“Indeed it is,” replied Henry. “My son is anxious to greet his bride. You look surprised. Do you not understand that we are all eagerness to welcome the Infanta to our shores?”
“I know it so, my lord. But the Spanish law is that none shall see the Infanta unveiled until the marriage has been celebrated.”
“My lord, you cannot be telling me that I am not allowed to look on my son’s bride.”
“That is what I do say, my lord, and you must forgive me but it is the law in Spain.”
“It is not in England,” said the King grimly.
“My lord, our Infanta is the daughter of the Sovereigns of Spain and she is accustomed to Spanish laws and customs.”
“She will perforce learn to accept our English ones, for when she marries she will be one of us.”
“The ceremony has not yet taken place.”
The King was aghast. He had part of the dowry. That was the first thought that struck him. What was it about the Infanta that they were afraid of his seeing? Was she deformed in some way? Was she incapable of bearing children? He must not see her! What absurd custom was this? They were behaving like infidels. Of course, their country had been the home of the Moors for centuries. Perhaps some of their customs had been preserved in Spain. But this was England and he was the King and none of his subjects should defy him.
“You will understand, Don Pedro de Ayala,” he said, “that I am unaccustomed to being forbidden to act as I will in my own country. You say this is the wish of the Sovereigns of Spain. It is certainly not my wish. I will talk with my ministers. Fortunately they are with me and if they agree that with their help I make the rules in this country and they decide that I shall see the Infanta, then so be it, I shall.”
De Ayala bowed. “It would be against the will of my Sovereigns.”
“Then we shall see,” said the King.
He turned and addressed his followers and told them what de Ayala had said. “I am therefore calling a council here in that field yonder and there we will determine what is to be done.”
It was an extraordinary scene with the rain now turned to fine drizzle and in the field, with Arthur beside him, Henry asked his ministers to advise him on how to act in these extraordinary circumstances.
With one accord all declared that the King was ruler in his own country and the ridiculous—one might say barbaric—law of Spain must be set aside if it were the King’s will. It would be unwise to let the Sovereigns think that they could control events in England.
So they left the field and went to de Ayala who was waiting on the road.
The King told him what had happened. De Ayala bowed his head and said he would ride ahead to Dogmersfield and inform the Infanta and her household of the King’s decision.
De Ayala was laughing secretly. His nature was such that he enjoyed situations such as this one. He applauded the King’s decision secretly and he would have despised Henry if he had given way, but now he was eager to see what effect this would have on the Infanta’s entourage and particularly on Dona Elvira who was, he had secretly thought for some time, getting a little above herself.
When he returned, the Infanta’s entourage was thrown into turmoil.
“Never,” cried Elvira. “This is a violation of custom. Queen Isabella would never forgive me . . . .”
“It is perhaps a matter for the Infanta herself to decide,” suggested de Ayala.
“The Infanta! She is only a child.”
“She is soon to be a bride and she is at the center of this storm. I see no alternative but to lay the matter before her. And it must be done with all speed as the King is even now riding this way and when he comes he will demand to see the Infanta.”
Katharine listened gravely and gave her decision.
“This is England. Their customs are not ours. The King has declared he will see me unveiled. Well, so must it be. I will receive him and the Prince as they wish.”
Elvira scolded. “What will your gracious mother say when she hears?”
“She will understand,” said Katharine.
De Ayala watched her with admiration. She had spirit, this Princess, and as far as her looks were concerned she might not be an obvious beauty but certainly she had nothing to hide.
“
Katharine shrugged her shoulders and turned away. Elvira must understand that although she had an important position in the household she did not rule it.
Katharine was waiting for the King when he arrived and begged that he be brought to her without delay.
Henry entered. He came to her and stood before her. Then as she bowed he took her hands in his and kissed them.
She looked up at him and saw a man of spare figure, pale skinned, with damp reddish hair falling to his shoulders. The ermine on the sleeves of his gown was wet and bedraggled. He could not speak Spanish and it was difficult for them to talk together but he did manage to convey to her that he was delighted to see her and that he apologized for overriding the laws of her country.
All the time he was studying her intently. She looked strong and healthy. He was relieved to see that it was only a custom and that there had been no ulterior motive in keeping her face covered.
He wanted her to know that he was delighted to see her for he applauded her good sense in adjusting so quickly to English customs.
