The French Bride

Small means of redemption

Chapter 13: Small means of redemption
Hello guys! English, it is not my motherly language, I'm French so I apologize if there are some mistakes. Don't hesitate to tell me where they are so that I can improve.

This is my first full length fiction, with chapters, I hope it will please you. It is a AU where Katherine Howard does not marry Henry and where Cromwell is spared. Instead of Katherine, Henry marries a french noble lady, on the advice of Cromwell.

I hope my little story will please you..

Sincerely
Marina Ka-Fai

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The French Bride

Chapter 13: Small means of redemption

The royal church was full of crowd, the whole court was here to attend to the christening of the new royal children. Anne of Cleves carried Harmony, Elizabeth carried Henry and Katherine carried Lloyd. Next to them were the godfathers: Thomas Cromwell for Henry, Francis for Harmony and Charles for Lloyd. Henry and Marina hesitated a lot for the third godfather, they did not know who to name between Charles, who always had a special place in Henry's heart, and Edward. Henry wanted to honour Charles but he did not want to be unfair to Edward since his sisters both had a godchild. But the child had a marvellous answer to this problem.

' The Duke of Suffolk should be the third godfather. He is Papa's friend. And he is so kind to my sister Mary! It dos not matter if I am not a godfather. I am already the babies' older and loving brother. It is enough for me.'

Charles was so honoured and touched by Edward's gift that he sent him presents and a letter to thank him. The kid was more than pleased.

Cranmer blessed the children who were then taken to their mother. For everyone, it was a miracle that she was still alive, in good health and, in the physicians' opinion, still fertile.

Katherine's wedding to Thomas Culpepper took place a week after the christening. Marina could not attend since she was ordered to remain in bed but she sent to them luxurious presents. She was told that Katherine's belly was starting to show. And it also seemed that the Earl of Surrey, who took Katherine to the altar, looked like a proud father. It made the queen smile.

Henry paid regular visits to his wife. He often found her looking after their children. He always made sure not to bother her with his problems but it was as if she could read his mind. She always guessed what was wrong. So, even in bed, Marina helped him as she could. Henry surprised himself, he hated to speak of matter of state with his wives. Catherine was in favour of Spain, Anne in favour of France, they always tried to put their ideas in his mind. He loathed that impression of being these women's puppet. So, he decided not to involve his wife in this. But with Marina, it was different. He knew she would never judge him. She listened, gave her opinion but never tried to force him to accept it. It was relaxing.

' Something is bothering you, Henry. I can see it.'

' It is an old matter of state. The Catholic faction again. They keep asking for the monasteries to be restored.'

' It is because they considered them to be like a second house where they could find comfort and help. I do not think restoring them would be a good idea but maybe a small mean of reconciliation could ease them.'

' What are you thinking of?'

Henry listened to Marina's idea to convert the desolved monasteries into place for education for the people. They would be still under the control of state but they would be as useful as they were before Henry's reformation. It made him smile a bit. It would please both of them.