Meeting Lady Mary

I had arrived in England on the invitation of King Henry as he was to wed with Anne of Cleves, whom I was related to. He had set up a meeting room, so that I could meet his daughter in private and I had sent word to the Lady Mary that I had arrived.

The Lady Mary was excitedly in her room getting dressed. She had donned a crimson velvet gown encruststed with diamonds and pearls. It was important to make a good impression. Eventually she was ready. She took two of her ladies in waiting with her and made her way to the room of Philip of Bavaria. She wondered how he was like, if he was charming or not.

I had been informed that Mary was here at my chamber. I informed the guard to open the door and let her in at once.

The Lady Mary entered nervously, the two ladies in waiting following her.

I looked at Lady Mary as she entered. When she had reached me, I kissed her hand.

"Lady Mary, you look most beautiful, it is such a pleasure to meet you.

He was handsome and he was charming, thought the Lady Mary. Two points in his favour. "The pleasure is all mine in meeting with you, I am pleased that you look to wed with me."

The Lady Mary was most stunning in presence. Her beauty was truly wonderful.

"Lady Mary, I am indeed interested in a possible match between us. I have travelled here with the Lady Anne of Cleves and your father allowed me to see you too. I hope I do not disappoint you?

"No, you do not disappoint me at all. You are most polite and kind. I am glad that you are here. Welcome to England. I look forward to metting with Anne of Cleves."

"I hope my father will like Anne of Cleves as well." the Lady Mary said.

'I like to play upon the lute and the virginals. I know the philosophers like Plato and Sophocles and Aristole. It was taught to me when I was young. I like to dance and play cards and dice. I love clothers. And now I have sone fine clothes and I love jewellry.' the Lady Mary enthused.

The Lady Mary did not feel beautiful with all she went through in her life. She survived to tell the tale. All she had came from her father, the great and fearless King, Henry the Eight. "All I have comes to me from my father, the King but thank you for your compliment." the Lady Mary said, carefully. She always had to watch her tongue. She hated all the courtly niceities But this may be her one chance of martial bliss. If only he were not a Lutheran. His religion worked against this match and her father, the King knew that and yet he might make this match.

I could see that something in Mary's tone seemed to me that she was not happy.

"My lady, please do forgive me but I cannot help but notice that something appears to be troubling you?

"Oh, it is the stress of being of royal blood, my lord." the Lady Mary commented.

The Lady Mary smiled at Philip. He was a fine figure of a man. God how she wished her father, the King would wed her soon and he seems to be perfect except for the fact that he was Lutheran. "My lord, the only problem beteen us is religion. I could never become Lutheran."

"Yes, I do. Most certainly." the Lady Mary stated flatly.

The Lady Mary did not know what to say any more. She just smiled at Philip.

I smiled back at Lady Mary.

"As i am sure you are aware my lady, I travelled here with Anne of Cleves, would you like to meet her?

"Yes I would like to meet Anne of Cleves." the Lady Mary remarked