Kate Ashley's bedchamber

Yes that sounds lovely Geoffrey lead the way. I smiled my cheeks turning a rosy red as if I had one to many red wines

Geoffrey came to Kate's room after his duties. It has been a while since he saw her, and he missed her very much. So he knocked at her door

Kate..may I come in? It's me. Your Geoffrey..

Much to my delight the sweet knocking at my door proved to be my love. I set aside my book wrapping my shawl around my shoulders, not noticing how quickly the afternoon turned to evening. Of course you may you need not ask. I called out to him as I lit the candle by my bedside.

Geoffrey opened the door and entered the room. He smiled as he saw Kate and approached her with quick steps

Kate..you can't imagine how happy I am to see you. I missed you so much, my love. How are you?

He asked while sitting at her side. He took her hand trapping it between his hands

As Geoffrey entered my chamber I blew out the flame on the end of the burning lint setting it down next to the burning candle. My hands became ensnared between his I flinched at the coldness of his hands. And I am happy to see you! Tell me all the news from the servants quarter. I was still waiting for Anne Boleyn to have a child so perhaps I could be a governess to her future children. Until then I would wait and look after those children whose families visited Whitehall.

Geoffrey chuckled shooking his head

Nothing interesting, my love. Servants quartes is rather boring, recently. No one talks about private life..they only talk about the marriage between the King and Lady Anne. Have you heard? It seems it will be a secret ceremony. I heard that a new servant is going to arrive..but who knows? Everything changes so fastly. But tell me..what have you done while I was busy?

He said turning his eyes towards hers. He was waiting for the moment of their marriage to happen

Which new servant is arriving at the palace? Are they an old friend of yours. I curiously inquired with one arched eyebrow. The talk of Henry marrying Anne had gone on for many years now I just wanted to celebrate instead of waiting. Too many people, perhaps stalled the king from going further in making steps to the marriage. I rolled my eye's knowing how interfering people could be with circumstances that did not concern them. If the marriage shall be in secret as you say then people shouldn't call Anne "Lady" anymore it will anger the king. I flinched recalling the memory when the king had slapped Geoffrey a couple of times.

Geoffrey nodded, still holding her hands

I don't know, yet. I hear some gossip in the kitchen. They say he is related with Howards in some way..weird story. About Lady Anne..perhaps. I'll try to call her with respect...in order to void King's anger. But maybe, after the marriage he will become...sweeter. Talking about marriages...there is some I would like to discuss with you, sweet Kate..

He added smiling and pretending looking elsewhere, like it was not important. He was wondering about her reaction

I frowned, giving a disapproval look while I liked Lady Anne her family that of her Fathers side was strong and powerful. In fact, it wouldn't surprise me if they overstepped the boundaries of the king even. But I hoped that with this new marriage brought the king, his much deserved happiness. If he was happy that was all mattered to the courtiers. I would love to see Lady Anne on her wedding day! If you attend will you tell me what it is like spare no detail. I asked eagerly beaming with happiness at such event taking place here. You wish for us to finally be married? Is that what you are trying to ask me Geoffrey. I turned the ring on my finger which he had placed. To me this ring was everything.

Geoffrey smiled happily and nodded

Yes..that's what I'm trying to say, Kate. I love you. So..not only I'll bring you to Lady Anne's wedding, if possible. But...more than everything, I'll bring you until the altar to make you finally my wife. If this is your wish..

He added, while touching her cheek softly and meeting her eyes

It very much so was my wish to be his wife. I would be most happy to marry away from the palace out in the countryside perhaps. If Geoffrey could be spared from his majesty for a few days. I have always wanted to marry you Geoffrey my feelings about that have never changed. I answered sincerely, knowing that it was highly unlikely to attend such a history changing event. But it was sweet of him to consider me attending. I rested my head gently down upon his shoulder my body moulding into place as I lay by his side unwilling to move. As we are mere servants to his majesty do we have to request permission to marry? Or is it just the nobles that seek permission... I hope that when lady Anne is married the king shall no longer have to hide his happiness.

Geoffrey smiled. He brushed softly his cheek against her hairs

Oh no..only nobles need King's permission to marry. We're free. And we're lucky for that. Can you imagine if I was a Duke or a Prince? I would be forced marrying an ugly noblewoman..And what if you were a Countess? Probably..you would end to marry a fat, old Count. No..I'm so lucky to be engaged to the most beautiful and sweet girl of the world..

He chuckled tenderly, looking for her eyes

If we were French I'd like to be called a Madame all around the world is different names for the same ranks like a prince for an instant. In France they are referred to as a Dauphin rather than saying Prince. I didn't care for ranks those with money tended to always seem less unhappy and more troubled not to all but just a few. Only the poor seemed to value money never letting it make them greedy making sure that there feet were firmly kept on the ground. I choose to be without money is from time to time it would be nice to buy pretty things and so on but how can you truly appreciate it if you were brought up with it? All I want is my little cottage... What do you seek with the earnings you make. I asked him as I looked at him with an inquisitive look as before today I had never really learnt of the passions Geoffrey craved apart from me of course.

Geoffrey was impressed by her question. But he smiled looking around

Well..I'm saving money for our cottage, my love. It will be..my wedding's gift. But..besides this, I usually use money to buy books, especially the printed ones. Can you imagine? There is a printing machine..so you have no need to write using ink with your own hand. That's incredible! Oh..and I also love hunt hats. I have some..

He replied simply, still smiling and playing with her hairs

What.. I looked at him, stunned by his revelation of a printing machine also wondering if the invention was also made by Leonardo DA Vinci a painter who liked to sometimes invent. Of course books were printed not necessarily written by hand anymore, but was this something that was actually hidden in this very palace. Did the King know about it? I started to worry about who else Geoffrey might've told scared that the king would hit him again. Have you seen it does this have something to do with pamphlets being written against the King.

Geoffrey nodded

Yes, my love. Some reformers used this machine to write against the King. But the King himself is using it. I heard that he wants to share his idea about the new Church of England using the printing machine. I have not seen it, yet. But I guess the Secretary Cromwell has..

He sighed deeply and pulled her towards him with his embrace

My sweet Kate..the world is changing. But our love will remain the same for ever. I love you. And this will never change..

It sounded to me that if the printing machine was left in the wrong hands a lot of damage could be made, it also could be made for other useful things such as keeping people updated with all the good works the king does for his lands. Do you trust Cromwell my love. I did overhear that not even Anne was that keen on him... Which got me to ponder exactly why that was. Wrapping my legs around Geoffrey's hips I climbed atop him.

Geoffrey took a deep breath looking around room. He met Cromwell very few times to have an opinion about him

I don't know, my love. I barely know him. But it seems to be a reformer, and the King trusts him. I can't say that this will be a good thing for England or not..but I see him like a very ambitious man. Maybe..even more Boleyn's. I think he is using his power to control the King's mind..

He replied openly, knowing that he could trust Kate. He could say every secret thought to her

Although it was very long ago I myself had met Cromwell, perhaps it was time to divulge into my past. A past that I never really spoke about with Geoffrey before, but I knew things, things you would not expect a governess like me to know. I'll tell you my secrets Geoffrey. I shifted uneasily where I sat in bed knowing that I could trust Geoffrey even though there could be a chance he will feel like he doesn't know me after my revelation.

Geoffrey looked surprised at her. He never thought that she could have secrets with him

A secret? What's about, my love..

He asked, hoping it was not about a lover or something like that

I once met Cromwell when he worked for Cardinal Wolsey. I had never even thought about this slight meeting until Geoffrey had mentioned his name and it struck something in me that sent a cold chill throughout my body. This was ages ago his horse had thrown him off with a dislocated shoulder when he was in the employment of Wolsey. I think he could possibly be a very dangerous man Geoffrey and somewhere deep down inside. I think he still holds Anne responsible for what happened to Wolsey even though he was living his life like a King.

Geoffrey listened her in silence. He nodded at the end of her words and took a breath

My love..I think Cromwell wanted to gain power since he was Wolsey's secretary. Surely the Cardinal trusted him. But what about the King? He put the Kingdom in his hands. And now we're going to change everything. I don't like him so much. So..if you accept my suggestion..I would love you do not have something to do with him..

He said sincerely. Then smiled looking at her deep eyes

I nodded obediently, but I could still not shake something from my mind yet I did not wish to trouble Geoffrey with it. I know, lets go dancing. I suggested trying to lift the mood from the heavy subjects that we had just discussed.

Geoffrey smiled while looking surprised at her

Would you really love to dance, my love? Where?

He asked, wondering if she had something in mind for them

I sprang from the bed, heading over to my dress to find a fresh, clean dress something a little fancier than my day to day clothes. Ever since I had arrived at Whitehall palace never have I been to one of King Henry's seasonal parties. I would love for us to attend if we are allowed. If not we can dance to the music outside it will be like our own private party.