Thomas Howard's Office

I had come to see my uncle at Whitehall as I had been informed that he wished to speak with me. I was intrigued to find out what it was about. As I arrived, I had the servant inform him that I was here and I waited for entry to his office.

Thomas Howard, third Duke of Norfolk heard the knock on the door and the servant opened the door. Thomas smiled at his nephew. "Ah, George, it is good to see you. Tell me your news."

I bowed to my head as I approached uncle Thomas.

"Uncle, have you heard that Mary is going to visit the Ukraine and get to know Prince Alexei better?

'No, I did not know this. Why did she not tell me and why does she want to go to the Ukraine for. I do not think it is a good idea. That is a dangerous country to go to and it is so, so cold,' Norfolk remarked.

'I can not prevent her. After all, she has the King's permission to go, I suppose she can go and you want to go too?' Thomas Howard remarked.

"All right. You can accompany her. Although I still do not see why she needs to go. I certainly would not want to go to that country. But tell me, is there any more news?"

"No, there is nothing wrong with you. It is just that you two do not love each other but you must make her understand that you need an heir and she needs to remember that.: Thomas Howard remarked.

"I know you will make her understand. Alexei must be a very interesting person. Did you yourself meet him, George. Tell me about him." the Duke of Norfolk remarked.

"Uncle, I wish I could tell you about him. I was due to meet him later in the day, that the festivities were happening, however I was informed that he had to leave for Ukraine as his mother had taken ill. I will however, tell you more of him when I meet him in the Ukraine. He did however leave a portrait for Mary, which I thought you would want to see uncle. I see showing him the portrait of Prince Alexei.

"He seems like a nice and understanding young man. Yes, keep me informed, George." said Thomas Howard.

"Okay, so that is all and you may leave if you wish or if you wish to speak some more, I am here. It is a lovely day. Perhaps I will go for a ride" Norfolk said unto George.

"Yes, I would delighted to join you for the ride."

"I hope she will be happy, George. No really. I love you all, you and Mary and Anne and I want you all to be happy." Norfolk remarked.

"Well, let us hope she will be happy," Norfolk said, "Tell me, the last time you went to Hever to visit your mother did you see young Catherine Carey, Mary's daughter? I hope your mother, Elizabeth is taking good care of her for I mean to make a great marriage for her one day. And have you heard from young Henry Carey?"

'That is good, George. It is interesting how young Henry Carey is a ward of Anne and yet Catherine is a ward of my sister, Elizabeth. I am glad that they are both doing well.'