Kenninghall

Very rarely did young Catherine travel on sometimes to court and Hever castle but never to anywhere else. It was by invitation of a great uncle that Catherine was to travel and be by her mother's side at this gathering of family it seemed. Her hair spiraled down in ringlets with the biggest yet modest white bow placed perfectly to the side of her head. A doll given to her by Aunty Anne traveled everywhere with Catherine. And so for this occasion she had it tucked under her arm. Being led into the great hall of people chattering to one another Catherine quickly found her mother and clung to her mother's hand.

Young she might be she was not a child, you could hide things from. She knew that this was important also a chance to show people that her mother was a wonderful mother. One who never shied away from the responsibility when it came to her family.

Mary Boleyn wrote:

"She is very well. " Mary smiles "I'm surprised we hadn't met each other often like cousins should." Mary says "Now that we have met, I hope we see each other more at Whitehall."

I don't see why not Mary I am sure court shall be rather fun having your company. Mary was so very different to her father, perhaps she sought a more peaceful life. Indeed to have all the attention on you must come with a great burden.

"Indeed." Mary smiles as her young Catherine approaches behind her. "Of course you have heard my sister is on her way to become Queen, yes?" She didn't know why she would ask that question to a Howard when all the Boleyn's and all of the Howard's have heard.

I smiled at the little girl who resembled Mary in many of her features. How could I not forget the lavish hunt that Thomas Boleyn had held for the king from that moment on the Boleyn's never left his life. But it was not all Thomas, Anne alone had captured the king's affections and they were truly in love. The king loves Anne and vice versa I only wish that you to Mary find the happiness you so deserve. Remember us women are stronger than men.

I heard of the news of Catherine's arrival with her mother and I went to speak to her: "Welcome how are you Catherine?".
I go and see Mary: "How nice it is to see your children Mary thanks".

Catherine curtsied eyeing up the man who loomed over her like a high tower. She wasn't sure just who he was perhaps he had come to see Catherine when she was just a babe. In a clear, educated than she cleared her voice and replied.

I am well thank you sire

Good I am glad to hear it do you like me or not?

Poor little Catherine she had only come to be with her mother because although just young, she knew what this family was like. How could she possibly answer such a question she did not know this man and the childish question he was asking.

I do not know you to make assumptions as to what kind of person you are.

It isn't right to just ask a young child if she likes a person or not when she had just met them. "You can't just ask her that kind of question, Uncle" Mary had a look on her face as if his manners were different than normal "Like a small turtle, you must wait for her to come out."

"Sorry my Lady Let me no when I can speak to her then?"

Thomas Howard wrote:

" You are always welcome here Catherine and I hope that you enjoy your stay" I tell her

"Indeed I shall! Thank you again Your Grace."

"You are welcome my lady Catherine come whenever you want"

Thomas arrived in the late afternoon on request of his brother in law. Interested to see what Thomas Howard wanted, Boleyn waited for his announcement.

I heard of Boleyn's arrival at Kenninghall and I inform the servant to take him to my study and that I would see him later when I returned from Whitehall.

Mary came to her family's home when summoned by her Father. She went into the dining room and asked the servant to serve her some tea while she waited.

Ah Mary how are you getting on?

When your mother arrives we shall discuss things.

* I see them both as I enter the room* Ahhhhh dearest how are you doing *giving her a hug and kiss her cheek, looking at Thomas*

I am relieved that at last Mary can speak to her mother who has come home and I go and offer them both a glass of ale.

So tell us Mary how have you been doing lately?

Mary was about to speak to her father when she saw her mother walk into the room. Mary hugged her back tightly then she spoke softly. "There is nothing going on with me, I am merely a pawn at court for now and there is no man who wants me." She held her tongue and refused to speak about Francis to them.

I arrive at Kenninghall following the summons and wait to be announced.

Sweetheart I am glad that you are well and I am sure that someone would be honored to be your husband. That is what your father and I wished to talk to you about *smiles gently and touches her hand.*

Yes Mary your mother is right we want to speak to you and why would any man not marry my beautiful daughter.

Mary smiled nervously at her mother feeling her touch on her hand. "I have no answer Father. What did you want to talk to me about?" She asked looking from her Mother to her Father.

We want to talk to you about your marriage Mary and we think it is important that our daughter should be wed.

Sweetheart, your father and I would want for you to marry a man of good standing. A gentleman who can take care of you in the way you should be treated. But I don't understand that a gentleman at court would not seek your hand in marriage. In any case your father and I will consider a man for you that we will make sure that he is worthy of our daughter. Mary why do you look so troubled, I hope that you know that you can tell us anything.