Palace of Westminster, Kingdom of England, June 1528
The Queen of England was at the archery butts when the Cardinal approached her. It was a hobby she enjoyed, one that she apparently shared with her mother. Sniffing the summer air, she nocked the last arrow,”Cardinal Wolsey! I received your letter this morning. What is it that you wished to discuss on this fine day?”
“Forgive me for my lateness, Your Majesty, I too have found myself enjoying the sun. Anyways, there is indeed something I wish to discuss with you.”
“Let’s hear it then.”
“It’s a matter of religious reform that His Majesty wishes to embark on.”
“Reform?” Eleanor arched a brow, taking aim,”You know how I feel about religion, but surely His Majesty hasn’t embraced Lutheranism, or some other fool sect?”
Wolsey shook his head and explained,“Ah no, nothing like that Your Majesty. Simply shutting down some establishments which have… excesses. His Holiness has approved the closing of these worst houses. Most will be used to bolster His Majesty’s treasury, while the rest will be reopened with new leaders to ensure they serve the people better.”
Eleanor let the arrow fly, just barely hitting the bullseye. Passing the bow to Helga, she turned back to the Cardinal, the wind blowing some of her hair down from her cap, into her eyes.”I see nothing wrong with that. In fact, I want in. There seems to be a great deal of money to be gained.”
“Are you sure that is something you wish to be involved with, Your Majesty?”
“My ancestress, Eleanor of Castile was a great magnate in her own right. Why should I not be the same?”
“I do not disagree Your Majesty, but why?”
Eleanor of Austria slowed her pace,”You see I wish to have some measure of power of my own, power beyond just what my belly can bring Henry. I can help those who align with my interests and make my enemies irrelevant.”
Eleanor brought a hand down to her slightly swollen stomach, signaling to Wolsey that she was pregnant again. The woman had told her husband, but they had not made a formal announcement just yet.
She had just started to show, and it pleased Eleanor to no end. It was this stage of pregnancy that the woman enjoyed most. It made her glow, and she could still do most of what she wanted. True Eleanor still had her morning sickness, but at least the Queen didn’t have her back pains yet.
“Congratulations Your Majesty, and so soon after the birth of Princess Margaret. I’m sure His Majesty is pleased.”
“Oh, he is.” Eleanor nodded.
The Cardinal smiled at this,”Well when you would like to discuss the details of obtaining new properties, Your Majesty?”
“Soon. First, I shall visit my youngest, the wetnurses are relieved that she no longer needs their milk, and her governess, Lady Parr tells me that she’s growing well. I just hope that Margaret isn’t feeling too feisty this time.”
The man bowed,”It will be a pleasure to see you again, Your Majesty.”
Eleanor contained her excitement at the opportunity and simply nodded,”Likewise, Your Eminence.”