Chapter 163: Weddings
April, 1617
Christian tried to repress a shudder as he looked at the absolute monstrosity that stood before him. Herr Kessler, the Brunswick representative, was not a man you wanted to see at night. He was short, but had a large head, with a large jaw, he was also incredibly fat, and his hair was in all the strangest places. Some was on his head, but most of it was on either his chin or his cheeks. It was a strange sight, and Christian found himself wondering why his nephew had sent this man here.
He pushed that thought to one side and spoke. “Herr Kessler,” he said in German. “We trust that your journey was not too odious.”
“Not at all, Your Majesty, thank you for that.” Kessler said, with a lisp.
“Good.” Christian said. “Now, we understand why you have come and we wished to discuss the matter at once.”
“Of course, Sire.” Kessler said.
“Has the dowry rate been set?” He asked. Christian was using one of his Brunswicker nieces as a proxy bride for a marriage to his nephew Prince Charles, Duke of York and Albany, and as part of the negotiations, Christian had agreed to pay part of the dowry. But the dowry amount had been disputed over between London and Brunswick for some time.
“It has, Sire.” Kessler said.
“And?” Christian asked, trying desperately not to gag as a strange smell wafted off of Kessler.
“The dowry has been agreed at 200,000 Crowns, Sire.” Kessler said.
Christian nodded, that wasn’t too large amount. “And we are to pay half of it?” Christian asked for confirmation.
“Yes, Sire.” Kessler said.
Christian nodded. “And a date has been set for the wedding?” That had been another sticking point between London and Brunswick, supposedly, they both wanted different dates for the marriage, Brunswick wanted it as soon as possible whilst London wanted a delay.
“It has been, Sire.” Kessler replied.
“When?” Christian asked.
“In July of this year, Sire.” Kessler said.
“July, you say?” Christian said, he glanced at Ketl, his treasurer who subtly nodded indicating that they’d have the money ready by then. “Very well, we are pleased to hear it.”
“Sire.” Kessler replied, bowing.
“Now go, enjoy some time in the city.” Christian said. Kessler bowed once, before departing. Once he was gone, Christian looked at his ministers and said. “By God, that man stank.”
Hans Bartholin, his foreign minister snorted. “He did indeed, Sire.”
“Couldn’t the Duke of Brunswick have found someone with less stink to send?” Christian asked. He was almost disappointed, he expected better from his nephew. The boy wasn’t a drunkard like his deceased elder brother, and apparently had brains, but this, this was too much.
“I think he was the best diplomat that His Highness could find, Sire.” Bartholin answered.
“Really?” Christian exclaimed.
“Yes, Sire. I think some of the previous Duke’s diplomats were let go during that Duke’s tenure. He saw it as an unnecessary expense.” Bartholin said.
Christian snorted, no doubt his nephew had spent the money on drink instead. “Very well. Regardless, that’s not why we’ve kept you here.” No, he wanted information on his other nephew. “How is Prince Charles?”
Bartholin understood the question and answered accordingly. “He has grown stronger, Sire. The lessons he took with Thomas Murray and the dancing instruction he took has improved his core and his legs. He no longer suffers from bouts of ill health. I believe that is why King James has sent him to Scotland.”
Christian nodded, that was good news, at least now he knew that he wouldn’t be sending a niece off to marry only for her husband to die shortly afterward. “He will survive the consummation then?”
“I believe he will, Sire.” Bartholin said.
“Good.” Christian said, and if the boy was anything like his elder brother then there should be children running about in no time. What was it Anne had written recently? Another girl had been born to the Prince and Princess of Wales, a girl they’d named Elizabeth in honour of their sister of the same name. He was impressed with how virile the couple were.
“And what else?” Christian asked, more out of curiosity than anything. Was this Stuart Prince like his older brother or was he different?
“Prince Charles displays a keen understanding of the classics and of various other scholarly works. He is a good rider, and a keen dancer. He is also attending meetings of the Scottish Council whilst in Edinburgh, and I believe has made some key contributions there.” Bartholin said.
“I see, so he is not a bore?” Christian asked. He knew what young women were like, they could not tolerate bores.
“I do not believe so, Sire.” Bartholin said.
“Good.” Christian answered.
Christian pondered this, if he had a niece soon to marry into the British Royal Family, and a daughter who he wanted married off to his great-nephew, was it too much to also have his heir married to his sister’s youngest daughter? He decided to ask this of Bartholin. “What would you say are the benefits of marrying Prince Christian to Princess Mary?”
Bartholin didn’t blink. “I think they would be immeasurable. A renewal of ties to the United Kingdom of the British Isles. A large dowry and of course, a tie to the developing British Navy.”
“So, you don’t think it would be wasteful?” Christian asked.
“I do not think so, Sire.” Bartholin answered. “Though if I might make a suggestion.”
“Go on.” Christian said.
“I would avoid tying Your Majesty’s daughter to the Prince of Wales’ eldest son, Sire.” Bartholin said.
“Why?” Christian asked intrigued.
“Your Majesty does not want too many eggs in one basket, and the Swedish King has a son of the right age.” Bartholin answered.
Christian considered this, given the trouble that the Swedish King was currently experiencing, he wasn’t sure if he wanted to tie himself to the man, but at the same time, having a half Danish King in the future next door was enticing. “I see.” Was all he said, there would be time yet to consider all of this.