Blissful Summer Feast

Catherine Parr wrote:

I saw lady Ursula all alone at the summer feast  so i decided that i would walk over and say hello
she look so alone .

good evening Lady Ursula how are you ? its a lovely party there are so many lords and ladies here
the music is wonderful . have you had the pleasure of meeting anyone here at court ? there are so many lords i bet waiting in line for your hand.

i smiled and waited for her to respond . she smiled back at me

I saw the Lady Catherine approach me and it was a relief to have someone to talk to.  I dropped a curtsy and said to her:  My Lady Catherine, I am well thank you.  This is a lovely party and so many people are here.  I have not made the acquaintance of very many here at court.  You are so kind to say there are many Lords waiting for me, I have not made any acquaintance with them.  You are so beautiful, I can imagine you are betrothed, if not married already.  Can we walk in the garden or picnic sometime?  

I returned her smile. and waited for a response.

I saw the Lady Catherine, walk away as I began to speak. Once I began to speak, I could not stop the words. I sip on my wine and hope she does not think me rude. I had been taken by surprise that so great a lady chose to speak to me. I stand sipping wine and hoping for someone to speak with me or to ask me to dance. This is a lovely party.

I smiled back at Lady Ursula, I replied " why yes i would love to take a walk in the gardens
with you Lady Ursula that would be lovely" and as for the party yes there are so many here
and it such a lovely party. and so many lords and courtiers here so many to choose from.

have you seen a young man or a lord you would like to meet or dance with ? i am not yet married or promised to any one i am waiting for the right man to come along.

is your family here ? how are they ? have you seen his majesty ? or my lord Brandon ?
they seem to be missing i wonder where they could be .

I waited for her response.

I circulate the room, gliding across the floor. My gown floats behind me and my hair tumbles down my back. Courtiers smile and bow as I pass them; murmuring "Your Grace" and lowering their heads out of respect.

Ben noticed a new royal, although he wasn't sure who she was, just that she was widely beautiful. As she passed he bowed. "Your highness" he said hoping he would get a chance to speak with her.

Seeing a man I don't recognise; I smile graciously and look at him as he speaks.
"My Lord?" I extend my hand for him to kiss.

As she extends her hand he placed a gentle kiss upon it and glanced up at her. "I have never seen you at court before, have you just arrived?" he asked boldly while desperately wanting to know her name.

I smile brightly "Yes, yes I am."
My Lady-in-waiting steps forward and speaks 'You are addressing her Grace, the Princess Katherine of England.. his Majesty's beloved youngest sister'...I blush as she speaks. My smile is faintly at the man.

He gulped not knowing his majesty had another sister. "Tis a pleasure to make you acquaintance your highness" he bowed again. "I'm Benjamin Baines, Duke of Penbroke."

"I'm honoured your Grace" I incline my head. "I was raised away from court." My smile brightens, as I arrange my golden hair to tumble over my shoulders.
"Has your Grace just returned to court?"

I tired to focus on only her words, but my mind wandered as she adjusted her hair, I was like a moth to a flame. "Yes, I've just returned. I had been in Germany for a few months, however, I'm glad I have returned." I say with a smirk.

Catherine Parr wrote:

I smiled back at Lady Ursula, I replied " why yes i would love to take a walk in the gardens
with you Lady Ursula that would be lovely"  and as for the party yes there are so many here
and it such a lovely party. and so many lords and courtiers here so many to choose from.

have you seen a young man or a lord you would like to meet or dance with ? i am not yet married or promised to any one i am waiting for the right man to come along.

is your family here ? how are they ? have you seen his majesty ? or my lord Brandon ?
they seem to be missing i wonder where they could be .

I waited for her response.

My Lady Catherine, there are truly so many handsome lords to choose from here. I am most interested in meeting any of them, as I have not many friends yet. I have a man in my life, Sir Robert Tavistock, but he does not come to court very often. I have only seen His Majesty a few times, he is most good looking, do you think? I have seen Lord Brandon but not yet spoken with him. I believe His Majesty must either be in Council Chambers or in his private chambers, perhaps with the Lady Anne. What think you of her? I thought Lord Brandon would be here. My family is not here, they stay in the country, away from court. Would it be good to walk in the garden tomorrow? Is your family here at court? Do you have your eyes set upon one of these fine lords? They all seem to dance quite well.

I smile at him "Germany? How wonderful...did you meet the Emperor Charles?" Blushing at his smirk, I look down.

I turn hearing the announcer boom the prince's entry and his companion: the Duchess. My smile doesn't falter, my face doesn't move but my mind turns to why he and her Grace are together. I return my attention back to the Duke and smile even more brightly. "Your Grace, tell me are you friends with my brother or my sister?"

Ben saw her attention turn when another royal entered the room, although his eyes stayed on her, she was more intriguing than anyone he had ever met. "I have met them before but as for friendship, that does not come easily with the King of England." He shrugged and thought how great it would be to be in his majesty's favor.

I nod, smiling graciously as I do. "My brother can have his moments but he is very kind and friendly...well, I think so!" Giggling, I take a goblet of wine as a servant offers one.

Ben smiled "Yes, and quite intimidating" he chuckled and took a drink of his wine as well. "Tell me your highness, how does a lady such as yourself come out of as if in the shadows, and charm me, a gentleman?" He asked with his eyes only on her.

Blushing "With some skill, my Lord Duke!" I smile teasingly and sip my wine. "In truth, I have no idea! Do you find me charming your Grace?"

Her face glowed even more as her cheeks turned bright pink. It was another feature that attracted him to her. Ben stood a bit closer to her and whispered, "Forgive me if i'm speaking out of tongue, however I find all of your womanly charms attractive." Ben was now expecting a slap across the face or worse. He was a man of words, and almost always said what he thought.

Slightly taken back; I look at him, my eyes widened...but I was also flatter that a man as handsome as the Duke found me attractive. "Your Grace flatters me greatly..." I lean closer and whisper to him softly "...I am betrothed to the Prince of Navarre..." I say it and look at him with doe eyes. I hope d this information wouldn't send him running from me or change his attention. I wait for his response with bated breath.

King Gustav is seated at the great dining table enjoying the sumptuous feast arrayed before him. It delights him that King Henry has seen fit to include his favourite meal of savory smoked salmon, crisp and tasty roasted mackerel and tender cooked potatoes, and thus he digs in heartily. As Margaret  remained in their quarters, resting from the exhausting journey, Gustav dined alone. At last his eyes catch a familiar face. He drops the morsel of salmon between his fingers and wipes his mouth with the cuff of his sleeve, as his eyes widened at the figure he beholds~none other than Prince Frederick of Denmark. Son of his sworn enemy, King Christian of the Danes and opponent on many a battlefield. What matter of business had he at the English court? Cannily, he watches the prince, Goblet in hand, mingle in the great hall with the other guests...unable to bear it any longer, Gustav rises purposefully and brusquely approaches his target. Frederick turns to him.

"What are you doing here, Danish jävel!" Gustav says as he lays his hand on the pommel of his dagger.

I take a look to where her eyes pointed, then back to her. "You are not married yet so I am nowhere in the wrong." I smiled and kissed her hand. "Would your betrothed allow you to accompany me to the gardens?"