Eleanor had been on a walk throughout the gardens and had spend some hours outside to enjoy the weather, however now she found the wind growing too cold and began her walk back to the castle. However as she walked by an opened window she heard something that caught her attention. Some men she would assume were nobles of higher rank was discussion something of which she wasn’t entirely sure of, but had been enough to trigger her curiosity. And so she walked to the window, close enough to allow her to take a peek inside to confirm her thoughts before hurrying to get out of sight, despite remaining by the window to listen in and considering if she should risk taking another look at what they were doing.
" Lady Eleanor, have you uncovered a plot? ” she asked, curiosity evident in the tone of her voice as she glanced up at the golden-haired girl, who appeared to be spying in a manner which was easily detected. “ Is there is something exciting happening? Can you hear more? I can standard guard if you wish to stay up there a little while longer. ” Suggestions rolled off her tongue, her head whipping back and forth as she scanned the gardens for anyone else that might catch them.
elisabeth was perplexed— and hated the feeling. she had become a strange paradox in the recent months. she had wealth, a title, lands and loyalty. security in both her past and her future, from noble ancestors to her three sons, healthy and strong. and yet…
…and yet, there was the uncertainty of her present, an anxious, pressing feeling. she wished she could know what the almighty had in store for her, but as she knelt at a pew in hampton’s chapel, seeking answers, she found none. a low, faint snarl rumbled at the back of her throat, her frustration finding an escape hatch in the quiet stone room. “damn them. damn luther, damn calvin, damn zwingli, damn all those protestants straight to hell with no chance at purgatory,” she half-growled, half-whispered.
It was not a common occurrence for Kitty to enter the chapel of her own free will, it was usually as a direct result of the entire court attending mass. Her family was of the Catholic faith, the Howard’s often championed that cause, especially when Lutheran texts were discovered in the hand’s of a maid, Kitty could still recall the woman’s screams as she was dragged out of the house and delivered to the Crown’s justice. England held no love for heretics nor reformation, but it appeared that their most glorious King was motioning an era of change. While she felt love for her king, this she could not understand.
She heard the woman’s low growls, the damnation of all those who went against the religious order - Kitty did not blame the woman, although it was a rather bold outburst to be making, and that was saying something if Kitty thought so. Dutifully, the young woman made a cross over her chest, whispering the words, “ In nomine Patris et fillii et Spiritus Sancti. ” Once completed, she turned towards the woman with concern written over her soft features, “ Are you quite well, madam? ”
Francois wandered through court entranced by the festivities. He knew not what to think of it all. He knew he was a Frenchman but he also knew that the church had much sway on his country and with the Protestants becoming a possible threat, it was a bit confusing deciding between his country and his King. The talk and gossip of the possible threat of Denmark’s sway of his country did frighten him a bit but he knew better to show his fear in the ravenous life of court. He knew of one way only to protect himself and his country, to protect his family. He had to place himself in a position of power, power enough to protect his country if things swayed in the wrong direction. Though he knew he needed to fight against the threat he also knew he needed to look like he was but a young rising Duke, loyal to his king.
Francois was knocked out of his thoughts when a voice came through his thoughts, someone attempting to get his attention. Francois looked to the voice, snapping out of his thoughts. “I’m sorry, I was with my thoughts for a moment”. Francois smiled bleakly in an attempt to show friendliness.
It was a most disappointing day for Kitty, and she struggled to hide it. For months she had watched Princesses from near and far come to in England in hope of ensnaring the King - they had been unsuccessful, much to her own selfish delight. She felt jealousy as she watched those with pure noble blood, while she, an unremarkable Howard with nothing to inherit, was a mere nobody. But she dreamed of a day when she would be somebody. The arrival of Princess Christina was certainly going to dampen her spirits.
Kitty straightened her slumped shoulders, and made a conscious effort to plaster her face with a smile. It then occurred to her that the stranger had not noticed she was there, for a moment she deliberated staying silent, but that was uncharacteristic of her. “ Do not apologise, I was merely stating that everyone appears to be rather flustered today. Perhaps, it is the summer heat, ” she commented, aware that it was not the sun that caused the people to stir, but the imminent arrival of a Lutheran Princess.
Following young Kitty’s arrival at court, she slowly found her rhythm among the courtiers as she tried to emulate the subtle graces which the ladies possessed, despite the exuberance and lust for life which guided her everyday life. For a while, she felt ignored, inconsequential, but that was before Francis Dereham arrived at court, and he became something of a comfort blanket to her. She was blind to his manipulations since she was easily fooled, but she soon learned from that mistake. The return of her lover proved to Kitty that she deserved better than to be a plaything to her step-grandmothers secretary, so she severed ties with him.
The girlish infatuation which she felt for the King grew the more time she spent at court, although she was always jealous of the princesses who came to court in hopes of landing a marriage proposal. Kitty always admired men in prominent positions, she coveted them and desired for them to dote upon her, protecting her from the world. She wanted love more than anything, but she always felt that no one would ever love her. Men always saw her as the mistress and never the wife.
Kitty decided to take guidance from her cousin Anne, who navigated the streams of court far better than she ever could. She hoped that with that knowledge she could find herself in a far more positive situation, where she could be treasured and admired. With the help of Anne and the Duke of Norfolk, Kitty hoped to secure a prominent marriage which her poor father could have been proud of - not that she ought to owe him anything.
Although Alistair could have left his horse in the care of the capable stable boys, he believed in taking care of his own responsibilities, taking the saddle off his horse. Setting it aside, he began the process of rubbing down the horse. He laughed at the woman’s words, an easy sound from the man who hide his worries behind charm. “Ah, but I used to sneak them slices of fresh apples.” As if to prove his words, his horse nuzzled at his pockets, making him shove the friendly beast lightly. “They deserve every treat, so I am sure their fondness for you is well deserved as well. But I was speaking of the court itself, not the fine creatures that carry us about.” His ego was not as large as many would assume it to be, so he knew that some of his antics in the past may have not filtered down to those new to court, but now that he had arrived, he was sure the gossip mill would churn once more. But he was not the man who had raced out of here without a word.
Her fingers reached out tentatively to stroke her fingers down the horse's nose, “ They do have a penchant for apples. I would give them all the carrots and apples in the world if it would make them happy. I have always loved horses, ever since I was a little girl, ” Kitty declared passionately, looking at the animal in the eyes. After a moment she turned back to the gentleman with a bright smile, “ Well I am sure they have missed you. Although, I have found in my short time here that it can be a fickle place. But one tries not to linger on such thoughts, and it’s easy to cheer oneself up. ” She did not recognise the gentleman, but that was hardly surprising. The young woman had barely found her feet at court so she would not be familiar with any old faces. “ Begging your pardon, I ought to introduce myself. I’m Catherine, Catherine Howard. Most people call me Kitty, and by most I mean my siblings. But I like it well enough and there really are a lot of Catherines around. ”
The absence of the newly crowned King grew more alarming by the day, whilst the persistent whispers of the same tales became dull and sent the former Countess’ mind almost to sleep a she drifted about the court. Dark mourning gowns and somber atmosphere was not, however, enough to place a great weight upon the soul of Anne Boleyn as she insisted on remaining as her ever consistent self; exchanging smiles and niceties with courtiers in passing and introducing herself to new faces out of both intrigue and need for expansion. No one could possibly say which would come to a close first - the King’s absence or the ever dragging days of Lent - so one must make the effort to lift their own spirits of fall into the shadows with the sheep.
A sudden appearance in Anne’s path startled the older woman, her brow arching out of shock before her expression softened into a more pleasant sense of surprise. It had been quite some time since she had the pleasure of seeing Catherine and it indeed was always a pleasure; some Howards inspired much more delight than others and Kitty was one of those exceptions. “ Oh dear Kitty, you are positively a woman grown! I may have not recognised you, can you forgive me? ” With the warmth of a smile shaking away her surprise, Anne extended her hands as a desire for true reconciliation but also to cease Kitty’s fidgeting so that she might get a better look at her cousin. “ I am well, though always better having seen you, I trust you are quite the same? I wish I had known to expect your arrival, I would have arraigned a supper we might share… Nonetheless, wont you walk with me? I find these rooms to be suffocating from the mass of gossip and whimpering maidens and I would much prefer to hear all of what I have missed since we last met. ”
It was more than she could have hoped for, her dear Anne was pleased to see her. On the long and unsteady journey to Hampton Court, while the carriage jostled her about inside so that pointed elbows jabbed her in the sides, Kitty had thought heartily upon the moment that she would see her cousin once more, a woman whom she had grown to admire over the years. As the youngest of ten, she had often felt overlooked by her elder siblings and cousins alike, but she noticed that the Boleyns shone brighter than any of them. “ I have longed for such things for too long!” she proclaimed, while her hands shook with excitement in Anne’s own. After a moment, she twirled around on her feet so that she could loop her arm through her cousin’s own so that they might walk away from the throng of people.
Blushed lips remained caught in an unbridled smile, pure joy radiating from the young lady. For the first time since arriving at Hampton Court, Kitty felt excitement and belonging. It had been a most unfortunate time to arrive, with the King’s absence and the strict rules of Lent still ever present. Those religious practices were often ignored in her own home, there were too many young minds and not enough guidance. “ My nerves have lessened knowing that you are here, Anne. My sister Isabel sent me some of her gowns to wear since mine were ill-fitting. Do I look suitable enough? ” she enquired, suddenly becoming self-conscious in the presence of her well-dressed cousin.
It had been a year since he had been in court. A year since Arthur had died. The thought of it still stung. The two brothers had been as different as day and night, but they had shared an unbreakable bond, or so he’d thought. Death had proven him wrong. Old habits had him riding out alone, arriving at Hampton Court before anyone could have been warned that he was coming. There was a time that warning could have been very useful. He’d always tried to see how close to the line of trouble he could get without crossing it. He’d found himself on that line more times than he could count, and it had been Arthur who had always pulled him back. Not anymore. Now he had too many responsibilities to cause trouble, and no one to restrain him. Still, a glimmer of the man he’d once been crossed his face as he swung himself off his horse. “Did they miss me, hmm?” He asked his horse before noticing he wasn’t as alone as he’d thought. “What do you think? They missed me, right?”
In spite of the peculiar and unorthodox education which she received in girlhood, there was a mass of feminine qualities which she shared with those of higher breeding. A love of horses was certainly among them, although she dared to go further than many. Her cousins at Chesworth House used to call her a centaur, since she would be gone for hours, long enough to cause even her flippant governess to grow concerned. Kitty entered the stables with the intention of riding, although she had yet to encounter a groom who might saddle her horse. What she did notice, however, who seemed to be talking to his horse. That was not a strange occurrence, many talked to their animals - it was a relatively calming thing to do. Her footsteps halted when she heard the gentleman address her, “ I do not know of whom you speak, my lord, ” she responded, knotting her fingers together. “ Unless you’re referring to the horses, in which I would say that they would miss me more - I treat them to more carrots than they deserve. ”
The young lady knew she was supposed to be sensible and quiet and demure - but none of those were words that described her. She had escaped outside, and had surrounded herself with little flowers she’d picked, weaving them together to make herself a crown. It sat on her golden locks, lopsided, as she hummed a tune that wouldn’t leave her head. Almost finished a second crown, she looked up when she heard footsteps. “If you wait just one moment, a heartbeat really, you can have this one.” She offered with a brilliant smile before returning her attention to the flowers that her thin fingers weaved together.
She dreamt of spring often, the blossoming of bright flowers and the warmth of the woken sun on her pale skin. Kitty wanted to frolic in the fountain, feel the stream of water wash over her warm skin, but she was no longer in Chesworth and such lack of propriety would not gain her many friends. The observation had been made that ladies at court were demure but tactile, honey sweet with viper teeth, and young Catherine had not yet discovered the balance. Everything was bold and bright, so when she came across the young lady weaving flower crowns, the spirited girl was enthralled. “ Oh, I would love to wear one of your flower crowns! ” Kitty proclaimed, combing a hand through her long wavy hair.
Despite the absence of excitement, Kitty’s spirits were not dampened by the spring showers of a concerned court. Her presence at court was an opportunity, and especially not one to be easily squandered. There were many influential faces that could be discerned from the crowds, pillars of nobility and power and in the king’s good graces. She had high hopes for her time at court, but that meant having something of a powerful ally. And what was better than her own blood.
When Kitty arrived at court, she felt certain that Lord Norfolk would have sought her own, but to her dismay, he did not. So she took it upon herself to make her arrival at court known and her intentions clear, he needed to help her sparkle. Her petite hand curled into a fist as she knocked enthusiastically against the door, ignoring the waiting servant who looked somewhat flabberghasted by her sudden intrusion...protocol be damned.
“ Uncle, ” she called out, waltzing into the apartment with unrivalled exuberance. “ It is I, Catherine Howard.”
The sombre mood at court was most uninspiring, and the young lady found herself in desperate need of entertainment or distraction. Catherine had been so excited to come to court, following her dismay from missing the king’s coronation. She had implored her grandmother to grant her attendance, but at the time she had not yet turned eighteen, and the dowager duchess was intent on keeping the impressionable maiden away from the frivolity and scandal of the English court. She had since celebrated her birthday and joined the alleged intrigue of court, only to be met with the worrisome whispers of a missing king.
With her chin resting on the ball of her hand, she let out a great sigh and crumpled into the finely upholstered chair. Fingers rhythmically tapped against the wood, in time with the popular melody that was chorusing through her brain, when a flash of raven hair caught her gaze. At once the vivacious lady sprung from her chair to intercept the woman’s footsteps. Her heart leapt with excitement.
“ Anne, ” Kitty breathed through her words, unconsciously brushing down the fabrics of her gown, preening herself in hopes of looking more suitable in the presence of her older, far more graceful and coveted cousin. “ You look well. Are you well? It has been too long since I have been in your company, Cousin Anne. I hope I seem more grown since the last time we spoke,” Kitty rambled, unable to pause with uncontained excitement.
☆ ━ ━ OUT OF THE WAY ! can’t you see CATHERINE ‘KITTY’ HOWARD, the LADY of CHESWORTH HOUSE coming this way ? I hear SHE is SPIRITED, but also IMPULSIVE. SHE seems to remind everyone of STOLEN JEWELS, AN ABUNDANCE OF MARZIPAN, .&. FINE SKIRTS RIPPLING IN THE WIND. hopefully one day SHE will succeed in HER ambition to BE COVETED AT COURT AND MARRY WELL, but then again, the court is a dangerous place. one can only hope SHE will keep HER head… ( LILY JAMES ) ━ ━ ☆ as written by CHARLOTTE;; GMT, SHE, 24.
There are many assumptions about my dear Kitty Howard, and while many of them are true and she is not profoundly knowledgeable, she is not as uneducated as some would have you believe. As the youngest of ten, there was little care or guidance offered to the young girl, for her troubled father grew deeper into the debts of the crown, with not enough estate and far too many mouths to feed. The forgotten daughter grew wild and hungry for the attention of others.
She had a sad start to her life filled with loneliness and poverty, and as she grows older, she fills the void with fine things to make herself feel better. Kitty will always try to look on the brighter side of things.
When she was sent to live with her grandmother, alongside a cluster of other wayward Howards, her own education was far less stiff-lipped than those of similar breeding. As the youngest, she was the most impressionable and would inevitably become the most hungry for the finer things in life. She sinned regularly and rarely spoke to god.
Kitty taught herself to read and write from the scattered books that the Dowager Duchess kept around the manor since she was rarely around. Her interest in reading came from an afternoon of boredom when Henry Mannox had not shown up for her music lesson. At the time she thought she liked the attentions of Henry Mannox, but she was young and wrong. When she was a little older, Francis Dereham made her feel valued and even called her, his little wife. She did like that.
She was incredibly gifted in the art of dance, which she practised daily in order to perfect her voltas.
Kitty does have her heads in the clouds, and her intentions would seem harmless. She is rather selfish but values family and friendship. While some believe that she is not listening, she is intelligent and savvy in her own way, even if she has no interest in reading from the bible or bartering for position and patronage through political advancement.
She has a girlish crush on the king because why not? Position and handsomeness are very appealing to the young kitty.
QUICK FACTS:
She’s 18 years old. Young bean.
Has a Cavalier King Charles called Copper
Loves fine dresses, lavish jewels and plates of marzipan.
Drinking and dancing, two of her favourite things to do.
