~There's no Place like Home~

July 1472....

"And so, I ask you to raise your goblets and toast my wife and Duchess, a woman who is the maker of my great happiness in this life and whom I shall be with for eternity in the next. She is the Mother of my children, the second of which we are here to celebrate, the Lady Joan of Gloucester, Princess of York! To her grace, the Duchess!"

Richard looked around the filled great hall of Fotheringhay, warmed by the amber flames stoked by servants in the great hearth and the words of congratulations that sprang from his guest's lips. A rustle of skirts and a scraping of wooden benches against polished stone followed his proclamation and a hundred silver goblets were raised into the air by bejewelled fingers.

"Her grace, the Duchess of Gloucester!" They all chorused and Catherine smiled, nodding gratefully.

Dressed in a gown of deep blue velvet with her golden hair loose beneath a pearl circlet, she sat, radiant, by her husband's side. Her eyes were full of love for him when he sat down beside her once more and she placed a hand on the sleeve of his doublet, squeezing.

"Such beautiful words from such tender lips" She murmured "Thank you"

"You deserve each one" He replied, bestowing on her a chaste kiss before brushing one to their daughter's forehead who lay happily in Catherine's arms. While her older brother was long tucked in bed, little Joan's presence was required for it was she the nobility had gathered to celebrate!

In her little bundle of swaddling blankets, she stared at her Mother and Father with big eyes of bright blue "I know those eyes" Richard said when he held her "For they belong to you"
"Just as I know Henry's" Catherine would reply, a soft smile on her face.

Now they both gazed at their daughter who seemed undisturbed by the noise of the merry feast around her and wondered how she would fare when she was passed about. Catherine for one was hesitant to relinquish her to unfamiliar arms but she knew it was the custom and no harm would come to Joan while her Father was near.

"Lady Eleanor Percy, Dowager Countess of Northumberland"

Catherine's eyes went wide as a page announced her Mother and Lady Eleanor swept through the great hall doors, dressed in yellow and red silk. Her golden hair was bound beneath a hennin but there was no mistaking her familiar face and her daughter gasped. Richard merely chuckled. She looked at him.

"You invited my Mother?" She asked, tone filled with glee, and he nodded, rising from his chair.
"I did, ma belle" He answered, wandering merrily down the steps of the dais "I knew it would please you!" And please her it did! She sat up straighter in her seat, eyes glistening with childish excitement that Cecily laughed at.

"I see you are happy, my child?" She asked, placing a hand on little Joan's blankets and Catherine nodded, feeling her excitement only rise when Richard greeted her Mother.
"Ah! Lady Eleanor!" He exclaimed, holding out his hands which she took with a smile "I am glad that you could attend!"

"Not as glad as I, I should wager!" She replied, walking towards the dais arm in arm with the Duke, an expression of pure love overcoming her features when she saw her daughter "I get to see my jewel!" A chair was placed by the Duchess' side by a servant and Richard led the Countess there, helping her settle before kissing his wife's forehead.

"Mother!" Catherine exclaimed, sighing with a long sought relief when Eleanor's arms went around her holding her close.
"My jewel" She whispered, kissing her cheek before drawing away to gaze at the little one in her arms "And my granddaughter, little Joan, I hear?"
"That is right" A clam voice said from behind "Named for my Lady Mother"

Catherine chuckled, looking over her Mother's shoulder to where Cecily sat.
"And of course, you know my Mother in law? The Duchess of York?"

"Of course" Eleanor replied, sending a smile in Cecily's direction which was carefully returned. While Cecily had little liking for the Percy family, they were still her kin and she had no wish to start a fray.

"Indeed, Lady Eleanor and I have known each other for many a year" She agreed "Her Mother in law was my sister, and by that we are family just as you and I, Cat" Catherine nodded.
"Cecily has been by my side for the births of both my children, Mother" She said and Eleanor took her hand "It is my wish that you will be present for the next"

"I shall do my best, my heart" She promised "In truth you were meant to see your brother tonight too"
"But he refused to come?" Catherine finished, looking to Richard who sent her a wry smile.

"Of course he did" Eleanor sighed "He is still too stubborn"
"Then he is like my sister" Cecily remarked, stabbing a piece of pork on her plate with her knife "She never did as she was told but we loved her for it as I know you love your son"

"Of course....but let us not dwell on him! I wish to hold my granddaughter!"

꧁꧂

Nestled happily against the trunk of an apple tree, Catherine gazed at baby Joan who lay sleeping in her arms, small head covered with a lace cap and little body wrapped in silk. The leaves above were painted green with life, their branches carrying white blossoms that rained down perfect petals onto the ground when a breeze blew. Roland lay protectively at his Mistress' feet, peaceful in sleep but his ears ever perky for any sign of danger.

The orchard of Fotheringhay was a place of peace and harmony, a perfect summer Eden made for the family in which they rested and smiled. A few feet away, Richard was lifting Henry up to a branch, encouraging him to take an apple. The young boy plucked the fruit with a grin, giggling and deciding to immediately bite into the sweet flesh.

Looking around at his Mother, his smile widened and his little legs wriggled.

"Down, Father!" He demanded and Richard lowered him to the floor, watching as Henry ran to Catherine's side and plopped happily onto the ground. Peering at his baby sister, he held out the apple to her, pushing it gently against her closed lips when she made no move to take it.

His Mother giggled and shook her head. Three year old Henry had immediately taken to his little sister, spending each moment he could by her side and adoring her entirely!

The only problem that came with that was that he wanted to play with Joan, build towers with his little blocks and show her his toy knights! He didn't understand that Joan was just a babe and could hardly move her little limbs, let alone play with her older brother, and when she didn't take his apple, he frowned.

"A gift!" He tried to explain but Joan remained asleep and Henry's frown deepened, slightly hurt by the rejection he couldn't comprehend "Why she not take it, Mother? Joaney not want it?"

"She can't take it, lad!" Richard explained as he wandered over "She's too little as of now but I promise when she grows older you can give her all the apples you want!" Henry seemed happier at that and his Father grinned "Come" He said, holding out a hand that was obediently taken "Why don't we pay a call to the river and find some stones for your trebuchet?"

"Ah! What a fine idea!" Catherine agreed which enthused Henry and he immediately ran off, dragging his grinning Father behind him "Be safe near the edge!"

Neither replied but she knew in her heart that no harm would come to little Henry while his Father was near! The sight of Father and son was a sweet one, especially when so many Father's hardly saw their wives and children. Richard was not one of them, he was attentive, loving, wanting his children to know him and he to know them for he knew how quickly the wheel of fortune could change.

He had lost his own Father and brother because of its dreaded fall.

Little doubt Roland would soon follow them and even now his ears twitched in sleep at the sense of adventure. Either that or he would say lain at her feet like a furred guard!

Seen as he was now protective of Joan as he was of Henry, it occurred to Catherine the latter was perhaps more likely! A small mewl reminded her of the babe in her arms and she looked down with a smile to see her dear daughter had awoken. Her own eyes stared back at her, swirling with curiosity, and her heart swelled with love, prompting her to lean down and brush a kiss to Joan's forehead.

The baby's little lips puckered, gently trying to suck on the air around her; a firm indication she wanted to feed "Ah!" Catherine chuckled "My Princess is hungry!" Joan smacked her lips in confirmation and her Mother smiled, looking around to make sure none other occupied the orchard before she manoeuvred the front of her gown until one swelled breast was revealed.

Just like she had with Henry, Catherine chose to feed her precious daughter herself, disregarding Cecily's suggestion of a wet nurse. She liked to nourish her babes because she was determined that would make them strong and guided Joan to her breast, helping her to latch on. The little girl suckled eagerly, placing one hand on her Mother's soft skin to stabilise herself just as Henry used to do.

God, Catherine had missed this, the soft intimacy of it all, the gentle pressure that assured her her daughter was feeding well and was healthy! She hoped to experience it many more times through her childbearing years and Cecily told her countless times that she would.

"Is the little Princess well?"

She looked up at the sound of Anne's voice to see the Kingmaker's daughter walking towards her, pretty in her new gown of buttercup yellow. Her health had certainly improved those past two months, Catherine observed with a smile. There was a restored colour to Anne's cheeks, a new happiness to her smile and lightness to her tone.

"She is, my friend" She replied and Anne settled herself at the base of the apple tree alongside her.
"Aye, we are friends again" She agreed, arranging her skirts "And I certainly do adore this little one! And her brother!"

"I'm glad to hear it!" Catherine murmured as Joan gently detached herself from her breast and yawned, preparing to sleep again. Anne cooed at the baby as she manoeuvred her gown and shift back into place. "Would you like to hold her?"

"I would be honoured!" She exclaimed, eagerly holding out her arms and smiling widely when baby Joan was passed into them "Why!" She said softly "she is a good weight!"
"She is!" Catherine chuckled "the sign of a healthy child" She stroked a finger across the little lace cap covering her daughter's head "A healthy little York Princess"

꧁꧂

Holding the bundle of silks handed to him firmly, Henry leant back against the cushions of the window seat while his Mother watched. It was his very first time holding his baby sister (after begging to since the day of her birth) and finally Catherine had complied.

She sat by him, one hand ready to catch Joan while the other encircled her son's shoulders. Although she was tiny, she appeared rather big in his small arms, a sight that was amusing but also adorably endearing.

The baby stared up at her brother with a certain unknowing curiosity in her eyes. She'd not really seen Henry clearly before, what with her newborn sight and that her parents, Anne, Cecily and Margery had been the only ones to properly hold her. When a grand feast had been held in her honour, she'd been passed around like a little silken package, to Rob, Francis and most of the Yorkist nobility but she did not remember that and for the most part she'd slept!

She was a peaceful little thing, just like Henry had been and often passed her time sleeping or feeding. Now, she did not cry at the feeling of this stranger holding her for she could sense her Mother was near and so only stared up at him, blinking slowly.

"Hello, baby" Henry whispered, leaning down a little so that she would hear him "I'm your brother, Henry" A little smile on his face, he leant down further, rubbing their button noses together "and you, baby, are Joan, my little Joaney" He kissed her forehead and she squirmed slightly, making him giggle as he sat back into her Mother's embrace.

"See" She murmured when a tiny toothless grin graced little Joan's lips. It was one that made them both smile "She loves you"

"And I her" Henry replied happily, liking the warm weight of his little sister in his arms and feeling a new protectiveness blossom within him "I love her Mother" Catherine's heart ached with love for her little boy and she kissed the top of his head, nuzzling into the golden curls.

"Your grace?"
She looked up as Margery walked into the nursery, a smile on her face and a letter in her hand.
"Ah, I take it that is for me, Margie?"
She smiled, nodding.

"It appears it is from Lord Bergavenny!" She said and immediately Catherine's heart jumped. She had not seen Georgie since Barnet and not heard from him, something that had begun to make her worry but that unpleasant feeling was now laid to rest.

"Georgie!" She exclaimed, about to jump from her seat when she remembered her son and daughter. They could not be left alone, especially with Henry holding his little sister "Would you mind taking charge of these rascals while I read it?"

"And spend some time with my little Prince and Goddaughter?" Margery replied, instantly coming to take Catherine's place "Why, I wouldn't mind at all!" She smiled and the two women manoeuvred around each other, Catherine taking the letter while Margery sat in her place, one arm around Henry's shoulders "Hello, little one" She cooed at the babe in his arms and the Duchess chuckled as she walked merrily away to Richard's study.

She wished to read in peace and he was away hunting with Rob and Francis for the day (something she wished to do but still was not allowed) so he would not mind.

Wandering to the window behind his tidied desk, a rare sight indeed, she peered through the glass to see bird flying from the woodland trees across from the village. So that was where the hunters were! They would be back soon, she thought, for it was growing dark and she knew Richard never wished to be away from her or their children for long!

With a sigh, she glanced down and tore open the letter's crimson seal, allowing it to fall to the floor as she unfolded the cream parchment in her hands.

Dearest Cat,

She smiled at that, the little nickname that he himself had invented and called her since she was six.

I have heard of the safe delivery of your daughter, Joan of Gloucester, (or of Fotheringhay as she and Henry could be called) and I am overjoyed for you! It is my hope that I shall soon see the little babe for I know she will hold your beauty and Richard's honour.

I know that you have not heard from me since the battle of Barnet was fought and for that I ask your forgiveness but, in truth, much has occurred since I left court. Ned gifted me lands in reward for my loyalty and my departure was to survey them and see what help I could give to my kin, after all, Neville luck is low at present, but estates are not all my cousin has bestowed upon me.

He has matched me with Margret Fenn, the daughter of Hugh Fenn, and in truth, lovely Cat, I am now married. We were wed this week past, the 30th of June, and it is my hope that if I visit Fotheringhay you will allow me to bring Margaret with me. She is a gentle soul and I feel you shall be fast friends, she certainly wishes to meet you.

Be well, my dearest little sister, and let your children and husband be well too. I hope to see you soon.

Your ever loving brother,

Georgie Neville

The last words were nothing more than a dark blur to her gaze, the neat letters turned to streaming puddles as her heavy tears landed on them. They stung her eyes, hot, almost painful, and Catherine's hands trembled, making the parchment rustle in her hands. Georgie couldn't....he couldn't be married. She shook her head over and over, trying to rid her mind of the thought.

"No" She whispered and a sob broke into her voice as she slowly sunk to the floor as tears began to stream down her face. Skirts pooling around her, she leant against her husband's desk, curling into herself just as she did when she was a child, when she was in need of Georgie's protection.

Her cheeks became wet, soaked with the evidence of her upset and before she knew what was happening she was uncontrollably weeping into the sleeves of her gown.

Her quiet, childlike, cries filled the small chamber and her shoulders shook, her chest tightening painfully as it did when she was young and she was fearful. Her breaths came in short, sharp bursts that left her lungs grasping for air and the world around melted away, blocking out all else so that she did not even hear the door open behind her.

A gasp and then boots pounding towards her, a warm figure that smelt of the forest and the earth kneeling by her side. He'd come home early from the hunt, wishing to see his family before supper while Francis and Rob chased their sport and hadn't expected to be met with such a pitiful sight! Looking to the now crumpled letter in her hand, Richard immediately gathered her into his arms, cradling her head against his chest.

"By God what has he said?" He asked "My sweet Cate, what has he said?" It had been many years since he had seen her so low, so desperate, curled into the shadows like she wanted to disappear or escape. Escape from that which she feared which had once been Warwick but he was now dead and Richard vowed to see any person who caused his beloved such pain swiftly beneath the earth.

Another sob wracked her body and tears streaked across her face as she clung to him.
"He's married, Richard" She whispered and he drew back slightly in surprise, tilting up her despondent face with gentle fingers.

"But these are not tears of joy? I thought you would be happy for him?

Catherine shook her head and rested it against his chest again, finding it easier to breathe with his strong arms around her. A constant since their childhood.
"I did too" She sniffed "I am, truly I am. It is right that he should have a wife and I hope that he loves her!" Richard kissed her cheek, gently wiping her tears away with his thumb.

"Then why do you cry, ma belle?"
She gulped, snuggling further into his embrace.

"I...." Her voice faltered and she shook her head a final time "I don't know. It's only. Ever since I was a girl of six Georgie has been my protector. He has been my husband, my friend, my brother. He has been a constant through all...." She remembered the day of their wedding, it was still crystal clear to her mind even though she'd only been six.

He'd taken her hand and his fingers had been warm and reassuring. On their wedding night he had comforted her, called her Cat and taken her away from the hell she'd known the very next day! To Haddon, to Agnes, where she learnt what it was to rule over a household and what happiness was, something she'd lost during her months of imprisonment.

He'd soothed her fear of the world and everyone in it and with him she'd found peace. With him, she'd always found peace "he has always been mine and now, now he's not. It's silly really but somewhere the girl he married still lives in my heart and she is the one that cries for him"