Archery Field

He smiled and took his penultimate bow, aiming for the target.

"Well I'm very glad you enjoyed it, " he replied before releasing the arrow.

"Do you like living in England sir?" She asked him.

Anthony nodded and paused shooting, "I like it very well. I have done my travelling and now am contented to be home."

"You should come to Fronteira in Portugal it is very pretty there." She said to him softly.

Anthony nodded and grinned, his eyes bright, "I am sure I would enjoy that."

"But of course, "he added mischievously, "You would have to be my guide."

"I would love to be your guide maybe you can be my guide here in England?"She asked with a grin on her face.

Anthony tilted his head and smirked as he positioned the arrow, his strong arms pulling the string back, "If that is your wish," he began and let go, the arrow flew towards the target and landed very near the bull eye, "Then I shall oblige."

"Now how about somewhere quiet to start?" She asked him.

"Quiet?" he asked with a wry smile and brushed down his doublet.

"Yes quiet." She said with a grin.

Normally Anthony would never have refused what she was clearly suggesting, he would have taken her hand and led her to his room...not this time. He glanced at the golden curl of her hair and sighed-she was pale in comparison to the way Joan shone,"Your Grace...I am recently engaged...happily so, I believe."

He added, "If I had met you but one month ago, I would never speak thus."

She giggled at what he said."It was just a thought I didn't mean your bedchambers."She said softly.

Anthony smiled, "Well I am glad...Never the less, my intended is young and her comfort and happiness is my responsibility now. I would not think well of her showing a man around quiet corridors."

Anthony bowed his head, "So II shall ll take my leave...for now. Perhaps I shall see you in the great hall some time."

He added with a grin, "It is never quiet there. Good day, Your Grace."

Katherine Elizabeth was watching some men shooting and wondered how hard it would be to learn. She set there with her ladies watching and her ladies giggling at some men shoot.

"Thank you father."She said softly.

As her friend was terrified Margery knew the best place to take her even if it did seem odd. Mary needed to protect herself from unwanted advances and men who never took no for an answer. This was the best place to prepare oneself. I am going to teach you how to use a bow and arrow it's what my brothers did for me. She beamed at her friend as she wiped her clammy hands on her skirt. I must say he is rather relentless that Duke his behavior is one that a nobleman would dare act like. How did he even find you.

"I am most grateful to you Margery, I was never taught anything like this" I smile with gratitude "It would have been useful"

I would never begin to thank Margery enough for her help and guidance and will be forever in her debt

"I do not know how his Grace found me, I know he has spies in court" I look around before whispering "He told me so himself" I sigh with relief "And now under your tuition I shall be able to look after myself"

I think that all of this is getting out of hand and very tiring, I highly doubt his wife would give him up without a fight. Margery picked up her bow plucking at the wire with agitation building up inside of her. I do not want him to manipulate you into marrying him you are not a wanton woman he can't just simply force himself on you just because you are engaged. It wasn't going to be easy for her friend hard choices would have to be made whatever they were Margery would be there for her.

"I do believe that I can not marry him, I want to marry for love not gain" I reply watching Margery's agitation show "For me a marriage must have trust and respect and he has shown none toward me"

I look towards the target "He still sends me messages asking to meet but so far I have only asked for time"

And she hoped that her friend would be able to marry for love. Not to marry for convenience or comfort, but just for love and nothing else. I hope that he respects your wishes, you are not a deer that he is hunting down. If the shoe was on the other foot I do not think he would appreciate it.

I smile "He would be most displeased" I reply "The cheek of the man, he even sent me a message to meet him in his chambers while his wife was there"

I look down "I feel most sorry for his daughters and niece that have been forced to accept me" I close my eyes "he still sends me messages begging to meet, Will you come with my Margery?" I open my eyes and look at my dearest friend

Show me a man who doesn't like a woman fornicating with him, especially if she goes willingly. Picking up an arrow Margery tapped her finger on its point. It would take a lot to silence her if she was to be in the same room as a man who treated her friend so appallingly. She would have to pour water on her hot temper and bite her tongue from giving the Duke a piece of her mind! Margery was very bad tempered when she was angry her anger came out in roaring flames much like a dragon. Leaving people hot on their heels as they left her presence. His family is probably used to it as long as they are not blackmailing you into returning to him? I will come with you.

"Thank you Margery, I have met with his Niece Lady Mary and she was most gentle with her message from her Uncle that I did not fear her" I reply "I shall send His Grace word to meet in my chambers"

Maybe she could be there when we are to meet the Duke. Margery asked, hoping that her being there wouldn't irritate him, that's the last thing she wanted for Mary. Shall we go then I shall be with you my dear friend.