The Star of Lancaster by Jean Plaidy Read Free Book Online Page B

heir to the Lancastrian estates, a few years older than Mary, healthy, already a Knight of the Garter – there could not have been a more satisfactory match. But what concerned the Countess was the youth of her daughter.
    Mary was a child, as yet unready for marriage in the Countess’s view, and she should not marry until she was at least fourteen.
    She embraced her daughter warmly and looked searchingly into her face.
    She was certain there had been no coercion. The child looked very happy.
    She sought an early opportunity of speaking with the Duke of Lancaster.
    ‘I am happy about the marriage,’ she said, ‘apart from one aspect of it.’
    The Duke looked haughty as though wondering what aspect could possibly be displeasing about a marriage with his son.
    ‘It is the youth of my daughter.’
    ‘She is just eleven years old.’
    ‘It is too young for marriage.’
    ‘They are both young.’
    ‘Too young, my lord. Let them be betrothed and marry . . . say in two years’ time.’
    Lancaster appeared to consider that although he had no intention of doing so. Wait two years? Let Thomas and his harridan of a wife get to work on the girl? They would have her packed into a convent by some devious means in no time.
    ‘Poor Mary,’ he said, ‘she would be so unhappy. Wait until you see them together. They are so delighted to be in each other’s company. No I could not allow that. They shall live together . . . naturally like two children . . .’
    ‘I do not think girls of that age should have children.’
    ‘Children! They won’t have children for years. They are so innocent. You should hear them singing in harmony. They ride; they dance; they play chess. It is such a joy to see them. No, my dear Countess; they must marry. I understand a mother’s feelings, but let me assure you that there is no need for the slightest apprehension.’
    ‘I will have a talk with my daughter,’ said the Countess.
    John of Gaunt was uneasy. He wished the Countess had not come to Arundel but it had naturally been necessary to tell her what was planned for her daughter. She was a shrewd woman. She would understand why Eleanor was trying to force the girl into a convent. But at the same time she would do all she could to keep Mary unmarried until she reached what she would consider a suitable age.
    The Countess talked to Mary.
    ‘My dear child,’ she said, ‘you are very young for marriage.’
    ‘Others have said that, my lady,’ replied her daughter. ‘But Henry and I love each other and are so happy together. He does not mind that I am young.’
    ‘You must understand that there are obligations.’
    ‘I know what you mean. It is the marriage bed, is it not?’
    The Countess was a little taken aback.
    ‘What do you know of these matters?’
    ‘That there is nothing to fear . . . if one loves.’
    She was quoting Henry. The Countess guessed that. There was no doubt that John of Gaunt was right when he said they loved each other.
    ‘I have asked the Duke to put off the wedding. At least for a year. Then we could consider again when it should be.’
    Mary looked very woebegone.
    ‘And will he do that?’
    The Countess put an arm about her daughter and held her firmly against her. She thought: No, he will not. He wants your fortune for his son. Dear child, what did she know of the ways of the world?
    At least she could console herself. The child was happy. So many girls in her position were forced into marriages which were distasteful to them. None could say that of Mary.
    The Countess knew the determination of John of Gaunt. No matter how she protested, the marriage would take place.
    She must resign herself to the fact that it was what Mary wanted.

    So they were married and there was great rejoicing in John of Gaunt’s palace of the Savoy, which was to be expected as this was the marriage of his son and heir. Mary was made to feel that she was marrying into the greatest family in the land and that her marriage was even