Rose Garden

-She smiled - oh Philip it would do me great pleasure -she gets on her tiptoes and kisses his lips softly- please come back to my bedroom with me .

-She smiled taking his hand and walked towards her chambers -

Mary walked the rose garden running her hand long the roses. She felt a peace there but felt alone now at court. She couldn't explain it but it was showing how lonely she was feeling.

Anthony lingered around the gardens, wandering aimlessly as he enjoyed the sun. It was warm for March, so he removed his overcoat and walked among the flowering daffodils and crocuses in just his shirt.

Mary turn the corner and ran right into Anthony she quickly curtsies low."I am so sorry I did not mean to run into you Sir." She said softly as the sun hit her skin just right.

Anthony sighed and then glanced to the woman with a relaxed smile, "It's no trouble, miss."

Mary looks up at him he was a very handsome man."You must be new at court for I have never seen you before."She said looking at him.

Anthony shrugged, "Nor I you...I am not that new...however, I am not very well known - not yet at least. I am Anthony Denny and you are?"

"I am Mary Sheldon. Cousin to the Queen Anne."She said softly.

Anthony smirked to himself, "Another Boleyn connection...Well you must be very proud of her, Mistress Sheldon. She has done very well."

"I am but I have felt a bit lonely here at court."She said softly.

Anthony nodded, "There are so many of us here yet so few speak with one another. Are you a lady-in-waiting for your cousin?"

"I am sir.She said softly.

"Then perhaps she and the other maids could provide company for you-you are family after all, "he offered.

"I different type of lonely sir."She said softly.

Anthony smirked to himself and glanced down, kicking the grass beneath him, "Ah. Am I correct to guess the pangs of love sickness are what grieves you?"

"To be with a man is what I wish. If for love or for something else." She said softly.

His mind subconsciously drifted to thoughts of Joan as she spoke. Anthony cleared his throat, rubbing his stubble absent mindedly. She seemed to have bewitched him quite.

He then said, "One day - I have no doubts - you shall have your wish. Do your family have a plan for marriage?"

"I do think so.She said looking down.

He chuckled, "Oh you look so glum. Have hope. Often when you stop looking is when you find what you desire..."

"I guess so sir."She said running her hand long the rose.

He smiled at her words and glanced ahead, breathing in the fresh air.

A rose thorn went into her hand.

Anthony noticed that she had pricked herself with a thorn, "You should be more careful. English roses are more dangerous than they often look."