Chapel Side Thread: Davina and Henry

[Blackguard]

"We will need more than a candle," he replied playfully.  "Though I suppose it cannot hurt."

As for Norfolk, Henry waved his hand dismissively.  "He wants to tell me to keep quiet and do not show support for Catholics because he hopes to alter the view of the Howards, and my father works against him in that way."  He watched Davina's reaction briefly.  "He will ask me to see him before doing anything that could add color to the Howard name."  He sighed.  "He will want to match me with one of his bastard girls.  I am not interested.  He hopes to find a baron or viscount for each if he can."

"You turned him down, did you not?  So, what sort of man do you plan to marry cousin.  You are not happy with your lot, it seems, and you are in angst that you are being watched.  What sort of man would you find solace with I wonder?"  He crossed his legs as he grew more casual.

[Davina Wellsley]

"In your dismissiveness might well be a downfall. I have said not to take ANYTHING Norfolk says or does with such a light manner."

"Then do as he says. For now at least. Your Lord Father should also consider his actions - after all he is not so far removed from Court that he is out of the Duke's reach."

"Honestly Henry you are far from stupid and so should be able to calculate all the moves involved."

She got to her feet going to where the bottle of wine sat and refilled her glass and would do his if he wanted. She then paced about a bit to stretch.

"I refused the Duchess. She wanted her precious George and I to marry you see. Convinced, as are many, that Norfolk intends to disinherit his heir and push it to George. I am not so sure. Any sons of mine or daughters for that matter need to be protected. There is no guarantee that George will inherit and if he does not then how am I to survive? Depend upon Norfolk for a stipend monthly? Reach out to Baintree? Depend upon the kindness of strangers? All unlikely."

"The only hope would be my marriage jointure but George would have to die and even then Norfolk is stingy enough to not see it returned."

"So after calculating I came to the right decision. For Me."

"There is no love lost from either the Duke or his wife nor my brother for that matter."

"When I was a child there was a contract made between my father and a neighbor - his son and me to wed - and thus lands would be joined and fortunes increased. Nothing unusual at all. By the time I was fifteen we were set to marry but there was a tragic accident on a frozen pond and then no marriage. So it was petitioned for me to have a place at Court and it was granted and so I came. Green as grass all round at sixteen. Now five years on I am still unwed."

She smiled across at him.

"How could I not be happy? SO many were taking an interest in my Fate. Even the Queen decreed that by the end of last year I must either be contracted or wed. Thankfully that dwindled out as more important things arose."

"I had thought to marry but in the end I was 'not good enough' or so he hinted and that too ended. Nothing Public had ever been stated so at least Face was saved."

"Perhaps I should cross over to the dark side and dance with the Libertines - now there is an idea! Imagine how well THAT would be received."

She gave a chuckle as she sat herself back in the chair tucking on leg underneath her allowing him a flash of pale blue stocking.

"There are those at Court that have shown an interest but I had no desire to leave England and travel to foreign soil. Although given my present circumstances that might not be so bad."

"Perhaps I shall never marry. There would be sadness as I want children as do all women ( a generalization based upon her own thinkings) but I would learn to survive. Baintree shall have them and I shall 'mother' them."

"But do not be stricken thinking that I would give everything up and to the nunnery I go."

I am no Ophelia - convent bound swearing off men, marriage, and bearing children. After all, all women who give birth to men are breeders of 'sinners', because all men are sinners." *

"Or that is what the famous Playwright would have us believe."

"As for being watched ..." She gave a small shrug. "It is a hazard of Court. Yes I am at times bothered and even beyond that. But if I let it show then have I not played into what 'they' want?"

"So many questions."

"And what of you Henry - will you agree to a match arranged by Norfolk for you or will you so as I did? Or have you an eye already cast upon some good candidate?"

"Country lass from a good family content to obey her husband and remain buried in the forrest or is she a Court beauty? How Ambitious are you I wonder?"

She took a long sip of the wine and then grew quiet. Her gaze on the flickering flames from the small fire that burned before them.

 

*(Hamlet, Act 3, Scene 1)

[Blackguard]

Henry was amused with the seriousness of Davina's response.  Uncharacteristically, the lady launched into a litany of stories.  It was a welcome departure from her more cryptic remarks.

"Though I may act indifferent," Henry advised, "I listen carefully to the Duke."  Left unsaid was that his flippant remark had been meant only to spark a reaction from Davina.

"He wants me to marry one his daughters.  Of this I know.  He would like his second daughter by the current Duchess to also be a viscountess., to match the one your brother married."  He yawned at the thought.

"Norfolk will not disinherit his children from the first marriage.  He is merely indulging his former mistress, now wife.  Still, I suppose that, even without a title, cousin George could have brought you some wealth.  He will be set up in business in the Duchy, such that he cannot fail.  Being the wife of such a man might be a treat for the right lady."  Again, here he was playful.

"I tend to share your view, but I need a good reason to reject his offer," he explained, a bit more seriously.  "I hope you gave a good excuse in saving no."

"I plan to tell him that I fancy you instead.  You are a lady with potential and principle.  You just need a knight to save you."  Here again he smiled.  "He will say that the daughter of a duke is far better than a sister of a viscount.  What shall I answer?" he tormented.

"I could tell him the truth that I think you are in love with me, if not now, then in the near future. Or, I could tell him that Richard will be so desperate to get rid of his only sister, who is far too independent and mischief-making, that I could command an unparalleled dowry."  He tried to act seriously, but his mouth broke into a grin occasionally.  "Daughters of dukes are here aplenty.  There is only one Davina.  Do you think it might convince him?  You could just play along."

[Davina Wellsley]

It was just too good of an opportunity. She couldn't help it. Really.

"What a fine Idea!"

She said suddenly sitting up straighter and fixing him with a clear-eyed gaze.

"No. Really. Although you do understand that there will be  .... sacrifices .... in marrying me? I mean realistically Baintree has to provide a dowry and that has been set by my late Father so I am not sure if it can be changed or not?"

"I mean as to the amount. Obviously there needs to be some reduction as I am no longer holding a Maid of Honor position and the chances of it every being offered again are rather slim."

"Plus I bring no lands or even a chance to further our own Ambitions."

"As to wanting to be 'rid of me' well there too is a Truth. Catherine his wife would hardly want me under foot after all and there is the simple fact that I can not abide her pious than tho attitudes  ..."

"I must say Henry you have indeed solved all my problems!"

She knew she was in no way serious and would never agree to anything between them. It was all meaningless banter.

Yet his 'offer' made with such open teasing was like a challenger to her to go one step further.

"I was wondering on where to turn my attentions to before your arrival but now, well, I can let all of that go. And the fact that you are willing to support me  ... To be my  'knight in shinning armor'  will no doubt be seen as Noble and Romantic by many on the outside and so indeed I needs must play along to continue that narrative. But thank goodness we both know the truth right - no Love at all between us.'

'And I shall strive to NOT hamper your ..... endeavorers shall we say  ..... and in return you must do the same for me."

"No questions asked. But I expect us both to be discreet naturally. Neither of us must bring shame to the other."

"But know this .... I shall not accept any bastards that you think to bring into the household .... and expect me to raise."

"When shall we announce the engagement?"

Her blue eyes and features looking all innocent yet she was ready to burst from held in laughter.

She could torment just as well as he.

[Blackguard]

It was a clever play.  Henry could not hide his confused look.  Was she serious or not?  She complimented him for saving her, which caused an involuntary nod of acknowledgement.  Yet, her monologue seemed too well-rehearsed.  Or, was she truly desperate and seized upon his opportunity?  There was indicators both directions.

Henry pursued his lips as she completed her analysis of their future together.  She indicated that he could take lovers, and so could she.  That seemed to tilt his perception that she must be jesting.  A proper girl like Davina would not be advocating such a relationship, or so he imagined.

"Well," he commented at last.  "That was quick."  He offered a sheepish smile as a signal that he planned to react less seriously.  "I am surprised you did not include the date and place of our nuptials, and the names of our children.  You seem to have everything planned out so well."  His smile widened.

"I knew you were jesting when you said you had no love for me," he commented.  "I can see it in your eyes.  As for our engagement, I need to know you a bit better, don't you think?"  He looked at her eyes for a moment and then stood.  He moved closer and bade her to stand in front of him.  "I need you to kiss me so I can determine for sure whether you love me or not."  With a smile, he held out his hand to assist her in rising.  "Please, my lady," he urged, "for the sake of our unborn children.  We owe them this moment."

Two could play at this game.

[Davina Wellsley]

She could see he was taken back yet his own retort was as expected - he wanted to return fire.

"Indeed. I am ever a person that 'plans' things out. Yet there are things that I have no control over naturally ...."

She returned his level gaze with her own.

"Jesting? Me?"

She gave a small smile.

"You need to learn to read me better. What you see in my eyes may not be what is true."

He stood before her hand outstretched asking her to rise and then demanded a kiss .....

She resisted a new moments then put her hand in his which brought her close enough to do as he wanted.

"For the sake of those unborn children I would think that that is my line is it not? Tis YOU that needs must prove your worthiness after all."

She whispered her words aware that her nearness was drawing his focus.

"You seek a seduction then instead of showing me how worthy you are to be a husband? If I do as you ask ...." She dropped her gaze to his mouth. "That makes this whole conversation pointless does it not?"

Clearly stating that she has considered it all to be that she nevertheless continued on

"Since that is so  ....... What is your next move to be? A kiss like this ...."

She reached up and placed a quick peek on his cheek.

"Or one in greeting that all Courtiers practice?" 

She was referring to that 'chaste' kiss on the lips that a was often used as a greeting and astounded many a foreign visitor to the Court.

"Or one that is between lovers  ....."

She was indeed tempted to provide as he asked.

It had been long enough without her own needs being physically satisfied after all! But he was "Family' and even tho that was many times tossed aside it was a line she would not cross.

The spell would have to be broken by her then.

She took a few steps back her eyes now filled with amusement and a trickle of laughter escaped from her lips.

"I can not go on! Tis unfair to you!"

"I am sorry that I teased but Henry you did provoke me into it after all. There will never be anything like that between us."

"You understand this full well."

"Why you would have been shocked and ran as quick as you could if I had indeed kissed you!"

She did not think he had been serious yet his words had given her pause for thought - he could well be serious on his side and thus expected her to comply at least to SOME of what he had said.

"You must put all that Show to use upon another who will be receptive. It is fine to 'tease' as we have both done. It goes no further."

The fire was dying down to just hot embers and the bottle near empty. It was pleasant still and this encounter had given her some much need conversation as well as lightened her mood. 

"I am glad that you have come to Court Henry."

Said over one shoulder as she reset herself.

"Let us meet when we can and tell the other all the gossip."

"You are quite Safe."

She would use him as much as she could. He was a line to the outside after all and might well provide her with things she needed to know about.

If nothing else it would allow her to see if he was to be a help or a hinderance.

[Blackguard]

As Davina stood close by, Henry moved forward for a kiss, but he placed it on her forehead instead.  "There is time enough for more kisses in the future," he whispered.  "We are kissing cousins after all."  They were not first cousins.

Davina continued to play with him off and on; it was a trait of hers apparently.  He listened to her intently, letting her carry on about proving himself and then laughing at him and his attempt to be closer to her.

"We both jest and we are both serious at times.  It is too boring to be serious all the time cousin."  As pious a he was, he hardly wanted to sit in church all day like the Puritans.  "But, let me serious, just this once perhaps."  He inhaled and looked about the empty room.  In a quiet voice he uttered "I can be the man you are looking or and you could be the lady I am looking for.  I am drawn to you but will not waste seed on fallow earth.  We can become intimate friends, observing whatever bounds are appropriate ... or we can be gossip friends and meet once or twice a season to go to a carnival or performance and I am to be your escort for those few occasions.  I am looking for more and I will abide by your decision.  Father thinks I should marry a French or Spanish lady anyway."  He could not help but smile at the last remark.  "I am not asking you to marry me.  That could come.  I am asking you to let me into the tower that you lock yourself into."  He paused again to judge her reaction.  "If you do, be warned that there will be plenty of kissing, and not just on the forehead."  Now he found himself laughing.  "Apologies, I meant to be more serious but could not help being colorful."

[Davina Wellsley]

His kiss was as hers but the intent was not. He grew serious and then began to speak of how they might become closer .....

She did not interrupt as he spoke of his plans for the two of them. It was only as he finished and the silence grew that she spoke. That he was serious despite the playful tone she understood and as such in all fairness not make light of it.

"And now I must grow serious more so that I have already so it seems."

"I have said that there will be nothing between us yet you would tempt me with offers of 'friendship' and then play at seduction."

"You want us to be lovers and think that in doing so you fill what ere I am missing being 'locked away in my tower' as you put it."

"I have no lack of admirers and amongst them several who offer what you have just now. I have yet to take them and they hold no relation."

"Yet You do. If we two take that step tis a Mortal Sin Henry. Are you not afraid for your Soul  ......"

"Why does he favor a foreign bride for you? Ah ... he is after a Catholic Connection that will be of some benefit to him. Poor you being a sacrifice."

"I must choose so it appears of what you offer me."

"I will not marry you. You must fulfill that obligation with another. One that suits you and hopefully a happy marriage will follow."

"Now there are only two left   ....."

"But why must I chose?"

She ask him quietly.

"Can not both be intertwined to a certain degree?"

She was resolved in the two of them not becoming lovers.

However he was persuasive and she might be swayed in temptation for she had no lover now and her own desires had not diminished. If anything all this talk had made her aware of it even more.

"Is it an impossibility for you to think that as well?"

"I should not like to see us at odds Henry."

[Blackguard]

Henry heard Davina out.  It appeared that he had misread her.  Perhaps that was because he wanted to do so.

"Very well, cousin.  I shall honor your words and leave you to your other admirers."  He suspected it was a bluff from what he had been told about her.  "Instead, I shall be your trusty escort to events if you wish it so.  The carnival shall be the first/"  Perhaps it might be the last.

"Trust me, I worry about my immortal soul more than you know," he offered quietly.  "The Mother Church forbids first cousins to marry, but not more distant cousins.  Let us say that the Church has not been consistent in its banns.  All one needs to see is the monstrosity that is the King of Spain, the result of Hapsburg in-breeding.  The House of Savoy sees it appropriate to marry nieces.  Are not the King and Queen of England cousins?" he argued.

"No matter, let us conclude our meeting for the day, as you wish.  Would you like me to call upon you at your room, the ground floor, or meet you at the carnival?" he inquired politely, offering an escort to the event if she so desired.  There was little need to respond to her various points individually.  She had made her desire plain.

[Davina Wellsley]

She made no comment regarding the marriages of cousins. What he said held truths.

"I should like us to be friends Henry." She said again her gaze going to hold his. "I have enough intrigues and plots and schemes surrounding me so I have no wish to add more."

"If we plot against each other and try to outwit then what is the benefit in that?"

"Yes. You must not think that we shall marry. Besides our temperaments are not conducive to smooth sailings."

She gave him a smile then.

"I shall welcome your attentions and appreciate the gesture behind it."

"Honestly."

He was ready to leave. And there was nothing more to be said really.

"You shall find me on the ground floor. And I shall have no trouble finding you after all!"

This in reference to his planned attire of white.

"But perhaps you should rethink it - tis a shame to ruin clothing to prove a point when it is not needed."

"I wonder what we shall discover   ...."

She would exchange a good bye with him and offer her hand to be kissed. Saying that she would remain where she was comfortable and content to have the luxury of privacy This encounter had given her much too think on. His attentions and professed feeling she assumed were of a teasing nature and so had not given them much credit. But perhaps she had miscalculated.

[Blackguard]

"Friends then," he replied with a weak smile.  Rejection in any form had a sting that could not be easily forgotten.  She worried that he might plot against her, when he had never professed such emnity.  "Of course we shan't plot against each other.  We are kin, children of the Church, and friends after all," he attempted to explain.  She seemed to flutter between confidence and fear from sentence to sentence.

To make matters worse, she announced that she could not marry him because they did not share the same temperament.  Henry believed his temperament to be fun-loving, except on the subject of religion.  He was still attempting to divine Davina's temperament.  Did she despise fun?

"Fine, I shall call upon you on the ground floor of your tower on Wednesday morning, say 10 o'clock.  Perhaps a change of color would be wise," he admitted.  She seemed uninterested in a knight anyway.

"Now then, shall I escort you to the ground floor of your tower now, or do you prefer to walk and be alone with your thoughts?"  He was ready to leave,  Given their kinship, he did not seek to kiss her hand in parting.  No such formality was necessary between them.  

[Davina Wellsley]

He had lost some of his 'sparkle' she saw it clearly. Had she been too tough on him perhaps in her dismissal of his wants regarding themselves? That she must have confused him with her own choices of words she knew it. Yet lovers or partners they would not be and he had best understand from the start. A friendship was all that she offered him. And whatever feelings her own self might have she would push firmly down.

He was accepting of her request but had to add in that 'Children of The Church' part that again made her wonder at his true purpose.

"I shall be waiting then."

She nodded at his instructions.

His wearing of white had been his attempt to play at Knighthood and to rescue her. That too she had dismissed and now felt rather guilty. What was wrong with her! This was silliness.

"Well I think wearing ALL white would be. A shame to ruin clothing as I said. Maybe you should wear black - the white of your chemise being your addition of color?

"Just an idea."

He offered to see her away but she shook her head and said she would remain there. He did not give her a Salute in his leave-taking. A rebuff or just being familiar?

The absence of it left her staring at his retreating back long after he had disappeared.

 

(Thanks B for the thread!)