Riding Alone

Norfolk rode in high speed through the forest, encouraging his horse to run even faster. Everything went well, Anne was back at court and Wolsey almost out of his function and then there was that moment in the reception room, where the king hugged the cardinal and talked friendly with him, almost if.... he bited his lips and galloped in another forest, his horse whinnied as it almost hit another horse and he made it stop.

He looked at the beautiful young lady on the horse and bowed his head, smiling apologetically.
Milady! Excuse me, I rode too fast, I had no idea... may I introduce myself, I am Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolk! And you are...?

Norfolk looked at her again, she was an astonishing beautiful lady and he was sure he had seen her before, though never officially met her. He laughed at her words and shook his head, grinning.
No no no, the fault was all mine, I was not paying attention at all and needed to.... to cool my anger, he wanted to say, but he he swallowed his words.
to have some physical excercise. he said, then he heard her name and smiled friendly.
I am most pleased to meet you, Milady Saville. He came closer and took gently her hand to kiss it.
Duchess of Naverre.... isn't Naverre a small country between France and Spain?

He smiled and let go of her hand.
So, your prefer England, well, so do I. I don't mind the color of the sky, I just prefer our seasons and our traditions.
His horse stamped impatient but he held it in check, curious about her. He thought quickly , he was sure he had seen her before, but where and with whom?
It's a beautiful day to be outside, but I can't imagine a fine lady like yourself would like to go horseback riding, all by herself? He patted his horse on the neck to calm it down, then looked at her again with raised eyebrows, curious to her answer.

He was still patting his horse's neck but when she answered, he leaned backwards and smiled radiantly.
I guess you are right.... most people do! But if I may ask, who caresses your beauty, milady? he looked at her, still smiling though he really wondered if she had a husband or a suitor.

I am so sorry to hear this.... he said seriously, still staring at her.
Finally he realized where he had seen her before.
You are a close friend to the Duke of Suffolk, am I right? His horse stamped again, snorted and he smiled.
Shall we step forward Milady? My horse is not accustomed to dwell when we are outside in the forest.

He raised an eyebrow and grinned softly.
... used to be friends, close friends? he repeated, thoughtfully. As far as he imagined, Brandon had no lady-friends, only lady-lovers. She distracted him by turning her horse and riding into the forest, so he quickly spurred his horse to keep pace with her.
She intrigued him but she seemed not willingly to tell him more about her friendship with Brandon.

So..... who are your friends, nowadays? he asked curiously.

She rode faster and faster and he followed, grinning and respecting her riding skills, but suddenly she slowed down and looked back at him, arranging her windblown hair and he smiled.
Anne? he asked surprised and he spurred his horse to ride next to her again.
You mean my niece? I never saw you with her. he said thoughtfully and shook his head.

She continued and he smiled broadly.
Anne's friends are my friends. he declared. Please, tell me more about your friendship.

Norfolk smiled in relief.
Ahhh so that is why I didn't recognize you... I never forget a pretty face, normally!

He reined in his horse which protested snorting and he tapped it's neck and spoke calming at him, meanwhile thinking about her words concerning Anne.

Mmm, never interfere in women's business. He laughed loudly and added seriously.
I guess that Anne's future as Queen of England is often the topic of conversation. he tried to seem not to eager and looked around in the woods.