An Interesting Proposition

1

Dearest Sister,

Our Father, the Duke of Norfolk, has taken it upon himself to have me dispatched to France where I am to become a member of the entourage of King Francis. It would seem that I must practice my chivalry. I reveal that I am happy to oblige as I know that I shall return to English soil once the Duke sees me worthy of my Earldom. It should be no surprise that you shall now take the Duke's ambitious eye and I wish you luck for whatever task he sets upon you. Remember that Howard blood courses through your veins and you should endeavour to rise in His Majesty's favour.

Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey.

Mary Howard read the letter again as disappointment overtook her slight form. Why had her brother not said his farewells to her at court? She thought the sheet of parchment in front of her an impersonal way to say goodbye. Seeing as she was the ripe age of fifteen she had grown attached to her older brother. Nevertheless she simply tucked the letter up her sleeve and strode back into the queen's rooms.

The ladies of her Majesty's chamber bustled around, organising various gowns and petticoats. Being a lady-in-waiting herself, Mary picked up a dress and examined the detailed embroidery with a small giggle. The material begged for her touch; the glossy texture told her it was satin, an expensive gift. The colour reminded her of wine, the way it changed from a deep red to a richer crimson when the sunlight caught it. If only I could wear such clothes, she thought, mentally scolding herself for being distracted by pretty things. She had the wealth to purchase what she desired but her father had specifically instructed that she not stand out until he decided on what to do with her. She also would not want to outshine the queen.

"Cousin Mary."

At the sound of Queen Anne's voice Mary immediately swept into a small curtsey, embarrassed about being caught unaware. "Majesty," she said clearly, as she rose.

Anne stood in front of Mary, her stomach now visually round showing the promise that she carried the protégé son in her womb. Her dark eyes scrutinised the girls petite build yet her expression was friendly.

The queen focused her attention on the gown still in Mary's hands. "And what is this?" she asked, the corner of her mouth twisted in amusement.

Mary couldn't stop the grin that spread across her face; after all, the queen always favoured her relatives. "I was merely admiring your Majesty's taste in attire. This dress is very beautiful."

"If you like it then you shall have it. For I am pleased with you."

The other ladies who were eavesdropping murmured in surprise at the generous gift. Madge Shelton - who was also cousin to the queen - looked on in discreet envy. Mary could not help but display her bewilderment, "I thank you, but..." Mary stopped herself, she knew better than the question a royalty.

The queen gently laughed in response and gestured to her private room. "Come, we have lots to discuss."

Mary followed, intrigued to this sudden show of kindness. My father must have something to do with this. She was surprised at the velocity of his scheming, he was already prepared to move another pawn on the chessboard. She closed the door behind them and the queen seated herself in front of her mirror, brush in hand. Mary plucked the comb out of her delicate fingers and began to redo the raven black hair.

She was just unpinning a few curls when Anne spoke, "the Duke and I have decided it is time for you to marry." She stared at Mary in the mirror, gauging her reaction. The Howard girl froze for a brief second - a thousand thoughts flowing through her mind - but then continued to calmly work the knots out of Anne's hair.

"To whom?" She asked boldly, she knew the answer to that question. Her father had been preparing it for years but now the time had come she was more hesitant.

"The kings illegitimate son, Henry Fitzroy. You are to be married in a month."

Mary used netting to make sure that the elaborate bun she had created remained secured. "Am I not too young to be married, I would have thought this match be made once we had both matured fully?" She wished her enjoyment of court life to be continued before she settled down and reared ten screaming babies. Although she knew the idea of simply dancing, singing, flirting and laughing all day was foolish, she could not help but desire it.

Anne's voice took on a business-like tone and her expression became more serious. "You will do whatever needs to be done to elevate our family. Just as many have before you."

Mary wanted to protest, the stubbornness inside of her daring to demand how much further it was possible to advance; she was already Queen of England. Yet she held her tongue as she knew no good would come from speaking her mind. Instead she accepted the inevitable and nodded in submission. She finished the queens hair and stood back to get a better view of it. She had to admit that Anne was very much alluring, her olive skin and dark locks made her the opposite of what was regarded as beautiful. But her lack of pale complexion and blonde hair made her more interesting to behold. Mary could see why a King would become besotted with her.

Mary looked at herself in the mirror, "What if he takes one look at me and does not express any fondness?"

Anne face softened and she rose from her seat to take both of Mary's hands in hers. "Do not worry yourself with such things, marriage is simple politics" she assured, "At any rate you are a radiant young woman and any man would be overjoyed to have you."

She moved to her dresser and poured herself and Mary a goblet of wine. She passed it to her cousin who gladly accepted. What better than to drown my worries, Mary thought.

As the queen spoke Mary noticed she could see herself in the reflective blackness of Anne's iris. "You remind me of my younger self, so alive and no doubt ambitious. We share traits, Mary. My father once said that my eyes were like, 'dark hooks for the soul' and when I look at you I the same fire within." Mary's own piercing grey eyes stared back at Anne in silent awe. The queen paused momentary to raise her cup, a small toast to the wedding that would take place.

She finished, "all you have to do, is look at him, and then he will be yours."

Author Notes: First of all, I have to say that although this is a Tudors fan fiction I will be trying to be more historically accurate than the show. For example, Henry Fitzroy did not die when he was three, he did in fact marry Mary Howard. This is her story as I feel although she is not in the series, she deserves to be. All the usual characters in The Tudors will appear in this too.