At the Mercy of the Queen: A Novel of Anne Boleyn (40 page)

“Let me look at you—I want to remember you as you are at this moment. I have never seen a woman so shapely or with skin so fair. How have I come to win such a prize?” he said.

“You were born under the proper star, I reckon. Now, kiss me ere our time run out,” said Madge, holding out her arms to him.

As they kissed, Madge could feel him against her, every part of him hard and strong. He touched and kissed her on her mouth, her neck, her ears, her hair, and then continued to kiss her entire body. He worked slowly, building her desire as carefully as a man would build his own house, taking diligence over every square inch. When he gauged she was ready, he began to apply his usual protection.

She caught his hand and pulled the linen sheath out of his grasp.

“No, dearest. Not this time. For soon, I believe we shall be wed. If a child should come, I will be happy!” she said.

Arthur quickly obliged her.

*   *   *

Later that day, Arthur took his leave with many kisses. Madge wept as he departed, promising to go to Guildford Palace with him when he returned for her in the early summer.

“I beg you one last time, my beloved—come home with me now,” said Arthur from atop his horse.

“Soon, my love, soon. Until the queen’s business is settled, I will not abandon her. But we will be together by winter, when your own duties will be lessened and we will be able to marry,” said Madge.

She watched as he turned his horse and rode out of the gates, stared at him until he was lost in the crowded London streets. Her eyes watered and she knew many months would pass before he was free to come to her again. And when he did return, she would follow him home to Guildford and become his wife.

When she returned to the queen’s quarters, Her Majesty was dressed regally in a green gown that set off her complexion. Several of her ladies were sewing and Master Smeaton entertained them with his lute.

“Lady Margaret, will you accompany me on a walk to the gardens?” said the queen.

“Of course, Majesty,” said Madge as she followed behind the queen.

They walked from the queen’s apartments through the Main Hall where the courtiers waited to be admitted into the king’s presence. Even Sir Carew bowed as the queen passed. But Madge noticed a great silence fell among those gathered as the queen approached. This quiet lasted until Madge and the queen were well down the hall. Then Madge heard the buzz of voices start up, louder than before.

“’Tis a lovely day, Margaret. See! The tulips are budding and will soon be in bloom, the daffodils sprinkle droplets of sunlight across the lawn. His Majesty and I are to go to Calais after the May Day. It should be lovely this time of year,” said the queen as if nothing were amiss.

“Have you had a message from the king?” said Madge, hope rising in her heart.

“Nay. ’Tis a trip planned for some time,” said the queen. She stopped at a bench hidden partially by the hedge. She sat and told Madge to sit next to her.

“I have decided that remaining in my apartments is not a good idea. Henceforth, I intend to be out in full view of the court. Those who are mine enemies will still have to show me courtesy, and my presence will reassure my friends. I shall act the queen for as long as I am able. Perhaps the king will see me and be reminded of all that we have been to each other. I shall send for Elizabeth and show her to His Majesty as well. Surely, he cannot think to take a mother from her child,” said the queen.

“These are wise decisions, Your Grace. If His Majesty can be reminded of your beauty, surely he will leave the dough-faced Jane!” said Madge.

“Mistress Jane-Dough! ’Tis true enough! Yet, ’tis cruel to make such fun. I shall try to be kind, even to Mistress Seymour,” said the queen.

“I have no such kindness in me,” said Madge.

*   *   *

The evening before the May Day celebrations, the queen attended a dogfight. Madge, having no stomach for such diversions, invited Cate to play cards in the queen’s apartments. When she rapped on Cate’s door, she heard crying.

“What is wrong?” said Madge, going to her knees to comfort her friend.

“They have taken Shadow! Taken her clean away! They said she was banned from court and should have been removed months ago. She is to be placed with the king’s dogs and I shan’t see her again,” wailed Cate.

“How can this be? This law they spake of is well over three years old. What nonsense is this?” said Madge.

“Master Cromwell’s man came to get her. He was rough and without sympathy,” said Cate.

“Have no worries, dearest. I shall bring this matter before the queen. She will see we get our Shadow back,” said Madge. She did not tell Cate of the fear that made her hands tremble and her stomach sour. “But now, let us ease ourselves and gather the early flowers—we shall cheer your room with a hundred bouquets!”

“I will not be cheered until Shadow returns but I shall help you gather flowers, for our time is short, with fewer and fewer springs in which to enjoy the blooms,” said Cate.

*   *   *

When Madge returned to the queen’s chambers later that afternoon, she was surprised to find Her Majesty in excited spirits.

“The king has asked me to join him at the May Day jousts on the morrow! We are to sit together and I hope to use this time to bring us into accord again. After so many weeks of not seeing my Harry, I am overjoyed that he will set me before all the nobles of the realm and claim me once again as his queen,” said the queen, her face filled with joy.

“That is, indeed, most welcome news, Your Grace! How shall I help you?” said Madge.

“First, I will need to bathe and then if you will get me some rosewater and cinnamon to mix together—I would smell as the king should remember. And my hair, I shall wear down—will you pluck out the few strands of gray? And my cloth of gold dress with the long strand of pearls. Will you see if it is presentable? I shall wear flowers in my hair and you shall weave them down the entire length of it. I shall look like a girl on the morrow and so shall win back my king,” said the queen, and Madge thought she did look almost girlish once again.

Madge busied herself at once, helping the queen prepare. Later that evening, while the queen and her ladies were dancing, more troubling news came to them. When Mistress Anne Zouch returned from dining in the Great Hall, she was full of the latest gossip.

“Majesty, they say Master Smeaton has been arrested this very day!” said Mistress Zouch. “Some charge of treason is leveled against him—they have taken him to the Tower where some say they will rack him.”

“Mark? He is not guilty of anything lest it be buggery. He is a gentle soul full of kindness and sorrow,” said the queen. “I cannot believe this report—has the whole world gone mad?”

The queen’s spirits fell at the thought of Master Smeaton suffering in the Tower. Madge tried to cheer her, but Her Majesty removed to her bed, bidding the ladies to dance as long as they liked.

*   *   *

“Majesty, ’tis May Day! Awaken and see the blue skies and hear the songbirds calling to their mates,” said Madge softly in the queen’s ear. “His Majesty has sent word he will call for you in a little while, and the two of you will process to the tiltyard together.” Madge thought this would awaken the queen and cheer her after last night’s unpleasantness.

“Thank you, Margaret—I see you have opened the draperies and let the sun warm the room. Aye, ’tis a lovely day at that,” said the queen.

Madge pulled back the coverlet and helped the queen to her feet. Then, as the queen washed her face, Madge began to lay out her clothes. She had taken care to brush the queen’s gown and sprinkle it with rosewater and cinnamon so no foul odors followed the queen. After the queen had put on her shift, Madge combed out her hair and plaited it with daisies and tulips. Then, she helped the queen with her stomacher and her kirtle. Finally, after the queen was dressed, Madge applied rouge and kohl to her Majesty’s face.

“You look better than you have in some time, Your Grace. Your color is good and the gown becomes you. I think you have fleshed out since the loss of the child,” said Madge.

“I am feeling better, especially today. I am cheered that His Majesty wishes to sit with me. Perhaps he tires of yon Jane,” said the queen.

“Let us hope so—she has nothing to hold his interest in comparison to Your Majesty,” said Madge.

“Ah, she is younger and, if she is to be believed, a virgin. There is a certain appeal in that for His Majesty, though I cannot comprehend why. Methinks he loves the chase more then the kill—oh well, enough of such chitchat. His Majesty should arrive momentarily. Lady Margaret, you may join the rest of the ladies—I would be in the Royal Box alone with His Majesty,” said the queen.

“Yes, Your Grace,” said Madge.

Madge continued to assist the queen, fastening the strand of pearls around her long, thin neck and placing many rings on her fingers. Never had the queen looked so regal.

The fanfare announced the arrival of the king and Her Majesty glided to meet him, as graceful as any swan. When he entered the outer room, the queen curtsied all the way to the ground and kept her head down until the king took her hand and bade her rise. Madge watched as the queen smiled at him, took his arm, and chattered gaily, as if he had done nothing to offend her and she was still his sweetheart.

Madge and the rest of the ladies followed at some distance. Cate joined the group of ladies.

“Have you told Her Majesty about Shadow?” said Cate.

“Not yet. The time has not been ripe. Her Majesty has a great deal on her mind and I would not burden her. Worry not, Cate. I will speak with her and we shall have Shadow back with us soon. Now, put away your long face and smile—’tis May Day and we have much to look forward to! Let us hurry so we can find a good spot to stand. I would wish to see the jousts,” said Madge.

They nudged their way into the crowd of commoners, who gave way with much grumbling as they recognized Madge as a person of importance. She and Cate found themselves directly across from the Royal Box and Madge could see the king and queen sitting together. The queen seemed to be trying to talk with His Majesty but from what Madge could see, the king did not look at his wife. Instead, he focused on the crowd and waited for the jousting to begin. The first contest was to take place between Sir Norris and Sir Nicholas Carew. Madge watched as Norris lost control of his horse and the king directed that one of His Majesty’s own be provided. Madge hoped Sir Nicholas would unseat Norris in the first round, but after three attempts, it was Norris who unseated Sir Nicholas.

As the tournament continued, all seemed as usual. Madge saw a messenger approach the king and whisper in his ear. The king rose and left with only six attendants, motioning for Norris to come along. The queen looked puzzled and the king spoke not a word to her. She was left to watch the rest of the festivities alone.

Thirty-seven

“I am mystified by Harry’s abrupt departure this afternoon. I cannot imagine what has happened! Has war come upon us?” said the queen as Madge rubbed her back.

“I would be the last to know such a thing, Your Grace. Whatever the reason for His Majesty’s actions, you can be assured it was of great import. How liked you the May Day celebrations?” said Madge.

“Aye, it was good to be outside and among my people. And to be with Harry, though he spoke very little to me. I took Elizabeth to him yesterday while he was with Master Cromwell, but he took no notice of me or the princess. Surely, there must be something of grave consequence on his mind,” said the queen. “Once, I would have been his closest advisor and confidante—those days are over. At least for a while.”

“Majesty, I have a small problem which I hope you can solve. They have taken Shadow from Cate, saying the law will not allow dogs of size in the palace. I do not know why they have chosen this moment to enforce such a rule. Shadow has lived here these three years with no interference. I would wish to have her back,” said Madge.

“This is most strange—I gave specific orders when you first arrived that Shadow would be exempt from the law. Of course, my Urian is large, too. I have not seen him of late, though he usually stays curled in the outer rooms near the fire. I shall check on this in the morning, Lady Margaret. Have no fear—I shall get your Shadow for you,” said the queen.

On the morrow, the queen kept her word and walked with Madge to the king’s kennels. There they found both Shadow and Urian. The queen spoke to the master of the privy hounds, Humphrey Rainsford.

“On whose authority have you taken Urian, Master Rainsford?” said the queen.

“On Master Cromwell’s orders, Your Majesty … I assumed Your Grace had requested these dogs be removed from the palace,” said Master Rainsford.

“I will take both dogs at once and please do not bother them in future,” said the queen, more warmly than she had spoken at first.

“Yes, Majesty, I shall bring them to you immediately,” said Rainsford.

“There you go, Margaret. You shall have your Shadow and I shall have my Urian,” said the queen as Master Rainsford brought the hounds on tethers. Madge leaned down to welcome Shadow into her arms while the queen did the same with Urian. They thanked Rainsford and walked the dogs back to the palace. Madge had never seen Cate so happy as when Shadow jumped into her arms, covering her with licks.

The queen then invited Madge and Cate to watch a tenes match that morning to be played between Brereton and Sir William Sidney. The queen had placed a bet on Brereton and hoped to collect a fine winning.

Madge had never been in the Royal Tenes Box before and admired the lush seats and the damask-covered walls. Servants had left ale and delicacies on a table for the queen’s refreshment and Cate made quick work of most of the food. Her Majesty was intent on the play when six armed yeomen entered the royal box. One of the men opened an official-looking document and read in a loud voice:

“Queen Anne Boleyn, you are hereby ordered to report this afternoon to the king’s Privy Council at the hour of one after the noon hour by order of His Majesty, Henry the Eighth, King of England.” The guards then turned and left the Royal Box. Madge went to the queen who had paled and seemed about to faint.