Alice More's bedchamber

Geoffrey entered in the room and bowed in front of lady More

Lady More...I bring you a message from your husband, sir Thomas More. From France...

He took a paper from his pocket and showed it to her

Alice smiled at the young man, grateful to hear news of her beloved husband.

"I thank you, Geoffrey!" Not wanting to appear too eager, she held it in her hands, trying to steady them as she opened the missive.

Geoffrey looked at lady More while she was reading the letter

My beloved Alice,
I'm happy to let you know that my mission in France is ended, and I'll be back in England in few days. I missed you so much, and I always put you and Margaret in my prayers. Send her my love and devotion. I love you
Your faithful husband
Thomas

Is there...anything I can do for you, my lady?

Geoffrey asked as she finished reading

Alice reads the letter, happy to know her husband will soon be home again. She gives a silent prayer of thanks.

Geoffrey asks if she requires anything, and she quickly sets about writing a short note.

"Dear Thomas, I am glad to hear you will be home soon! It has not been the same without you, and I hope to catch up on everything with you my love.. Your loving wife Alice."

She hands the note to Geoffrey. "Please make sure my husband receives this. I thank you very much!"

Geoffrey took the note from her hands and nodded

Of course, my lady...

Then he bowed again and left the room

Margaret walked up the hallways and tapped on her mothers door 'Mother, tis' me, Margaret' she said and she entered when she was allowed 'Mother, i miss papa' she said.

Alice welcomed Margaret with a warm hug. "Well my dear, you needn't miss him for long, he is due to arrive within the next few days!" She beamed as she held out the letter Thomas had written. "I have missed him terribly, as have you. Thank God he is well and shall return to us!"

Thomas reached Alice's chamber after his return to court. He missed her and Margaret deeply when he was in France. He knocked fastly at her door

Alice...are you there, my love? I'm back...

Surprised by a knock at the door, Alice goes to answer it and finds Thomas standing there. She happily embraces him and kisses him.

"I have missed you so! My prayers for your safe journey have been answered my love!" She leads him into the room where Margaret is waiting. "Dear husband, you must tell us, how was it in France?"

Margaret noticed the familiar voice at the door and when her father came in she ran into his arms 'Papa!' she said as she hugged him 'Oh papa, i have missed you so much!' she said and she nodded 'Yes, tell us about france, Papa' she said with a large grin on her pale face.

Thomas entered in the room and hugged tightly Alice. He hold her face among his hands and kissed softly her lips. Then he turned towards Margaret and hugged her too with a wide smile

Alice, Margaret...I missed you too. France was rather good. King Francis is a kind man, and everyone treated me with much respect in his court. I've nothing to complain about. How are you, sweetheart?

He asked tenderly to Margaret, kissing softly her forehead

Alice smiles to see her little family back together again. Happily she sets about pouring some water for Thomas and Margaret, and plates of fruit, bread and cheese,

Thomas reached the table and took off his hat. He gave it to Alice and caressed softly Margaret's cheek

Oh...I'm starving! I'm just a bit tired because of travel, my dear. Hope you enjoyed your time during my absence. So...what's happened at court while I was away, my love?

He asked, turning to Alice. He took a piece from bread and started to eat

Alice shook her head sadly. "More of the same, my dear. That horrible Boleyn family, I think they will never go away! And poor Cardinal Wolsey, things are not looking well for him at all, he is all but destroyed." She made the Sign of the Cross. "I dread to think what turn this country will take if the king gets his own way."

Thomas took a deep breath while holding a glass of water in his hands

I know, Alice...I know. Unluckily, the King doesn't listen to me anymore. And I fear that anyone can prevent him from destroy his marriage. And probably England's future too. About Wolsey...he has many enemies at court, yes. I...judge him a good and loyal King's servant. But he did many mistakes. He should watch his back, in these hard times...

He answered, trying to smile at Margaret, who was listening surprised at them

Alice stood behind her husband and wrapper her arms about him as she whispered: "My love, I do not like that you are involved in this. I know the king values your opinion, but your opinion clashes with that of the king. I just want you to stay safe.." she sighed. "As for Wolsey, I never did agree with his lifestyle, but I do pray for him, and everyone in the middle of this scandal."

Thomas nodded slowly and tried to smile

Yes...I know what you mean, my dear. But I'm already involved, Alice. And there is nothing we can do at this point. I think something will happen soon. We can just to pray...

He answered, raising his eyes to ceiling at the end of his sentence. Then he took a sip from water, trying not to show his concern to Margaret

Concern showed on Alice's face. "What is it, Thomas? What do you think will happen?"

Thomas took a deep breath before looking at Alice

I think...that Harry is seriously thinking to break with Rome. And this would mean...the end of our faith in England...

He answered, turning his eyes around room

Alice does the Sign of the Cross "I pray it shall not be so! Such.. such blasphemy! Surely, this could never be allowed of King Henry!"

she looks worriedly at Thomas

"Could he..?"

Thomas let out a deep sigh and looked meaningfully at Alice

He is the King, Alice. He could do everything. That's why I fear his actions. Cardinal Campeggio delayed the Trial's audience until the 1 October. But I'm sure he'll find a way to get things faster, in order to obtein his divorce...

He answered, reaching her hand and squeezing it softly

Alice sighed and sat next to her husband as they held hands. "Let me ask you, Thomas, why are you so loyal to that man?" her voice went down to a whisper "He will use everyone to his advantage, he cares for no one who cannot advance his wishes!"

Thomas looked surprised at her

Alice...I love the King. You know I will do everything to serve him. Even if...he is not the wise prince that I thought. But doesn't matter, I'll continue to serve him...

He answered firmly, looking at her worried face