Thomas Howard's Study

Mary opens the door slightly and pokes her head in"You wanted to see me Uncle?"

"Yes Mary I wanted you to know that I am considering remarrying and I am just waiting for the Queen Your sister Anne to grant me a divorce and then I will marry".

"I will present her to you to see what you think". I take Mary upstairs to meet my future wife Mary Dawn.

"Mary this is my Niece Mary Boleyn and sister to the queen".

Mary had been trying hard to avoid being seen by anyone since her affair with Francis Bryan had ended. She missed him terribly but knew that she could never speak of it and for a while she had feared that she was pregnant. Now months later she could not ignore her father's summons anymore so she quietly knocked on his study door as she sighed wishing herself anywhere but here.

I heard the knock on the door and order the servant to let Mary in.

"Welcome Mary my dear and I have not asked you hear because of your late affair with Sir Francis and I heard rumours from my spies that you are pregnant and when did you plan on telling me?"

"I am hoping to arrange a marriage for you Mary that pleases me but before I do this I want you to meet someone" I invite the lady Dawn over to where we are:" Mary my dear I would like you to meet your mother in law to be the lady Mary Dawn".

I go and whisper in my daughter's ear and say: "We will talk about who I have in line for you in my study later meet me there".

Mary's face paled as her father spoke, she had no idea that he had spies following her. With a sigh, Father, I was going to come to you but I did not know how to tell you. She nods to his directions and looks up with a polite smile. Yes Father, please introduce to your friend and I will come to your study later.

"Great Mary I will introduce you to my wife to be Lady Mary Dawn and your mother in law" I escort her to Mary Dawn's chambers: " My lady Dawn this is my daughter Mary Howard.

"I will see in my chambers later" I tell my daughter.

I feel uncomfortable hearing His Grace talk sternly towards his young daughter, I had heard of the affair as it seemed to be common knowledge at Court and feel sorry for her - Sir Francis Bryan was indeed a very handsome man and had most of the ladies at court hoping he would pick them.

I step forward as I am introduced "My dear Lady" I smile and gently take her hand "I hope we get to know each other well"

Mary had her head down not wanting to let them see how affected she still was with talk of Francis. He would always been the first man that she had ever loved and the pain of losing him was still like a fresh wound. Wrapping her arms over her stomach she took in a deep breath before she looked up. The woman her Father was introducing her too was very young and very beautiful but there was also a kindness about her that Mary sensed right away. She nodded to her speaking softly. "it is my pleasure to meet you and I do hope that we could be close."

I turn and talk to the lady Dawn: " I will see you in your chambers later". I signal for her to leave.

I turn back to my Daughter: " I think that you should now forget about that Francis fellow and soon I will present to you the man I had in mind for your marriage".

" I would rather like it if you and Mary got to know each other as she is soon going to be your mother in law".

Mary turned to say goodbye to her. "I would like to get to know you better, please call for me whenever you wish."

With a sigh Mary lowered her head so her long blond hair covered her face hiding her tears. "It is hard to forget someone you love but I will try.": She answered him softly.

I turn and talk to Mary: " I know it must be hard for you to forget but I will allow you to see Elizabeth your mother".

"Hope that you to meet often".

"Thank you Father, you have always been good and kind to me and I'm truly sorry for bringing you shame with my actions. She said looking down still.

"Let me know when you want to see your mother and I will arrange it"

"I want to see her as soon as possible, she ..she doesn't know about my shame does she? I don't want anyone else to know that is why I was trying to hide it."

" No she doesn't know about and I have arranged for you to ser her at Carrow Abbey".

"Report back to me Mary".

Mary nodded to him. "Yes Father, I will and thank you. I have been missing Mother so much."

" You are Welcome my dearest daughter report back to me on your return".

I tell the servant to take my daughter to Carrow Abbey to see her mother.

Mary nodded to her father. "I promise that I shall and Father, thank you." She said softly before she turned to leave his study.

"You are welcome ny dear and you may leave whenever you like and just so you know Mary I shall be at Whitehall when you return so take charge of the household for a few days ok".

Mary looked over at him with surprise, "Can I not return to Whitehall? Or do you fear that I might cause further harm to our family?"

"You may go to Whitehall after you have visited your mother".

"Thank you Father." Mary said simply as she smiled at him, she hoped that he would not be checking on her there again as she only wanted to return to Whitehall to search for Francis.