At the Mercy of the Queen: A Novel of Anne Boleyn

by Barnhill, Anne Clinard

  * * *

  “Majesty, ’tis May Day! Awaken and see the blue skies and hear the songbirds calling to their mates,” said Madge softly in the queen’s ear. “His Majesty has sent word he will call for you in a little while, and the two of you will process to the tiltyard together.” Madge thought this would awaken the queen and cheer her after last night’s unpleasantness.

  “Thank you, Margaret—I see you have opened the draperies and let the sun warm the room. Aye, ’tis a lovely day at that,” said the queen.

  Madge pulled back the coverlet and helped the queen to her feet. Then, as the queen washed her face, Madge began to lay out her clothes. She had taken care to brush the queen’s gown and sprinkle it with rosewater and cinnamon so no foul odors followed the queen. After the queen had put on her shift, Madge combed out her hair and plaited it with daisies and tulips. Then, she helped the queen with her stomacher and her kirtle. Finally, after the queen was dressed, Madge applied rouge and kohl to her Majesty’s face.

  “You look better than you have in some time, Your Grace. Your color is good and the gown becomes you. I think you have fleshed out since the loss of the child,” said Madge.

  “I am feeling better, especially today. I am cheered that His Majesty wishes to sit with me. Perhaps he tires of yon Jane,” said the queen.

  “Let us hope so—she has nothing to hold his interest in comparison to Your Majesty,” said Madge.

  “Ah, she is younger and, if she is to be believed, a virgin. There is a certain appeal in that for His Majesty, though I cannot comprehend why. Methinks he loves the chase more then the kill—oh well, enough of such chitchat. His Majesty should arrive momentarily. Lady Margaret, you may join the rest of the ladies—I would be in the Royal Box alone with His Majesty,” said the queen.

  “Yes, Your Grace,” said Madge.

  Madge continued to assist the queen, fastening the strand of pearls around her long, thin neck and placing many rings on her fingers. Never had the queen looked so regal.

  The fanfare announced the arrival of the king and Her Majesty glided to meet him, as graceful as any swan. When he entered the outer room, the queen curtsied all the way to the ground and kept her head down until the king took her hand and bade her rise. Madge watched as the queen smiled at him, took his arm, and chattered gaily, as if he had done nothing to offend her and she was still his sweetheart.

  Madge and the rest of the ladies followed at some distance. Cate joined the group of ladies.

  “Have you told Her Majesty about Shadow?” said Cate.

  “Not yet. The time has not been ripe. Her Majesty has a great deal on her mind and I would not burden her. Worry not, Cate. I will speak with her and we shall have Shadow back with us soon. Now, put away your long face and smile—’tis May Day and we have much to look forward to! Let us hurry so we can find a good spot to stand. I would wish to see the jousts,” said Madge.

  They nudged their way into the crowd of commoners, who gave way with much grumbling as they recognized Madge as a person of importance. She and Cate found themselves directly across from the Royal Box and Madge could see the king and queen sitting together. The queen seemed to be trying to talk with His Majesty but from what Madge could see, the king did not look at his wife. Instead, he focused on the crowd and waited for the jousting to begin. The first contest was to take place between Sir Norris and Sir Nicholas Carew. Madge watched as Norris lost control of his horse and the king directed that one of His Majesty’s own be provided. Madge hoped Sir Nicholas would unseat Norris in the first round, but after three attempts, it was Norris who unseated Sir Nicholas.

  As the tournament continued, all seemed as usual. Madge saw a messenger approach the king and whisper in his ear. The king rose and left with only six attendants, motioning for Norris to come along. The queen looked puzzled and the king spoke not a word to her. She was left to watch the rest of the festivities alone.

  Thirty-seven

  “I am mystified by Harry’s abrupt departure this afternoon. I cannot imagine what has happened! Has war come upon us?” said the queen as Madge rubbed her back.

  “I would be the last to know such a thing, Your Grace. Whatever the reason for His Majesty’s actions, you can be assured it was of great import. How liked you the May Day celebrations?” said Madge.

  “Aye, it was good to be outside and among my people. And to be with Harry, though he spoke very little to me. I took Elizabeth to him yesterday while he was with Master Cromwell, but he took no notice of me or the princess. Surely, there must be something of grave consequence on his mind,” said the queen. “Once, I would have been his closest advisor and confidante—those days are over. At least for a while.”

  “Majesty, I have a small problem which I hope you can solve. They have taken Shadow from Cate, saying the law will not allow dogs of size in the palace. I do not know why they have chosen this moment to enforce such a rule. Shadow has lived here these three years with no interference. I would wish to have her back,” said Madge.

  “This is most strange—I gave specific orders when you first arrived that Shadow would be exempt from the law. Of course, my Urian is large, too. I have not seen him of late, though he usually stays curled in the outer rooms near the fire. I shall check on this in the morning, Lady Margaret. Have no fear—I shall get your Shadow for you,” said the queen.

  On the morrow, the queen kept her word and walked with Madge to the king’s kennels. There they found both Shadow and Urian. The queen spoke to the master of the privy hounds, Humphrey Rainsford.

  “On whose authority have you taken Urian, Master Rainsford?” said the queen.

  “On Master Cromwell’s orders, Your Majesty … I assumed Your Grace had requested these dogs be removed from the palace,” said Master Rainsford.

  “I will take both dogs at once and please do not bother them in future,” said the queen, more warmly than she had spoken at first.

  “Yes, Majesty, I shall bring them to you immediately,” said Rainsford.

  “There you go, Margaret. You shall have your Shadow and I shall have my Urian,” said the queen as Master Rainsford brought the hounds on tethers. Madge leaned down to welcome Shadow into her arms while the queen did the same with Urian. They thanked Rainsford and walked the dogs back to the palace. Madge had never seen Cate so happy as when Shadow jumped into her arms, covering her with licks.

  The queen then invited Madge and Cate to watch a tenes match that morning to be played between Brereton and Sir William Sidney. The queen had placed a bet on Brereton and hoped to collect a fine winning.

  Madge had never been in the Royal Tenes Box before and admired the lush seats and the damask-covered walls. Servants had left ale and delicacies on a table for the queen’s refreshment and Cate made quick work of most of the food. Her Majesty was intent on the play when six armed yeomen entered the royal box. One of the men opened an official-looking document and read in a loud voice:

  “Queen Anne Boleyn, you are hereby ordered to report this afternoon to the king’s Privy Council at the hour of one after the noon hour by order of His Majesty, Henry the Eighth, King of England.” The guards then turned and left the Royal Box. Madge went to the queen who had paled and seemed about to faint.

  “First the news of Mark’s arrest and now I am to appear before the Privy Council—what is happening, Lady Margaret? What is happening?” said the queen as Madge led her to her chair.

  “Prithee, I know not, Your Grace,” said Madge, whose whole body buzzed with fear. Cate took hold of the queen’s other arm and held onto her as she lowered herself into her seat.

  “It has come—it has come at last! The king and Cromwell have found a way to rid themselves of me! What I have feared all along has come to pass!” said the queen with breathless voice.

  “Let us not borrow trouble, dear cousin. Let us becalm ourselves and think what best to do,” said Madge. She looked at Cate and even staunch Cate was pale, brows bunched up with worry.

  “Methinks w
e should go to the queen’s apartments and help her prepare to meet the council,” said Cate.

  “Yes, good Cate, that is wise counsel indeed. Come, Your Grace, arise and bear yourself as worthy of a queen. We are going to your apartments now,” said Madge.

  The queen arose and walked with confidence from the Royal Box, across the lawns, and into her apartments. Only Madge knew her hands trembled as she took each slow step.

  Once in the queen’s apartments, Madge and Cate sought to gird the queen’s loins for her battle with the council, for they all knew a fight was to come, a fight for the queen’s very life.

  “Which gown, Majesty?” said Madge.

  “A solemn day must needs a solemn gown—the black silk and I shall wear the matching French hood. And my pearls, which speak of purity. Oh Margaret, my heart beats so fast! What is to be done? What will happen to me?” said the queen.

  “I cannot know, Your Grace. But try to keep your spirits up and keep your wits about you. Do nothing to offend His Majesty or Master Cromwell for they hold the reins, I fear,” said Madge.

  “And remember, Your Grace, you are an anointed queen—not all the waters of the sea can wash that away,” said Cate.

  A few minutes before the appointed hour, the queen departed under guard for the Privy Council. Madge and Cate could do nothing but wait. They busied themselves, tidying the queen’s bedchamber; when there was no more to do, they took up their sewing.

  They did not have long to wait. Within the half-hour, the queen returned, obviously shaken to her core.

  “What happened? What is it all about, Your Grace?” said Cate who could not keep still once the queen entered her bedchamber.

  “I can scarce believe it myself—they left me speechless, nor could I form one word of response to the charges, I was so amazed,” said the queen as if in a trance.

  “Tell us, Majesty. What is happening?” said Madge.

  “I was met by mine uncle, Norfolk, and several other grim-faced men. They admonished me to stand to hear the charges against me. Then, they accused me of having committed adultery with Sir Norris, Master Smeaton, and several others. They said all had confessed against me and I was to return here, under guard, until they decided what to do with me,” said the queen, her voice a monotone.

  “It cannot be—I have been with Your Grace every eve and no one but the king has come to you—I know this! How could those dastardly cowards confess to such a crime?” said Madge.

  “I know not—I know not! This is Cromwell’s doing … and the king’s. It gives them both reason to be rid of me. But queens have been found guilty of adultery before and have not died. Surely, Henry seeks to send me to a nunnery. Then he can say he married a nun,” said the queen, bursting into wild peals of laughter.

  “Get ahold of yourself, Majesty. Such cackling is unseemly,” said Cate.

  “I shall pour you some wine—that will help. There now, drink up. Let us calm ourselves with sewing—look, cousin, I have begun a new chemise for my trousseau,” said Madge.

  Before the women had time to thread their needles, Norfolk, Cromwell, and the lord chancellor Audley, along with several others, knocked upon the door. The queen herself rose to let them in.

  “Why have you come, good gentlemen?” she said.

  Her uncle, Norfolk, spoke from a scroll he held in his hand. “We come to conduct you the Tower where you will abide during His Highness’s pleasure.”

  “If this be His Highness’s pleasure, I am ready to obey,” the queen said, her voice strong now. With that, the men led her away.

  “Wait! Wait! Surely you will allow the queen to have her ladies with her,” said Madge.

  “His Majesty has appointed four ladies already, mistress. Now, out of our way,” said Norfolk.

  “Where is His Grace? Where might I find him?” said Madge, standing her ground.

  “He has retired to his bedchamber for these recent events have sickened him mightily,” said Master Cromwell. “He is not to be disturbed.”

  Madge curtsied to the men and let them pass.

  “Quick, Cate, I must get me to the king before Master Cromwell returns. I must plead for Anne—I must make His Majesty see the error of his ways,” said Madge in a whisper.

  “He may put you in the Tower as well, Maddie-girl. This is foolhardy—I forbid you to go!” said Cate, holding Madge’s arm.

  “I fear I must disobey you in this. I will get to the king,” said Madge as she jerked her arm out of Cate’s grasp and hurried down the hall toward the king’s apartments. However, as she reached the outer room of the queen’s apartments, she saw the queen’s ladies gathered in clusters of twos and threes. The women were abuzz with talk.

  Madge approached Bess Holland, who stood talking with Mistress Maude Lane.

  “What know you of these unseemly events?” said Madge.

  “I have heard the queen is accused of treason,” said Bess, who had been crying.

  “And they have arrested her brother as well as Master Smeaton,” said Maude.

  “Are they all accused of treason?” said Madge.

  “Aye, and the court is filled with fear as to who might be next. Master Cromwell is sending the Royal Guard all over, methinks,” said Bess.

  “I am amazed to hear these tidings,” said Madge. “Who might have more news?”

  “I know not. I fear rumors are running amuck and who knows what is true?” said Bess.

  “What are we supposed to do now? Where should we go? Think you Cromwell will have us arrested? We are her ladies—it is possible,” said Maude.

  “Nay, do not give over to fear. This is a net to catch a queen and those men who support her. We have no power so we should have no fear,” said Madge.

  “Pray you are on the mark, Lady Margaret—for you are the queen’s cousin and perhaps still a threat to Master Cromwell,” said Bess.

  “Mistress Holland, know you where I might find the king?” said Madge breathlessly.

  “Why would you wish to search out His Majesty when he is having so many arrested, even the queen herself? Are you mad?” said Bess.

  “Perhaps. But I would speak with him as soon as is possible. Master Cromwell has told me the king has taken to his bedchamber, sick with grief at the thought of the queen’s treachery,” said Madge.

  “Aye, that may be. But I know that each evening for the last week, His Grace has sailed in his barge up the Thames at dusk when few would see him. It is said he goes to sup with the Lady Jane Seymour in a lover’s nest,” said Bess.

  “Then I shall find him thus … thank you, mistress. You have been of great help to me,” said Madge.

  “I hope you do not end up in the Tower, Pretty Madge. Have a care,” said Bess.

  The afternoon was at its zenith with several hours to wait until dusk so Madge tried to gain information from every person she met on her way to Cate’s room. When she reached the door, she knocked and Cate cracked open the door just enough to see who was there.

  “Ah, Maddie-girl, come in—quickly!” said Cate, shutting the door the minute Madge squeaked in. Shadow licked Madge’s hands while Cate sat upon her stool near the fireplace. A small fire was burning in the grate and Madge could see Cate’s hands shaking. She took hold of them; they felt like ice.

  “What are we to do? What are we to do?” Cate said over and over. Madge patted Shadow absentmindedly on the head and poured two mugs of ale from the ewer on the table.

  “Drink this—it will help,” said Madge, handing a mug to Cate, then quaffing down the contents of her own. She hoped the drink would quiet her stomach, which sloshed around and gurgled most unpleasantly.

  “We must think! She would have us clear-headed. They have taken her to the Tower along with several others: Weston, Brereton, Norris, Lord Rochford, and Master Smeaton. They are all accused of carnal knowledge of the queen—all of them!” said Madge.

  “’Tis ludicrous, impossible. Why, anyone who knows Master Smeaton knows he loves the king, not the queen! I’ll
warrant he has never even been with a woman,” said Cate.

  “He has confessed it, though they say he was racked for hours before he conceded the truth of it. Cromwell is responsible for this—Her Majesty warned us of him and I believe she was on target—he is power-mad!” said Madge.

  “Think what you will—I believe it is done so His Royal Lechery can take that Seymour wench to wife! He is nothing but a murderer! The good monks and priests! Sir Thomas More! Now his own wife!” said Cate.

  “Bite your tongue, woman!” said Madge. “Think you he will not touch those near the queen if he catches wind of any treachery? Such talk is treason! Get yourself in hand!” said Madge.

  “Forgive me, Maddie—I am full of fear,” said Cate.

  “As am I, but more for Her Majesty than for myself,” said Madge. She looked out the window in Cate’s room and saw the sky was growing dark.

  “I am going to find the king—no, no, I will not be dissuaded. I must go to him, reason with him, beg him for mercy. I shall return anon,” said Madge.

  “I know you too well to try to stop you. But take care, girl. He is a monster!” said Cate.

  Madge made her way outside and moved with stealth to where the king’s barge was moored. She knew the path well and hid herself in a copse of trees, waiting for the king. As she stood behind the enormous trees, she prayed for courage. Soon, she heard footsteps and saw the king, with Sir Edward Seymour, and several Yeomen of the Guard approach. There was little talk among them. She noticed the king did not wear his crown and his balding pate shone in the moonlight. Otherwise, he was dressed in his finest jerkin, cloth of gold with slashes of silver in the sleeves. Sir Seymour was also arrayed in the best money could buy and Madge realized the king had already been generous to him, paying him for the few charms his sister held.

  When the group had moved close enough for her to catch the king before his guards could lay a hand on her, Madge saw her chance and flew to him, prostrating herself on the damp grasses in front of him. The guards moved to grab her but the king motioned for them to desist.