Son of Hope

Chapter Twenty Three - Dutiful Daughter of England

Nearly two weeks after mine and Catherine's initial letters were sent. We had our first reply, it came to me via Wolsey. I opened it and read over its contents, it made me sigh will little relief.

"King Louis has agreed to the match with Elizabeth. Now we must find a French Proxy so the betrothal service can be held at once." I voice folding the letter back up once more

"We still have our prisoner from the battle of the spurs."

"Thomas have him made ready. I will find my sister and talk with her. I left at once to find my sister. She was in the gardens walking with her ladies and twin.

"Sisters." the stopped noticing me and curtsied

"Brother." they greeted

"Betty, come." I offered her my arm and she took it we separated from Mary and walked in the opposite direction "King Louis has agreed to your marriage. Your betrothal service will be held within the week." i informed her

"So quick."

"We are in need of time, Betty you know this. Your marriage and Queenship to France will be a good remedy for however long it lasts. You do us a great service and your duty. But more importantly, you ease a pressure off me which is something which is more appreciated than anything." I stop us and turn to her "Betty I know you are like our other sisters and dream of love."

"I do, but I also know that as a Princess love is not always possible." she took my hands in hers "You will keep your promise though. After i am widowed, I can marry a man of my choosing."

"Within reason, Betty. That and provided that you do not fall into temptation of disgust and remove your husband earlier that God predicts." she gave a small smile "Marriages are a fickle and dangerous thing."

"Mother once said that you make them fear you first. If love comes that is good but if they fear you, then they will think twice before doing anything."

"As long as you don't kill him."

"I promise I won't." she leant up and kissed my cheek. The two of us carried on our walk together.

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The betrothal service was held quickly. Betty stood at the alter waiting for the Duke who was being brought as proxy to arrive. When he did he was freed from his shackles and brought forward.

"On behalf of King Louis XII Monarch of the house of Valois will you take Princess Elizabeth to be your wife?" Wolsey asked the Duke. He scoffed and sighed

"yes."

"Will you Princess Elizabeth take King Louis...."

"Elizabeth, don't do this." Mary interrupted and I turned to her angry at her interruption "You deserve better than this."

"Mary, stop." Betty reprimanded as I turn my attention to her. She glanced at me and nodded Before turning back to Wolsey. "Carry on." I caught sight of Catherine's smile to my sister and take a deep breath.

"Will you Princess Elizabeth take King Louis of Valois to be your husband."

"I will." she agreed and the ceremony continued. When it was finished, I left and went to my chambers.

"Edward"

"Mary's interruption has you all over it, Catherine. What you dare not to speak out so you use my sister. You have her oppose me in front of everyone."

"I did not tell her to do this . I know it is no secret I do not wish this match for Elizabeth but I bow to your will." I rest a hand on my head

"Cease of talking about bending to my will or this conversation will become more bitter than it already is."

"What is that suppose to mean."

"It means that In the years we have been married you have there is still no surviving babe to cradle. We lose a daughter and two sons, heartbreak after heartbreak. How is it I have seen a future of happiness and prosperity. Yet all I live, we live is disaster and sadness." she looked hurt and bowed her head.

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Catherine and sat down to eat in the evening when Wolsey interrupted us. I bid him to sit down.

"Wolsey I called you here because you have served this family well. And though we all have a difference in opinion at times I think you are in need of recognition for your service. So I am appointing you archbishop of York."

"Your Majesty is most generous."

"In your new station it is my wish that you take up residence and Spend some time knowing your flock should any grievance you can relay to me. Can you take on this challenge and balance your time?"

"It is God wish and your so I will, thank you." I silently dismissed him and everyone else.

"Catherine, after we have eaten I will visit you this evening." she gave a tight smile and nodded.