The Last Howard Girl (Tudor Chronicles Book 3)

by Lesley Jepson

  Cat glanced at the title of the book and began to laugh.

  ‘Really, Meg? The book that the pious Reginald Pole called a “satanic work”?’

  ‘Ralph says Master Cromwell thought the book had a lot to recommend it. It speaks of politics and leaders and how to either serve or survive them. Very apt, do you not think?’

  ‘Most apt. We need all the advice we can get, my lovely,’ said Cat, as she squeezed Meg’s shoulders and put the copy of ‘The Prince’ by Niccolo Machiavelli carefully away for their journey.

  Chapter 13

  veryone at court waited to see what was going to happen as the great bell tolled for the death of the boy King Edward, and on the surface they mourned his passing.

  The Duke of Northumberland announced Lady Jane as Queen, in accordance with Edward’s final declaration, but still everyone felt they were on a knife edge.

  Elizabeth, dressed in her mourning gown of dark blue, sat reading in her presence chamber with Cat and her other ladies. Suddenly Thomas, tall and dour and covered in dust from the road strode through the gallery door, dropped to one knee and thrust a folded paper into her hand.

  With shaking fingers, she unfolded it, noting it had no seal and read it swiftly, dark eyes scanning the page before handing it silently to Cat.

  Bess, you must flee. We are undone and my father’s plan has failed. Mary has had us arrested by her guards and has fled to Framlingham to raise an army to march on London. The common people support her and she is gathering strength as she goes. Thomas escaped to bring you this message and you would oblige me by making sure he has reward for his bravery. Warn your friends, keep yourself safe and destroy this. Never doubt that I love you. R.

  Cat stood quickly, thrust the paper into the fire burning low in the grate, and took a small purse of coin from her pocket to give to Thomas. She had known this moment would arrive, and had been prepared. She turned and met Elizabeth’s eyes with her own, nodded once and left the room. The other ladies looked puzzled, but Elizabeth returned to her book and Thomas bowed and also left through the door to the gallery.

  Cat’s feet flew through the palace corridors to Francis’s office, and to her great relief he was seated at his desk, speaking with Ralph.

  ‘Husband, it is time.’ Francis rose immediately and came to her side. Cat looked at Ralph, tension in every line of her body.

  ‘The Princess has just received a note from Robert Dudley. The Duke’s plan has failed and the Dudley boys are under guard by Mary’s soldiers.’ Francis put his arm around her waist and held her to him, to try and still her shaking. Cat smiled up at him, then continued, directing her voice to Ralph again.

  ‘Robert’s steward escaped to bring the Princess word that Mary is gathering an army on her march from Framlingham to London. The country seems to be declaring for her, Ralph. We must leave.’

  Ralph took Cat’s hands in his own and kissed her cheek gently, then shook his friend’s hand. ‘The carriages and carts are ready in the stables, Lady Cat. Meg will have your things ready to load when you get there, so go with God. We shall all meet in better times.’

  Cat hugged her friend’s husband firmly, then took her own husband’s arm and swept grandly from the office towards the stables and their carriage. She may be fleeing the country, but she was still a Howard, and the Howards did not hurry.

  ***

  Mary arrived in London on a wave of love and loyalty from the populace. They were pleased to have old Harry Tudor’s daughter as their Queen, as was only right and proper. She was the daughter of their golden Good Queen Katharine, who had brought them victory at Flodden against the Scots and who had sewn shirts for the poor. With Queen Mary on the throne they could go back to the old ways of worship, with their shrines and icons and they could again have absolution for their sins.

  The new Queen acted swiftly against those who tried to keep her from the throne. All the Dudleys were arrested and imprisoned in the tower, and Gardiner and Norfolk were released.

  The old Duke’s adherence to the Catholic faith was more important than his name; the fact that he had threatened the Princess Mary’s life when he was instrumental in putting his niece Anne Boleyn on the throne could be overlooked.

  Thomas Cranmer was stripped of his title of Archbishop of Canterbury, and this benefice was given to Gardiner. Gardiner gave his room in the Tower to Cranmer.

  Mary abolished all the Acts and edicts set up by her father and brother instituting the Protestant faith throughout the country, and declared England as a Catholic country, once again under the protection of the Holy Mother Church in Rome.

  ***

  My Bess. I and my father and brothers are all here in the Tower, and have all been sentenced to death. Mary may have abolished King Henry’s religion but she has kept the device of Attainder, so we can all be sentenced without trial. Strangely, we are all being treated well, in a suite of apartments and we are allowed servants, decent food, books and writing tools. Thomas is with me, although not under arrest so is allowed to come and go as he wishes. He will bring my messages, and I would ask if you could reward him for me. I am in good health and good cheer, but I regret not being with you, my love. Until we meet again, know I am yours always. R.

  Elizabeth held Robert’s note to her bosom and gave Thomas a silver coin from her pocket.

  ‘Could you return later this evening, Thomas? I would reply to Lord Robert but it may take me some time. If you return at six of the clock, that should give time for you to return to my Lord Dudley before the curfew.’

  ‘Princess.’ Thomas bowed and left Elizabeth to think how she wished to reply to his master. He had other letters to take and errands to run on behalf of the Dudleys.

  ***

  Lord Husband

  You have shamed me. I am here among your friends, who have been most kind, trying to bear the shame of a traitorous husband. I dare not go out in case I am recognised and spat upon. I have to send my maid Mistress Pincto to buy my ribbons and my medicine, and I shall need an allowance for more. If I can find the courage, I will visit you.

  Your wife before God, Amy Dudley

  ***

  My Lord Robert

  I was most pleased to receive your message. I hold to the fact that you are alive, and well. I shall plead your case with my sister the Queen, who is merciful. I am heartened to learn you are allowed books, and I send you this, knowing you will appreciate the lessons to be learned from the content. Ralph Sadler gave a copy to Sir Francis before he left and he was mightily grateful. Be of good cheer, my Lord. I shall do my utmost to have you freed.

  Elizabeth, Princess of England

  Elizabeth went into the chest in her bedchamber and found the copy of ‘The Prince’ to send to Robert. She hoped he realised, with her reference to Francis taking a copy with him, that this was the book agreed upon for the cipher. Sitting down at her writing table, Elizabeth took a fresh piece of parchment and began, in cipher, the letter she really wanted to write.

  My love

  I was so frightened for you when I got your first note. Thank you for sending it, as it allowed Cat to get to safety before Mary arrived here. My heart weeps that you are imprisoned, as I doubt I will be allowed to visit you. Mary has me watched, although I am innocent of any plotting. My dearest love, I miss you so much. I have been thinking about the last time I saw you, and long to see you again, that we might rewrite the end of our encounter. Even in cipher, Robbie, I cannot say what I really wish, but know this - I love you, beyond anything. Hold to that, my love. Your Bess.

  Realising that writing in cipher was time consuming, and that Thomas would be returning shortly for her reply, Elizabeth quickly sanded the letter then folded it careful
ly so it sat between the pages of the book. She found a silk kerchief and folded the book into that, with the letter she had written first on top, unsealed in case Mary’s spies searched Thomas on his way back to the Tower. Perhaps if they read the first letter, the hidden one would remain undiscovered. Elizabeth found a velvet pouch and put all the silver coins in it that she could find, for Robert to use for bribes if that should become necessary. Then, with a gold coin in her pocket with which to reward Thomas, she returned to her presence chamber to wait for the messenger.

  ***

  Dear Amy

  It saddens me that you feel I have shamed you. I followed my conscience and did what I thought was right. It may cost my life. I am glad the Hydes are being kind, and you have a maid to help you. You say she brings medicine – are you ill? If you need a doctor, I’m sure Mistress Hyde would send for one. I don’t think you should come to the Tower, it is an unpleasant place. I will arrange for your allowance to reach Master Hyde forthwith, and he will deal with your expenses.

  Your servant, madam, I remain Lord Robert Dudley

  ***

  Dearest Cat

  I am pleased to know you arrived in Frankfurt safe and whole. It was a relief that you didn’t have Edward washed overboard on the crossing. I hope the children were well behaved, and the maidservants were of assistance.

  We are living quietly at Sutton House, and I think Ralph is enjoying his time with his family (That I am, R). That family is now bigger. I asked if I could honour your mother or your brother when I named my newest child; I did not think I would honour both. I was so large because I was carrying twins, Cat. A boy and a girl, two wonderful healthy babes, Mary and Henry. Needless to say, we have engaged a wet nurse and the other children are thrilled with them. I am recovering well, but I missed you when I delivered my little ones.

  I am sure that Ralph will write to Francis separately, and I hope you both enjoy the book we gave you as a parting gift. Until we meet again, dearest Cat, take care of yourself and your wonderful children.

  With much affection, your friend Meg

  My Lord Francis

  It gladdens my heart that you escaped, my friend. Cranmer is in the Tower, awaiting death. Gardiner is in charge as Lord Chancellor, and the man is as duplicitous as he ever was. Many of the Protestant bishops have been sentenced to burn at Smithfield. This Queen intends to burn Catholicism into the fabric of the country, my friend. We shall stay here and hope we are not noticed.

  The Privy Council has been filled with Catholic supporters of the Queen; Gardiner of course, and tell Lady Cat that Norfolk is back at court and on the council once more. William Cecil has retired to his country estate, exiled in effect, and despite all his hard work re-establishing the worth of coinage during Edward’s tenure on the throne he is discarded. Walsingham also has lost his position, and has taken this opportunity to go to the university in Padua.

  The Queen is being advised that she must take a husband, and is currently negotiating with Spain. God help us indeed if the negotiation is successful and they bring the Inquisition to England. I will write again when I have more news. Take care and god speed, my friend.

  Ralph

  Chapter 14

  obert sat at his tiny writing desk beneath the window of his chamber in the Tower, gazing out towards the green where the scaffold was being built. They had not been told for whom. Suddenly, he heard a sharp rap on the outer door and Thomas entered, bowing his head briefly before walking across the room to where Robert was sitting so he didn’t have to raise his voice over the sound of hammering.

  ‘My Lord, you have a visitor.’

  Robert rose quickly from his chair and pulled his doublet on over his shirt.

  ‘Is it the Princess, Thomas? Has she been allowed to come to me?’ Robert’s face was bright with hope as he looked towards the door.

  ‘I’m sorry, my Lord. It is not. It is Lady Dudley’. Robert looked puzzled, not understanding the words of his servant properly. ‘My mother, Thomas?’

  ‘Your wife, my Lord.’ Robert closed his eyes in irritation, then walked towards the door where Amy waited in the passage outside, looking at the guard standing there with huge eyes.

  ‘Thank you, Thomas. You may go, but please return in an hour. I will have letters for you to take.’ Thomas bowed his head briefly again, and left the room. Robert opened the door wider and swept his arm in invitation. Amy hesitantly stepped over the threshold and entered the chamber.

  ‘Lady Dudley.’

  ‘My Lord Husband.’ Amy faced Robert and bobbed a curtsey.

  ‘Amy, you are my wife. You need not curtsey to me.’

  ‘Sorry, my Lord.’ She bobbed again, then twisted her mouth in an apology.

  Robert took her arm and walked her to the settle in front of the fire, where he helped her to sit while he stood and leaned against the mantelpiece.

  ‘I didn’t expect you to come here, Amy. This is not a place for you.’

  ‘My place is at your side, my Lord. You are my husband.’

  ‘A husband by whom you are shamed, Amy? That is what your letter said, was it not?’

  ‘Well, yes. You are held prisoner in the Tower. Disgraced. As your wife, I have to share that disgrace. It is too much to bear.’ She fanned herself a little with her hand, as if to wave away the emotion that she suffered.

  ‘But I shall bear it myself, Amy. It does not reflect on you.’

  ‘When I married you, I did not think you would be brought to this.’ Amy looked round the room, seeing the single bed pushed against the wall, the bookshelf and desk under the window, and the bare stone walls looming over everything.

  ‘What did you think, when you married me?’

  ‘That I would be Lady Dudley, of course. With a handsome, noble husband and my own fine house, perhaps with children. I did not think of …. here.’ Amy looked round the small room and wrinkled her nose in disgust. ‘But I have no house, no child and I have a husband who has shamed me.’ Her voice was rising, and Robert was surprised by her outburst.

  ‘Is that why you had your father make me marry you, Amy? For all those things?’

  ‘You were on the way to fight the rebels, my Lord. You might have been killed. And had I been with child after our …encounter, then had I not married you, I would have been ruined. Had you been killed, though, then I would still be Lady Dudley and my child your heir.’ She smiled dreamily as she made the last statement.

  Robert gasped at this astonishingly mercenary verdict on their ill-judged marriage. He had not thought Amy to have the wit to make such venal connections. He chose not to make a comment – he didn’t think he could trust his emotions in this place, so he changed the subject.

  ‘You said you needed medicine, Amy. Are you ill? Do you need a physician?’

  ‘I am sick and tormented by shame, my Lord. Mistress Pincto brings me my medicine from the apothecary. It helps me quieten my mind.’

  ‘And the Hydes are kind to you? You are happy there?’

  ‘As happy as I am likely to be, my Lord, without a husband by my side, and a house of my own.’

  Robert closed his eyes again and turned from the mantel towards the window. The hammering had stopped. He again wondered who would mount the scaffold, and if it was to be him, would he be able to see his Bess again before it happened. He sighed and tried to ease the headache that was building behind his eyes by rubbing his temples. He was so lost in his own thoughts as he gazed down at the Tower green, that a snuffling noise behind him made him start. Amy was trying not to cry.

  ‘Amy, please don’t cry. That won’t help the situation.’

  ‘I need to go, my Lord. I need to lie dow
n and have my medicine.’ Her voice was rising again and her cheeks were flaming with hot colour. Robert walked to the door and spoke to the guard.

  ‘Could someone escort my wife down to the Tower gate?’ The guard nodded slightly, and called to one of the servants climbing the stair to the next floor with a tray of food.

  ‘Amy, this man will take you to the Tower gate. I assume you had transportation here from the house?’

  ‘Master Hyde allowed me the use of a cart and groom, my Lord. They are waiting for me in the lane.’

  ‘Very well. I shall send funds to Master Hyde for your keep. It would please me if you didn’t return here. This is no place for you. I shall write and let you know if I have any news.’ Robert took Amy’s hand and kissed it, bowing as he did so. Amy looked at him in bewilderment.

  ‘I am to go now, my Lord?’

  ‘You said you needed to rest, Amy. You need your medicine.’

  ‘Oh, yes. I had forgotten. Good day, my Lord,’ and with that Amy allowed herself to be escorted from the chamber and down the stairs.

  Robert shook his head at the bizarre turns in the conversation, then sat again to write his letters.

  ***

  Robbie, my love. My heart aches for you at the loss of your father and your brother Guildford. I know that it would have pained the Duke to revert back to the Catholic faith in the hope that it would save his life, and I am more sorry than you know that the ruse failed. That there were only two Dudleys to be executed, however, makes my heart swell with hope that you might one day be back by my side.

  Robbie, I am so afraid. My maidservant has told me that young Thomas Wyatt is trying to raise an army to depose Mary and put me on the throne. I swear to you, on my life, I have not been part of this plot. Mary is being kind to me, and as long as I accompany her to mass, she makes no other demand on me. Wyatt has convinced others, including poor little Jane’s father to join his scheme. Why did little Jane lose her life in the Tower, Robbie and her father is still at liberty to make mischief? It seems unfair.