In the excitement of George and Anne's volatile evening, Kathryn had slipped away to the gardens for a meeting. After turning a corner her eyes were met with the sight of her true beloved, Lord Henry Churchill, Marquess of Monmouth.

"Kat," he chuffed affectionately.

She hurried to him and smiled as he pulled her into his arms. "Hal, where were you? I was looking for you all evening."

"How could you expect me to willing attend a celebration of your betrothal to another man when I want you for myself?" He inquired.

The stung tone in his voice made her wince. "He is kind to me, but he could never be you."

"Of course he could never be me. Nevertheless, he is to be your husband and I would bet my fortune that Wolsey would never break the betrothal unless Lord Richmond asked. I also would not be surprised if Edward asked for you specifically after Anne jilted him for George." He added bitterly.

Kathryn shook her head. "Anne did not jilt him and it was his father that-"

Henry's nostrils flared. "Think Kathryn! He is the only one of us who has direct access to Wolsey!"

"I was betrothed to him before. My father deemed him unsuitable and betrothed me to Lord Percy before he died. It was only a matter of time before the offer came around again, especially now that I'm my father's heiress." She murmured.

"So you are willing to marry him?" He shot back.

Kathryn sighed. "What else shall I do? I do not wish to incur the King's wrath!"

"Then we could go to France,"

Kathryn shook her head. "My father would disinherit me. Hal, what do we do?"

Henry paced a bit before smile creeped into his features. "Get him to replace you."

"He is devoted to whomever he is involved with. It will not happen."

"Men who are dedicated expect dedication in return . Your lack of affection will wear on his heart until he seeks the comfort of another. Rumor has it he still holds Lady Anne very dear to him." Henry added seductively.

Kathryn nodded dreamily. "Once Anne is free of George... oh Hal!"

They embraced and Henry kissed her hand. "Farewell, Kathryn."

Kathryn dipped into a curtsy. "Of course."

She watched him disappear and turned right into Elizabeth.

"Trying to get out of your pre contract I see."

Kathryn eyed Elizabeth warily. "How much...?"

"All of it. Every word. Pray tell how you expect to get Anne away from George and back with Edward? Especially once one considers that George is mentally unstable and will probably attempt to murder either of them." She added under her breath. "Not that the simpleton would succeed anyway."

"Edward is supposed to convince Wolsey to betroth George elsewhere. Remember?"

"That is not guaranteed and the likelihood of him taking her for himself is even lower, if not impossible."

Kathryn sighed. "I love him, Elizabeth."

Elizabeth chuckled. "I doubt that you have the capacity to love any man."

"Elizabeth!"

She rolled her eyes. "Very well, if you want my advice: I say that you tell Anne and allow her to handle the situation. After the betrothal with George is called off, of course "

Kathryn shook her head. "Anne will never agree."

"I am aware of that. Just accept that you will marry Edward when the time comes. Henry will find another eventually."

"No! I will marry Hal and you will not deter me, Elizabeth!"

Elizabeth's eyes flashed dangerously. "Do not raise your voice with me. You are angry because you know I am right. What is so wrong with Lord Richmond? He is much more than you could have even hoped to have asked for."

Kathryn sighed. "Yes, I apologize. I, I just cannot bring myself to love Edward past a friend."

"As long as he can be your friend your marriage will be happy."

"I am still going to try. Maybe I can convince him to go back to Anne?"

"Anne is wary of Edward, you know that Kat." Elizabeth pointed out.

Kathryn nodded. "I am aware. She is wary of all men at this point, but she will come out of it eventually."

Palace of Whitehall

March 29th, 1522

Edward decided that after the events of the night before, it would be prudent to talk to Wolsey about breaking Lady Anne's betrothal to Lord Southampton before he really hurt her. Richard, Arthur, and Thomas had taken him hunting to give Edward time to negotiate with Wolsey over the terms of their engagement.

Wolsey was engulfed in paperwork, as usual and Edward approached quietly in order to not disturb the cardinal too much.

"Richmond, how can I be of service?" the statesman inquired.

Edward nodded. "Um, I have some...concerns about Lady Anne Palmer's betrothal to Lord Southampton, Your Eminence."

Wolsey raised an eyebrow and set down the papers he was looking at to stare at him. "What concerns would those be? Your father and I arranged a very good match between yourself and Lady Kathryn Harwood, what would you want with the Lady Anne?"

Richmond shook his head. "I do not want anything with the Lady Anne, I just feel that it would be a better idea to betroth Lord Southampton to the Lady Mary Holcot."

"The Earl of Kendal's daughter?"

"Yes, Your Eminence."

Wolsey seemed to consider it for a moment. "No, Lady Mary is betrothed to the younger brother of the Marquess of Nottingham. She will never do for the future Marquess of Exeter, she is a third daughter and the Earl of Kendal is none too fond of the Marquess of Exeter."

Edward sighed. "Lady Anne cannot marry Lord Southampton. He is very violent towards her, although he seems to be calm and rational around others."

"You must want to marry her,"

The statement caught him off guard and he froze. "No, no...those times between Lady Anne and I are over. I am only concerned for her safety. I am completely committed to my betrothal to Lady Kathryn."

Wolsey smirked. "That is what I like to hear Lord Richmond. Now, if we break the betrothal between Southampton and the Earl of Devon's sister we will need an equal match to appease Lord Exeter. Southampton is his only son and only Lady Anne seemed to satisfy the requirements of the match."

"Then in that case, Lady Maud Haddock, she's an heiress. What better match could there be for him?"

Wolsey nodded. "Now you are thinking, boy! Perhaps I will pass my position to you when the time comes. Then you will be the Duke of Pembroke and the Lord Chancellor to the King."

Edward bowed. "Thank you, Your Eminence."

"Now, of course, we must find a new betrothed for Lady Anne."

Edward shook his head. "Surely she can remain unattached for a while?"

"It would displease her aunt, the Dowager Duchess of Wessex to break off a good match with no prospects to replace him."

Edward thought for a moment. "Maybe the Marquess of Monmouth? He is very eligible man and I am sure the Dowager Duchess would approve."

"Very well, now Richmond go take these documents to the king and be of some use."