Gardens

My gardens are beautiful. I'm thinking about having some Lilies planted because that's my favorite flower.

After the hunt I knew I had some business to tend to at Lambeth so I rode their afterwards. Seeing the duchess was not in, I strolled around in the gardens since I didnt feel like returning to court just yet.

After retuning from lunch and on her way to her next lesson Joan saw a man in the gardens. A very handsome man. He was dressed very official, so she assumed he was here to see the Duchesse. Joan would normally never approach such a man however, after hearing Catherine's story, she stood upright and walked towards him. As she got closer she noticed the Tudor Rose pinned to his lapel but there was no turning back.
"Good day Sir, you seem lost can I help you?" Although she knew he probably wasn't lost at all.

I see a pretty young lady walking towards me and I smile.
"Good day, miss. Are you one of the boarders here?"
I smile at her, appraising her good looks. She seems young and sweet. "Im not lost, I arrived here to see the duchess but I hear she's away. Is no one in charge here?" I teased.

Joan blushed and smiled, "Oh the Duchess is very hard to find at this time of day. You might interrupt her long day of napping" she giggled. "Yes, i'm a border here, although we girls...uhm...Ladies take care of ourselves." She said as she turned a piece of her blond strands in her finger. "Perhaps I can help?"

"Napping?" I chuckle. "If you don't mind I could use a drink," I notice her blond hair looking like straw spun into gold.

Joan smiled and admired his rugged handsomeness. "Sure, follow me!" she said leading him to the dining hall.

I walked through the garden, humming to myself as I picked some bright pink and purple flowers from a grassy patch. The nearby fountain was splashing peacefully, the sun was high and shining bright, and I was feeling the happiest I'd been.

I noticed lady kitty walking alone and went to join her. Kitty how are you.

I smiled when I saw Francis Dereham approach. "Master Dereham, I am much better now that I am in your presence." I had seen this man from afar and found him very handsome. I blushed a little as I twirled a violet between my fingers.

I smiled. Really how so? Are you that short of company around here.

"Actually, yes. I only speak to Joan, and sometimes Master Manox." I looked down at the little bouquet in my hands. "May I ask you a question, Francis?" He'd used my nickname so I thought I could use his own name.

I picked a flower from her bouqet. Yes you may ask me anything your heart desires

I blushed at his words as I accepted his flower, and softly pressed it to my lips. "Why do you stay here with the old duchess, when you could be out in the world, doing whatever you wish?" I looked at him. "I cannot wait to leave this place, and if you ever do I would hope you shall take me with you!"

I smirked at her. If i left you here to your own devices then what kind of mischevious things would you get up to lady kitty  I picked another flower and placed it beside the flower in her hair. Besides the duchess won't let you leave until you find a marriage so my company will have to suffice until you're time comes

"I would do no such thing!" I said, playfully defending my honor. "Perhaps I would steal some little cakes from the kitchen but that is all." I smile as he puts the flowers in my hair. "Are you thinking to decorate me, Francis Dereham?" I teased. "To be in your company is hardly a bad thing. It is something to look forward to, as I always do."

I couldn't help but laugh. You would do more than that kitty. And i thought you liked to be showered with gifts am i wrong? I can not always be in your company they would start to suspect us

"Pray tell, what more would I do?" I asked playfully, though I also wanted to know what he thought I was capable of. "And yes, I do like gifts. These flowers are nicer than any gold," I whispered gently touching the petals. "I know that all your time may not be spent with me, but I shall always look forward to it. Don't you prefer my company to the duchess's?" I teased.

You would have this entire household doing what you command. Tell me how do you like sharing a room full of girls. I had plenty of room in mine but I knew it was a sin to bed a lady out of wedlock. She was admiring those flowers as if they were gold but she did not fool me. Come on kitty who are you trying to fool you value gifts you want to be adored and will use just about anyone to get away from here including me.

"Indeed, I should rather like such command!" I said giggling. "I don't mind sharing a room with the other girls, but some of them snore rather loudly. Joan is the only one I truly care for, usually we stay up and whisper about what we shall do when we are married ladies." I smiled, seeing Francis out of the corner of my eye. "What girl doesn't want beautiful jewelry, new gowns, and gentlemen doing her every bidding? But if I thought I could use you to help me leave here, I would have done it already.'

You are no fool kitty you know exactly how to use someone to your advantage and I am not a man who forgets easily. he looked on staring at the sun.

"Do you truly believe I would use you? I would rather rely on myself. No one has helped me thus far, and I do not think anyone will in the future. What I want, I must get myself," I said lightly, my voice tinted with determination.

Amused and bemused by her words he gave her around of applause Tell me kitty am i the only man here at lambeth? he knew their was another but to share his kitty was not something he was going to do.

"Do you think there is anyone else, Francis?" I asked in a quiet voice.