament.”
“And who do you think will win?” Edward asked, turning to face the lists, where another set of competitors raced toward each other.
“My money is on His Grace, Suffolk, as is Sir Nicholas’s, but the rest of the group believes Surrey will be the champion. Who would you stake your claim on?” Anthony’s question could have been taken in so many ways. I knew he was outwardly referring to the joust, but internally, I could not help but wonder what he referred to. Did he wonder if I would choose him over Edward? Or some other courtier instead of himself? And why would he even believe that I would make a choice? Or did he know about Surrey, and this was an insult aimed to hurt?
My gaze returned to the list field, where Surrey sat atop his horse, his faceplate lifted as he pointed and shouted at his opponent. It took me back to another time and place, where I could hear his voice echoing in my mind.
“You are a spitfire, Lady Anne… Come let us go into the garden where I might read you one of my poems. I want to make love to you…with words…”
“Let me kiss you, Anne. Let me feel your supple body pressed against mine.”
Bits and phrases from a past best forgotten invaded my mind. Almost as if Surrey had heard the words himself, his head popped up, gaze searching the crowd until he found me, then he smiled. But his smile was not one that would melt a lady’s heart. His smile sent chills of dread racing along my flesh. Panic started at the edges of my mind, and I squeezed closer to Edward, seeking his strength and warmth. But even still, the nightmares of the past forced their way into my mind.
Surrey’s forceful hands as they yanked at my skirts, thrust into my innocent passage, the pain as his nails scraped over the sensitive flesh. Me, pushing him away. Him, slapping me hard, telling me to hush and let him love me. Then the pain of his male appendage as it thrust inside me, nearly ripping me in two…
Edward’s voice pulled me back to the present, and I was extremely grateful for the disruption of my thoughts.
“I do believe you are right, Sir Anthony. Suffolk has a fine form on a horse, and his handle with the lance is near perfection. Although he is less likely to take a risk, and we all know Surrey has no qualms,” his gaze flicked to mine, “and mostly acts before thinking. A very interesting sight it will be. What does the king say?”
“Or course, his money is on Suffolk. The two go back to boyhood days, and no matter how angry he’s ever been at the man, their bond is stronger than blood itself.”
Edward’s gaze roved over the crowded tent and landed on Annie Bassett. “Who is that young lady?”
“She is our savior.”
“Savior?” Edward turned sharply toward me.
Anthony leaned in close and lowered his voice. “The Howards have begun to make inquiries to place a girl within the court to entice the king. When I heard this, I notified Lady Beauchamp.”
Edward’s gaze narrowed as he scrutinized Anthony, and in my mind I could only picture his thoughts. He was wondering whether I had slept with the man. “My wife?” he growled.
Again, my stomach fluttered with nerves. The anger radiating from Edward was nearly palpable.
“Aye, my lord. I hope you do not think it was too forward of me?” Sir Anthony said.
Edward shook his head and turned to me for some measure of comfort. His eyes filled with question.
“Your brother was unavailable, my lord, else I am certain Sir Anthony would have sought his counsel instead.”
At this, Edward’s features cleared of doubt, and I hoped he had no more thoughts of me making him a cuckold, and if he did, he was not going to ponder them any longer.
Anthony’s gaze connected with mine, and I tried with all my might to keep a straight face. “In fact, Sir Anthony has been most helpful with keeping me well-informed of the goings-on at court, so I might apprise you upon your return.”
“I thank you, sir.” Edward nodded in Anthony’s direction, but he seemed anything but thankful. He still looked suspicious, and I spied Anthony give a self-satisfied smirk. What had happened in the past between these two men? Why did I feel as though I was missing something?
Again, Edward pulled me from my thoughts. “Where is my brother?”
“The king sent him north with some correspondence for the border lords.”
All of them ceased their talking as the Lord Privy Seal, Cromwell, entered the area and immediately sought out the king with some news.
“If you’ll excuse me.” Edward left quickly and made his way toward the king, throwing a cursory glance over his shoulder, his hard eyes meeting those of Sir Anthony’s.
He was going to listen in on what Cromwell had to say. Increasingly over the last few weeks, I’d noticed how the high council members were becoming irritated with the man. They were mostly angry that a man of such low birth not only felt he could usurp them all with his power, but that the king allowed it.
A simmer was beginning in the bottom of the pot, a few bubbles reaching the surface, but in just a few months’ time, the water would pop and burp and slosh over the edge—Cromwell would end up floating in that angry boiling pot, the council members stirring him into stew.
My gaze connected with Anthony’s for a moment of exaggerated intensity. For that brief interlude, I felt he could see into my soul, felt myself being swept into the depths of his charms. Willpower won out over shocked curiosity at how much this man affected me, and I pulled my gaze from his. There was more to the man than met the eye, and I could not let his handsome looks and charming ways blind me to the truth—he must only be using me.
“My lady.” Sir Anthony bowed and headed discreetly away.
I made my way back toward Jane, biding the time until Edward returned to me with news. I fanned myself furiously, more from my interaction with Sir Anthony than from the heat. Like wolves going in for the kill, Edward, Norfolk and several other council members surrounded His Majesty as Cromwell relayed whatever news it was he had.
Greedy men. All of them, even Edward. Albeit, who was I to judge? If I could have, I would have stood right there with them.
The rest of the tournament went by in a flash. Suffolk won, just as those who knew him best thought he would. Surrey’s risky behavior only deterred him in the joust, and calculating Suffolk took the advantage. After being knocked senseless by Suffolk’s lance, Surrey stood on the outside of the list, cursing and sputtering. Several of his grooms took a hit to the face, and I shuddered. His violence gave me a jolt, sending me back to that awful day I’d rather forget.
I bit my lip hard, tears coming to my eyes as the world of the past took over.
“My lady?” Edward’s voice broke into my terror.
Always Edward. Thank God for Edward. And if that hadn’t been a sign from the Lord above, then what was? No matter what, I had to remain with Edward and I could not break his trust. He had saved me from an awful fate, and that alone was worth the rest of my life.
“Can I entreat you to accompany me on the hunt?”
I looked around the great tent, and all those who’d been in attendance had filed out toward grooms with waiting horses. Dogs on leashes barked rambunctiously—eager for the run and the fight.
I nodded.
“You were far away just now. Where were you?”
“Hell,” I muttered.
Edward gazed at the list field, understanding dawning on his face. “We could return to our chambers, if you wish it?”
“No, let us enjoy good company, a good ride, followed by wine. Lots of wine.”
Edward laughed. “Ever the resilient woman, my lady wife is.”
“Only because of you.” And I truly meant it. For as strong as I was, without Edward, could I survive? Not with the demons chasing me in my mind and now in person.
Edward led me to the horses, and we mounted. I did not carry a weapon, preferring to go along for the ride and exertion of it. Edward had bows and arrows strapped to his back and a sword at his side. I truly enjoyed the excitement of racing after a stag or boar.
Courtiers were all mounted and ready, almost champing at the bit as the horses were. The excitement was palpable, and we all waited on King Henry. Queen Jane was already seated, and well seated she was! No one would have ever guessed from her delicate frame and docile manner that Jane was a fierce horsewoman. Finally, the king was assisted onto his horse by several grooms—as it had become increasingly difficult for him to mount by himself—and then outfitted with his weaponry. He turned to the crowd of a score or more courtiers, all ready to ride, and raised his sword in the air.
“To the hunt we go!” he shouted.
We all responded with a shout in return. The dogs were let go, their masters racing after them, and then Henry jabbed his sword forward, kicking his horse into a gallop, clumps of grass and earth flinging out behind his horse’s hooves. Exhilaration bubbled in my blood as I urged the horse into a faster gait and felt the muscles in the mare’s flank compress as she shot forward.
A good hunt was exactly what I needed to forget my anguished thoughts from earlier. Edward smiled over at me as we raced over the hills and fields and to the woods beyond. Henry’s hunting park was stocked full of deer, and all the dogs had to do was find at least one massive stag for His Majesty to bring down. We did not have to wait long.
“There!” the king shouted, his voice feverish with his thirst to bring down the animal. His form was rigid, tall, and for a moment one might almost have seen the prince he’d been, filled with youth and zest for life.
As one unit, the horses and dogs turned in a race to catch the stag. The animal sensed us before he saw us, his ears pricking, and then he took off at a pace that rivaled the strides of our mounts. Bounding into the air, he ran for his very life.
But our horses and dogs had more stamina. The masters of the dogs whistled, calling the animals back as Henry arched his bow and took a shot. The animal fell straightaway, a piercing scream on his slick black lips, an arrow through his ribcage, most probably puncturing his heart.
“For the people of London!” the king shouted, showing his generous side. The stag would be butchered and served to the people.
For a moment, the thought of the stag being so like us courtiers fell to the forefront of my mind. We resembled this helpless animal. Bounding through the forest of the castle as we sought to stay alive, only to be brought down by the king and the dogs who served him. If we weren’t careful, he’d shoot an arrow into our hearts and slice our throats, serving our remains to the whole of England.
I turned my back with a shudder as the king dismounted and sliced the neck of the deer to end its life, since it still breathed. The huntsmen then gutted the animal, and everyone prepared to return to the castle to clean themselves up. Soon, games would begin in the gardens before the feast, play and fireworks.
After brushing my hair and pinning it back beneath my hood, Jenny left me for a few moments of rest. I sat at my dressing table, gazing into the metal looking plate at my face. Were those wrinkles appearing at the sides of my eyes?
I pressed the lines and stretched the skin to make them disappear.
Hands came over my shoulders, and strong fingers kneaded the muscles that had pinched. “My mother used to finger her eyes just the same.” Edward’s voice was smooth and comforting. “She used a special herbal cream. I do not remember if the lines went away, but I do remember her mood being lifted.”
“I shall have to seek out the remedy.” I leaned back, reveling in Edward’s presence. I wished he never had to go anywhere, or that I could go with him. At the same time, I hated that vulnerability, how much power he had over me.
“My sister Elizabeth has the recipe, I do believe.” He leaned down and kissed the skin just behind my ear, sending a shiver of anticipation racing over my flesh. His eyes met mine in the mirror. Desire and promise filled their depths. “Are you ready to return to the festivities?”
I slipped my hands onto Edward’s on my shoulders and leaned back, giving him an honest answer with a smile of intent. “No.”
He chuckled. “’Tis the truth I am not either.” He bent to kiss my neck again. Desire careened from the spot his lips touched to my very core. “I missed the taste of your flesh, sweet Anne.”
I bent my head to the side to allow him greater access to my flesh, and he took full advantage, kissing the length of my neck to my ear. My eyes closed in ecstasy.
“Will we be sorely missed?” I asked.
“Aye.”
“Is it worth it?”
Edward did not answer, only sighed. I knew the sound, heard his thoughts in that one breath. I felt the same way. I so wanted to climb between the sheets and lay my head on the feather tick, wrapped in Edward’s arms as our bodies came together in rhythm. But, at the same time, if we were to never return this evening, the grief we’d suffer would make those few moments of bliss seem utterly miserable.
“We must attend to our duties,” Edward whispered, and the moment the words left his mouth, I wished he’d never uttered them.
“Take me north, Edward. Take me on progress.”
“We shall shortly. Come August, the king will wish to travel northward where the heat is less. For the moment, we must remain at court, show our faces… but I promise tonight…” He pressed his lips to mine, his tongue skimming the crease in a tease of promise before he pulled away. “Now, tell me what urgent news you have that caused you to write me so often?”
I frowned recalling how little he’d replied, but shoved it away. He’d returned! I stood from my dressing table and hooked my arm through his. At last I was able to tell him of our new allies. “’Tis in regards to the Marquess and Marchioness of Exeter.”
“They have been banned from court.” Edward eyed me warily.
“’Tis the truth, but they support Jane as queen—they support us. We will be stronger with them here at court.”
Edward’s eyebrows raised at this. “How does Lord Exeter presume to gain King Henry’s agreement to their return to court? He has banned them for treasonous thoughts. Never proven, but he is not likely to recall them to court.”
“You know the stir Reginald Pole is causing across Europe. ’Tis said he is even in league with the Pope himself.”
Edward nodded. “I’ve heard.”
“Lady Exeter is on close terms with Lady Salisbury.”
“That will not support her cause.”
“But, indeed, it will. She is willing to tell the king the whereabouts of Reginald Pole.”
At this, Edward’s countenance brightened. “Indeed, the king would be most interested in such information.”
“Yes. Do you think you might be able to arrange an audience with His Majesty?”
“’Tis possible. I will need the support of other council members.”
I smiled and walked my fingers up the front of Edward’s charcoal doublet. “Sir Anthony and I have been hard at work garnering you just such support. Shrewsbury and Suffolk will aid you.”
“Then I shall see it done.” He paused a moment and took my hands in his. “I do not like you working so closely with Sir Anthony. The man is… dangerous.”
“I shall be careful, Edward.”
“More than careful, Anne. Do not be alone with him. The man and I… Let us leave it that we do not get on well.”
I nodded solemnly. “I shall heed your words.”
“Now what of Page and your mother?”
“You are aware they’ve been returned to court, and Page will soon be offered the sheriffdom of Surrey.”
Edward’s face clouded, and he frowned. “The news was relayed to me. It is most unfortunate that he should be working so closely to your enemy.”
“Yes.” I did not want to relay to him how Page was blackmailing me. Edward had enough worries. He did not need to fret over my family and my past, which already was a black mark upon his conscience.
Instead, I kissed him tenderly. We gave a longing look toward my bedchamber before leaving our apartments to return to the gardens. By the time we arrived, we’d missed the presentation of the tapestry to the king, but from what Queen Jane’s maids of honors informed me, King Henry was driven nearly to tears by his thoughtful, generous, kind and loving wife.
My fingers still stung from the hundreds of holes pricked into their flesh. After the feast and dancing, Jane asked to be excused, feigning light-headedness. I knew the real reason. Fireworks scared Jane. She feared a fire that would ravage the city of London, a recurring dream she’d had.
We tucked her into bed, and I returned to my apartments. The fireworks echoed off the walls in my bedchamber. I sat before the fireplace and waited. My lord husband would be returning to our rooms soon and hopefully would have more news on our alliance with the Marquess and Marchioness of Exeter as well as the other members of the Privy Council.
But more than the sharing of news, I waited up for the sharing of our bodies.