But the greatest reward, and that which he hoped
would crown his fidelity--the hand of his mistress - was not reserved for
him.
At the expiration of three years, he returned home, polished by travel,
and accounted one of the bravest and most accomplished cavaliers of
the day. His reputation had preceded him, and he was received with
marks of the highest distinction and favour by Henry, as well as by
Anne Boleyn. But the king was still averse to the match, and forbade
the Fair Geraldine to return to court.
Finding so much opposition on all sides, the earl was at last brought to
assent to the wish of the Fair Geraldine, that their engagement should
be broken off. In her letters, she assured him that her love had
undergone no abatement--and never would do so--but that she felt they
must give up all idea of an union.
These letters, probably the result of some manoeuvring on his own part,
set on foot by the royal mandate, were warmly seconded by the Duke of
Norfolk, and after many and long solicitations, he succeeded in
wringing from his son a reluctant acquiescence to the arrangement.
The disappointment produced its natural consequences on the ardent
temperament of the young earl, and completely chilled and blighted his
feelings.
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