At the Mercy of the Queen: A Novel of Anne Boleyn (19 page)

They passed apothecary shops and tailor shops with bolts of pretty satins and plain muslins stacked against the walls inside. Housewives hurried to buy what they needed while gentlemen of various degree went about town, some puffed up with pride of rank, others looking hither and yon as if they planned thievery. The queen had warned Madge against conies and crooks, cutpurses and pickpockets, which she called “nips and foists,” much to Madge’s surprise, as she would not have thought the queen would know such terms. Though Madge had asked directions to Braxton’s Inn, and received a detailed account from Sir Nicholas Carew, who had returned to court at the king’s command, she became addled as she witnessed the confusion and noise around her. She was glad to have Master Brandon’s guidance.

“Turn here, ladies. We have just a little ways to travel ere we arrive,” said Arthur as he took Madge’s arm and guided her down a narrow, cobbled street. Cate followed behind them.

“Watch yourselves. You never know when some good wife will toss out the contents of her chamber pot on your heads—or peelings or rinds or any other garbage. The streets are filled with such, as you can see and smell,” said Arthur.

“Aye, ’tis enough to make my nose itch,” said Cate.

“I thought it was the ‘smell of life,’ dear Cate—that’s what you told me when we first arrived,” said Maggie.

“That it is, my girl, that it is,” said Cate.

“Up ahead, that white building on the left—that is Braxton’s Inn—I have delivered you safe and sound,” said Arthur.

“Won’t you come in with us? You might be interested in our little errand—we can sup here together,” said Madge.

“I cannot refuse such a request, milady. Will Shadow behave herself or shall I tie her to the rail?” said Arthur.

“She will be a good girl if we but feed her scraps while we eat,” said Madge. “Bring her in.”

*   *   *

Arthur, Madge, Cate, and Shadow climbed the wooden stairs and entered the inn. The interior was dark with a sitting room to one side and behind that, a large dining area with a table that would seat at least a dozen. The innkeeper, a burly man with a full beard and small eyes stood behind a bar where he kept a large book and quill pen.

“Sir, we are looking for Master William Stafford and his wife. We were told they are staying here,” said Madge with authority.

“And who is it wants to see ’em?” said the man, his eyes narrowing.

“My name is Lady Margaret Shelton and I have come from the queen herself,” said Madge, drawing herself up to her full height, hoping to impress the man with her importance.

“From the queen? And I’m Cardinal Wolsey. Now if you want a room, you and your handsome fellow, there … two guineas will get you a few hours,” he said and winked his eye at Arthur. At that, Arthur stepped up to the bar and gently pushed Madge behind him.

“Sir, the lady has explained that we are about the queen’s business—I suggest you give us the information we desire,” said Arthur. His voice was level and he did not puff himself up the way some men do in order to look menacing. However, there was something about the look in this eye that Madge noticed and found frightening. The innkeeper must have seen that same look, for he scratched his head and then told them where to find Mary and William.

They once again climbed rickety stairs and found the proper room. Arthur knocked on the door and Master Stafford opened it, inviting them in.

“Mistress Mary, I bring word from the queen,” said Madge, curtsying low and waiting for Mary to bring her to her feet.

“Arise, coz. You have no cause to make such obeisance to one who is banished from court,” said Mary with a slight smile.

Madge had always thought Mary pretty in the conventional sense—blond hair, blue eyes with a pale complexion. It was hard to believe she and the queen were of the same blood, their coloring as different as their manners.

“You may be banished, milady, but the queen sends comforting news. She has given you a manor house and lands in Norfolk, with the king’s blessing,” said Madge, pleased to be the bearer of such generosity.

“William, do you hear? Anne has not abandoned me! She has saved us!” said Mary as she jumped into her husband’s arms. He kissed her well and Madge could see how they loved each other.

“Master Cromwell did his part, too. There are only two conditions placed by the king,” said Madge, suddenly uneasy about telling Mary she must leave her son, Henry, at court.

“Here ’tis,” said Master Stafford. “The axe.”

“Not so bad as that, but you may not find it to your liking. First, you are never to return to court. With the gift of lands comes banishment for a lifetime,” said Madge.

“I’ll not be sorry to leave such a place as this,” said Mary quietly.

“Nor I, my love, nor I,” said Stafford.

“The next condition will be more difficult to bear, I fear,” said Madge. “You must leave your son, Henry, with the queen, to be raised at court under her wardship. The girl you may take with you,” said Madge.

“Oh cruel, cruel man! For I know it is His Majesty who has demanded this sacrifice! Anne would never be so hard!” said Mary as she clung to her husband.

“Yes,” said Madge. “But the queen wanted me to say these words to you—she will love little Henry as though he were her own. He shall be brought up with the princess Elizabeth in Hatfield. She will direct the Progress to the north country as often as the king will allow. You can see the boy hence. Her own heart is broken every time the princess Elizabeth is returned to Hatfield, so she understands the love you bear little Henry. She wishes you all happiness and hopes these arrangements will be agreeable,” said Madge.

“Your sister has honored the bonds of family, my love. We are lucky to be as well off as she has made us. We shall have our own boy, my darling. Far away from the court and all danger,” said Master Stafford. He pulled her to him, his arms strong around her. “You have been brave, madame, for many years. You have suffered much. Let us take this chance for happiness and trust in the goodness of your sister that our boy will be well looked after.”

Silence filled the room. The two children, who had been sitting on the trundle bed, playing games of string and fingers, said nothing. Mary sobbed for a few moments, then looked into her husband’s eyes. She seemed to find strength there for she nodded her head.

“Thank my sister for her mercy and generosity. Shall I bring Henry to court on the morrow?” said Mary.

“Yes, Her Majesty would take her leave of you then, as well. She sent this, too,” said Madge and handed Mary a purse filled with gold coins.

“At least we will be able to pay our bills here and on the journey. Tell Anne once again I thank her,” said Mary.

“We will take our leave of you so you may spend your last evening together. May God bless you on your journey home,” said Madge, moved at the thought of Mary giving up her child so she and her new husband could start a life of promise together. Pain and joy mixed quite thoroughly at court, she thought.

*   *   *

“I do not wish to eat here, Master Brandon,” said Madge as they made their way down the steps.

“Then we must hurry to reach Hampton Court in time to sup,” said Arthur as he and the women emerged from the inn.

“Yes. I know you must take care of your stomach, young Brandon,” said Cate haughtily.

“I take excellent care of my stomach, milady, for I have much I must stomach,” he said with a grin.

“Humph,” said Cate.

“Mistress Mary seemed pleased with the news from the queen,” said Arthur as he took Madge’s elbow to lead them back to Hampton. There were puddles of water and mud in the cobblestone streets.

“Of course, she was saddened at the thought of leaving her son, but seemed heartened to know she and Master Stafford now have a place to live. She was touched by the queen’s kindness and mercy, I think,” said Madge.

For the remainder of their journey, Arthur was oddly quiet. He did not respond to Cate’s taunts, nor to Madge’s murmurings about how wrong it had been for Mary and William Stafford to follow their hearts.

*   *   *

They arrived at Hampton Court with a few minutes to spare before time for supper in the Great Hall. Arthur walked Shadow to Cate’s room, where he handed the dog’s leash to Cate. He stood at the entranceway.

“I would speak with Lady Margaret, Mistress Cate, with your permission?” he said, indicating with his arm that he would like to enter Cate’s room.

Cate looked at Madge who nodded her assent.

“Take care, Maddie,” muttered Cate as Arthur’s large frame seemed to take up all the space, making Cate’s quarters seem even more cramped than usual.

“Lady Margaret, if we could be alone for a moment?” said Arthur.

“It would be most improper.” said Cate.

“Leave us,” said Madge. “I am very much mistress of these circumstances—you have naught to fear,” said Madge.

“Yes, Lady Margaret,” said Cate and with that, she took Shadow and left them.

“What do you have to say to me that could not be stated when Cate was in the room, Master Brandon?” said Madge.

“Pretty Madge—that’s what they call you, you know—the men in the king’s apartments, the grooms, everyone—Pretty Madge,” he began.

“This is what was so important as to dislocate my Cate—what men say about me?” said Madge.

“No, milady. I have been thinking all the way from Braxton’s Inn. Your cousin Mary and her ill-conceived marriage bodes well for us,” said Arthur.

“How so, sir?” said Madge.

“The queen is merciful and generous to those she loves. And there is no doubt she loves you, Lady Margaret,” said Arthur.

“What does that have to do with you?” said Madge.

“Mistress, as you must know by now, I love you. I want to serve you all my days. I would marry you this very day if you would but have me. Do you love me?” said Arthur in a low voice.

“I have told you before—I am too young to know love,” said Madge, her heart beating against its cage.

“If you have no love for me, then I am going to walk out this door and you will not see me again. I am entirely sincere in this, lady. I will not display my heart for you to walk over without regard. Do you love me?” he asked, staring into her eyes.

Madge couldn’t speak.

“I see I have misjudged your ardor in our kissing. Perhaps you kiss Norris in the same way—or Wyatt. Good-bye, Pretty Madge. You will not see me again,” he said, turning toward the door.

When Madge saw that he meant his words, she was overcome.

“No wait! Arthur, do not go! I do love you—I must! I am undone to think of you gone from me,” she said as she flung herself into his arms. She kissed him, then, not waiting for him to kiss her first. And in that moment, she knew he had her heart.

After several minutes of sweet kisses and tender touches, Madge heard Cate’s knock. She cracked the door open.

“Anon, dear Cate, anon. We will be but a moment,” said Madge.

“Maddie-dear, remember your upbringing,” said Cate.

“I am as I ever was, Cate—have no fears. We need just a moment and then you may join us,” said Madge as she closed the door once again.

“I believe after the queen has her son, she will forgive us if we marry, just as she has forgiven her sister. She loves you much, Margaret. She will want you with her, and I believe my father can still persuade the king of some things, though he is not in favor as he once was. We can marry, Margaret. We can be happy,” said Arthur.

“Perhaps you are right, dearest. The queen does seem to forgive those who act on the impulses of love. We must wait until the prince is born and lives. No one must know about our love. We can meet here, in Cate’s room, secretly,” said Madge, suddenly carried away with the idea of marrying Arthur, giving herself to him, body and soul, as he had said. She shivered.

“As you wish, my pretty Madge. I shall always obey you in these matters,” said Arthur.

Just then, another knock at the door.

“One more kiss to carry with me,” said Arthur, pulling her to him. Madge kissed him, following the play of his tongue in her mouth, feeling him against her. She almost lost her breath and in that moment, Cate opened the door.

Twenty-one

“What knavery is this? And in my very room!” hissed Cate as she entered the chamber.

“No knavery, dear, dear Cate. I love Arthur and he loves me. He has asked for my hand in marriage and I have given it,” said Madge, smiling.

“Have you gone mad? Have we not just seen what happens to those who marry without His Majesty’s permission?” said Cate, pulling Shadow in behind her. Her face was puffed up and red as a plum.

“Yes. We have seen the queen give her sister a tidy manor house with enough income to take care of her for life. To be banned from court would be a godsend, if one has one’s love. ’Tis a good end to a bad beginning,” said Madge.

“You are playing with fire, Maddie. The king is not one whose courses run steady. He flies with the wind and his humors are changeable. You cannot expect Her Majesty to control his tempers,” said Cate.

“I know, dearest Cate. But if we wait until the little prince is born, strong and healthy, we can marry in secret, then go to the queen and gain her blessing. She will persuade the king to forgive us, though he may punish us a bit to soothe his bruised feelings. But he will grant pardon. I just know he will,” said Madge.

“Yes, that is one way it could go. He could just as well separate your heads from your bodies. In case you have not noticed, many have lost their lives these bloody days, aye, and for less than a spurious marriage,” said Cate. “Need I remind you of the Carthusian monks? And Wolsey, whom the king had loved? And the most noble Sir Thomas More? You play with fire when you dally with our sovereign.”

“Mistress Cate, I assure you I would never put the Lady Margaret in danger. I would lay down my life for her,” said Arthur.

“Aye, that I do not doubt, sir, for you are as smitten as ever I’ve seen a young fool. But even you cannot prevent the king from acting in a rage,” said Cate.

Madge took hold of Cate’s hands and dropped to her knees in front of her nurse.