"But, my dear children ... this news moves me and delights me. Nothing could please me more."
He took Mary into his arms and held her tightly so that she felt she would suffocate against the lilies and the leopards. Then he released her and embraced Henry.
"It is what I hoped for," he said. "It has delighted me to see you two grow to love each other. Love is the best foundation for marriage." He was too emotional to speak for a moment.
He meant what he said. His ambitious marriage with Constanza of Castile had been undertaken for love of a crown which was love of another sort and often he had wondered whether he should not have been recklessly romantic and married Catherine Swynford, the woman he loved. Marriage for love. What a blessing. But when there was great wealth as well as love, then there could be no doubt that the marriage was an ideal one.
He smiled benignly on Mary. "So, my child, you have decided the convent life is not for you, eh. You have chosen wisely, and most happily for this son of mine. You shall be betrothed."
"We are anxious, my lord, that we should be married," said Henry. "We do not wish for a long delay."
"You see what an impatient man you are to marry, Mary," retorted the Duke. "Well, it is a measure of his love for you. I tell you sincerely, nothing shall stand in the way of your wishes." Mary could not believe she heard aright. The great man seemed as happy about the union as she and Henry were.
THE CHILD WIFE
Lancaster could not await to acquaint the Earl and Countess with the good news.
It has worked perfectly" cried Lancaster. "Henry has played his part to perfection. He knew what I wanted and it seems that when he saw the pretty child he wanted the same thing himself."
"It is a pleasure to have such a dutiful son" replied Arundel.
"They make a charming pair" said the Countess. "I think Henry is a very lucky boy and I am so glad our little Mary has escaped from that sister of hers. I wonder what Thomas is going to say when he hears the news. I should love to be present when it first comes to his ears."
"He will rant and rave" said the Earl. "And try to prevent it."
"That is what we must beware of" added Lancaster. "I do not think it wise for Mary to return to Pleshy."
"No indeed" agreed the Earl. "Eleanor would be capable of anything. She might lock the child up until she promises to go into a convent. She'll be furious—particularly as this has happened while Thomas is away."
"He could not have refused to let Mary come to Arundel" pointed out Lancaster.
"He would have tried to if he had known you and Henry were coming here" said the Earl.
"He would not have thought of this ... in view of Mary's youth."
"Mary's youth!" mused the Countess. "She is young for marriage."
"Oh let them live together," said Lancaster. "They will act according to nature and that is the best way. I want to see them married and I intend that the ceremony shall take place with all speed."
"And you want her to remain here right up to the time when it shall take place?"
"I think it best. And we should keep quiet about the proposed marriage. Then it shall take place at the Savoy. I doubt my brother—if he has returned which I hope he will not—or his wife will be among the wedding guests."
Eleanor had begun to realize how long her sister had been away, but she was not unduly disturbed. The weather was bad and it was not easy to travel in the winter. Her aunt had given the impression that she believed a convent life would be good for Mary and if the girl came back convinced of her vocation Eleanor would be delighted.
Pregnancy was irksome to one of her vitality. It was a necessity of course if she was to breed; and she must produce sons. She hoped she would have one to show Thomas when he returned from France. Even so they would have to busy themselves in getting another.
She sat disconsolately among her women who talked continually of the baby and sometimes they would mention the Lady Mary and wonder if she missed the convent.
"Of course she does," retorted Eleanor firmly. "Her life is with the nuns. Dear child, she has a saintly nature. It is clear where her destiny lies."
The ladies murmured agreement. It was always wise to agree with Eleanor and it was impossible to be in this household and not know the urgent wish of its master and mistress.
On a snowy afternoon her pains started. Everything was in readiness and within a day the child had made its appearance.
It was a great disappointment to the countess that it should be another girl.
She lay disconsolately in her bed and listened to the wind buffeting the walls of Pleshy. How frustrated Thomas would be. But the child was healthy enough and she decided to call her Joan. Before long she would be once more pregnant she supposed and would have to go through the wearisome months of waiting and then produce ... not another girl. No, that would be too unfortunate. But it had happened to others. Lancaster had got girls and a stillborn son before young Henry had been born at Bolingbroke.
While she was brooding a messenger arrived. It was strange that he should have come from Lancaster when the Duke had just been in her thoughts.
"A messenger from my lord of Lancaster" she cried. "What news from him, I wonder."
The messenger was brought to her bedchamber and the letters were handed to her.
She did not hasten to read them, but questioned the messenger whence he had come and when she heard that he came from Arundel the first quiver of concern came to her. She sent the messenger down to the kitchens to be refreshed in the accepted manner, and broke the seals.
What she read almost made her leap from her bed, weak though she was.
The Duke was delighted to inform her that his son Henry, Earl of Derby, had fallen in love with her sister Mary. There was no one he would rather see married to his son. He had therefore given his consent to the marriage, for he could see no reason why the young people should be denied their happiness. Thomas was away but he hoped she would make all speed to his Palace of the Savoy where the marriage was to be celebrated without delay.
She could not believe this. It was impossible. It was a nightmare. She was dreaming!
Mary to be married! The child was not yet eleven years old. How could she marry at such an age! Of course it was Mary's fortune Lancaster wanted. The avaricious scheming rogue!
Mary was too young for marriage. She was going to protest. Oh, why was not Thomas here!
Yet what could Thomas do if he were here? Lancaster was Mary's guardian. Lancaster was the elder brother. It was said that Lancaster was the most powerful man in the country for poor King Richard counted for little. And he had taken advantage of the fact that Mary was away from Pleshy.
"The scheming devil ! " she cried.
She was helpless. Unable to leave her bed.
They had planned this. Was Arundel in it? Thomas would never forgive them. There would be murder between those brothers one day.
She should never have let Mary go to Arundel. She should have seen what was coming. She might have known ...
She read the letter again. Henry and Mary in love! She sneered in fury. Henry was in love indeed and so was Lancaster. In love with Mary's fortune.
That was at the root of the matter. It was Mary's money they wanted. It was Mary's money they all wanted.
"Oh Mary, you little fool," she cried, "why did you not go into your convent?"
Clenching and unclenching her fists she lay in her bed.
The midwife came in and shook her head. "My lady, you need rest. You must be calm. It is necessary to your good health."
She felt limp and exhausted.
She had gained a child—a girl child and lost a fortune.
Mary was bewildered. There was no time to think very much about anything but the approaching wedding. She was in a state of blissful happiness, but the rapidity with which everything was happening could not fail to make her feel somewhat bemused. She had expected betrothal but not this hurried wedding. It was not that she had any doubts about her love for Henry. She wanted to marry him; but she had naturally thought that in view of their ages they would wait for a year at least.