19th of May 1536 - The Palace of Whitehall
"What news of the Duke of Richmond?" Queen Anne asked turning to look at her cousin, her eyes filled with concern knowing that King Henry's eldest son had recently taken unwell and there was little news of his health.
He had taken to his quarters in St James' Palace and had not return to his duties from what Anne had heard, she couldn't help but worry for Mary Fitzroy and her young son who wasn't even one yet.
"His Majesty has sent Dr Linacre to his aid, he assures His Majesty that the ailment is treatable," Madge Shelton informed her mistress, a slight frown on her face knowing that until recent that the Duke had been at court.
He had been making public appearances and activities until a week ago when he had taken to his bed with a cough; one that he could not shake.
Anne nodded her head, she would keep the Duke in her prayers knowing that there was nothing else she could do for him; she knew that her husband had planned great celebrations for his eldest son's coming birthday.
Besides Mary, Henry Fitzroy was proof that he was capable of producing children that could live long healthy lives.
Alexander, Elizabeth and Beatrice were still young and Anne knew that every protection was being taken to ensure their health and safety in the nursery.
With the renovations taking place at Ludlow Castle, it would not be long before Anne would be sending her only son off to start his education in governance.
Anne closed her eyes as she thought about her darling boy, it was hard to believe how fast he seemed to be growing up; he was four years old already and Anne would do anything in her power to see him one day seated upon the throne.
Her husband had been visiting her chambers nearly every night since his return to court, he sent her gifts and other things to celebrate his love for her since his return.
Although there was no ignoring the fact that in a few months' time he'd have another child in this world, one that had no connection to Anne and was evidence of her husband's attention had drifted from her.
Anne took a deep breath and moved around her chamber, she would not hold a grudge against the child that was born out of her husband thinking with the wrong part of his body.
This child no matter what it was would never be a threat to her children, Anne smiled to herself at that thought at least.
The Viscountess Bryan would never be a threat to her, nor would her child ever stand a chance in stealing the throne from her children; the child would likely go unrecognised for the most part with the new Viscount Bryan being recognised as the father.
Henry had shown no interest in his former lover after she had been married off and sent from court, there would be no welcoming her back to court anytime soon at the least.
Anne doubted that Jane would ever forgive what had been done to her, she could imagine the anger that her former rival held against her now that she was dismissed from court.
Nor would Anne admit to her part in ensuring a good match for Jane that would provide her with stability and ensure that her child could never be used as a pawn against their royal half-siblings.
Anne rested a hand against her flat stomach and smiled slightly, she had a strong feeling that she was with child again; she prayed to God that her child would be healthy no matter what.
She didn't care what the gender might be, she only cared that this child was healthy; she adored all her children and she was as active as she could be in her role with them.
They were all being educated to the highest standard, Henry leaving all that to her and Anne was happy to ensure they were educated in the arts, languages and highest standard of studies available.
Alexander and Elizabeth already showed their proficiency for languages and their governess always wrote the highest praises of their studies with Beatrice being not too far behind them.
"We shall send our regards to the Duchess of Richmond, she shall surely need them at this time," Anne instructed, she would not make enemies of anyone that she thought might threaten her children's futures.
Fitzroy might have been a bastard but as Henry's eldest son, there could be those around her that would look to him instead of Alexander.
***
19th of May 1536 - Palace of Beaulieu
"What news from court?" the Duchess of Bedford asked approaching her husband in his office, they were enjoying the quiet of their estate and spending time with their children away from the busyness of court life that often crowded them.
There was much being done by the King to prepare for the future, he was determined to leave behind a legacy that would ensure that his beloved Prince would rule successfully after his passing.
News came from Ludlow regularly that the renovations were underway and the castle would be prepared to welcome the Prince of Wales by next summer at the earliest.
"His Majesty requests that we travel to France as ambassadors on his behalf to the marriage of the Dauphin and Maria of Portugal," George Boleyn replied with a shake of his head, a dedicated diplomat as he was it wasn't something that he was prepared to do.
Nor would George risk putting his wife in an uncomfortable position.
The King's decision to send them was an obvious one, his wife was kin to the King of France and it would only serve to strengthen their ties to the country.
Of course, there was mention of them stopping at Calais on their way to present the Duke and Duchess' son with gifts from the King and Queen.
The news that Margaret Douglas had been safely delivered of a son was more than welcoming, an heir to preserve the new Dukedom and already marriage plans were being made.
It appeared that Thomas Boleyn wasn't the only man to consider Filiberta a match for the young Charles Bourbon who was only weeks old.
King Henry has spoken highly of his desire to see the younger Boleyn girl raised to that position of a Duchess, her fine breeding on her mother's side all but assuring a great match in the future.
Clarice was silent at the news, she had not seen her dear cousin in many years and she never thought she'd have to grace his presence again; not after he stole her title from her and gifted it to another by order of the Pope.
Not that she desired to be the Duchess of Nemours again, it would likely come at a cost now... one that Clarice Boleyn, Duchess of Bedford refused to pay.
Her life was blessed, even she could not deny that.
She had a devoted husband, three wonderful children and a life that she truly would not change a minute of.
It was a comfortable one, she could ask for nothing more and she would not risk losing what she had gained to get back what she had lost.
"When does His Majesty expect us to travel?" Clarice asked, they'd have to arrange childcare for the children and she was hopeful that Elizabeth would not mind to much in doing so.
Although there was the offer of the royal nursery, their children would be surrounded by their royal cousins who were of a similar age.
"Towards the end of June, he hopes that we can discuss a marriage alliance with the Duke and Duchess of Calais along with King Francis. He wishes to propose Filiberta as a match for the young Lord Charles Bourbon," George said setting down the letter that he had received.
It was not an easy task that they were being asked to do, it had been many years since he'd acted as a diplomat, it had been before Anne had been crowned Queen before he had even married Clarice.
Instead he had focused on his career as a politician, his duty to serving his king and providing a stable home for his family; he refused to allow anything to endanger what they had.
"I suppose, I shall need to start preparations. A royal wedding is a grand affair," Clarice noted with a sigh, she would need a new gown and she had no doubts that King Francis would spare no expense for the marriage of his firstborn son.
It had been a long time coming, the Dauphin should have been married before his younger brother had been; however no match had ever really been forth coming.
At one point in her life, Clarice had even been discussed as a match despite being thirteen years older than her cousin; it wasn't meant to be and for that Clarice was grateful.
"That it is, and by reports from the french ambassador, the King is ensuring that no one can doubt such a match," George said looking to his wife and taking her hand, things were truly on the rise for France after the death of the Emperor; a shining future seemed to be just within it's reach.