Shaking the Throne

by Caroline Angus Baker

  ‘Tis my purpose in life,’ Fitzroy jested. ‘I hope I can do the task, for I feel not well.’

  Nicòla noticed the rings beneath Fitzroy’s usually shining blue eyes. ‘Have you been ill?’

  ‘A cough, perchance a little tired,’ Fitzroy sighed. ‘Nothing of worry.’

  ‘Should you not be at Westminster to hear the evidence now? Does Cromwella have a strong case against these four men?’

  ‘I must confess I do not find the evidence convincing. Norris, Smeaton and Brereton all strongly deny the claims of having carnal knowledge of the Queen. The places, the times and dates do not match rightly what the Queen and her household were doing on those days. It claims Anne took Norris to bed while still recovering from birthing Elizabeth. Brereton has precious little to do with the Queen and has cried of his innocence. Weston seems to have become almost as if in a false sleep, for he says almost nothing, silenced by the entire charge. But there is evidence of Anne speaking in treasonous terms against His Majesty, and there are witnesses, her own ladies, to Weston professing love to the Queen, to Norris wanting Anne, and of discussing the King’s death. They are witnesses to Anne and Smeaton talking in dark corners.’

  ‘Smeaton has talked in every dark corner with every member of the court, including me,’ Nicòla said with a sigh. ‘Smeaton is a popular man.’

  ‘That may well be his undoing. The judges to hear the case are who you would expect. I feel grateful not to be part of such a scandal. Cromwell is the sole lawyer who shall speak at the trial.’

  ‘Cromwella can handle the entire case on his own. Who shall sit on the panel of judges? Howard? Percy?’

  ‘Indeed, the Duke of Norfolk shall be the Lord President who shall preside for the trials of Anne and George. Percy shall give evidence to Archbishop Cranmer stating pre-contract and shall annul Anne’s marriage. The judges for today are quite a group. You know Sir William Fitzwilliam, of course, and he took all four men to Westminster Hall this morning and claims Norris confessed all to him, though I know not who shall believe it. The foreman is Edward Willoughby, a man from a Katherine-supporting family, and he owes William Brereton money, so seeing Brereton guilty will be beneficial to Willoughby. And Sir Giles Alington, Lord of the Manor of Horseheath, will preside.’

  ‘Alington, Sheriff of Cambridgeshire, who married Alice, Sir Thomas More’s stepdaughter?’

  ‘The very same, and you know how strongly that family hates Queen Anne. Another bitter enemy is Walter Hungerford, son-in-law to Baron John Hussey, who hates Anne.’

  ‘Hungerford is a man who desires other men and is unduly brutal to his wife. She petitioned Secretary Cromwella for a divorce. Hungerford is desperate to regain credibility and will do whatever Cromwella tells him.’

  ‘I know of William Sidney, he is a friend of the Duke of Suffolk, so he hates Anne with a passion also,’ Fitzroy said. ‘Also, Sir Thomas Palmer, the lawyer who is close friends with Father.’

  ‘Palmer was helpful in Parliament in getting Cromwella’s treason bills passed.’

  ‘And there is Sir Anthony Hungerford, who is good friends with the Seymour family. He is another of Cromwell’s friends in Parliament and is looking to buy some closed monasteries. Do you know of William Musgrave?’ Fitzroy asked.

  ‘Oh yes, he is one of Cromwella’s hostile debtors. Musgrave was charged with gaining a treason charge against Lord Dacres in the north and failed. Musgrave owes Cromwella £2,000, a loan which can be recalled at any time, so he will do Cromwella’s bidding, I can assure you.’

  Fitzroy nodded as he took in the details of this severely compromised jury. ‘There are several religious figures, William Askew, a strong supporter of Lady Mary. Sir Robert Dormer, an esteemed lawyer, MP and Catholic supporter, and Sir Richard Tempest, another Yorkshire man and MP, a man looking to gain respect and hates the Boleyns. Sir John Hamden, a relative of Sir William Paulet, has been a Catholic supporter. Cromwell has chosen the jury wisely.’

  ‘Do the men know what they shall be accused of?’ Nicòla asked.

  ‘Smeaton shall plead guilty to three charges of carnal lust with the Queen, in hopes of gaining mercy. The others shall plead not guilty to charges of adultery with the Queen, and to plotting the King’s death in Norris’ case. Cromwell has been quiet on the details and evidence, but all shall be ready in court today, no matter how vile, how crude or how treasonous it may be. There shall be thousands present to hear what has become of Father’s beloved Anne.’

  ‘Do you believe any of the charges against Anne? What does your father believe?’

  ‘I am hurt by the allegations, no matter how much Queen Anne detests me. Father is much hurt, and suspects it involves perchance witchcraft, for that is how Anne kept him so in love for all this time. We are fortunate that, while creating their marriage was a long road, dissolving the marriage shall be simple. When Father annulled his marriage to Katherine, the country rose up her defence, God rest her immortal soul, but with Anne, there is no one who cares.’

  ‘Tis a sad occasion,’ Nicòla sighed. ‘His Majesty believes Anne committed adultery?’

  ‘I do not know for certain.’ Fitzroy coughed, a wet cough that sounded worse than earlier claimed. ‘Father is angered such things would happen, but it attaints Anne as deceitful while His Majesty is not sullied. He is in love with Lady Jane Seymour, a kind and devout woman. Already Lady Jane has written to Lady Mary, my half-sister, to be kind to her after years of sorrow. Lady Jane even came to me, so our friendship may develop. She is a good woman.’

  ‘Your father wants Anne guilty, so he can be with Lady Jane. He has spoken to Cromwella about this before.’

  ‘I want peace and my father happy. Perchance even a legitimate son. The men today shall be found guilty and sentenced to death, but Cromwell says he shall have that commuted. They shall confiscate their lands and their money belongs to the crown. Their families are disinherited and shamed. Cromwell wants no killings.’

  ‘I am pleased to hear these words. What of the Queen and her brother, and the rest of us?’

  ‘They shall try Queen Anne and Lord Rochford in a few days’ time, as they deserve to be judged by their peers in a separate hearing. Cromwell shall be the lawyer to prosecute again. George Boleyn is not coping well and stunned that his wife sends him food but no tokens of love or a desire to fight for his good name. Boleyn will never be freed from prison, and Anne may tarry hither, or be banished to another prison or a nunnery. We know not. Sir Francis Bryan shall be released today, as will William Latimer, due to lack of evidence. Sir Richard Page has been vexing to Cromwell, as he tells me, so they shall keep him for a month or two before being released. Much attention is on Wyatt, due to his love of Anne, but they shall release him after the trials and sentencing, for his own safety. I am hither today to tell him such, and that the King remains firm in his trust.’

  ‘And me?’ Nicòla dared to ask.

  ‘I must confess your fate has not been decided upon yet. From the way Cromwell spoke, he seems desperate to come to the Tower, yet does not wish to be seen favouring a prisoner. He must maintain his honour and remain in the King’s trust if he is to have all these people found guilty of treason, adultery and incest.’

  ‘I understand, though I worry.’

  ‘I am certain they shall release you, Nicòla,’ Fitzroy said with a smile. ‘There is no hint of evidence, no mention of you in paperwork, and no one has uttered your name.’

  ‘I am the Waif creature of the court, Cromwell’s fool. I am forgotten by all.’

  ‘In some ways, perchance that is God’s will, to keep you safe.’ Fitzroy gave Nicòla a smile of comfort. ‘I fear I must go, for I have more messages to deliver before I head to court. I am to dine with Father and Lady Jane tonight and it shall be a most vexing day, I fear.’ Fitzroy stopped to cough again.

  ‘Please care for yourself, and I know many fine doctors if you need care,’ Nicòla said as she stood and helped Fitzroy from his chair.

  ‘Fear not, Nic�
�la, I shall be well. I look forward to a trip to your home country. Father has approved my travel and study in Italy for several months!’

  ‘I am so pleased for you! Oh, how I wish I could come. You could one day be King of England, Your Grace.’

  ‘I imagine no world without my father on the throne.’

  ‘I think everyone in England keenly knows of your father’s power, His most gracious Majesty.’

  Fitzroy embraced Nicòla once more before he bid her farewell and left her sunlit cell. One of the greatest trials ever to be held in England would begin three miles west of the Tower and Nicòla would be powerless to see the moment. Somewhere close by, Anne would be in her chambers, wondering what would be said, what would happen. Nicòla’s plan to sully reputations had instead become a fight for people to keep their heads. God have mercy on them all.

  C

  Chapter 44 – May 1536

  if you love your lyes, soon you will live inside one

  The Great Hall of the Tower, London

  ‘O God set our minds on You. Let us not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds so we may prove what Your will is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Amen.’

  Cromwell opened his eyes once more to the sounds of the barge readying itself for the ride to the Tower. Cromwell travelled to Anne’s trial with the Duke of Suffolk, away from the palace where thousands gathered to hear the fate of their queen.

  ‘Cromwell.’

  Cromwell turned to see Henry himself standing in the doorway, too wary to step out from the privacy of the hallway into sight where Cromwell stood by the boat. Cromwell bowed low to the King. ‘How may I be of service, Your Majesty?’

  ‘Go well today,’ Henry said and gestured Cromwell closer. ‘Do you believe in these charges?’

  ‘I believe in the evidence,’ Cromwell replied, not a real lie to his king.

  ‘I want a new wife, Thomas. I have wished that before and you delivered me a queen. But that was wrong, I should not have married Anne. She must have used witchcraft against me! I want a virtuous woman, a pious and calming woman like the Lady Jane. How she could have graced the halls of my palace all these years and I knew not that Jane was the perfect queen for me.’

  ‘I shall do all you command, Your Majesty.’

  ‘You shall see Anne found guilty, Thomas, I command it.’

  ‘As you wish, Your Majesty, for I have already ordered an executioner. There is a Frenchman, the official executioner of Saint-Omer, his name is Jean Rimbaud, I believe. He can travel from Calais to execute Anne once the trial is complete. I sent for him several days ago.’

  ‘Many thanks be to you, Thomas. For all that has occurred, we crowned Anne as a queen, and I cannot have her put to death in a common manner.’

  ‘The Frenchman shall do the work, as he is a fine executioner.’ Cromwell looked to his feet as he spoke. ‘But we need not discuss sentences today, Your Majesty.’

  Henry wanted Anne dead. Cromwell had planned to have her found guilty of adultery and treason, a sentence of death then commuted to prison once Cromwell sat and spoke with the King. Sending for the French executioner was just a bluff; he would never kill Anne. But Henry had now decided.

  ‘What of the rest, Your Majesty?’

  ‘Behead the men at the Tower. I never enjoyed the sentence of hanging, drawing and quartering. We are not barbarians, even to our enemies.’

  Nicòla supposed no one to get hurt. ‘As I say, there be no need to worry yourself with such matters today, Your Majesty.’

  ‘I wish to be formally betrothed to Lady Jane within the next few days.’

  ‘Archbishop Cranmer shall annul your marriage based on Anne’s pre-contract to Henry Percy; we shall do that within days. Queen Anne’s sentence will have no effect and you can announce your engagement. May I be first to congratulate His Majesty on his new marriage?’

  Henry raised just half a smile. ‘There are no others, no more guilty men?’

  ‘No, Your Majesty. We found no evidence on any other names given, so we shall need no more trials after today.’

  ‘Your Waif?’

  ‘Frescobaldi shall get released soon, along with Sir Thomas Wyatt. Sir Richard Page shall get released in the future.’

  ‘How could our perfect world end in this way?’

  Cromwell stepped close to his king. ‘Your Majesty, the perfect world has not yet arrived. Perchance that better world shall come with Lady Jane.’

  ‘My perfect world came twenty-five years ago when Katherine delivered of a healthy son named for me. God took the child and perfection has not reappeared in all that time. Now I only hope for peace.’

  Cromwell bowed again as Henry turned and headed back up the stairs away from the barge. What a revelation. This whole plan to free Henry would put blood on Cromwell’s hands; but if he stayed honest to himself, it troubled Cromwell not that the days of Anne Boleyn were gone.

  ~~~

  Voices of the thousands trying to get into the Great Hall hushed as Cromwell walked up the aisle between the men gathered for the trial of Queen Anne and her brother. The event boasted memories from those earlier days when Wolsey held a trial to get Henry an annulment from Queen Katherine. But this was different; for few in the crowd cared for Queen Anne. No one wanted Anne on the throne, many died for refusing to sign the Oath of Succession… God’s blood, they would now have to change the succession. Princess Elizabeth would become a bastard. Men like Sir Thomas More and Bishop John Fisher died for not signing the Oath. Those laws would mean nothing with a new queen.

  Silence befell the Great Hall behind Cromwell as he stood before the platform built for the jury to sit in judgement. First came the stuttering old Duke of Norfolk and his son, Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey. Norfolk appeared most happy to sit as Lord Steward of a trial which would see his niece and nephew convicted of treason and incest. Norfolk cared more for gaining power for the Catholics, not his family.

  Charles Brandon, the pompous Duke of Suffolk came in next, a man who spoken not a word on the barge ride from the palace. After all the anger between Cromwell and Suffolk, they now stood on the same side to bring down the Queen, and Suffolk’s hate for Anne would serve Cromwell well today.

  Henry Courtney, Marquess of Exeter, and Henry Pole, Lord Montagu, the King’s Plantagenet cousins came in next, eager to see the end of Anne, and Lady Mary back in her father’s favour. Henry Percy, the Earl of Northumberland, a sick man, dragged his feet soon after, the once lover of Anne who now seemed happy to destroy her.

  The men muttered between themselves as noblemen whispered throughout the hall. Cromwell continued to stand as the jury came to sit. Friends to King Henry, Ralph Neville, the Earl of Westmoreland, and John de Vere, the Earl of Oxford arrived together. Oxford had carried the crown at Anne’s coronation and now sat in judgement for her life.

  Next came the Earl of Worcester, who would sit in judgement, listening to the evidence of his wife Elizabeth Somerset, the Countess of Worcester. He would be in good company, for George Brooke, Baron Cobham, would hear damning evidence against the Queen given by his wife, Nan Cobham. Also, there was the father of Jane Boleyn, George’s wife. Lord Morley would have no trouble condemning his son-in-law and his sister.

  The others all were Henry’s longtime friends, the Earl of Rutland, the Earl of Sussex, Lord Windsor, Lord Sandys, Lord Mordaunt. Lord Dacre from Yorkshire, who spent years bringing trouble, was in London and keen to gain the King’s favour. Suffolk’s sons-in-law, Edward Grey, Baron Grey of Powys and Thomas Stanley, Baron Monteagle, both came to sit in judgement, alongside Lord Wentworth, Jane Seymour’s great uncle. Lastly came Lord Clinton, husband of Elizabeth Blount, young Henry Fitzroy’s mother. None could be considered more loyal than Blount and her husband. Not one of these men would do anything but see their foe Queen Anne sent to her death.

  Cromwell stood to one side of the platform where the judges sat and noticed many high-ranked nobles in the crowd, London’
s mayor, the French ambassador and his secretary. Curiously, Eustace Chapuys was not there. Perchance he had already fled London to wait with the Lady Mary.

  Norfolk rose from his seat and straightened the white ermine collar. ‘Bring in the accused,’ he boomed through the Great Hall.

  More whispers gave way to silence as Sir William Kingston entered at the far end, and in came Anne Boleyn. She walked with her head held high; she held herself with great honour and appeared fearless in her walk towards her disgrace. Her black velvet gown moved silently along with her, the only movement out of place was the black and white feather in her black cap, which swayed with her movements.

  Anne stopped before the panel and bowed three times to acknowledge the entire group. She even turned to Cromwell and gave him a bow which he returned, after all, Anne was still queen. Anne went to sit on a platform placed close to the lords where all could see her poise and calm demeanour. She clasped her hands on her lap and awaited the words of the lords, as if she were ready for a moment for conversation rather than defeat.

  Cromwell gestured to Sir Christopher Hales, the Attorney General, to set forth and read the charges against Anne.

  ‘Anne Boleyn, wife of His most royal Majesty, Henry the Eighth of England, you are charged with the crimes of incest, adultery, promising to marry Sir Henry Norris after the King’s death, conspiring the King’s death and laughing at the King and his dress. How do you plead on these charges?’

  ‘I am not guilty, Your Graces and Your Lordships,’ Anne addressed the panel, ignoring Hales.

  The evidence Cromwell was forced to present seemed so feeble, but it was all he had to condemn a woman for crimes never committed. He stood before the court, before the Queen, before God, and read out the lurid details, either made up or made from comments from my Anne’s ladies, twisted to sound lewder than they ever were.

  Cromwell read through his papers as if he were there in body, but not in his soul. His soul yearned to be away from his mess, for they would behead the beguiling and educated Anne for this, something Cromwell never wanted. But Henry needed such so he could have a new start with Jane Seymour.