Reluctant Queen: Tudor Historical Novel About Mary Rose Tudor, the Defiant Little Sister of King Henry VIII Read Online Free PDF Page B

uncertainties. ‘Tis unfortunate that Jane isn’t here to cheer you. She would tell you of the glorious future that is now yours and would soon have you smiling.’
    ‘Truly, I would be glad of such comfort,’ Mary admitted. ‘But King Louis — my husband,’ she forced the words past her lips, ‘as you know, forbade Jane to come.’ According to Lady Guildford, Louis reigned over a pious court. He wouldn’t relish the presence of the wanton Jane. Even so, Mary felt it was such a little thing to ask of her new husband. Especially as, if Louis were as unwell as had been reported, he would surely spend much time on his knees seeking absolution for looming eternity and would be poor company.
    The Duc de Longueville wasted no time in suggesting she speak for Jane at the first opportunity. ‘I miss her too,’ he said. ‘Perhaps, when we see him, we could both try to persuade King Louis to alter his mind. He has a kind heart and will want to please you.’ He smiled and changed the subject. ‘But His Grace, King Henry has demanded happy faces tonight. It seems a shame to waste such lovely music in melancholy thoughts. Will you honour me with a dance, Your Grace? Your last dance in England before you dance at the French court.’
    Mary, who usually loved to dance, wondered how much opportunity she would have for such pleasures with Louis ailing. And tonight, although she didn’t feel much like dancing, the music was infectious and she sensed Henry’s lowering frown, so she gave de Longueville her hand and they took the floor. She knew they made a handsome couple, herself so fair and the tall de Longueville so dark, as they made the graceful movements of the pavane.
    Mary, all her senses tonight especially acute, caught some of the whispers from her Maids of Honour as she and de Longueville danced past.
    ‘Tis a shame,’ one murmured. ‘To think she’s destined for a dried-up old man. What will gouty Louis do with so much beauty? She’ll likely kill him.’
    ‘But think what she’s gaining,’ murmured another. ‘Honours and riches seem a fair exchange for the fondling hands and limp manhood of the King of France.’
    Some of Mary’s younger Maids looked tired after the long hours on the road. They couldn’t retire till Mary did, but Mary, determined on making her last day in England endure as long as she could, danced on with a feverish gaiety, as if she never wanted the evening to end. But Henry was pleased with her at last. She caught his look of satisfaction as he took in her cheeks flushed with exertion and not a little wine.
    But there was to be an early start on the morrow to catch the tide. Henry would not allow sluggish bodies and even more sluggish heads to delay matters. Soon after, he called an end to the evening’s festivities. Reluctantly, Mary followed her ladies as they lighted her to her chamber. Tomorrow would come all too soon. The next time she opened her eyes it would be to see the dawn of the day that would bring an end to all familiar things.
    The storm still raged over the night sky as her ladies readied her for bed. It didn’t auger well for the voyage. In spite of Henry’s determination that tomorrow would be clear even her brother couldn’t command the weather. With this happy thought to comfort her, Mary finally slept.
     

CHAPTER THREE
     
    Mary woke to the sound of rain lashing the windows. It had finally come; the day she had dreaded. But she was given no time for morbid fancies, as her Mother Guildford bustled into the chamber. Mary had expected her to chivvy her from the bed, but after curtseying and bidding her good morning, Lady Guildford’s next words immediately cheered her.
    ‘Though, as you can no doubt hear, the weather is not so good. You might as well abide in bed awhile. You’ll not leave today. The king, after stomping about the castle calling on all the fates in his wrath, is up on the keep hoping to see a break in the sky.’
    Reprieved, Mary rejected Lady