Mary Dawn's Bedchamber

The sun streamed through the window as I settled into my new chambers, life at court was going to be different I mused to myself as I looked out onto the courtyard

I settled at the table and wrote a letter to my parents informing them I was well and asking after their health, I will have it sent to them on the morrow. Life at court was so new and it felt strange to feel so suddenly alone in such a busy Palace.

Thankfully no one was around as I made my way back to my own chambers, I leaned against the door as I closed it and finally let the tears fall. I did not know how to feel and I was unprepared for the emotions that I was going through.

I went to the water stand and washed my face, I decided to rest so changed and laid on my bed, for hours I must have laid awake with the events of the day going through in my mind till sleep took over and led me to pleasant dreams.

I was rudely awaken by sharp tapping upon my door and someone calling my name

I arrive back at my chambers, in tears and shaking. I can not believe the Duke of Norfolk could behave like that towards me.

I walk towards my wash basin and splash my face with water, I look at myself and feel complete shame that I fell for his lies. I remove my clothes and grab my gown which I wrap round me and pack my torn clothing into a bag, I want them gone out of my sight. Wiping my eyes I get my things together ready for a bath then I think I will go and visit my dear friend Margery Seymour she might be able to help me

It was just a game my love we did not mean it she likes playing jokes.

" It was just one of the games the Howard's play every now and then you didn't really think I was going to make you do something like that did you my love?"

I approach Mary who was in her cahmbers and see that she was upset and I go over and comfort her:

" My love I am truly sorry for this I do not know what I was thinking I am truly sorry for what has happened and please forgive me and my family".

I kiss her on the lips twice.

I ask her something: " Please come to my rooms and spend the night with me and I will tell you about the marriage plans my love and I really am sorry I don't know what came over me that day it was probably because I was annoyed with what had happened at Kimbolton and I was over reacting."

I bristle at his touch, this was the second time he had tried to force himself upon me "My Lord" I exclaim as I push him away "You speak of an apology after being most inappropriate with my person against my will despite being aware of my wishes" I step towards my door "and now you propose I spend the night with you - Sir you are no gentleman and I have somewhere I need to be"

I go to open the door "Do not try and justify your actions or I shall speak to His Majesty and His Grace, The Duke of Suffolk"

I defiantly open my chamber door "Leave your Grace, I do not wish to lay my eyes upon you at this time" I utter as he stares at me and goes to leave. Slamming the door behind him I let fresh tears fall, I freshen my face and compose myself as I leave to meet with Lady Margery

I hope you undetstand it eas never meant to be for real and I really am sorry come see me in my chambers. I say as I leave.

I pace my chambers waiting for Margery, Lady Mary Howard and his Grace the Duke of Norfolk to attend. I am not used to holding court and my stomach feels twisted but I must put an end to this madness that has occurred.

I stare into my looking glass and compose myself while glancing around the room, ever since my return from the archery field I have had the eerie feeling of being watched.

Mary enters Lady Dawn's Bed Chamber. "I have received your message. Is everything alright?"

I jump slightly as my door opens but relax as I see the Lady Mary

I smile and welcome her with a curtsey "Lady Mary, I am most grateful that you have come" I notion towards a chair and offer her a drink.

"I have asked you here because I need to confront your Uncle" I look down "I wish to have you as a witness and I fully understand if you do not wish to be here"

I pour the drinks "There maybe some content which you may not wish to hear about your Uncles behaviour towards me"

"It's not a bother at all." Mary says as she smooth the hems of her dress to sit down "After all, We, as women, need to stick together in situations such as this." Lady Dawn then speaks about her Uncle "Family is important but, the well being of my sister's ladies is more important to me." Mary thanks her as she pours the drink "Whatever is troubling you, dear Mary, say what you want to say."

I nod my head "Life is much easier with having people to speak too and to know there is support" I hand her a drink "This is why I have asked you to be here, I do not want any unkind rumours bound round court about this matter"

I sit opposite Lady Mary "Your Uncle has not behaved in a way I believe a Gentleman should" I take a deep breath "especially towards me"

"I do apologize." When Mary heard the news, she wanted to slap him across the face, but as a lady, she wouldn't "I know it may or may not make things better for you, but would you want me to slap him upside the head? It's the least physical damage I can do to him."

I smile and giggle slightly "You may decide what to do once I have confronted him" I sip my drink "Due to your Uncle's behaviour and requests made upon me I have decided I no longer wish to be married to him"

Mary was hoping that she would say that "Well, since this isn't my business, I shall let you decide who gets to hit him upside the head." She takes a sip "After all, I'm pretty sure you would want to when he disrespected your choice."

In all honesty Mary I am scared of him I bite my lip His demeanour changes so quickly, one minute he is most gentle and the next forceful I look into my cup

I do believe he is a danger, there was a request to kidnap which he then says is a joke I look up I am concerned that his behaviour shall be the ruin of Lady Anne

I smile as Margery enters, I notice she had brought some provisions My dear Margery please join us I notion to a seat

I have told Lady Mary that I will be refusing the offer of marriage from His Grace I take a sip of mead and continue I have also explained that her Uncle's actions scare me

I arrive at Mary's chambers and inform Mary's doorman to tell her his Grace the Duke of Norfolk is here as she asked.

I hear the knock upon the door "Enter" I stand quickly as His Grace steps into my chambers, my mouth feels dry and my skin clammy as I look at him

"Your Grace" I whisper I look over to Margery for reassurance "Please do sit Sir" I step back towards the table and fix a drink my hands tremble as I pour.

Mary notices the slight trembling of Lady Dawn as she pours. She gets up from her seat and walks over to her. "Here, let me help. Mary whispers to her as she takes the pitcher and the goblet.

I smile my thanks at Lady Mary, I hope that after all that will occur we could still be on friendly terms. I turn to face His Grace

Thank you for coming, I do hope I have not inconvenienced you I give a tight smile and return to my seat I have asked you here to discuss the recent events that have happened