The Lady Rochford Saga Part 1: Into the Ranks of the Deceived

by Danielle Marchant

  “Yes, especially as we have known each other for so long! Soon, we will be seeing Anne again too in France when the court travels there in the Summer!” In the corner of my eye, I see another figure standing by the doorway. My heart leaps as I realize who it is. “George!” I begin to blush remembering what happened the last time I saw him. “Erm, your sister has arrived at court!”

  “Yes, my sister has come finally!” He enters the room and gives Mary a hug. “Just as well, I’ll be able to keep an eye on you when you’re here! And you of course, Jane!” He turns to me with a wink. I could feel myself blushing hot crimson. He smiles down on me with a glint in his eyes, enjoying the effect he has on me. Who knows what could happen if Mary wasn’t in this room with us?

  June 1520, Calais

  This was what it was all about. The Field of Cloth of Gold. Wolsey had been planning for this for months and finally it had arrived. I was to accompany His Majesty and Queen Catherine to Calais, where they were to meet King Francis. Mary found it difficult to contain her excitement – she was to see her sister Anne again and possibly a few old friends from the French court. I urged her to keep on her best behaviour, particularly around the French King before he gives her another loving pet name.

  We boarded the ship at Dover, all six thousand of us. As I waited to board, I took a moment to view the white cliffs around me, the towering presence of Dover Castle high on the hill behind me and feel the cold, morning air wash over my face and hair. Most people are frightened of sailing across the narrow sea. They are frightened of what they may find out there. They think their ship may get lost in the fog, eaten up by high waves, be at the mercy of a great tempest. I felt no fear. I wanted to go to Calais. I wanted to be with the court. To me, fear is not being part of this world. To live a quiet life away from court. Why would anyone want to do that? I have only been at the court eight months and I already cannot imagine being anywhere else. It’s like an addiction – the banquets, the wine, the fine clothes, the jewellery and the palaces. Yes, I may have to betray my Queen to keep my job, but what is wrong and right? I could do the right thing, get sent away from the court and be a nobody. Or I could play the game, play their game for the reward of this life. I stop myself . “What am I thinking?” I think to myself. I have changed so much over these past few months in my way of thinking. I am almost frightened of the person I am becoming. Will I get worse or will I become a better person for this?

  As I step forward, I accidently bump into a gentleman. He jumps back apologizing “So sorry my lady!” He takes his hat off and bows out of politeness. I courtesy in response and then, look up. It was Thomas More, a member of the Privy Council. “Mistress Parker! How lovely the meet you!” I was a slightly confused. How did he know my name? As if reading my mind, he then said “I like your father’s works. His translations are very good!”

  “Thank you Sir!” I replied.

  “Have you ever considered having a go yourself?” He asked. Really? Me and translation? As if reading my mind, Thomas said “Yes, you! I am all for women having an education too, other than how to sew or make herbal medicine. You must ask your father some time about what he does.

  “Yes, I think I will” I replied. I must admit, I have often thought about it. There are so many works out there. Why should it just be the men exploring them? I have often wondered that there must be more, more to know and learn that just how to be a good wife.

  The ship leaves and Mary and I watch as the white cliffs of Dover disappear off into the horizon. The sea crossing is rather calm. We are very lucky and the boat only slightly rocks. Mary, however, found it hard to cope with a bit of sea sickness. I watch as she sits on the floor against the wall, her head in her hands, trying to make herself feel better. I offer her some ale and wine, but she refuses both. I then sense a shadow behind me. George jumps out from behind a post. My heart jumps with both fear and ecstasy and seeing him again. “Oh dear! It’s Scary Mary!” George says, teasing his sister. “How about some fish, that will make you feel better!”

  “Get lost!” Mary shouts then makes herself comfortable on the floor, turning her cape into a pillow. I look down at her, wishing I could help make her feel better, but there’s nothing we can do. I then feel George grab my hand and pull me behind a corner in the deck. He smiles and pushes me up against a wall. I realize that we are suddenly alone and start to giggle nervously. He slips off the hood of my cape and his hands start running through and gently caressing my hair. Tendrils of desire grow and take hold of my abdomen and then I feel his lips crashing on mine, kissing me hard. Then, he stops and as I gasp he says, his voice hoarse and thick with lust “there is something we could do that would be good on a rocking boat”. I have no idea what he’s talking about, but felt a delicious anticipation to find out. He continued to kiss me again, fast and hard, his lips travelling and grazing over my mouth, neck and bosom. His hand expertly travelled up my gown, stopping at the top of my inner thigh. I gasped, wanting him to go further. Then, suddenly a door opened only feet away, the back of it slamming against the wall. We immediately jumped apart. I quickly straightened my clothes and hair to appear calm and serene as I was only moments ago. It was the Cardinal, unmistakable in his glowing red clothes. He gave us both a knowing look, smiled and winked at George before brushing past and ignoring sick Mary.

  A few hours later and the sky was already starting to darken. We were not far from the French shores. Nearly everyone else had gone inside into the warm, but I wanted to stay out here and not leave George. He took off his great cape and wrapped it around me. “It’s getting cold” he said, pulling me closer to him. We both looked out over across the sea that had now calmed and was like a large cloth of turquoise silk rippling slightly in the wind.

  “There will be a lot of pretty, French girls” I told him, looking slightly saddened.

  “Oh Jane, do you feel threatened?” He replied mockingly. I smiled at him and felt a bit embarrassed. “Don’t be Jane. There’s only one woman I want right now”. He pulled me closer to him to kiss me.

  The great walls surrounding Calais gradually became visible in the distance. Soon afterwards the ship docked. From there we made our way to the town of Guisnes. As I rode my horse towards the temporary palace erected there, I had to catch my breath. It was magnificent. The temporary palace was connected to the castle of Guisnes via a special gallery. The foundations were of stone and the walls were made of both brick and wood. I craned my neck looking up at the magnificent, tall glass windows.

  We all dismounted our horses which were taken away by attendants. I followed the King and Queen through to the entrance. I looked up at the two high pillars that stood at the entrance. On them were the statues of Bacchus and Cupid. I then gasped as I watched Wine flowing out of them! Claret and Malmsey flowed into silver cups. The King ran to the pouring fountain grabbing a cup and having a drink. After gulping the wine down all in one, he looked up at us all and in laughter declared “I love France!” We all laughed and cheered with him.

  Then, the King and Queen were led away separately to their apartments by French ladies-in-waiting. Even the Cardinal had some apartments prepared for him. Both Mary and I accompanied Catherine to her rooms. We looked up at the ceiling that was draped in silk and were amazed by the furnishings draped in cloth of silver, silver damask and velvets in black, yellow and crimson. Gold hangings adorned both sides of the bed and were set with pearls. “The King really wants to impress!” said Catherine. We were going to share the nearby smaller room with Catherine too, just in case she needed us during the night.

  We then accompanied Catherine to the palace’s very own chapel to give thanks to God for delivering us safely to France. Even the chapel itself did not disappoint. Its walls were adorned by yet more cloth of gold set with pearls, gold candlesticks and crosses. Even vestments given by the King’s father to Westminster Abbey had been brought along for use.

  Catherine as usual prayed for a very long time. I wondered if she was giving t
hanks for the safe journey or is she was doing her ritual praying for a son. In the silence of the chapel, I tried unsuccessfully to rid myself of thoughts of George. I was starting to become obsessed. He was almost all I would think about. I thought about him when I woke up, during the day, before I went to sleep, he would even become entangled in my dreams. During the day, I would eagerly hope that our paths would meet again.

  Catherine gave us permission to leave her in silence and we obeyed, making our way back to her apartments. To the surprise of us both, when we reached there, we were greeted by the Cardinal. He nodded to both of us and we curtseyed in response. “Lady Carey could you please leave us for a minute, I have some private business to discuss with Mistress Parker” he said. Mary left obediently and closed the doors behind her. Oh my God! What does he want now? What have I done wrong? “My Lady, I believe you have some news for me, do you? Or have you forgotten?” I stared at him blankly.

  “Your Eminence, could you please explain what you mean?” I ask quietly.

  He then bashes his fist against a chair. “Don’t play with me girl! Do you remember our conversation?!” He bellowed. I winced, hoping Mary wasn’t listening to this with her ear to the door.

  “No! I’m sorry I don’t!” I beg timidly. Frightened I am brought to my knees.

  “Surely the Queen must say things in her prayers! She spends enough time in there!” He roars. He then starts pacing around the room and begins to break into laughter and then smiles down at me. I am suddenly bewildered by his mood swing. “Well, Mistress Parker, I forgot! You have been quite distracted lately haven’t you? No wonder you can’t spy! Distracted by a certain George Boleyn I believe?” I stare back at him expressionless, but my complexion betrays me as I begin to blush at hearing his name. “You would like to marry him one day, wouldn’t you?” He teases in a tone as if talking to a little girl.

  “Yes” I reply. I cannot help myself.

  “Ha! Well, you are lucky because both myself and the King can help you with this! After all, we do help to arrange great marriages at the court” He says. I suddenly brighten and warm to his words. “However, I must stress Mistress Parker, you may need do something for the King first to speed things up a bit!” I am suddenly confused. “I couldn’t help, but notice how he looked at you that day in court. I think you are already one step up that ladder!” He says and then begins to laugh. I suddenly recoil, worried about what sort of favour this will entail. “Oh don’t be like that Jane! It will be easy! It runs in your family – just ask your mother!” He adds wickedly. He then walks to the door, but then turns to me and says “The King will see you in his apartments tonight”. He then turns and exits through the door.

  I sit on the floor, stunned. What on earth is he talking about? My mother – and the King?! Mary peers through the door. I was right, she had probably heard all of it. She sits on the floor beside me. “Are you ok Jane?” She asks.

  “I don’t know. He says that the King wants to see me tonight?” I respond staring unbelieving.

  Mary puts a comforting arm around me. “Jane, you have to do it. You cannot say ‘no’. You are a young, pretty woman and will attract any man, as well as my brother. And at least, there’s more of a chance that you will be my sister-in-law!” she adds, trying to cheer me up.

  “But what is going to happen? Honestly, I don’t know and I am frightened about this!” I respond, almost tearful.

  “Jane, it will be ok. Trust me. It will be very quick. Just lie back and think of England! Actually, even better, think of George! Just let him get on with it! You’ll probably only have to do this for a couple of nights!” Mary says. What?! A couple of nights?! I can’t stand the thought of one at the moment! “Chances are, he’ll get bored by the third time anyway – and might even move on to me!” She jokes.

  “Be careful what you wish for Mary!” I respond giving a slight smile. “I really need to speak to mother. Is this really what she had to do to get my place at court?” I reply quietly to myself. “And what about the Queen?! I just can’t do this to her!”

  “If it’s any consolation, my mother allegedly did the same!” Mary replies jokingly. Although, despite it being a rumour, I could probably now well believe it. The King and Elizabeth Howard. There were even worse rumours that Anne was the end result of their affair. “Come on Jane, Queen Catherine will be back soon. We have a banquet to get ready for!” She gets up, but I am still sitting, not wanting the day to progress anymore. She smiles and tries to pull me up “Jane, I will help you to get ready. I will look after you!”

  The banquet was a massive display of many meats, sweet meats, marchpane, cakes and the fountains continued to flow with wine. Everyone was in their finest gowns. The bands played and there was lots of dancing. Mary and I sat observing all this. She was then pulled onto the dance floor by a male courtier, to the annoyance of her husband William Carey. “Oh come one, William, it’s only one dance!” She says to him. “Jane, come on! George will be asking for you soon!”

  “No it’s ok, you go ahead” I reply and smile at her. She shrugs her shoulders and leaves me there alone. William sits nearby, silently fuming. Despite all the food, drink and music, inside I felt sick and frightened. Mary had let me borrow one of her finest white, silk gowns that she wore while at the French court. The underskirt was of grey brocade and the corset was embroidered with pearls. Around my neck, she tied a string of diamonds. Mary even gave me a French Hood to wear to show off some of my dark, blonde hair which was allowed to fall down my back beneath a dark veil. It felt a lot less restrictive than the Gable Hood that I had to wear. However, comfort was not the objective tonight. I felt a bit overdressed and uncomfortable. I then saw George coming nearer to me, moving past all the happy, dancing courtiers. “No George, not now, not tonight!” the voice in my head pleaded. He then stops right in front of me and his eyes drink me in. “Jane, you look beautiful!” he says, almost in a stunned whisper and not taking his eyes off me.

  “Thank you” I reply, smiling shyly back. I really wished that he wasn’t here. He offered his hand and lifted me up. Anxious, I gave a swift glance at William who was by now drinking a whole jug of wine.

  George and I took our places on the main floor. He pulled me nearer towards him wrapping an arm around my waste. He then whispered in my ear “Don’t worry Jane! I am not that bad at dancing!” I giggled and suddenly feeling a bit better, relaxed into the routine. Then, after a few moments, the King got up from his seat and made an announcement. “Ladies and Gentleman! I now request the honour of a dance with my brother, King Francis!”

  Francis raises an eyebrow and smiles at him in amusement. In the background, a look of horror can be seen on Wolsey’s face. “Dance? I am honoured Your Majesty!” Francis replies and joins Henry in the middle of the crowd of people. Henry removes his doublet, leaving his shirt on and throws it to a nearby male attendant. He then bursts out laughing and attempts to wrestle Francis. Francis wrestles back and both men bring the hall into a stunned silence and they wrestled with each other around the middle of the floor. Everyone then started to laugh and cheer them on, the French court cheering on Francis and the English court cheering on Henry. The pair then temporarily broke away. Henry began to laugh and Francis was now already feeling tired. Francis laughed back and quickly threw off his doublet before then laying into Henry and trapping him onto the floor into a vice grip. Francis had won. The French court erupted into cheers and many of the men through their hats up. George and I exchanged smiles, but tried to quickly suppress them; Henry would not take defeat very well. Francis smiled sympathetically to Henry and then offered to help him up from the floor. “My brother, look, I may have won the wrestling, but I must concede defeat when it comes to the beauty of your ladies! If Your Majesty allows me to, I wish to see all of the ladies-in-waiting of Queen Catherine!” I suddenly felt very anxious again. Oh God, not another King wanting to meet with the ladies!

  Henry then smiled, hugged and jokingly slapped Francis on the
back. “Of course you may!” George as if sensing that I was not feeling well, brushed one hand against my cheek. “Don’t worry Jane. I heard that he wants to kiss all of her ladies that are not old and are fair. What man would turn down my beautiful Jane?” I smiled back at him, forgetting my anxiety for a moment. “Although I won’t let you go until you promise to give me a kiss afterwards!” He then added.

  “Of course George” I replied, smiling at him. He gave me a small hug and then, let me go. I could see some of Catherine’s Spanish ladies and Mary Boleyn being put into a line. I quickly hurried and joined them. Each woman curtseyed to Francis, he bowed and then, planted a kiss on their cheek. There were four or five before me who he just walked past to the dismay of these ladies, although they could not openly say anything. Maybe as George said they were “old and not fair” in his eyes. I suddenly began to worry, hoping he would not walk past me for not being pretty enough or looking a bit old.

  He then stopped in front of me. “Mistress Parker!” He said and bowed. I curtseyed in turn and as I got up he then leant forward to my relief and gave me a kiss on the cheek. “The English court is full of beautiful women!” He said before then walking away. I caught a glimpse of George a few meters away who then gave me a wink. I felt elated to be kissed by a King! To be called “beautiful” too! It was all too much and I started to feel dizzy.

  The rest of the ladies made their way back to their places. I felt Mary grab my arm “Oh Jane! How does it feel to be kissed by a King?” I gave a quick smile back, but then felt a bit disorientated.

  George appeared at my side and put his arm around me. “Are you ok, Jane? Have you had too much to drink?” The three of us all walked outside of the Hall for some fresh air. I then, collapsed. The last thing I remembered was George holding me in his arms before I blacked out.