The Pearl of Great Price Part II

Chapter 36: Family

When the new day dawned, and breakfast ended, Henry asked, "Mary, I'd like to speak with you. We could use that lovely sitting room on the second floor. The one with all the grand windows overlooking the back of the estate."

Mary agreed, while her father made a request of the servant. "We would like you to bring some of that coffee drink to the second-floor sitting room." The servant nodded and left, as did father and daughter.

The two walked up the stairs and into the sitting room together. A pair of comfortable brown leather armchairs had been placed by the window. In an odd turn of events, Mary realized she had never really set foot in this room before. But she found that she liked it, especially the view her father spoke of. The Princess thinks she might have to frequent this room more often in the future.

Once the servant delivered the tray of coffee and cups, the conversation began. Henry opened by saying, "First of all, I again want to express my abject horror of what happened those weeks ago. I had no idea I married a monster. Truly I ask your forgiveness."

Mary told him, "Please, father, don't worry yourself about that. You had no idea what she and her companions were up to. You're just as much a victim as I was, but if you need me to say it, then I forgive you."

With a short nod, Henry said, "Thank you." He sipped his coffee before he plodded along with his talk. "The next thing I want to speak with you about is a difficult subject, but we need to discuss it. When I die---"

Mary cut him off. "Father! Please, let's not talk of you dying. I've had enough of death this past month. You're not dead yet. You're still alive and seem better since you've been here."

The man heard her words, but "We need to talk about this. I've had a lot of time on my hands recently to think specifically about my death. I am not getting any younger, you know. I also have an ulcerous leg and these severe headaches that make me want to do nothing but lie down. I am content in my decision of you as my heir. You and Charles will do as good a job ruling the country as I would, perhaps even better."

They both sat quietly for a beat. Mary didn't know what to say, but Henry did. So he continued. "Charles is coming along with his king lessons, and I know you've been receiving support for queen from your Dowager Countess. How have those lessons gone?" His eyes fixed hers into place.

Mary fiddled with the skirt of her dress. She smiled, thinking about Mr. Harris. Then she shared, "I've learned much more about things I didn't know before. For example, I have learned the art of being a good hostess and receiving gifts. I didn't realize there was etiquette around that, but apparently, there is. I have found more confidence in my abilities, and Lady Flora has made me learn to speak fluently in the Germanic language, as well as Portuguese. Then I also had to memorize all the houses of the nobility--- higher lords and lower lords."

Henry had no idea she had been doing all of that. He told her so. "That's incredible. It will benefit you well over time. You're getting etiquette and practical lessons. Good! I must tell you that I know you feel slighted when I have Charles handle the Privy Council duties. I know you feel insulted when I have you review the Royal Guard or commission vessels, but I have reasons for that. Charles is co-president of the Privy Council, so he already knows the men and how they behave. But the tasks you undertake are essential too. It allows a face to the monarchy and the people to see a kinder, softer side. Those are duties generally reserved for the queen." He hopes his daughter can forgive that too.

Mary chuckled and told her father, "At first, I confess I felt snubbed by you. That changed after Charles told me all about what the council asked of him. He shared that the men asked intrusive, nosy questions like when are you going to have another baby because even though you have two sons, you need another one. I did not know the men were so forceful and adamant about things of that nature."

She leaned forward and patted her father's hand. Then the Princess went on to share, "When he told me those things, it allowed me to see a little bit of what it must be like for you. It permitted me to understand your need for a son. I'm sorry you had all that pressure and that your sons died."

Henry did not expect those words. Unshed tears settled in his eyes. He stood up and moved the table between them to the side. In its place, he picked up his armchair and put it there. Now he's beside his daughter. Reaching over, he took her hand and held it as he made it clear, "I thank you for your words and kindness. I do not deserve it as I treated you horribly in the past. Even though you may understand the pressure I have been under, it doesn't excuse my poor behavior or judgment. I'm sure Charles had words to say to the council, unlike me." The thought of his friend telling them popped into his mind. It brought a smirky smile to his face.

Mary also smiled because she knew exactly what her husband had done. She let her father in on it. "Well, Charles kindly asked them if they would like a detailed diagram of the positions we take making love. He also asked if they wanted an outline of all the dates we've had relations in the past few weeks. Then wondered if they desire the same for when we plan to in the future. Charles told me the men's faces were scandalized, but it worked because they stopped asking."

Both she and her father laughed. After they stopped, Mary reminded him, "Father, as for you apologizing again for your past actions toward me, you don't need to. I've already forgiven you long ago when we cleared the air."

But Henry confided in her something that's been bothering him. "You're too kind, like your mother. You have her heart, thank God. The other thing I've been thinking about relates to her, actually. I did love your mother. Of all my wives, we were married the longest. She stood by me as I grew up, and then I let her down. I was blinded by my need for a son and became swayed by people and lofty promises. I did not do right by Catherine. God forgive me. Of all my wives, she and Jane were the best ones." He sat mulling over that.

Wiping a few stray tears, Mary made known her thoughts. "I confess I've been offended by your treatment of Mama in her last days. I couldn't understand how you could set her aside so easily and then not even bury her as a true queen should be buried. She was sick and needed proper care, and you were with Anne Boleyn loving life." The Princess wiped a few more tears away.

Henry nodded and took his hand to wipe his own tears. "As I said, I have no excuse. I am a weak man blinded by my need for a son and a pretty face. I'm still stupid when it comes to women. I cannot seem to find the right woman. If I had just stayed with your mother..." He trailed off. Then he picked back up and said, "At least Charles is not like me. He will not do that to you because he genuinely loves you. I don't think I'm meant to find love because I have not known a woman whom I can really love. I require too much. I believe I should just grow old knowing I'll be surpassed by you and my son-in-law. I have the love of my family that is enough in itself because many people in the kingdom do not have that." He reached over to the other side and picked up his coffee cup.

A little stunned by her father's words, Mary contemplated what to say. When she felt like she had it, Her Highness pointed out, "Every day is a new day. A new day full of possibilities and hopes. Know your own happiness, father, because you're not too old for possibilities and hopes like love to see you through old age. Of course, you'll have Charles and me to care for you, but I think you need a companion. Everyone needs that. You shouldn't be alone in those old palaces of yours. Please promise me that if you go looking for a new wife, try looking for someone sensible like my mother or Jane Seymour. And I also think Mama would have forgiven you. You honor her by how you treat me now and my children."

Wiping his eyes, Henry sniffed a little. He thought about what his daughter said and remarked, "Know my own happiness and choose someone sensible. Someone who can temper me and help me to be moderate. I will endeavor to keep that in mind. Now my Mary, let me tell you, continue to be soft. Do not allow the world, or people, to make you hard. Do not let the bitterness of life steal your sweetness. When you become Queen of England one day, still believe the world to be a beautiful place. Don't be jaded like your old father because there is nothing better than a tender heart."

Then he said something Mary didn't expect him to say. "What happened to you at the palace and the birth of Robert, don't let that steal your spirit. Hurt changes you. It makes you trust less, overthink more, and lock people out. Don't do that. Don't let one evil woman ruin your beautiful soul."

Mary cried and said, "Oh, father!" Then the two stood and embraced. There's something to be said for a father's hug. The same as how a girl is never too old to cry on her father's shoulder. They're both the same, comforting.