Alice More's bedchamber

Thomas sighed deeply and took her hand

Oh...don't say so, darling. Harry knows perfectly who is loyal to him and who is just pretending. Wolsey made some mistakes...and now he is paying them. I pray he can have the strenght to face all this. But now...stop talking about such things. What about your day, my love?

He asked smiling, trying to change topic

Thomas smiled weakly, a bit surprised

Lady Brandon...duke's sister, of course. I don't know her personally. But I heard she is just come back at court. And if you say she is a good person...I trust in your judgement, my love. I'm happy you're beginning having friends at court...

He said with a smile, knowing that his approval was very important for her

Thomas laughed silently after her words

Oh...you know that I don't love wine, my darling. But I'd love one of yours good meals. I'm rather hungry...

He looked at her with love and kissed her hand

Thomas laughed again and took off his coat

Oh...I think my stomach is ready, darling. I'm starving...

He said giggling while standing up

Thomas looked at the beautiful table she prepared for him. He felt happy having such a caring wife and caressed softly her cheek. Then he invited her to sit, preparing the chair for her. Once she sat, he smiled and sat in front of her

Thank you, my love. You shouldn't disturb so much for me. You know I like simple things. Tell me...how is our Margaret? I haven't seen her around court recently...

He asked, pouring some water in their glasses

Thomas thanked servants and nodded smiling after her words

I'm very glad to hear that, dear. I know she is wise and virtuous lady, but I ask you to watch over her virginity, Alice. You know...she could become friend with some...easy girl at court. That's why I think we should wait to introduce her to William Roper...

He explained, beginning to eat his meal

She nodded in agreement. "You are quite right! She rarely speaks to people, she is so shy. But who do you have in mind to keep her from? I know the Lady Eleanor is a good example of virtue, but I don't usually associate with many people. I think it is natural for her to be curious of men, but I will see to it that her virginity becomes the most important thing she owns, and she should give it only to her husband."

Thomas sighed

Oh...I hope so. She is so young and needs a guide. Are you sure that...lady Brandon could be a good friend for her? I mean...I heard rumors about her. Oh...but maybe it's just because of her brother's reputation...

He added quickly, trying to smile

Alice paused, her fork halfway to her mouth. She put it down. "I found Lady Brandon to be very amiable, and a goodhearted woman. She didn't even speak of men around court.. But what have you heard of her, these rumors? I'm curious now.." She knew she would be disappointed if it turned out Eleanor was anything but decent.

Thomas was eating his meal, but he had to raise his eyes to her after her question. He tried to smile again

As I told you...probably it's just a rumor. But I heard...that lady Brandon has been one of George Boleyn's mistresses in the past. I...I also heard that she slept with a married man...her latin's teacher, when she lived still in Suffolk with her brother. And...other things with other mens in court. I can't prove this, of course...but that's what people says about her...Do you still think that Margaret could learn something good from her?

He asked, noticing she was very embarassed for his words

Alice looked away, deep in thought. "Oh my.." she said at last. "She is such a beautiful woman, perhaps the rumors were created out of jealousy, or to make her brother Charles look bad? But you hear more than I do.." She shook her head to clear her thoughts. "I don't know that Margaret could learn anything from Lady Brandon.."

Thomas took Alice's hand gently

As I told you...I am not sure about that, my love. You know the Duke's reputation...and maybe someone wants to ruin his sister's reputation too. But...if it is true, we have to protect our daughter. I just ask you to be careful with lady Brandon. Nothing else...

He added with a reassuring smile

"Protecting Margaret and preserving her virtue is my utmost priority, darling. I shall see to it that the friends she makes are truly worthy of her, and that they are good and honorable people." She smiled at Thomas. She knew she would have to glean the truth from Eleanor herself, and that Margaret would not be allowed to see her, at least until Eleanor's name was cleared. "It scares me how people can become the subject of cruel gossip. Some people at court are so devious," she shook her head, but looked up at Thomas and smiled, knowing his mind was always on higher things.

Thomas nodded approvingly

Indeed, my love. English court is a dangerous place for a virtuous lady. But our daughter have a good exemple like you, darling. You're an exemple of virtue and wiseness. That's why I married you...

He smiled and kissed softly her hand

Alice smiled as he kissed her hand. "It was my parents who taught me that self-respect is one of the most prized possessions one can have. And I am so glad to have met such a wonderful and righteous man as you, Thomas." she gazed at him lovingly, thankful for all the years they had spent together.
"It didn't take much to get me to say yes when you proposed."

Thomas smiled tenderly

And I still love you as the day I met you, Alice. You have been a devoted wife and a wonderful mother...

He sighed and rested his cheek on her hand, closing his eyes

She smiled back warmly. "I do my best to take care of our little family. We both do. There is nothing I wouldn't do for any of you." She sighed, smiling a little. "Things are going to be good for us, with God's help."

Thomas smiled and kissed her hand again

And I thank you for giving me such lovely children, my love. I took part at Council with King, this morning. His Majesty declaired Norfolk and Brandon President of Council...

He said, turning his eyes on his meal

She caught Thomas' downward glance as he mentioned Norfolk and Brandon. She knew he disapproved of Lord Brandon's womanizing ways and that he was not very fond of Norfolk or any of the Boleyns for that matter.

"Do you think they will gain much power and influence from this? Surely His Majesty would not take their words over yours. You are not only his Lord Chancellor but also one of his closest friends, since he was a teenager, long before he became king." She thought of the decades-dead Prince Arthur and said a silent prayer for him. "One thing Lords Norfolk and Suffolk have in common: they detest Cardinal Wolsey." she said quietly.

Thomas nodded silently

Indeed...and now he is far from court. I guess they must be proud of themselves for that. But I know the King still loves me. He loves all our family, my darling. He showed us his favour and affection in several occasion, as you know...

He answered with a weak smile, turning his eyes to her. He tried to look relaxed