scotlandsladies:The Ladies ♔ Noblewomen → Janet Stewart, Lady Fleming (?-1562)Janet Stewart, Lady Fl
scotlandsladies:The Ladies ♔ Noblewomen → Janet Stewart, Lady Fleming (?-1562)Janet Stewart, Lady Fleming was an illegitimate child of King James IV and his fourth mistress Agnes Stewart, Countess of Bothwell (Janet’s parents were distantly related by a common ancestor: Joan Beaufort, Queen of Scots). At a young age she married Malcolm Fleming, 3rd Lord Fleming. The couple had a total of eight children and Malcolm died at the Battle of Pinkie in 1547. When Mary I of Scotland was born, Janet her half-aunt, became her governess and followed her to France when she was five years old, along with her daughters, including Mary Fleming, who became one the Four Marys to the Queen. In France, Janet only spoke Scots at first and made no effort to encourage the Scottish attendants to learn French or adopt French practice. Nevertheless she had no struggle communicating charms and made an impression on French courtiers who called her “la Belle Écossaise”; the Venetian ambassador also called her “a very pretty little woman.” Soon Lady Fleming was being courted by King Henry II of France and later became pregnant. Unwisely, Janet did not show discretion and was heard proclaiming, “I have done all that I can, and God be thanked, I am pregnant by the King, for which I count myself both honoured and happy.” By the will of Queen Catherine, Janet was sent back to Scotland, where she gave birth to a son Henry de Valois. In 1560, nine years later, mother and son were able to return to France. Lady Fleming was received graciously by her niece Mary and nephew-in-law Francis who were both fond of her and Henry was brought up with the other royal children. The last years of Janet’s life are unknown and she died before 1564 probably in France. -- source link