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Heresy On Our Land; tag; Thomas More
Topic Started: Mar 28 2017, 03:50 PM (303 Views)
Henry Howard
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[align=center]March, 1540[/align]

It had been two months since Henry heard about a playwright spreading heresy in the North. He had sent agents to investigate. They took witness testimonies and began to look for evidence. And, now they finally got it. It took weeks to get it together, but they finally have the evidence and proof they need to prosecute. He had been so busy with investigating and rooting out anything that might have threatened Mary's place on the throne. He hadn't had time to visit his newborn daughter, Jane. He knew people might think he was disappointed in having a daughter, but that was not true. Of course he would have been overjoyed if he had a son, but he knew that he and Frances was still young. There was plenty of time to have more children. He wasn't worried, but he was definitely proud to be a father. It was an overwhelming feeling that was too difficult to describe. But, for the first time in a long time, he thought he finally understood his own father.

Right now, he couldn't think about his daughter. There were bigger things happening. And, in reality, he was really doing this to secure his daughter's future in this world. Henry walked down the large corridor with a huge bundle of paper tucked under his right arm. More was in charge of taking out the heretics. And, Henry finally found the evidence More would need to take some action. Henry had to admit that he wasn't sure about working with More. He thought More was too pious or righteous. And, there was nothing more Henry hated than haughty people, especially since he can be quite as haughty as the rest of them.

Henry knocked on the door of More's office. He had sent a note that he wanted to stop by today. It would be the last thing he would do today before going back home. He promised Frances he would take the weekend to visit. She had been there since they were quickly married last summer. Henry didn't need Frances around to anger the Queen. He also didn't want her eaten up by the harsh gossip of Court.
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Thomas More
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When More heard the knock on the door he stood up and stretched his tired and stiff muscles. He sighed. But now this sigh wasn't desperate, disappointed or angry. For the first time in a long time, Thomas More felt peace and there was also hope in his heart. Yes, he knew he could have all reason to feel otherwise, as he was aware of the dark clouds which threatened him in his private life and also in his office, but somehow he felt more confident than in months. It was related to the fact that he was able to spend time with the most important person is his life and also it seemed he was able to grant her wish. He wrote the latter to Lord Darrell and the first reply although it wasn't enthusiastic about the news concerning his daughter but did not rule out the possibility of reconciliation either. So it was promising.

But he was really looking forward this particular meeting. He was glad to read Lord Howard's note earlier. Henry Howard was his favourite recently by this name, his other namesakes were more annoying and tiresome. Henry Howard was a promising young man, whose life was not full of scandals. He was always a loyal servant of Queen Mary, and although More suspected there was a time when he had more fervent feelings for her, but he was alway polite and respectful in her company. But what was the most important Henry Howard was a devoted Catholic who fought against the heretics with all his youthful energy. And More was aware that he would need Henry Howard s qualities to complement his own. Ge walked toward the door then opened it with an amiable smile.

Welcome Lord Howard, please, do come in. Your note made me very intrigued. Can I offer you any refreshment? And I also would like to congratulate you on the birth of your daughter. It is a real bliss to welcome a new life into a family. These were not just empty words. More would have done anything for his children even now when they were already grown up. And there was also his secret wish he harboured in the deepest corner in his heart. But he wanted to concentrate on this important meeting now, so he slowly started back to his desk. The fact that you are here and not with your family but in my not too welcoming office tells me that your loquence must be important, So I'm eager to listen to what you have to say. I hope we will find a common ground. He indicated that his visitor should take seat.
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Henry Howard
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Many people didn't like Thomas More. People thought he was too serious all the time. But, that was fine with Henry. He didn't need More to converse with trivial matters. More cared about this country, and he was faithful to Mary. That's all Henry cared about. If he wanted someone to talk about poetry or to to go hunting, he had other friends for that. More was good for what Henry needed him for: to help and protect the Queen. So, he smiled and bowed his head slightly to greet the older man. Henry may have outranked him. But, this man worked with the King and had his confidence. The Queen Dowager trusted him enough to keep him on when Mary took the throne. So, he was experienced and deserved some respect.

"I'll have some wine if you're offering it," he said as he continued to walk in the office. Henry took a seat and made himself at home. He placed the large folder of evidence on the desk. "Thank you, sir. I'm very happy and proud. In fact, I plan on seeing my wife and child as soon as this business is done." Then, More gave him the floor. Henry cleared his throat and pushed the folder toward More.

"As you know, we have been searching out for any insurgents, rebels, or heretics," Henry started. "There had been rumors of a former monk, John Bale, who had been planning against the Church, sir. About seven years ago, he was a monk in Ipswich, sir. There, he gave a sermon against praying to saints. The Archbishop of York summoned Bale before him and stripped him of his robe. It has been said this man now lives with his mistress, who is pregnant with his child. He continues to talk against the Church and its leaders. And, there are even rumors that he has started to talk about our Queen."

And, maybe that was what Henry really wanted to stop. The things Bale has been doing should really be stopped by the Church. It was their jurisdiction. However, as soon as Bale began to talk against the Queen, Henry knew he had to step in. It was something he wouldn't tolerate. "I have there," Henry pointed to the folder on the desk. "eyewitness testimonies that my agents have collected for the past two weeks. They have conducted a search of Bale's house and found a manuscript to a play and a few pamphlets. The play has already been performed. My agents are out looking for the actors so we can arrest them as well. The pamphlets can be found all over town. He has been leaving them on people's doorsteps or placing them in the house so that the townspeople are forced to read it, even if they do not wish to read it."

He gave More some time to look through the evidence. "I like to think I have enough evidence here to bring the man in. We can arrest him and try him for treason. He talks about overthrowing the Catholic Queen and replacing her with a Lutheran ruler." Henry would like to kill the man himself. But, he knew that if they prosecuted this man, it would need to be by the books. It would only cause an uproar and a riot. All those dormant heretics would come out and make Bale a martyr to their cause, and Henry could not have that.
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Thomas More
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As you wish, my Lord. More nodded quickly then walked to the little side table on which he kept the wine. He filled two goblets with the dark purple liquid, passed on to the young Lord then taking his own with him he walked back behind hid desk. As he waited for his visitor to start to speak, he watched his face and was content with what he saw there. It was a healthy mixture of excitement, pride and nervousness. Henry Howard had not too high opinion of himself, but he lacked not of confidence either. It was evident he considered his findings important. More decided he will give him enough time to say whatever he wants without interrupting him.

Although he promised to remain silent, the task was harder than he thought. Of course, he heard the name of Bale often enough but till now he did not manage to catch him and punish him severely. Maybe Henry Howard was indeed the asset he needed to be more effective. Of course, he was well aware of what Bale did seven years ago, he was in correspondence with the bishop Edward Lee about it, But then he somehow lost track of Bale. As he listened to the words about Bale having a mistress and the other horrid accusation his face got darker and darker. And then as he heard that Bale is actually insolent enough to speak against the Queen, he quietly hissed How dares he...

More suspected that they are similar with Henry Howard in that aspect that for both of them Mary was more than "just" the Queen. He was beside Mary since her birth and was there while she became that woman, that monarch she was now. More was immensely proud of Mary Tudor and always felt a fatherly care for her even though he would never say that to Mary herself. As for Henry Howard and his feelings for Mary he could only guess, but it was surely more than simple loyalty.

When Henry Howard finished his speech More folded his fingers together and remained silent. He knew that in these cases they have to act very carefully if they don't want to make martyrs of the heretics. Then he slowly opened the folder and quickly run through its content. However, he knew there will be more time needed to read everything through. And then they have to decide what their next step should be. Well.... he started slowly. My Lord, I have to say I'm more than impressed. The work you have done is extraordinary. Of course, I would like to study the evidence more thorough, if you let me. I'm not sure we should punish people for plays but these pamphlets are outrageous. Ant to have a protestant King.... Even the thought is high treason. Did he ever mention names? He couldn't be sure if it was there in the papers as he had just a little time to look into it. Then he turned his attention fully to Henry Howard.

The idea of overthrowing Mary couldn't be his own alone. He has to have mighty supporters, complices.... I see two paths before us... We can take him in "loudly" stating an example, but that way we can scare the complices into hiding. Or we act very, very quietly, almost in secret. It is not important to take him even into the Tower. We could question him in my house in Chelsea... who knows what more he could tell us... What do you think, my Lord?
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Henry Howard
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Henry trusted More's judgment. He was one of the former King's closest friend and advisor. So, he knew the man would be just as loyal to the Queen. If there was anyone who could get a warrant for Bale, it would be More. They had enough evidence to indict Bale. The man needed to be stopped. Such dangerous words could be the death to the Queen. Henry wasn't over-reacting. Kings and princes have died for less dangerous words. And, with Mary not yet secured on the throne, they had to take extra precaution.

More complimented Henry for the work he did on Bale. Henry was used to hearing compliments about his poetry and other literary work. But, this was probably the biggest thing he worked on for the Queen since she took the throne. His father rarely complimented him. So, it was nice to hear it from a man he somewhat respected. "Thank you," Henry said, bowing his head. He drank some of the wine More gave him. "Please take the time to look through the evidence, but I believe I've done all the work. I want to make sure everything is thorough and air-tight."

If they were able to get Bale, they would be able to show everyone that England would not tolerate dissent or heresy in this country. The Queen would be so happy that Henry (and More) were able to catch this man before he did anymore damage. A Protestant King was preposterous. Where would they find... Then, a thought came to him. It had been months since his friend Henry Fritzroy visited his apartment. When he heard or saw nothing, he assumed his friend failed. He was successful in winning his sister's hand in marriage. HIs father was always looking for ways to align the family with other families of power. Fitzroy may be illegitimate, he was still royal, and that was what was important to his father. However, he wondered if his friend would be this "Protestant King." As far as Henry knew, his friend wasn't a Protestant. But, he did have design for the throne. And, who knew what religion his friend believed in. How well did Henry really know his friend? Fitzroy could pretend to be Protestant to get the people's support. Anything was possible. However, Henry wasn't sure if he wanted to share those thoughts with More just yet. Not unless he had enough proof. He knew his friend wanted to get rid of Mary and place himself on the throne. But, that was just talk. He had to find his friend to see if he paid Bale to do his talking.

"I wasn't given a name," Henry said, finishing his wine. "But, who could be some possible candidates? I'm sure it's just something to say. They want to get rid of Mary because she's a woman. They want a man on the throne, a King. And, since these are heretics, of course they would want a Protestant King who was sympathetic to their needs. I don't think there is an actual Protestant King they're rallying behind." At least he hoped there wasn't.

More had a point. Bale could not be doing this alone. Someone with money and power had to be behind this. Or else, how did he grow to be so bold? If that was the case, Bale was just the puppet. He was the voice. But, there was someone more powerful behind him, and they needed to find him or them. Henry grew quiet as he gathered his thoughts. "Bale needs to be made an example," he said slowly. "Perhaps if we set the example, then his accomplice might not dare to act again and consider it a failure. However, if we do make too much noise, it might bring the accomplice out and force them to act irrationally." Either way, they needed to find the accomplice, if there is any. "Let's see if there he knows anything else. I don't think anyone knows we're suspicious of him yet. And, if he proved to know nothing, then we'll make a big spectacle of it. It's better to catch all the mice than just one mouse, right?"

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Thomas More
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More's thoughts were running wildly. They indeed had very important, you also could say crucial documents in their hands. And they had to act in a way that they think not just of the next step but on the next three steps in advance at least. And one careless step could ruin all this work. More already knew that in the case of suspicion about Thomas Cromwell he most probably acted too fast. He alerted the other Thomas too early, so he will be extra cautious from now on, and the fact, that Thomas Cromwell hinted on some very delicate issues proved only that there was something in More's suspicions, but nothing more. And More wanted to be careful because he was not alone in this investigation. Henry Howard was young and this could be a perfect start to prove himself. But this case could bury them under itself, and More was determined he won't let that happen.

Hearing Henry Howard's words a soft smile played on his lips and took a sip of wine. Don't get me wrong, my Lord. I trust you and your diligent work completely. Just... maybe reading everything will maybe give me some ideas, I will have some thought what you have not thought of just because I'm a different person. You know, two heads are better than one. But we have to make sure there are no more heads. Have you shown this to anyone? More learned to be extremely careful over the years and knew even walls could have ears or eyes. That was the reason why he mentioned to no one whom he meets today. Only Henry Howard and he himself knew about this.

More listened further to the young Lord. But there was something Henry Howard miscalculated. Most probably because of his age. My Lord, if they really have no other candidate to overthrow Mary, we have nothing to worry about. Then Bale and his possible allies will fail even without us. If you want to overthrow a monarch you HAVE TO have someone to replace them. You need a name, a face, behind whom you could muster forces. The question is, who could be that person? More stood up and started to pace up and down. He could just hope it won't annoy Henry. It helped him to think and to focus. The candidate cannot be a commoner otherwise just a few would stand behind him. So he must be of royal birth or royal relation, There is the young Fitzroy. He is Henry VIII's son after all. And since Queen Mary recognised Anne Boleyn's daughter as her sister.... Could Lady Boleyn be so reckless as to try to put her daughter on the throne? I think that is highly unlikely, but who knows? He could imagine a lot about that snake, but that was maybe too much. I wouldn't think English lords would support a foreigner, but could you think of anyone? Then he suddenly stopped pacing and frowned deeply. And there is a family which was close to power long ago.... and who knows if they harboured ambition ever since. And a member of this family was away from England for long then suddenly reappeared.... Do you think Henry Pole could be that ambitious? And I wold like to hear your opinion about the other, my lord. And I hope it's clear that this should remain between us.

He then walked back to his table and wrote down some lines on a piece of parchment. Then looked up again. Yes, we must as effectively as possible. And as now I cannot trust Lord Pole completely until he is proved to be innocent, Bále cannot enter the Tower. No, Chelsea ist the perfect place for now. Do you agree? As I would not do anything without your consent.
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Henry Howard
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Henry knew how important it was to keep this quiet. There was no need to notify someone of this investigation and have the perpetrator get rid of the evidence before they can catch them. However, lately, his wife has gotten involved with his work. She was an intelligent woman, and it would be a waste to not use those talents and skills. She would help him take notes or copy notes over in neater handwriting. So, it was natural his wife knew about this investigation. However, he trusted his wife. And, he was pretty sure that she wasn't some kind of spy or some secret heretic. And, she would definitely have no interest in taking the throne. Her only connection to the throne was her marriage to him. And, Henry had no intentions of taking the throne from Mary. "It's just us," Henry said, shaking his head. There was no need to share that his wife helps him with the work or that she knew about this investigation.

The most he listened to More talk, the more uncomfortable he became. He knew the older man was right. They wouldn't casually say they support another if there was no other. Why threaten the sea of the throne unless there was someone to replace Mary with. Henry shifted in his seat, trying to alleviate the discomfort he felt. He wondered if his friend had anything to do with Bale. Fitzroy definitely had the money to support such a cause. And, if he married his sister, he would surely win the Duke of Norfolk's support in this, too. Henry was glad when More stood up to pace around the room. It allowed Henry to loosen the muscles in his face. His mind was rushing to wonder how long he could keep this secret from More.

It seemed like More had a few names in mind already. The mention of Fitzroy made him realize he was holding his breath the entire time. Henry knew he needed to control his emotions better or More would sense something was wrong. The man was smart enough to notice. Boleyn's daughter was just a child. "Surely, not Boleyn's daughter," Henry scoffed. "They're going to replace a woman with a much younger woman. Is the girl old enough to write her name?" Elizabeth must be five or six by now. If there are plans to put Elizabeth on the throne, surely it must be the doing of her mother or grandmother. "The Boleyns have no power whatsoever at court," Henry pointed out. "And, a foreign King? Never." People would rather put up with Mary than agree to a foreign King, which was one of the reason why it was so hard for Mary to find a husband and King. Then, More mentioned a name he hasn't heard in years. "Pole," he said, shocked. "I doubt Pole would want the throne. But, his mother might be whispering in his ear."

"I guess there are possible candidates to take the throne," Henry said. "However, we must not become paranoid. Because if we squint hard enough, there are more people in the wings who can take the throne. Henry the seventh found some kind of connection to the throne and successfully took it. Anyone with any royal connection can have a claim." He wondered if he should warn Fitzroy that he is now on the radar of More. But, the other part of him knew that by doing that, he would be betraying his Queen. "Perhaps we should invite these suspects to court. Hold a banquet. Let us...observe them to see if they are suspicious. We would be able to tell who has designs for the throne if they're closer." It might be dangerous to invite those who are willing to overthrow Mary to be closer to the throne. But, Henry thought it would be more dangerous to not know who the enemy was.

Henry took a moment to think about what More proposed. Perhaps it was better to have the execution in Chelsea. They needed to make an example, but they don't need to make a spectacle in the busy town of London. "No, you're right," Henry said, nodding his head. "Bale does not need to be in the Tower. There's no need to waste the Queen's funds on that. Chelsea will do. But, we would need someone to speak on behalf of the Queen in Chelsea. We need to show that this type of act against the Crown would not be tolerated." Perhaps the Duke of of Suffolk or even his father, the Duke of Norfolk could speak and read the declaration. They needed to make a show, even if it was a small one.
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Thomas More
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Although they had a meaningful and important conversation, More did not let down his guard completely, his senses remained alerted. He knew this young man since his tender age and over the years he watched how he matured to a grown-up man, but he still couldn't completely trust him. Maybe his office and his experiences made him indeed paranoid, but there was maybe one single person whom he trusted. And that person was close to the Queen but wasn't the young Henry. No, he would not think for a mere second that Henry Howard directly would turn against Mary, but his youth, his naivety could associate him with such persons whom he would need to avoid. And his instincts told him there was something he hasn't realised yet. So for a while, he just listened, watched and waited. And soon he noticed a little sigh which raised his suspicion. However, he gave no sign of that yet.

Of course I didn't mean to say that the little Elizabeth would rule per se. No. But he would be a perfect puppet in the hand of power hungry adults, for whom she would be nothing more than a tool. If she would be put on a throne there would be a regent or more of them from the little Elizabeth's circle. For a fleeting moment he pondered on the association between Anne Boleyn and the Duke of Suffolk, but really there was nothing that would indicate serious danger from that direction.

It was interesting to see how strongly Henry Howard reacted on the thought of a foreign king, Of course, More shared his sentiment. However, his opinion changed a lot about a foreign husband mainly thanks to his talks with Lord Cromwell. However, this topic was too secret to mention it here and now and now, If all goes well in time everybody will hear about anyway. So, now he could just agree. You are right, I wouldn't think either that the people pf England would accept a foreigner. Hearing the young Howard's words about Pole, he raised and eyebrow and chuckled bitterly. Well... I had the fortune to meet Pole several times and I have to say he loves power and money. And who could have more power and money than a king? Then he fell silent. Lady Pole... Maybe she could never forget and forgive what the Tudors did to her brother. But to think that she who was beside Mary Tudor all her life would now plot against her? It was an unlikely prospect but there happened uglier things in history.

He smiled softly but reassuringly. This is"t paranoia, my Lord. We are just cautious. And fortunately to be a successful usurper you need influence, money, supporters, an army... This is a difficult combination to get. So although there might be a lot who have the ambition, there are very few who actually have the means to it,

Then he considered silently the idea which Henry Howard presented. He personally wasn't really a friend of any kind of celebration, but his personal feelings cannot stand in the waí of their aims. Well, if the banquet is not too pompous, I don't see any reason against it. However, we need to find an occasion, a reason to have this banquet if we "just" organise one that might be suspicious.

Then he shook his head again. You are forgetting who you are speaking to, There was no reproach in these words. It was a mere fact. As Lord Chancellor I have all the authority that is needed. We will need to find a way to get Bale to Chelsea, interrogate him in order to know everything from him, and if he is indeed guilty, we execute him for everybody to see. I don't want rumours to circle for years that he might be alive. He wrote down something again. I would like you to be present at the interrogations. You were to one who found Bale, you need to be there. Do you think you could manage to get there? More knew that Henry Howard might find his methods too... violent but hopefully those methods won't be needed at all.

Then he sat back behind his desk, drained his goblet and suddenly placed it back on the table with a loud bang then fixed his eyes on Henry Howard. His voice was calm, even but had an edge. Forgive me, my Lord, but I did not fail to notice that you didn't comment on the young Fitzroy. And as I think you do nothing without a good reason, I wonder why. I need to ask, are you hiding anything from me?
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Henry Howard
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Henry could imagine Thomas Boleyn wanting his granddaughter on the throne and name himself regent. Yes, it was a possibility. He had been dormant for the past few years, but it was because he had no good moves to make. Henry wouldn't put it past Thomas Boleyn to take this opportunity of gossip and rumors to want Elizabeth on the throne. "Yes, a regent to Elizabeth could be just as dangerous," he said. "Does the queen suspect the Lady Elizabeth? Or anyone else?" The queen had enough on her plate. The last thing Henry wanted was to make her worry over something that might not happen.

As for the Poles..."What better way to plot against the Queen than to be by her side at every moment," Henry reasoned. "She could have listened and waited for the perfect moment. Perhaps she hears the rumors, just as we have." No one can predict or understand a person's thinking. There could be so many different factors that could lead to someone to commit treason. He only hoped that his friend, Fitrzoy would change his mind. He must talk to his friend. It was one thing to talk about it. But, now that More suspected Fitzroy, it would only be a matter of time before someone else suspected him. Then, it would be too late.

There are always reasons to have a banquet. But, even if there wasn't, the Queen could always find a reason. "Perhaps we can talk to the Queen," he suggested. "But, don't tell her the true reason for having a banquet. I don't want her to worry or become too paranoid that she would start pushing people away." He was sure that if he talked to her, he might be able to convince her to have a banquet with little effort. However, if More approached the Queen, it might seem more like an official business than a personal favor.

Bale is in hiding. So, they obviously, can't just ride out to him and arrest him. "Well, I can have my men on it," he offered. "I can have them find Bale, maybe set up a trap. Then, as soon as he's arrested, we can question in." Henry was actually surprised that More thought of him to participate in the interrogation. "Yes, of course," Henry said, feeling pride. His hardwork was finally starting to pay off. He had always been known for his poetry, athletic skills, an being the son of a duke. But, to finally come on his own was something Henry had always wanted. "We will make sure Bale confess what we need him from him." Henry was finally feeling useful at Mary's court. He no longer received jobs because his father put in a good word for him. He did the leg work, and now he was going to have a hand in prosecuting a man who was a threat to the country.

Henry felt relaxed and confident as he sat back in his seat. He drank from his goblet when More slammed his goblet down on the table. Henry almost spilled the wine on himself. Thankfully, he had just finished. "What in Lord's name..." Henry said, shocked at the sudden change. He swallowed hard when More questioned him about Fitzroy. "I am not hiding anything, sir," Henry said. Then, he stood up with indignation. "And I resent the accusation. What proof do you have? I did not mention Fitzroy because there is nothing to say about him. The Queen had been kind to him since they were children. Even when he was still considered a bastard, the Queen visited him and played with him. Fitzroy has nothing but respect for the Queen. If we're going around accusing the Queen's relation, what about the Lady Frances? She is the daughter of Princess Margaret, the late King's beloved sister. Or how about the Queen's half sister? There are plenty of other people with the Queen's royal blood. But, I do not hear you mention them. Are you trying to hide something as well, sir?"
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Thomas More
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More silently pondered for a while about Mary and Elizabeth. Mary was a better and better, more and more clever monarch as the days passed, and More was sure she can be a great and just Queen one day, but one thing she was lacking. Coldness. There was no way Mary would think her little half sister dangerous. Mary was too fond of children herself anyway. Now More thought again that this possible marriage with the Saxon could bring not just stability and allies to England but fulfilment to Mary. But More reminded himself again that this was indeed an issue to solve in the future, not now. I think our beloved Queen would never suspect Elizabeth. And now for surely not. Otherwise, she wouldn't have acknowledged Elizabeth as her sister just mere months ago, As for the others... well, I cannot, of course, know what is she thinking, but I try to wait with alerting her about the situation until I have solid evidence. Do you agree with my decision?

More heard Henry Howard's reasoning about the Poles with a darkening face. Of course, the young man had right. The human nature has very dark depths, darker than people could normally imagine, More lived long enough to see everything unimaginable, and yet, if it would turn out that Lady Pole, who was beside Mary Tudor since her childhood had indeed malicious intent, then More would be disappointed in her bitterly, as well as in his own judge of character. Of course, you are right, but if the people nearest to the Queen could mean a danger to her, then we have indeed serious problems. Because then it would mean that the Queen has even less support than they believed so far.

He listened further to Henry's reasoning about the banquet and he again knew he has to put his personal aversions aside. Well then on my next audience with Her Majesty I will suggest her to organise a banquet to represent our strength and that the Queen feels her position secure to celebrate, That could send a positive message to England and to abroad as well. As I have heard the Duke of Bavaria returned to our Court recently. Let's give him a warm welcome. Of course, this was just half serious, as the arrival of the Bavarian Duke was hardly a real reason to have a banquet, but that can be mentioned as well.

More was a bit surprised. Somehow he had the impression that Henry Howard or his men know about Bale's whereabouts. But he maybe just missed something. And for him, it was natural to ask Henry Howard to help him. For one if he won't be all alone with Bale but with Henry Howard, no one could accuse him of misusing his power. And it would be unfair or even ungodly to claim all the success to himself if the work was mostly done by the young Howard. And he thought Henry Howard very promising and would be delighted to be able to work with him for long in the future. Please, my Lord, do everything you can to get him as soon as possible, I don't want him to escape. If you are near to it, please inform me. Then I will travel home to Chelsea immediately. The Court will think I will have some family issues to solve. This way my absence from Court won't raise suspicion. As for you being there... he raised an eyebrow questioningly. What could be your reason for being there?

At Henry Howard's outburst did everything to maintain his neutral face. His natural reaction would have been to close his eyes and exhale sharply. As Henry Howard reacted exactly the way he feared he would. And that disappointed him bitterly. But he wasn't allowed to show. He will now do everything to make Henry Howard feel that he is off the hook. He put up his hand apologetically, My, lord, my lord, please! I'm honestly sorry if I offended you. I don't accuse you of anything, I just asked a question. If I gave a wrong impression, blame my cautiousness. Believe me, you have my trust.
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"No, best not alert the Queen just yet," Henry said nodding his head. There was no need to tell Mary about the situation just yet. He was sure she was already paranoid. There was no need to feed into her fears and paranoia. It was better for them to sit on this until More had stronger proof. And, it would give him time to talk to Fitzroy. All of this was starting to make him uneasy. He was dedicated to Mary. He was. But, he also had loyalty to his good friend. However, he knew when it came down to it, he would choose his Queen over his friend. But, he must give Fitzroy a chance to change his mind. Nothing has happened that can't be undone.

Henry was glad to hear that More agreed to talk to Mary about the banquet. This country needed a good party. This court needed one. Mary was a young queen, which meant many of the nobles at court were young as well. And, young people always loved a good banquet. He was sure his wife would enjoy attending on, since she had never been to one. It would allow her to get out of the house and stop worrying about the chores around the house. He perked up when he heard More mention Philip. "Yes, I am aware of that," Henry said, smiling and nodding. His good friend had written of his return. They must meet up soon. Perhaps later this week would be a good time. He could spend some time with Philip while he waited for Bale to be found. "I'm sure he would love a good banquet."

Henry didn't think he needed to have an excuse. He was going to arrest a man who was speaking against the Queen and committing heresy. What more of a reason did he need? He figured More didn't want word to get out that they were after Bale so that he would escape. "I could just say I'm visiting a friend or something," Henry said, shrugging his shoulder. He never thought about needing an excuse to go anywhere. No one really took notice. "What does it matter? People don't watch me that closely."

His reaction to More's accusation was a bit much, and he knew that afterwards. Henry blushed from embarrassment. It seemed he still had more maturing to do. He tried to collect himself, to return to normal so that he wouldn't raise any more suspicions. "No, it's fine," Henry said, though he didn't feel fine. "I'm sorry I reacted like that. I just don't like people questioning my loyalty to the Queen. No one has no idea how much I care about the Queen." It would surely cause a scandal if people knew how much he loved Mary and the thoughts he had of her when she was just a princess would be treasonous now.
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Thomas More
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LORD HIGH CHANCELLOR
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More nodded solemnly. It was a comforting feeling to know that they think the same way, He knew that for both of them Mary's wellbeing and her peace of mind was one of the most important things. Their motivations might be different, but...well, they were too different in age in upbringing and so many things that it was no wonder at all. And if More wanted, to be honest, Mary had a tendency for being worried, so they shouldn't give her more reason to do it. It was better to wait

And as if wanting to prove his thoughts about him and Henry Howard being different, it was interesting to see how the thought of a ball changed the young man's face and attitude, he became a young man he was. A young man who liked celebrations ad liked being around his friends. He wondered however if Henry Howard had any idea what could be the real reason behind the Bavarian Duke's visit. More had some suspicion but that had nothing to do with banquets. And if he wanted to be honest, he was more than surprised that the Emperor would give ANY important task to Phillip. Well, Duke Phillip has a reputation, I'm sure you are aware of that. And according to that, he will definitely enjoy the celebrations. However, I wouldn't be surprised if you would meet a changed man. After what happened to his family, I mean. More wasn't sure how much Henry Howard knows. He himself knew from personal experience what a blow it can be if your wife dies.

When Henry spoke about not being watched More just shook his head. My dear lord, it's good that you don't consider yourself overly important, but nowadays we cannot be sure who is watched by whom. You might think me over-cautious, and apologize for that, but I simply don't want to risk losing Bale.
More wouldn't tell Howard of course that if he wasn't watched till now, from this moment he definitely will be.

He waited calmly till Henry Howard composed himself. Then he stood up as if to give more importance and seriousness to his words. No need to appologize. And please believe me when I say I would never doubr your loyalty. Never. But other's might,,, try to sway or confuse you. If you ever feel lost in the mate of Court so to say you can turn to me. Then for a second a fatherly smile appeared on his face, which quickly disappeared then. I might have bo idea what the Queen means to you, but I have strong suspicion. Don't forget I see both of you growing up. Then he shook his head as if to turn back to his professional self. Well, if there is nothing more to disscuss, I wish not to rob more of your time, my lord.
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