Elizabeth Patmore's Bedchamber

I smiled wistfully and glanced out of my window, looking at the cold grounds of the palace beneath.

"I have always desired to live near the sea. The water is so calming."

I then chuckled and glanced at Victoria, "I have also heard this-but I cannot speak Italian so I fear there could be a language barrier."

"The high class Italians should learn English at a young age. One would be lucky to meet such a gentleman that does." Victoria walks by Elizabeth at the window to look outside "If I remember correctly, my mother hired an Italian tutor to teach me another language in case I marry gentleman from Italy." she says at she watches snowflakes fall gently from the sky "Were you taught anything essential as a child?"

I shrugged, "I was taught French and how to read Latin but I enjoyed more...feminine pursuits. I am never happier than when I am drawing or riding out. I would prefer to take a walk than learn about history."

"Sounds like a normal child. I never cared for any lesson that I had to be taught before my favorite music tutor came along." Mary crawled to the window to look at the snowflakes "She would give me little treats such as little pieces cake. Every time I learned a piece of music by heart, she told me I could practice a few times per day to keep from forgetting." Victoria picked Mary up and points out the snowflakes to her "I plan on giving my children a choice of which essential talent that they would like to learn."

I giggled, "I am sure your darling Mary will be very talented indeed-look at her mother! Both you and I and indeed she have been so very lucky in our lives."

Victoria looked and smiled at Elizabeth "Indeed. My Lizzie is starting to act like me. Mary plays with Victoria's as she thinks of a memory about Elizabeth "When someone tells her no, she tries to be or do something cute to change their mind."

I chuckled, "Learning fast!"

I sighed and fiddled with my hair again, "Tell me, have you ever met The King? I wonder what he is like. One hears such stories!"

"I was about to ask the same thing." Mary whines for no reason while Victoria tries to keep her busy" Nay, but my father is a close friend of his. When I went to Suffolk not too long ago, He told me that His Majesty banned him from court until he wants him back."

I frowned a little, "I imagine when you are King, you are allowed to be capricious-even to friends. I have no doubt however that your father may soon be in his good graces.."

Victoria put a hand on Elizabeth's shoulder"My father wasn't banned because His Majesty felt like it. It was because father said something about the King's love interest."

I raised my brows, "Well, I have certainly heard conflicting reports. However, as far as I'm concerned, she seems very talented and poised. I hear she is fluent in French."

"She is. She used to serve in France to the Queen." Victoria tucks a stray strand of hair behind her ear "My father seems to loathe Anne and her family for some reason."

I nodded thoughtfully, "Well as they say, there is no smoke without fire. Your father must have some cause for his feelings."

"I think he told the king about Anne's relations with other men in her past." Victoria kissed the top of Mary's head as she looked out the window "Papa was sent to Suffolk and was told to stay there until The King wants him back." Mary started to cry a little signaling Victoria that it's time for Mary's nap "I have to go. It's time for her nap." Victoria says as calls for a maid to give her Victoria and Mary's coat

I nodded thoughtfully as she spoke of Anne Boleyn. A truly enigmatic woman.

I smiled affectionately at little Mary, "Of course. I'm sorry for keeping you back. Thank you for your visit."

Victoria smiles at Elizabeth as the maid gives her the coats "it's no trouble at all. It is a pleasure to meet you." She heads for the door and a maid opens it for her"Perhaps we shall see each other again?"

I grinned, "I should like nothing better!"