mon joli jardin

I giggled fanning myself vigorously as I admitted such things.

'My husband has never shown his jealous side before. As he stood before me revealing this side all I saw was a forbidden fruit waiting for me to take. They say that a marriage can grow dry and shrivel up but I beg to differ where their is love a marriage will grow stronger.'

"It certainly sounds as though you have built such a strong foundation of love with your husband the duke. I pray God blesses you both and gives you His abundant graces," Alice smiled, thinking of her own happy marriage.

'Oh I am certainly not bragging about my marriage. Every marriage is simply different trying to find a balance is key.'

I wrapped a shawl around my shoulders pouring the last remains of the tea.

'Do you and Thomas have any other plans while you are in Scotland. We also have Lady Prue the wife of Thomas Cramner her as well.'

I brought Ursula outside to one of my favorite parts of the garden. I could see she wanted to talk to me and no one ever bothered me here. I only hoped that whatever was on her mind I could help with.

"What did you wish to talk to me about dear? Are you not happy in Scotland. "

" Yes my lady I am indeed happy here and you have shown me great kindness, but It is a man."

I look around hoping no one else was around.

"I have had word from Sir Francis Bryan, a messager brought me this letter."
I reach into my dress pocket and pull out a piece of parchment and slowly hand it over to Mary.

I waved a hand dismissively knowing that no one dare interrupt our private talk here. I gasped as she told me her news rather in amazement actually they had hidden their blossoming love well. A smile formed eager to hear all about it where they met and the usual.

"Does he make you a happy lady Ursula"

I took the parchment of paper rolling it out so we could both read it together.

"Yes he makes me happy but he is "   I looked at Mary And I quietly said " he is married."

I stepped closer as we both read the parchment, it was from a messanger asking for me to meet Sir Francis. "He has found me Mary, he had some of his men searching for me."

I placed a gentle hand on top of hers it must be hard to be so caught up about a man whom she cared for so much.

"Go to him, he obviously has gone to great lengths to see you I think you should hear him out. But remember Ursula the ball is always in your court you hold all the cards until he separates from his wife I wish to see you happy."

I felt sorry for Francis especially being cousins to all the Howard's, which seemed to enjoy inbreeding at least Anne Boleyn was nothing like them which was a relief.

I looked up at Mary as she placed her hand on mine, I listened as Mary spoke.

"I have fought men of so easily before but he has made me feel different Mary why is this?"

looking confused I turn the parchment over in my hands, I knew his wife could cause me great shame if she found out he was here and looking for me.

"l it I think they call it love Ursula the ship as they say is docked in your corner it is now up to you to set the sail in the direction you wish to go."

I tentatively placed my hand on top of hers and gave my best reassuring smile. Some people had never experienced love, perhaps this was her first time in feeling this way towards a man.

"It could be worse, you could've had an arranged marriage like I did after all these years I'm still not sure I am the one Duke Westmoreland wants."

I giggled a little at her saying but I knew what she ment and Mary was wise so I smiled knowing what I must do, I was going to go to him and tell him how I feel before he leaves again.

"Mary I see how he looks at you, It's like no one else is in the room when it's just you and he." Looking at Mary I thought I would be brave enough to Mention her brother.
"Have you spoken to the King Henry and his soon to be wife? I have heard he is having a summer party and you normally visit him on such occasions ."