Harry didn’t waste any time in asking the King’s permission for his union with Lady Anne. As soon as Mass was over the following morning, he slipped out of the Cardinal’s train and approached the King with a bow.
“Sire? Might I beg a word, if it please you?”
“Certainly, Lord Percy. What is it you would have? Speak.”
Henry knew full well what Harry wanted. How could he not, after what had happened at the archery tournament the day before? Truth be told, he did feel a little sorry for the boy, making him ask him so openly for what he wanted. But a public blessing on Harry’s union with Lady Anne was the only way to ensure the Talbots didn’t try to move against the match and ensnare the lad for their Mary after all. And to give the boy his due, though he blanched momentarily, a mere glance at his sweetheart was enough to restore his courage.
“Your Majesty, I have come to ask you to be so gracious as to ensure that I am set free from any unspoken understanding there may be between my family and that of Lady Mary Talbot’s about our one day being wed and to set your blessing upon a match between myself and the Lady Anne of Ormonde.”
“I see. And why exactly would you want to abandon such a prestigious match as one with Lady Mary in favour of one with Lady Anne? You realise you are jilting one of the most eligible girls in the North?”
“I realise that, Sire, and I am sorry for it, but I will not go back on my decision. I love Lady Anne and I believe with all my heart that she will make me happy in the same way that Her Grace makes you happy, My Lord. Or in the same way that Lady Mary will make some other man happy.”
Privately, Harry doubted that Mary, with her whining voice and nagging ways, would make anybody happy, but the kind words were a courtesy he could well afford her, given the circumstances.
“I see. You love the girl, do you? And will you still love her when I say to you that even if I do let you marry Lady Anne, there’ll be no sharing a home or a bed for another year at least? She’s only fourteen and my wife’s, and therefore my, most beloved sister. I’ll not have her damaged or her health endangered, by sharing the marital bed too early. Are you prepared to wait, Lord Percy?”
“I am, Sire. I love Lady Anne and I wouldn’t harm her for the world. I’ve almost lost her once, I will not lose her again. Besides, my sister Margaret always told me that a prize too easily won is no prize at all. I am prepared to wait to take Lady Anne’s maidenhead, if you so wish it, for I do not believe there could be any prize greater than my sweetheart’s most precious possession. I am even prepared to wait with our wedding, if you wish. All I ask for now is that we are betrothed, unbreakably, before witnesses.”
Harry didn’t know what boldness had loosened his tongue so, but while many of the courtiers around them looked scandalised at his speaking of Anne’s virginity so openly, the King looked impressed. He laughed and extended a ringed hand to clap Harry on the shoulder.
“That’s a mighty clever sister you have, Lord Percy. I hope you take her advice frequently.”
“I do, Your Grace. You may be sure of that.”
“Then I am satisfied. If the Queen and Lady Anne are agreeable, I don’t see why you shouldn’t marry her. What do you say, ladies?”
The King glanced over his shoulder and the crowd parted to show the Queen, Anne half a pace behind, as usual. The Queen nodded in agreement and Harry looked eagerly to Anne. Her cheeks were aflame, but her voice too was burning; burning with conviction.
“Sire, there is no man I would rather marry. I accepted Lord Percy’s ring last night, with the gladdest heart it is possible to have.”
“Very well. Kneel. Come here, next to Lord Percy and kneel.”
Exchanging stunned looks, Harry and Anne did as they were told. The King wasn’t going to have them married here and now, was he?
No. He merely stretched his hand over their bent heads, intoning, “Lord Percy, Lady Anne of Ormonde, you have my blessing upon your union. As of this moment, you may consider yourselves betrothed.”
The looks they exchanged this time were delighted ones. Unable to help himself, Harry grabbed Anne’s shoulders, turned her head to his, cupped her cheeks and kissed her fiercely. The crowd of courtiers laughed and applauded. Pulling back from her, Harry couldn’t ever remember feeling happier. They were engaged to marry and nothing could ruin this for him. Nothing at all.