Summer Party

Summer had arrived and once again this year I had arranged the celebrations. Recently the court seemed very quite this I did not like. I hope my grandparents the King and Queen of France would attend we had various young and single ladies at court not that many men around. I picked up a glass of something which sparkled and fizzed in my mouth.

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I arrived in good spirits but inside I was miserable as sin. Two months had gone by without one word from Henri I wondered if he would attend here this evening but I doubted it. I cast my eyes around the room letting them fall upon a familiar face the last person in public that was with my Henri. It wouldn't hurt to ask her is she had heard from him. Our relationship was still extremely private and no one here at court even knew but this lady knew things that others only dreamed to know of I approached her in a friendly manner.

Good evening Madame de Guise how have you been these past few months.

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I walked over to the table taking a seat in the most shady part of the garden. My hands were clammy holding my goblet of water to tightly. I have been well I can't quite believe that yes it is summer time again. After the Easter party some happiness entered into my life a mutual happiness too. I did not know Isabelle de Guise at all and to make an assumption of her would be a wrong thing to do I should get to know her before entrusting her with mine and Henris' secret. And you are well I see I was not aware that you had know the royals for so long. How do you could we the glances from those who have bitterness in them.

Brigitte was looking forward to the Summer Party celebrations for it had been extremely quiet at court lately, as she walked among the tables she could not help but admire the pretty dresses of the high ranking ladies of court as she took her place and waited for her Majesty Queen Claude to make her appearance

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I smiled on as I saw Isabelle making friends with Diane. Upon seeing Brigitte walking in I decided to talk with her as she was sitting alone. Lady Brigitte thank you for coming it's always lovely to see my grandmothers lady in waiting. How have you been.

I stood as Princess Marguerite approached the table and curtsied, she looked completely stunning in her pink dress Your Highness I smiled I thank you for your very kind invitation I have been very well, I pray you have been well too?

Isabelle De Guise wrote:

Isabelle smiled and poured a glass of water for herself as well

Indeed, Your Grace. I know King Francis and Queen Claude since ages. You know..they were close friends to my poor husband. But even after his death, they continued to grant me their friendship and support. I'm surpried not to see them around..and also the Prince Henri. He considers me like an aunt..

She said smiling warmly. She really wanted to know better the Duchess of Valentinois, cause she heard so much about her

I wasn't even aware that Isabelle had once been married I always assumed she was just a wealthy spinster living her own life without having to answer to anybody.Sorry for your loss was you to fortunate enough to have children. I think that it is nice they kept you in such a high favour other ladies normally fall from their graces as nobody wants anything to do with them. I blushed as she mentioned Henri Isabelle probably knew his real side as well. Prince Henri is certainly a rare kind of man not one that I myself have laid my eye's on.

I grinned taking a sip of water letting my eye's wander around the room aa she mentioned Henri. Girls do like Henri it's very laughable to see the lengths ladies will go to for his attention. I am different though I didn't pursue he choosed me. I said very silently as I could feel myself embarassed at admiting my feelings towards him. I would like you to know that I shall not use him in anyway to gain status.

Brigitte Rousselot wrote:

I stood as Princess Marguerite approached the table and curtsied, she looked completely stunning in her pink dress Your Highness I smiled I thank you for your very kind invitation I have been very well, I pray you have been well too?

Why yes I have been thank you. It's a bit lonely what with my grandfarther and grandmother ate on their royal tour. I sighed taking in the evening air. Any way tell me about your life before coming to court.

Anne arrived taking in the scenery at first. She was not one to drink but she took one anyway to help soothe her burning throat. She noticed her lady was entertaining someone although she wasn't sure who, gliding over to a nearby table she sat waiting, wondering about the summer two years ago.

Isabelle De Guise wrote:

Isabelle smiled softly and shooked her head

You have no need of giving me explainations, Your Grace. I heard many noble things about you. And I would never think that you're using him. And anyway..Henri never allowed to someone to do that. So tell me..do you have other passions..besides the Prince?

She asked teasingly. She glanced fastly around room trying to catch her lady in waiting Anne, but she couldn't see her

I blushed at her last words trying to think of any of my passions.

Without meaning to sound vein, I like to take care of my appearance. None of this mucking around with new lotions or mask my face in clogged up powders.

I smiled sipping more water as a lady entered whom lady De Guise knew.

Isabelle De Guise wrote:

Isabelle was talking with Diane, when she noticed Anne entering in the Hall. She smiled and decided to call her

Anne! Please, come here, ma petite..

She wanted to introduce her to Madame Diane de Poitiers

Anne stood from the table a casual smile on her lips. She wondered who the lady sitting with her mistress is. The lady's dress was stately clearly she was of a high rank. "Bonsoir mesdames." She said happily as Anne drank away her sorrow of a long lost love.

Out loud it did sound silly to care about my ageing. My looks were all I had to keep any at hand until that person got to know me. I perked up when I saw new company come along.

Pleasure to meet you Anne. I must say Isabelle many ladies do not hold their servants in such praise. It seems that you have been very lucky.

I replied honestly I once had a lady in waiting which drove me to despair I shuddered at the memory of her.

I dismissed the ladies shyness. Sometimes I found French people to be rather outspoken.

I am used to meeting all sorts of people. It's always the shy ones who have the grandest of secrets.