7October 7th, 1562
Whitehall Palace
Isabella was waiting, too long for her liking. She had summoned the Duke of Pembroke, the Duke of Northumberland, and the Duke of Norfolk an hour ago. She had important business to attend to and she was growing impatient. She rested her hands on her swollen womb, being nearly four months along. The swell wasn't large yet, but it was now visible all the same. The crackle of the fire was the only sound that permeated the silence in her rooms. Her ladies were in the grand hall, enjoying themselves at feast to the king's health, but she had excused herself early to begin her work. Her children had been sent off to various places in the countryside once Queen Mary had set off on a barge for Scotland. Isabella knew Marie had remained with Edward in the great hall, also gone with child. It didn't matter as much anymore, there was a new whore to supplant Marie, one that had been pushed in front of the king by Northumberland, a Susan Stafford. The girl was much younger than Marie and more pliable, qualities that made her a rival to the powerful French mistress. Northumberland had even brought the girl to meet Isabella, so that girl would promise to stop sleeping with the king once Marie was displaced, if Isabella arranged a good marriage for her. Isabella agreed, wanting nothing but to be rid of Marie. Susan had been in her rooms before the feast started, and Northumberland promised to introduce the girl to Edward and then return to assist Isabella in her work. Finally, there was a knock on the door and the three Dukes filed into her solar to discuss important matters. She took a seat and they formed a line to kiss her right hand, beginning with Norfolk and ending with Pembroke.
"Your Majesty." They murmured in unison.
Isabella gave a coy smile. "How did the king receive Lady Susan?"
Northumberland cleared his throat. "The king appeared to be quite enthused to meet her. However, the whore caused a scene which I was employed to diffuse."
Isabella nodded curtly. "The Lady Susan is one of the whore's ladies. I suppose she did not enjoy feeling displaced in the king's affections."
Norfolk chuckled. "With such a temper, it is a shock to us all how she managed to keep the king interested for so long. She nearly parted with her child, she threw such a violent fit."
Isabella took a sip from her goblet. "I almost wish she had lost that bastard, but I bear no ill will against an innocent child."
Pembroke stroked his beard. "What is the true matter you wish to speak with us about?"
Isabella was cut off by the opening of her chamber door. She turned her head sharply but relaxed when she saw that it was only Ruth and Anne entering the chamber.
They curtsied to the Dukes and Ruth gave her husband a soft kiss on the cheek before she and Anne took their seats on either side of Isabella.
Isabella began again. "I would like to discuss a marriage proposal for Anna."
Northumberland seemed surprised. "I thought the king intended her for the Germanies. "
Isabella shook her head. "It matters not. I arrange the marriages for the children and I intend to make my daughter the Queen of Portugal."
Norfolk nodded. "With only one heir to the throne, Portugal could easily fall to the Hapsburgs and an Anglo-Portugese alliance could push the Hapsburgs more towards France. That would alienate Scotland and it would incline Queen Mary to betroth her first son to a daughter of yours. Or even better, she has a daughter and we gain Scotland through marriage."
"Wishful thinking, Norfork. " Isabella chided.
Pembroke nodded. "We will not gain Scotland through marriage, not during our lifetimes at least. However, betrothal between a future daughter of yours and a son of Queen Mary is not far off. Portugal is a good alternative to the Hapsburgs, Your Majesty. "
Isabella smiled. "I am glad, you see things my way. However, before I respond they have already asked a dowry."
Northumberland became interested. "How much did they request?"
Isabella produced a letter from her sleeve. "The Swedes have already made an offer of 200,000 crowns for their daughter Cecilia Renata. "
Norfolk's eyes widened. "They ask for more? Anna is a second daughter, Your Majesty! "
Northumberland nodded. "Hence, why they want more. Anna's hand has to be of some value to them. Cecilia is the eldest daughter of the king of Sweden, Anna is the second daughter of the king of England."
Pembroke furrowed his eyebrows. "Elizabeth's daughter?"
Norfolk nodded. "Yes, I hear the girl is quite the beauty. She looks mostly of her father, however."
Isabella smiled. "I have seen miniatures. She is a pretty girl, a year older than my Anna."
Northumberland cleared his throat again. "So shall we set the dowry at 250,000 crowns?"
Isabella nodded dutifully. "We shall."
Pembroke shook his head. " Will the king accept this proposal? Portugal is still Papist."
Ruth finally opened her mouth. "The king waived his right to object, the queen has the sole responsibility of marriage politics, Your Grace"
Isabella raised an eyebrow at Pembroke. "Any other questions, my Lord Duke?"
A knock at the door cut the tension and Anne hurried to answer it. Lady Susan entered the room, her face red.
"Lady Susan?" Isabella inquired.
Susan sniffed. "The whore slapped my face in front of the king and I was dismissed. I am not sure if I can capture his attentions in the way you would like, Your Majesty."
Ruth eyed Northumberland, considering it was his plan to use Lady Susan, a weak girl in her eyes, as a pawn to rid them of Marie.
Isabella nodded. "Very well, Susan. I will offer you a place in my household until I find suitable husband for you."
Isabella raised a hand to dismiss Susan. Anne closed the door behind her and Isabella turned back to her council. " Any other ideas?"
Northumberland shook his head. "We do not need a new plan, we need another girl. I see that Lady Norfolk was right to say, Lady Susan was a bit too fragile to become Edward's mistress. We need someone pliable, but able to stand up to Marie's slights."
Ruth smirked. "Lady Mary FitzAlan."
Anne jumped. "The heiress?"
Ruth nodded. "She is young, unmarried and educated. Men will still wish for her hand because she's the heiress of an earldom. Marie will never be able to compete with her."
Isabella shook her head. "She will never agree."
Ruth nodded. "She will not, unless you make her a Duchess."
Isabella frowned. "How will I do that?"
"Lord Burghley is still unmarried." Northumberland pointed out.
Ruth clapped. "Northumberland always knows where I am leading."
Anne scoffed. "Because both of you are devious little things."
Ruth laughed. "Why, thank you."
Pembroke had another objection. "Should we manipulate these young girls this way? Surely, God will not look favorably upon any of this."
Norfolk murmured an agreement, but Isabella wold hear none of it.
She slammed her hand down on the table in a fit of rage. "I want it done! I want it done now! I will not rest until that whore is banished from my court. I want her disgraced, poor, I would not even mind to see her dead. As my council, see that it is done!
With that, she turned her back and slammed the door to her deep chamber.