honor & glory

     “Have you forgotten that I am the daughter of King Henry VII, Norfolk?  Believe me, I know how to manage a treasury,” she turned back to her tasks for preparing the table, waving him away as if he were a simple annoyance, but knowing he likely wouldn’t budge until she spoke with him.  She could at least make him wait until the bakers arrived and placed the cakes.  It only took a moment, servants scrambling in the doors and placing the new desserts at her instructions.  She finally turned and walked to the duke, folding her hands behind her back.  “I tour those gardens daily.  What is so urgent that you can’t speak it to me here?”

“I could not possibly forget such a thing, Madame.” She would certainly never allow him to forget, her station freely used - and even if it was a fair card to play, the battle of superiority would never cease to rankle him just the slightest bit - as did the wait to which he was subject, jaw tightened before she turned to him. “It is no sense of urgency, I find. Only a desire for some additional privacy.” He knew well that there was no such thing at court, but the gardens afforded at least the slightest bit of escape from the bustle of servants and courtiers. “If you will indulge me, Madame? I would rather find a situation where we might speak plainly with one another, at least in the spirit of diplomacy.”

    The Duchess of Richmond appeared as a vision of rest and youthfulness on the opposite side of her father’s desk after being announced by a steward, skirts sweeping with the gesture of a curtsy whilst hands clasped together carefully cradling a small velvet pouch. The well rested Duchess was only able to appear as such with thanks to her recent return to court, the lack of cries from children was entirely blissful during the late hours of the night and allowed for a courtier to present herself and more of a woman than a mother once more, though Mary found she would much prefer to appear dark under the eyes and out of place for the sake of keeping her sons close at all times. Richmond was not so far away and yet it felt as though it may as well be on the opposite side of the world when it came to being separated from her children; though she feared her own father did not share those sentiments when it came to his own children.

 “ My Lord Father, I hope that you are not too busy to receive me, ” she spoke with a smile of politeness but an absence of hope that woud once have been present - he always appeared too busy regardless of whatever matter she would present him with but that was never truly enough to deter her from putting herself in his way to be heard. “ I would not wish to take up too much of your time, alas I could not return to court without visiting my father first and I have a gift for you.  If I may? ”

@dukecfnorfolk

Norfolk had mixed feelings when it came to the good fortunes of his daughter. To see one of his own blood advance in the world did its part to give him a measure of pride, to be sure. She was a Duchess, sister-by-law of the King of England, and now a mother. But there were sour notes to it that troubled him, too - her husband not least among them. The Duke of Richmond was like a thorn in Norfolk’s side, and it was only because the man provided a sure link between his family and the Crown that Norfolk deigned to tolerate him. It was hard not to see Mary as more Richmond’s wife than Norfolk’s daughter, and he found it a bitter note on top of the disappointment he already perceived in her.

Her unexpected visit was met with some consternation, not least because the events they were living through already prickled - but he found that he looked up to meet her gaze as she greeted him, his own tired. “I may be able to spare some moments - only some, if it is worth the doing. The King’s marriage has caused quite a load of work that cannot be avoided.” He pursed his lips, gaze dropping to the satchel she held. “....Go on.”

     She had attended several weddings over the years, including three of her own.  Preparing for the wedding of a King, not to mention her nephew, was no small feat.  Margaret wanted everything to be perfect for his marriage and she would do everything within her power to see it through, including the smallest of decorations.  So here she sat, observing the decorators as they prepared one of the rooms.  “More banners over there,” she gestured to the far corner.  “You were hired to prepare for the wedding of the King, not a stingy earl’s funeral.”  Although her voice lacked its usual sharpness because of exhaustion from her travels, she made sure she was no less intimidating.  

     The decorators followed her instructions immediately and she rose to attend to other neglected sections of the room.  “Is this the dessert table?”  She frowned and straightened a crease in the tablecloth of a spacious side table.  “Pitiful, it needs at least twice as many cakes.”  As she debated on exactly how many, she caught a glimpse of someone by the door out of the corner of her eye.  “Ah, have the bakers already arrived with more?”  She asked well before she turned to see who was actually entering the room.

“I am afraid I know nothing of the status of the bakers, only the status of King’s treasury, which is already beginning to feel thin.” Norfolk’s feelings toward Margaret Tudor were not improved any more than they had been two years ago. Nonetheless, he found himself having to play nice - something he was doing quite a bit lately, his patience already beginning to wear thin. He was not confident it would survive the wedding preparations. “I can assure you that there are quite enough paid staff to manage the preparations, Madame. Might I interest you instead in a tour of the gardens so that we might speak?”

Nothing ever changes for a man as stubborn as Thomas Howard. He is focused solely on advancing himself and the Howard name, as he has always been, and though he is growing older still, he is doing whatever is necessary to keep royal favor. He has continued to serve the King in numerous roles, including heading the King’s treasury. He sits on the King’s council.

He feels completely blindsided by Henry IX’s choice of bride. It goes against everything a traditional man like Norfolk stands for, and he think the upstarts like Thomas Cromwell (who he hates more than anything) and Edward Seymour are to blame. He’s one of the most ardent opponents of the match you could find, and a head figure in the more traditional faction of court. However, he tries not to be too forward about this publicly - he still has his reputation to consider! Wherever he can insert his opinions to press against the religious reformers and others he considers dangerous or damaging at court, though, he will do so.

       Despite the absence of excitement, Kitty’s spirits were not dampened by the spring showers of a concerned court. Her presence at court was an opportunity, and especially not one to be easily squandered. There were many influential faces that could be discerned from the crowds, pillars of nobility and power and in the king’s good graces. She had high hopes for her time at court, but that meant having something of a powerful ally. And what was better than her own blood. 

When Kitty arrived at court, she felt certain that Lord Norfolk would have sought her own, but to her dismay, he did not. So she took it upon herself to make her arrival at court known and her intentions clear, he needed to help her sparkle. Her petite hand curled into a fist as she knocked enthusiastically against the door, ignoring the waiting servant who looked somewhat flabberghasted by her sudden intrusion…protocol be damned.

“ Uncle, ” she called out, waltzing into the apartment with unrivalled exuberance. “ It is I, Catherine Howard.” 

@dukecfnorfolk

Thomas was distantly aware of his younger niece’s presence at court, to be certain. Her father had written him concerning the matter, but Thomas, in truth, had paid it little heed. It was not a matter of intentional ignorance, but matters of state had taken fast precedence over matters of blood, and now more than ever, a watchful eye was crucial. He desired, of course, to raise them high, but in due time, more than anything. 

It was the young woman’s voice which stirred Norfolk from his work, eyes lifted as a frown pulled at his face and the young Catherine strode into view, self-assured as any man. Were it not an annoyance, he might have marveled at her, but as it was, he simply stared for a moment. “I see. And you are a woman grown now, that much is certain.” He glanced back at the servant who seemed to quickly bustle away at his expression, Thomas clearing his throat as he stood, trying to contain his temper. “Is there some emergency to which I must attend? You ought to have warned me of your coming.”

“I pride myself on being an honest man at the very least; pretty words would only cloak my intentions, and you are too seasoned to be either charmed, or hoodwinked.” Philip was glad to be met with an air of interest, in lieu of rejection his countenance had been prepared for. Norfolk had earned the right to be selective in all manners of his life; though he did not wish to adopt the same cold air as the other man, he aspired to the same height of political power.  

    He yielded to a nervous smile at Norfolk’s words, hoping a bashful air did not render his cheeks a rosy hue. Phillip was not a child, yet his lack of experience (in comparison Norfolk’s) brought forth a sense of insecurity he disliked heavily, having no experienced it in many a years time. “There is little that does not fall within your purview, so I do not wish to offer you a wealth of information; what I possess is good alliances and relations with a myriad of figures, English and otherwise. But more so, I am well integrated into our King’s young circle - together, we will bridge an alliance that connects the late Henry’s court, and the latest Henry’s.” His thoughts failed to present themselves as handsomely as he would have liked, but Phillip was glad to have his intentions (jumbled or not) displayed before Norfolk. “And should our monarch be in trouble, it will be necessary for us to have one another, should turbulence take hold of the court.” 

“’Seasoned’ seems but a polite way of saying that my age is growing apparent.” Thomas commented, but his words were not as gruff as they might have been. At least the Duke seemed to understand who he was speaking to - that Thomas was not a man to be trifled with. It was a start, even if the man also seemed to possess an amount of optimism (at least in comparison to Norfolk) which struck him as almost unbecoming. 

He raised his head as Phillip spoke, surveying him with an air of cool interest, considering what he claimed to offer. “Do you find me incapable of being able to forge such alliances without your aid?” As accusatory as they might have sounded, Thomas was more curious than anything, considering the young man before him - what sort of offer was truly on his table. He was too skilled a negotiator to settle for empty promises, especially ones which seemed so attractive. “You need not be so vague, Lord Warwick. Who precisely are these allies that you lay claim to?”

@dukecfnorfolk

“It is an honor that you’ve dignified me with a space in your busy schedule; as such, I shall not waste your time with idle prattle.” Phillip had spent the winter months in peaceful reverie with Joanna. Their time at the courts had slipped into a subdued ease, which for a time, had delighted Phillip to no end. But his spirit, longing for intrigue that would climax in a fretful period of anxiety, before success - or otherwise, failure. Henry’s disappearance spawned a flurry of talk throughout the court, culminating in the forging of new alliances to be enacted should the King lose his crown (and thus, life). Looming in Norfolk’s doorway like an omen of  forthcoming tragedy, Phillip’s countenance remained a cheerful blend of ease and friendliness. “You are well aware of my admiration for you and your family - let us join together, for I believe we have much to offer one another.” 

The Duke of Warwick was among the younger blood of the court. He was well-bred, even better married, but Norfolk didn’t know as much about him as he ought to have done. He seemed, by all accounts, the man that stuck to the sidelines, more of a watcher than a participant. An opportunist, in a sense. Part of him admired that, and part of him hated it.

His whole belief was challenged when Phillip appeared in his doorway, speaking of nothing short of alliance. “So you skip the prattle and go straight to the throat.” Norfolk commented, waving the man inside with a raised brow. “I would be curious to know what it is that you believe you can offer me, Lord Warwick. Your kindly offered admiration aside, I know every man has a motivation for meetings such as this. Since you are so direct, I presume you will not hesitate to tell me yours.”

    -    It was unbelievably difficult to not appear smug in her father’s presence and yet Mary managed it somehow. It was not unusual for a son to take priority over a daughter, Mary had never begrudged her brothers for that, but circumstance had worked very well in her favour as she quite proudly outranked them both. Her older brother would one day take his place as the Duke of Norfolk but what was a single Duke to a woman holding two Duchies as the wife of the King’s brother? She especially anticipated the day her brother made an appearance at court and would have to publicly show her the proper respect when on the arm of Henry; though she could not let it get to her head for fear it would place her on their level.

“ I do not believe I have been privy to such softness until recently, but now it is a match of happiness and for that I am entirely grateful to you, father. ” There was not even a trace of sarcasm in her tone, a genuine smile upon her lips in perhaps the first openly honest thing she had said to her father on a personal level in a very long time, her attention only breaking to accept a cup of wine from a servant as she gave thanks before they swiftly excused themselves. “ Ah but I believe that is where you are wrong, father. You forget that your mistress washed my linens before she took to your bed and we were on very civil terms; she does not cause harm to my Lady mother and so I am entirely capable of being civil once more. ” That didn’t mean to say she liked the woman or approved of the sinful relationship she had with Mary’s own father, however she did want to twist the knife by referring to her mother at least once. “ There are many people at court these days, it would be quite impossible to name them all. The Princess Georgette, cousin Joanna, the King of Scotland’s Lady sister, the Queen of France on occasion… If you ask for strategic purposes can you not simply be honest? I am not a girl anymore, father, I have lived at court longer than I had your home and accepted my role long ago; did you ask me here merely to pry or is there something you wish of me? ”

“You should most certainly count yourself very lucky, if such a thing is indeed true.” Of course his daughter’s profession of gratitude did catch him off-guard. As callous as it could have sounded, Mary’s happiness had never truly factored into the decision to arranged her marriage to Fitzroy. It had all been for the purposes of securing a family position close to the crown. With a legitimate prince, his hopes had been small that any blood of his might attain a crown. But with the elder Henry alive, there had been at least some hope, if anything were to happen to the young Prince of Wales. But now, with the King in his grave and the boy on his throne, Norfolk wondered about the gamble he had taken. Richmond had always  seemed far too above himself for a King’s bastard, and that felt plain now that his chances at the succession were smaller. Even still, though, Norfolk was reluctant to make any sort of challenge.

@dukecfnorfolk liked for a starter !

                          –––   The royal gathering ended in terse silence. Despite his youthfulness, the king was a great arbiter in matters of state, and when tensions rose between the representatives of factions in the court he could easily put the dispute to rest with a wisdom unseen since the early glimpses of his grandfather’s reign. In his absence, unrest unraveled within the privy council and Edward, as displeased as any to quit the session without any true resolution, squared his shoulders and migrated toward the Duke of Norfolk. The ancient nobleman was a likely enemy, should he decide to pursue such a route, and yet Seymour was inclined to believe that his worth lied in his unlikely alliance. “My Lord Norfolk,” he broached tastefully, the ghost of a grin touching the corners of his mouth, “am I correct in presuming that the events of this council have disturbed you as greatly as they have disturbed me?” 

Norfolk was never one to count himself among the fools that littered the halls of this court. Many were quick to dismiss the King’s absence as a mere fluke in the grand scheme of things, but from his position, he was never going to discount what the situation might mean. He had learned too well in his years that there was never any hope of true stability. Much counted on chance and providence, and he was not planning to rely on either to ensure that the King was in a promising state. His absence, even of a few days, was already felt keenly by those closest to him, and it would be a matter of damage control to keep such feeling from trickling down and causing utter chaos.

Still seated at the council’s table, he looked up to see Edward Seymour approaching. The Duke of Somerset was not one of his favorites at court - Norfolk could see easily that he was the type to grasp above him. But he would not easily dismiss him for that very reason, and so his ears were figuratively perked with interest when he approached to speak to him. “Lord Somerset.” He returned the greeting, attempting to make what he could of the young Duke’s expression. “It is disturbing indeed. One might think that this council was made up of a gathering of nervous children who are lost in unexpected freedom at their father’s absence.” He sighed an exhale through his nose, standing as he moved to gather his things. “I sense that you do not share the fear that seems to have motivated so many of the rest. Might I presume you are moved by some other motivation or ambition?”

    -    She was uncertain if it was due to her already deeply rooted feelings towards her uncle or his words, but with every moment she sat there she began to dislike Norfolk even more. His bluntness, as true as she knew it to be, cut like the edge of a sword and the years of having the freedom to argue with her husband gave the overwhelming desire to slam her hands upon the desk and to tell him what she truly thought of him - but she would not. She could not. If she wished to ever be accepted amongst polite society again it was best to keep Norfolk on side, at least for now. “ God is cruel but just; whether I like it or not, I accept my punishment at the hands of God for his is the greatest of judgments. ”

Of course her uncle was in the know, she should not have been surprised, if anyone at court would be aware of the goings on not yet made public it would be Norfolk. “ I could not say - the King of Scotland is under obligation to take a French wife but he also is very fond of his mistress and their children, or so I am to believe. He has conversed with the Pope on the matter. Though, more to the point, I would go to France if they would have me but my priority as of this moment is to reunite with my true family. I have not seen my sister in some time, her children would not know me, and George will no doubt too be a father in the near future. I seek only your acknowledgment of my apology, that is all, but it would mean the world to my mother and I. She too cannot bear to see her family divided thus. ” 

“How very pious.”  There was a sardonic tint to his words, but it was not entirely intended to be sharp. Anne had always shown a proclivity for such things, an eloquence that was not as easily displayed by other members of their family. “ I am certain God’s judgment will take your husband’s lesser characteristics into account when he comes to stand before Him. I should think he will receive the harsher punishment, in the next life if he did not already in this.” It was the closest Norfolk might come to kindness in regards to Henry Percy.

Norfolk furrowed his brow, studying his niece dispassionately for a few moments. “Your relations with George and Mary are between you and them, Anne. I have no doubt that they will show you benevolence.” He knew, of course, that Anne and George had always been quite close, and Mary had never been far behind, either, though her life was more separate from the others. “My dear sister has told me as much herself. Her letters plead my forgiveness on your behalf, you will be gratified to know, I am sure.” The duke sighed, quietly toying with the remnants of a wax seal attached to a missive on his desk. As tedious as the financial matters of the state could be, it was little in comparison to this - wheedling, as ever. “I do acknowledge your apology, and I know that you understand better than anyone what your actions have brought you.” He looked up to her again, gaze even - never wavering. “If I were to advise you of anything, it would be this - to keep your head lowered, from now on. To give in again to your prideful heart would be more foolish than it was the first time. Some time in service to the French princesse might straighten your thinking.”

“At last, the Duke of Suffolk shows his face.” Thomas Howard was a man of very few subtleties, that much was always certain. Charles’s presence around court, or at least in Thomas’s circles, had felt quite sparse, and it was not hard to imagine why, given the elder Henry’s untimely death. Norfolk stood in his own office, standing behind his desk with a ledger in hand, just returned from a council meeting. “Is there some way I can serve you, your Grace? Perhaps a meeting with His Majesty? Unable to avoid the intrigue around the Crown?”

     How calm he could act in the most tense of situations!  Maybe she envied it somewhat, her anger always boiling into outbursts.  Her words harsh as her gestures, feeling as if fire crawled along her skin when someone irritated her.  Temper wise, she was said to mirror Henry in that way.  Norfolk may very well have been used to her brother’s reactions.  No doubt everyone in court had tried not to be at the receiving end of them.

     “No, you don’t think.  You know it was Meg.  Don’t downplay your observations, Your Grace,” she tried to match his tone, but her fingers dug into the back of the chair facing towards his desk, which she refused to sit in while she was here.  “I think, if anything, my presence should trouble you.  Queen Catherine got her prized cloak.  I’m still waiting to snatch mine.”  She would have her vengeance for her former husband, in one way or another.  “But, it need not have blood on it.”  Not yet.  “What have you been whispering to my nephew now that my dear brother is gone?”

This behavior in Henry was something he had grown used to, but coming from his sister, it grated its way under his skin. Perhaps he simply had lesser patience for a woman’s frustrations, or perhaps he simply didn’t care for Margaret as an individual. Either way, he found himself brushing away her assertations as if she were an annoying fly on a hot summer’s day.

“I am downplaying nothing. I merely found myself uncertain - I encounter very many people in these great hall. And to tell you truthfully, a great many of them are of more interest to me than your young daughter, Madame.” He shrugged and stood, setting his ledger aside on his desk - standing face to face with her at last, since she refused to sit. “Your Highness, I think it is better we let the past remain the past, is it not? The days of Flodden are past - your son has made admirable work of his days on the throne, and our two kingdoms are enjoying a great friendship, not least of all because of the shared blood. Perhaps the young King Henry will forge even stronger bonds.” He canted his head to the side. “I have whispered nothing to him but prudent advice that he ought to receive - largely regarding England’s accounts, as is my job. He requires guidance in such matters, and so I deliver it.”

    -    “ The King is very fond of his cousin, yes, though I would not expect the same treatment for my own self. Though I believe I did learn that business comes before pleasure from your own lips, father, it cannot be said that I have not learnt from you - ” in fact, she learnt too much from her father’s distance. Especially when it came to others at court, Mary may have been made of smiles and politeness but that only served to mask a layer of caution and discretion - allowing her to assess every new acquaintance without detection. Only curiosity showed.

With a smile and a nod of thanks to a passing servant, Mary seated herself across from her father as he spoke of her sister-in-law’s condition; it was one which filled her with a small degree of envy but mostly joy and relief that such sweetness and innocence might be present within the Howard family once more. “ That is wonderful news. I had hoped to join her at such a time, alas I fear now is not the time to depart court when it is as full of foreign diplomats and royals as it is currently. ” The answer offered by her father was not one which offered comfort of any sort, nor did it do anything to lower her suspicions, but she always found it better to entertain him than to question for the sake of peace. “ I am extremely well. My circle within court has grown in size with the new arrivals, our new King treats me as his own sister and the Duke and I find ourselves in … what I suppose I can only describe as martial bliss, which is perhaps the most surprising of all. How does Mistress Holland fair? And yourself, of course, I hope you are keeping well. ”

His daughter always had a means of surprising him, even if it was in a way that he found less than appealing. He grunted, more or less, in acquiescence to her words, nodding in somewhat stubborn agreement. “Of course. Perhaps it was not all in vain, was it?” He watched her as she sat before him, almost curious. She was his own daughter, there was no denying that. That he would claim her brother before her at any turn was all but a given, but he could not deny her when she seemed at the least to understand him so well.

          The presence of her husband’s uncle does not fill he with familiarity or warmth, she is rarely in his presence and the Duke of Norfolk does not seem charming enough for her own social circles. But, alas, she cannot ignore his presence without it coming off as a slight against George’s family. For they are his family, after so many years of marriage Margery cannot bring herself to cherish them as she does her own, except for Anne. She has found herself deeply grateful for her company in recent years. 

“ Well, I imagine that a man of your station is sought after by many. As for me, I had hoped to pen a letter to my dear papa. But without a Queen to serve, I find myself struggling to share any new tales,  ”  Margery smiles, clasping her hands daintily upon her lap.

“I can understand that much.” Norfolk offered, studying her. “But a new Queen will come soon enough, I expect. All forces are clamoring to make arrangements. I’m of the opinion he should have been married years ago, yet there’s nothing to be done for it now.” His opinion of the King was still up in the air - the man was his sovereign and would receive all of the respect he was due, but he also believed the boy had been too-sheltered and it left him a weak king. “I expect when he marries, you will have plenty of opportunities to serve the new Queen, or, god-willing, any children of their match.” 

He looked at her, this small, pale thing in front of him, and his small eyes narrowed studiously. “Tell me, Lady Rochford, are children long in coming for you?”

    -    Anne’s gaze remained cast downwards, a picture of submission she surely appeared to be, and only dared to raise it and rise from her curtsy once the voice which had once terrified her as a child filled her now older and wiser ears once more. “ My mother and I have spoken, she is sympathetic of my loss though the same cannot be said for my father. ” George, on the other hand, had embraced Anne as though she had never left their sights but she thought it best not to let her uncle knows she had been welcomed home so warmly just yet. 

Silence fell upon the Boleyn woman once more in her acceptance of the gesture, moving forward to take a seat across from the Duke of Norfolk where candlelight perfectly lit two faces which had aged since their last meeting; be it by time or circumstance she was not certain, though she imagined her uncle’s affinity for frowning had not helped him much. “ I am not a disgraced mistress of a former King, instead I am a Dowager Countess and a childless other but I at least find myself in the favour of our new King. His Majesty has placed me in the service of  la Princesse Georgette and my reputation at court has upheld well, alas this does not erase the pain my heart suffers for the loss of my husband and my family… Your family, your Grace. I was a young fool and there is no excuse for my actions, is there? I know not of what I can offer other than this confession. ”

“Your father is a man of prudence.” Norfolk commented - not intending harshness, but a genuine compliment of sorts. He bore a grudging sort of respect for Thomas, finding that in some ways they shared much in common, even though it was Thomas’s wife who was his true flesh and blood. “You understand you have my sympathy for your loss, but that this comes at a price. For some of what you have endured, you have only yourself to blame.” It was, in his view, a realistic one. She had chosen to place herself in Henry Percy’s path, and so his sympathies ended in some respect.

He took her in for a moment as she spoke, holding his chin up high as their eyes met. “Well. You have at least grown in your awareness of yourself.” He comment after a moment. “Is it to be France, for you then? Perhaps the French court would be a promising fit for you, although as I understand, the princesse may be bound for Scotland before Francis returns to Paris.” He contemplated the situation, taking a deep breath as he studied his niece yet again. “What is it that you seek from me, precisely? My forgiveness? Some sort of blessing?”

♥ - family headcanon