Tree near a stream

I nervously bite my lip as his Royal Highness stands staring at me surrounded by his guards, I step back til I am next to Thomas and immediately feel safer.

"Thomas" I whisper as our hands touch gently, I wish I had the courage to place my hand in his but stop

Such drama Thomas could not abide Mary Dawn was a friend of his family, No woman should face such barbaric harassment over and over again until she relents to her harasser. If any man had done the same to his sweetheart Catherine then Thomas would make sure he spent his days in prison. This prince seemed to act pretty stupid his father was an ally of France neither king would be happy about this. "Mary you may be a woman, but you must learn how to defend yourself. We can't go back to England as you face harassment, there too you might take comfort in our family home. As only then can we deal with these stupid men who dare to harass you on my family estate."

I look at Thomas and give a faint smile "I would not know how to defend myself" I whisper "But if you teach me then I shall be forever thankful"

I shiver as the wet mud soaks through my gown, how I wish I had chosen to visit my friend Margery's family home rather than try and escape to France

"I know of a great swordsman in France, he will make a Tudor shield maiden out of you." Thomas called out to one of the kings men, instructing them to alert the king on what his son had done. Then he helped Mary Dawn up the muddy river bank walking across to where his horse was. "Have you ever ridden a horse before my lady"

I express a small giggle at the idea of brandishing a sword, it was typical of the Seymour family to be able to make a person relax and at ease around them.

I take Thomas's hand as he guides me towards his horse "I have ridden before Thomas but then I was more dressed for the occasion" I notion towards my cloak and long flowing gown

Thomas nodded in understanding untying his horse from the tree branch. "Then we shall have to walk back towards the palace." He hoped that neither of their feet would grow too tired. And perhaps a carriage would come across them, allowing Mary to get a ride back even if it was in a cart.

"The walk will allow us to get to know each other more" I smile as I gently pat his fine horse "I am most grateful to you Thomas, I think His Royal Highness was very overbearing" I look back at the Prince standing with his guard as we walk off towards the Palace

"But you can't allow for this to keep happening" Thomas told her sternly in a gentle tone as he stomped the mud of his riding boots.

I hung my head in shame "I did not ask for the Prince to approach me nor did I ask His Grace to behave the way he did" I blink away the hot tears, it was stupid of me to think my past would stay behind in the English court and of course I had expected Margery to inform her family as she had often invited me to stay

"I am a honest Lady Thomas and I pray I can now only get stronger"

Thomas gently placed a hand on her shoulder, feeling some guilt in the tears that were threatening to pour from her eye's. "Come now Mary do not cry! Any man would be lucky enough to have you as his wife. Those men are simply jealous that they can't have you"

I smile weakly at his words knowing it was doubtful that I shall make a good marriage, the touch of his hand on my shoulder makes me feel safe as I gently brush my tears away

You are most kind with your words but what have I got for men to be jealous of? I ask

"You are kind Mary in some women that is a rarity. Will you allow me to escort you back to England? It was always hard to see someone doubt themselves when they were full of potential. It was also doubly hard when people tried to crush that kindness.

I blush unused to such compliments from an honest gentleman who wants nothing in return and I am thankfully for Thomas's friendship and I can see why Margery talks so lovingly about her brother

I would be most honoured to have your company as I return to England I smile and curtsy

"Come on then there is a ship that leaves on the eve." A servant boy came over with another horse. This one was for the lady Dawn to ride on until the palace. I just hoped she had learned or rather being taught how to ride. "Forgive my questioning but can you ride"

Yes my Lord I can ride I smile as I look at the beautiful horse and gently stroke it's face I was taught while a young girl but I am normally better dressed for the ride I giggle

I stand by the side of the horse and frown as I try and figure out how to mount without disgracing myself

When it became apparent that she couldn't mount the horse I decided to go over and help her. "Here" I bent down my hands linked, to each other. "Mary pus your foot in here please and I shall help you up on the horse"

Thank you Sir I smile I normally have a groom fetch me a stool so I can mount more easily

I gather the hem of my gown and raise my skirts towards my knees so I do not stumble as I place my foot within Thomas's linked hands and lift myself onto the horse. I rearrange my skirts my face flushed red Shall we return to England my Lord Seymour?

"Yes, I do think that will be wise lady Dawn". Mounting his horse he smiled over to lady Dawn. A mischievous smile starting to rise to his lips. "Fancy a race to the stables".

I return his smile "a race my Lord" I look towards the horizon "Will you be the true gentleman and let a lady have a head start?"

"But you would win and I left like a fool". Thomas chuckled to himself loosen the reins on his horse. "What would the winner win if we did race".

I giggle and nervously bite my lip "Sir I have never wagered on a race before so I look to you for guidance on what prize should be offered"

Thomas had to think about his desired prize. "I assume you have heard of a lady's favor" some piece of jewelry, a trinket, a piece of clothing, a token of some sort — that she claims is of great personal importance to her. " I should like to keep it to remember our time in France"

I smile and place my hands upon my neck my fingers tracing the gold links of my necklace, I unclasp it and gently withdraw it from my bodice. I look at the small blue jewels that form the droplet as I offer it "Sir I offer you this, I have had it since I left home to join court"

The necklace fell into my hand and I placed it inside my breast pocket. "I shall miss your company when we go back" If only they could stay here for awhile.

I sigh and give a sad smile, I had enjoyed the company of this handsome gentleman more than I could ever say and to part would be a great sadness "I hope we shall see each other around court" I reply praying that my voice hides my eagerness