We are all swooning!Awww that scene was so sweet and romantic, I am swooning on Kitty's behalf!
Thomas Howard seems very confident in his niece’s relationship with John. Howards gonna Howard. Also Kitty and Charlie need to be protected at all costs, I am rooting for them to get everything they deserve.Kenninghall, England. 1st of April, 1538.
It was much too late when Edmund Howard finally arrived at his brother’s property, his horse trotting before the magnificent building that their father had built under the permission of King Henry. The hour had grown and the air was dark around him, heavy with the smell of night. All were certainly asleep in the Howard residence, curtains pulled shut and yet, a servant was waiting for him before the closed entrance, face passive. He bowed as Edmund’s horse neighed, coming closer.
“Master Howard,” the pale-faced commoner murmured as a greeting. Edmund dismounted his horse, handing off the reins to him, which he took with a startled expression, as if not expecting it. “I welcome you to Kenninghall. Lord Norfolk and the others are waiting for you in His Grace’s writing room.”
“What others?” Edmund asked. “I was under the impression that my brother wanted to meet with me in private.” At least, that’s what the messenger that came to find him in the late afternoon led him to believe. Said it was urgent, that his brother needed him. That the family needed him. Last time such words were said, his wife Jocasta had died and Thomas needed his permission to send off his children to others who might care for their education. Since then, the Duke of Norfolk never really talked to him.
“The Earl of Surrey is also present, my lord,” the servant said. “As is Baron Howard.” That made Edmund pause as he climbed up the stairs that led to the large double doors. William was there? It was surprising. Thomas never really cared for the children born to their father’s second wife, the one rumours said he began to dally with long before their mother was dead. If William was to hear this business as well, as the firstborn of their father’s second marriage, then it was extremely important. And Edmund better hurry. “And my lord will also meet with his…”
Edmund raised a hand, the two guards posted inside the castle opening the door to let him in. “I do not care,” he said. “Go do your duty and let your betters do theirs.” The servant nodded in the corner of his vision, stepping away to handle the tired horse and Edmund continued in his path. The corridors were dark, the castle was asleep and yet he easily found his way to his brother’s private apartments, following the path of candlelight and hushed conversation.
When he entered, he found his two brothers sitting around a long table. Thomas was at the head, talking calmly with William by his side. Thomas’ son Henry Earl of Surrey was sitting on the other side of him, nursing a goblet of wine and two others were present. A girl and a boy, young with fresh handsome faces. They were similar enough, and familiar, though Edmund could not place them exactly.
Either way, it did not matter. He looked at Thomas. “Brother, you called?” The Duke of Norfolk turned to look at him and his face betrayed nothing as the two youths stood up to greet him respectfully.
“Edmund,” said Norfolk with a neutral voice, “It’s about time you arrived. I almost thought we would have to begin without you.” He waved at the end of the table where an empty seat awaited him. “Sit, if you would.”
Edmund did, though not without a grimace, pulling the chair that was directly in front of the girl present. She was a pretty little thing, even if too young for him, with light brown eyes and hair pulled under a fashionable French hood. She did look tired though, possibly because of the late hour, supporting her head on one hand as she played with the stones in an expensive necklace with the other.
“So, what is so important to call me here?” Edmund asked, settling back against his seat.
The lean and boyish youth before him made a face. It was strange to see such an angry expression in his soft features, blue eyes gentle even in that moment. “Really?” he asked with a snarl. “You’re not even going to greet us?” The girl beside him grabbed his arm, whispering something in the foot of his ear that sounded like a warning to calm down.
“Should I?” Edmund asked, responding to his boldness with just as much fire. “I see no royalty here, boy. Only a child whose father was lacking in his education.”
“Clearly,” he answered acidly, but before he could say much more, Norfolk raised a hand to stop him.
His brother turned to look at him. “Edmund, allow me to introduce you to Charles and Katherine Howard,” said. “Your fourth and fifth-born children, respectively.”
“You might remember us from when you gave us our names,” Charles murmured, “Father.”
Edmund looked at Thomas, then at William. “What are they doing here?” he asked. “Have their guardians died yet again? Do you expect me to take them into my care? You of all people should know that I am in no such position, brother. You know Margaret does not like children.”
“As if we would ever choose to live with you and your little whore!” Charles shot back. Edmund would have throttled him if he were any closer, but the table between them stopped him. As did William grabbing his arm when it seemed he might do just that.
“Margaret is my wife, and your mother by the laws of God and men,” said Edmund. “And certainly she will not abide an impetuous youth who forgets to respect his elders.” He looked back at Thomas. “Was my daughter Margaret not married this year?” And to Sir Thomas Arundell of Wardour Castle of all people. The most splendid match. “Surely, William and the Baroness have an opening in their house. Has Mary been wed yet?” He had not heard anything about it, but considering he didn’t attend Margaret or Hank Howard’s marriages, he wouldn’t be surprised to not have been invited.
“Will you listen--” William started.
“If I must take one, I will see the girl provided for,” Edmund admitted. “She has yet to prove as willful as her brother. Should she hold her tongue and know her place, Margaret will take no offence to her.” He looked at Katherine, who was holding her brother’s hand tightly. “It will not be the same as living with the princess, but I can find you a good husband. I’m still a Howard, after all. How old are you, child? Thirteen? Twelve?”
The Duke of Norfolk brought his fist down on the table hard, rising to his feet with a snarl. When he spoke, his voice was dangerously low and his face was full of anger, and frustration.
“I will not send the girl away, you drunk fool,” he said. “And certainly not to you, so you can sell her to pay off your debts. This child is the key to greater rewards than we have known thus far. She will ensure the Howards are unimpeachable once and for all, and that damned Suffolk knows it just as well as we do. Removing her now at this critical moment is tantamount to surrender, and I will be damned before I admit defeat to the son of a standard bearer.”
“So my sister is to be sold off for your political needs and not my father’s debts? A touching display of filial loyalty, uncle.”
“Charles, be quiet,” Norfolk said sharply. He looked back at Edmund, then to Katherine. “Tell him what you have just told William and Hank, Katherine.” His voice was calm, kind even, as if he was unwilling to risk alienating Katherine. It made Edmund frown.
“Uncle Norfolk, please, I don’t know if King John would even want me in the next year or two. Who’s to say His Majesty won’t find another? One prettier and more deserving. His father had such appetites and I am hardly the loveliest maiden in court. He might very well find several others before I am sent away to the Low Countries with Lady Elizabeth, and how could I find a marriage there if I have been with the King?”
“Nonsense!” Norfolk exclaimed as he sat down. “If we play our cards right, you will stand above all other women. And no one will stand in your way, not even a prettier pair of eyes.”
“Wait.” Edmund raised a hand. “What is going on? Are you speaking about parading my daughter off like a common whore?”
“Not at all,” said Norfolk. “The King has given her a necklace in the Tudor colours and with the pendant of a rose. Nothing is as royal these days as a rose.” He smiled like a lion watching its prey.
“The token of a possessive young man, hardly a proposal of marriage," said William. "Perhaps the young King intends to flaunt that he has her and no other may touch what is his?”
“The King would never do that,” Charles growled, rising to his feet. “He is a good man and if he holds Kitty in such regard, he would never wound her honour and callously trade her off.”
“His Majesty has not had a mistress, as far as I know,” Hank admitted, the first time he spoke since Edmund arrived. “But he is young. Just fifteen. It is possible that this is his first attempt at a liaison before his marriage.”
"He has kissed her lustfully in a public place," said Norfolk with a respectful nod at his son. "If it had been witnessed by anyone else, Katherine would be ruined."
Edmund looked at Katherine, who blushed as she averted her eyes. Then he turned back to his brother. “Is she?” he asked and Norfolk raised his brows, not understanding him.. “Ruined?” he clarified. “Is there the possibility of an illegitimate birth in my child’s future?”
It was Katherine who answered, “No. I remain a maiden, father.” Edmund nodded, relieved and settled back.
“She must remain so,” said Norfolk. “I’m well aware that the Dowager Queen has tasked Sir John Dudley with arranging for the King’s education when it comes to the marital bed. Soon enough, he will have a mistress. No matter who she is.”
“And you want us to be certain that his mistress is my child?” Edmund stood up in outrage. “I will not hear this any longer. Katherine, you shall come with me and we will go somewhere your reputation will remain intact and you--”
“Sit down or I shall tell your creditors where you live,” Norfolk interrupted him with an annoyed expression, almost lazily. Edmund sat down. “Do you still not understand, Edmund? The girl can charm the boy and keep him entranced. He has no experience, and he clearly has eyes for her. Should she hold his interest, she can lead him far. He has not had any other woman to convince him that the chase is unnecessary when one is the king.”
“You want the King to marry my daughter?” Edmund asked.
Thomas laughed, a high and fake sound. “Thank you, brother, for finally reaching us,” he said. “Yes, I want the King to marry your daughter. Katherine is pretty, gentle and highborn. She had an education equal to Lady Elizabeth’s and, of course, thanks to our dear sister Elizabeth, has ties with the imperial family. The King has dithered about finding a wife since he came of age, not in the least encouraged by Suffolk, who wants him to remain unmarried so his son may inherit England. Why should he not try one closer to home with such benefits, and one to challenge that overreaching bastard, no less?”
“How--?” Edmund started, unable to think straight as they discussed the possibility of him becoming a father to the Queen of England. “How would such a thing happen? How would you make it come true?”
“That is hardly your concern, Edmund. All I need from you is to keep your tongue and mind your spending. Your debts may soon be repaid by coin from the royal coffers, but your daughter will need my sponsorship in this endeavour.” Norfolk looked at Katherine. “How many dresses do you have, girl?”
“Five,” she answered shyly.
Norfolk nodded. “You shall throw them out,” he declared. “Or better yet, donate them to a parish. I shall pay for a new dressmaker to come within the week and make you garments fit for a queen. Do you understand me?”
Katherine looked from her uncle, to her father and then to her brother at last, before she nodded. “I understand.”
“And you, boy.” Norfolk looked at Charles. “It will be to you to sing your sister’s praises and make sure the King knows that all his subjects want him to make a domestic match, instead of a foreign one. Do you understand?”
“I understand what you are saying, but I do not agree with your methods.” Charles offered, his voice cold and thin.
“Mind your tongue, boy. The advancement of your sister is the advancement of us all. Now, invite the King on a hunting trip on Howard lands in a month to celebrate your birthday. Insist you wish to see your family and the hunting lands are the finest in England. I will show that boy the benefits of our hospitality and Katherine will charm him while Lady Elizabeth and the Queen are occupied with our kinswomen. He will propose marriage to her by midsummer, I’m certain of it.”
Katherine and Charles sighed. “If you think so, uncle,” they said.
I hear ya! Those 2 are too precious!Thomas Howard seems very confident in his niece’s relationship with John. Howards gonna Howard. Also Kitty and Charlie need to be protected at all costs, I am rooting for them to get everything they deserve.
Ahhh, there's the moustache twirling Norfolk we know. Welcome back, Uncle Ambition.Kenninghall, England. 1st of April, 1538.
It was much too late when Edmund Howard finally arrived at his brother’s property, his horse trotting before the magnificent building that their father had built under the permission of King Henry. The hour had grown and the air was dark around him, heavy with the smell of night. All were certainly asleep in the Howard residence, curtains pulled shut and yet, a servant was waiting for him before the closed entrance, face passive. He bowed as Edmund’s horse neighed, coming closer.
“Master Howard,” the pale-faced commoner murmured as a greeting. Edmund dismounted his horse, handing off the reins to him, which he took with a startled expression, as if not expecting it. “I welcome you to Kenninghall. Lord Norfolk and the others are waiting for you in His Grace’s writing room.”
“What others?” Edmund asked. “I was under the impression that my brother wanted to meet with me in private.” At least, that’s what the messenger that came to find him in the late afternoon led him to believe. Said it was urgent, that his brother needed him. That the family needed him. Last time such words were said, his wife Jocasta had died and Thomas needed his permission to send off his children to others who might care for their education. Since then, the Duke of Norfolk never really talked to him.
“The Earl of Surrey is also present, my lord,” the servant said. “As is Baron Howard.” That made Edmund pause as he climbed up the stairs that led to the large double doors. William was there? It was surprising. Thomas never really cared for the children born to their father’s second wife, the one rumours said he began to dally with long before their mother was dead. If William was to hear this business as well, as the firstborn of their father’s second marriage, then it was extremely important. And Edmund better hurry. “And my lord will also meet with his…”
Edmund raised a hand, the two guards posted inside the castle opening the door to let him in. “I do not care,” he said. “Go do your duty and let your betters do theirs.” The servant nodded in the corner of his vision, stepping away to handle the tired horse and Edmund continued in his path. The corridors were dark, the castle was asleep and yet he easily found his way to his brother’s private apartments, following the path of candlelight and hushed conversation.
When he entered, he found his two brothers sitting around a long table. Thomas was at the head, talking calmly with William by his side. Thomas’ son Henry Earl of Surrey was sitting on the other side of him, nursing a goblet of wine and two others were present. A girl and a boy, young with fresh handsome faces. They were similar enough, and familiar, though Edmund could not place them exactly.
Either way, it did not matter. He looked at Thomas. “Brother, you called?” The Duke of Norfolk turned to look at him and his face betrayed nothing as the two youths stood up to greet him respectfully.
“Edmund,” said Norfolk with a neutral voice, “It’s about time you arrived. I almost thought we would have to begin without you.” He waved at the end of the table where an empty seat awaited him. “Sit, if you would.”
Edmund did, though not without a grimace, pulling the chair that was directly in front of the girl present. She was a pretty little thing, even if too young for him, with light brown eyes and hair pulled under a fashionable French hood. She did look tired though, possibly because of the late hour, supporting her head on one hand as she played with the stones in an expensive necklace with the other.
“So, what is so important to call me here?” Edmund asked, settling back against his seat.
The lean and boyish youth before him made a face. It was strange to see such an angry expression in his soft features, blue eyes gentle even in that moment. “Really?” he asked with a snarl. “You’re not even going to greet us?” The girl beside him grabbed his arm, whispering something in the foot of his ear that sounded like a warning to calm down.
“Should I?” Edmund asked, responding to his boldness with just as much fire. “I see no royalty here, boy. Only a child whose father was lacking in his education.”
“Clearly,” he answered acidly, but before he could say much more, Norfolk raised a hand to stop him.
His brother turned to look at him. “Edmund, allow me to introduce you to Charles and Katherine Howard,” said. “Your fourth and fifth-born children, respectively.”
“You might remember us from when you gave us our names,” Charles murmured, “Father.”
Edmund looked at Thomas, then at William. “What are they doing here?” he asked. “Have their guardians died yet again? Do you expect me to take them into my care? You of all people should know that I am in no such position, brother. You know Margaret does not like children.”
“As if we would ever choose to live with you and your little whore!” Charles shot back. Edmund would have throttled him if he were any closer, but the table between them stopped him. As did William grabbing his arm when it seemed he might do just that.
“Margaret is my wife, and your mother by the laws of God and men,” said Edmund. “And certainly she will not abide an impetuous youth who forgets to respect his elders.” He looked back at Thomas. “Was my daughter Margaret not married this year?” And to Sir Thomas Arundell of Wardour Castle of all people. The most splendid match. “Surely, William and the Baroness have an opening in their house. Has Mary been wed yet?” He had not heard anything about it, but considering he didn’t attend Margaret or Hank Howard’s marriages, he wouldn’t be surprised to not have been invited.
“Will you listen--” William started.
“If I must take one, I will see the girl provided for,” Edmund admitted. “She has yet to prove as willful as her brother. Should she hold her tongue and know her place, Margaret will take no offence to her.” He looked at Katherine, who was holding her brother’s hand tightly. “It will not be the same as living with the princess, but I can find you a good husband. I’m still a Howard, after all. How old are you, child? Thirteen? Twelve?”
The Duke of Norfolk brought his fist down on the table hard, rising to his feet with a snarl. When he spoke, his voice was dangerously low and his face was full of anger, and frustration.
“I will not send the girl away, you drunk fool,” he said. “And certainly not to you, so you can sell her to pay off your debts. This child is the key to greater rewards than we have known thus far. She will ensure the Howards are unimpeachable once and for all, and that damned Suffolk knows it just as well as we do. Removing her now at this critical moment is tantamount to surrender, and I will be damned before I admit defeat to the son of a standard bearer.”
“So my sister is to be sold off for your political needs and not my father’s debts? A touching display of filial loyalty, uncle.”
“Charles, be quiet,” Norfolk said sharply. He looked back at Edmund, then to Katherine. “Tell him what you have just told William and Hank, Katherine.” His voice was calm, kind even, as if he was unwilling to risk alienating Katherine. It made Edmund frown.
“Uncle Norfolk, please, I don’t know if King John would even want me in the next year or two. Who’s to say His Majesty won’t find another? One prettier and more deserving. His father had such appetites and I am hardly the loveliest maiden in court. He might very well find several others before I am sent away to the Low Countries with Lady Elizabeth, and how could I find a marriage there if I have been with the King?”
“Nonsense!” Norfolk exclaimed as he sat down. “If we play our cards right, you will stand above all other women. And no one will stand in your way, not even a prettier pair of eyes.”
“Wait.” Edmund raised a hand. “What is going on? Are you speaking about parading my daughter off like a common whore?”
“Not at all,” said Norfolk. “The King has given her a necklace in the Tudor colours and with the pendant of a rose. Nothing is as royal these days as a rose.” He smiled like a lion watching its prey.
“The token of a possessive young man, hardly a proposal of marriage," said William. "Perhaps the young King intends to flaunt that he has her and no other may touch what is his?”
“The King would never do that,” Charles growled, rising to his feet. “He is a good man and if he holds Kitty in such regard, he would never wound her honour and callously trade her off.”
“His Majesty has not had a mistress, as far as I know,” Hank admitted, the first time he spoke since Edmund arrived. “But he is young. Just fifteen. It is possible that this is his first attempt at a liaison before his marriage.”
"He has kissed her lustfully in a public place," said Norfolk with a respectful nod at his son. "If it had been witnessed by anyone else, Katherine would be ruined."
Edmund looked at Katherine, who blushed as she averted her eyes. Then he turned back to his brother. “Is she?” he asked and Norfolk raised his brows, not understanding him.. “Ruined?” he clarified. “Is there the possibility of an illegitimate birth in my child’s future?”
It was Katherine who answered, “No. I remain a maiden, father.” Edmund nodded, relieved and settled back.
“She must remain so,” said Norfolk. “I’m well aware that the Dowager Queen has tasked Sir John Dudley with arranging for the King’s education when it comes to the marital bed. Soon enough, he will have a mistress. No matter who she is.”
“And you want us to be certain that his mistress is my child?” Edmund stood up in outrage. “I will not hear this any longer. Katherine, you shall come with me and we will go somewhere your reputation will remain intact and you--”
“Sit down or I shall tell your creditors where you live,” Norfolk interrupted him with an annoyed expression, almost lazily. Edmund sat down. “Do you still not understand, Edmund? The girl can charm the boy and keep him entranced. He has no experience, and he clearly has eyes for her. Should she hold his interest, she can lead him far. He has not had any other woman to convince him that the chase is unnecessary when one is the king.”
“You want the King to marry my daughter?” Edmund asked.
Thomas laughed, a high and fake sound. “Thank you, brother, for finally reaching us,” he said. “Yes, I want the King to marry your daughter. Katherine is pretty, gentle and highborn. She had an education equal to Lady Elizabeth’s and, of course, thanks to our dear sister Elizabeth, has ties with the imperial family. The King has dithered about finding a wife since he came of age, not in the least encouraged by Suffolk, who wants him to remain unmarried so his son may inherit England. Why should he not try one closer to home with such benefits, and one to challenge that overreaching bastard, no less?”
“How--?” Edmund started, unable to think straight as they discussed the possibility of him becoming a father to the Queen of England. “How would such a thing happen? How would you make it come true?”
“That is hardly your concern, Edmund. All I need from you is to keep your tongue and mind your spending. Your debts may soon be repaid by coin from the royal coffers, but your daughter will need my sponsorship in this endeavour.” Norfolk looked at Katherine. “How many dresses do you have, girl?”
“Five,” she answered shyly.
Norfolk nodded. “You shall throw them out,” he declared. “Or better yet, donate them to a parish. I shall pay for a new dressmaker to come within the week and make you garments fit for a queen. Do you understand me?”
Katherine looked from her uncle, to her father and then to her brother at last, before she nodded. “I understand.”
“And you, boy.” Norfolk looked at Charles. “It will be to you to sing your sister’s praises and make sure the King knows that all his subjects want him to make a domestic match, instead of a foreign one. Do you understand?”
“I understand what you are saying, but I do not agree with your methods.” Charles offered, his voice cold and thin.
“Mind your tongue, boy. The advancement of your sister is the advancement of us all. Now, invite the King on a hunting trip on Howard lands in a month to celebrate your birthday. Insist you wish to see your family and the hunting lands are the finest in England. I will show that boy the benefits of our hospitality and Katherine will charm him while Lady Elizabeth and the Queen are occupied with our kinswomen. He will propose marriage to her by midsummer, I’m certain of it.”
Katherine and Charles sighed. “If you think so, uncle,” they said.
And let’s face it: marrying someone who seems nice and is close to her own age is a far better fate than being given to a mercurial and invalid older man who by that stage could barely even walk…Ah I see the Duke of Norfolk is prepared to take advantage of this situation as best he can. Even if his reasons are selfish, his pushing Kitty and John together can only help his niece's prospects.
Not to mention, John probably won't behead her.And let’s face it: marrying someone who seems nice and is close to her own age is a far better fate than being given to a mercurial and invalid older man who by that stage could barely even walk…
It wouldn't be the tudor era without it!Ahhh, there's the moustache twirling Norfolk we know. Welcome back, Uncle Ambition.
Not that its any harder to win against H8 lets be real.And let’s face it: marrying someone who seems nice and is close to her own age is a far better fate than being given to a mercurial and invalid older man who by that stage could barely even walk…
He doesn't have the proclivity for it.Not to mention, John probably won't behead her.
well, the two lines were extinct over a century and a half after Charles and Ferdinand had their sons. Do with that what you will.Another great family tree and Ferdinand and Anne have been really busy .
No worries for either the Spanish or Austrian lines to go extinct anytime soon huh?
I will. But i got a good feeling about this ones. specially with the fresh injections of non-related genes Anne provided for the Spanish line.well, the two lines were extinct over a century and a half after Charles and Ferdinand had their sons. Do with that what you will.
Anna did much of the same for the Austrians!I will. But i got a good feeling about this ones. specially with the fresh injections of non-related genes Anne provided for the Spanish line.
Yep, Habsburg policy was to retain their holdings and alliances through marriages: See Joana/Felipe, Maria/Afonso and Maximilian/Juanita.Anna did much of the same for the Austrians!
Yes, I know.Yep, Habsburg policy was to retain their holdings and alliances through marriages: See Joana/Felipe, Maria/Afonso and Maximilian/Juanita.