The men arose bright and early to go deep-sea fishing. For Charles, there's power and a stillness of the soul on the open water casting a line. Seeing the sunrise and watching it set on the ocean's waves is like being close to God. The sea itself is music to the ears of the soul. There's a simple beauty in it. The whole experience is peaceful and tranquil.

Charles invited Edward to join himself and Henry on the expedition today. That meant Anne and two of their children would arrive with the Duke. It always makes Mary and Charles laugh when they bring little Edward along. The Princess says, "They have two children named Edward. How do they understand who's being called upon? I can see their parents saying Edward come here, and the two children showing up."

Then Charles laughs and remarks, "Surely they have nicknames. Maybe Ed, Eddie, and Ted? I don't know. That is the very reason why we're not naming any children after me. We don't need that kind of needless confusion."

Mary chuckled at thinking about that last conversation regarding Edward and Anne's boys. She arose with Charles to see him off. As he was sitting on the edge of the bed, putting his boots on, she asked, "Do you have everything you need? I had Mrs. Evans make three food baskets since you'll be gone a long time. That way, there's one for each of you."

Pulling on the old boots, Charles responded to her question. "Thank you for that, Sweetheart. I have all the equipment on the boat all ready. We'll grab the baskets on the way out." He finished with the boots and looked up at his wife, inquiring about her day. "What are your plans for today?"

The Princess came over to stand in between his legs. She replied, "Well, I hope Anne brings little Anne and little Edward, which is SO weird to say- little Anne and Edward. Then while the children play, the two ladies and I will visit Lady Flora. I'm taking Robert to meet her. She should meet the baby whom she helped return. After that, I have no plans."

Charles put his arms around his wife's waist and leaned his head on her stomach. He stood and slid his hands up her back. After kissing her forehead, he commented, "It sounds like a busy day for you. Don't wear yourself out. Also, now would be a good time to ask Anne about Cardigan, when she and Edward plan to visit. We'll pack up our things when your father leaves and travel there. However, I have a feeling he'll want me to sit in the Queen's sentencing hearings. I don't look forward to that because I could care less about seeing the face of the one who brought you anguish."

Mary stroked her husband's back and laid her head on his chest. "I don't know, Charles. Surely my father understands that would be a massive conflict of interest, considering she stole our baby. I think it's more likely he'll ask you to sit on the council hearings for Dereham and Culpeper or Lady Rochford. Regardless, I'm going with you if he does ask," she noted.

Pulling back, Charles looked at his wife's face. Then he interjected, "You can't be serious? You would go to London with me and stay at the palace while I attend hearings? Why?" He cannot understand why she would want to do such a thing.

But Mary told him, "You get moody and broody whenever you sit through hearings and executions. It wracks your nerves. Plus, I've been with you through all of the past ones. I'm going to be with you for this because we're a team, you and I." She continued to stroke his back.

Charles shook his head in disbelief. He declared, "You're a good wife to do so. Even though you don't have to, being willing to go along means a lot to me. Your support is everything. It's simple, but it teaches me so much. Now, let's go downstairs, eat some breakfast, and wait for the Seymours."

They shared a sweet peck and held hands down the stairs to the dining room. Breakfast waited for them on the table, along with the coffee. Mary sat, poured a cup, and inhaled its aroma. "Mmm! Just smelling it makes me more awake," she remarked. Then took a sip.

Henry joined them and saw the freshly brewed coffee. He poured a cup and inhaled before saying, "There's something about this drink that makes me awake and alert. I need some of this for the palace."

Mary smiled while Charles laughed. He shared, "Your daughter literally said almost the same thing just before you came in. Like father, like daughter!"

This information made Henry chuckle. However, he has to know, "Where did you get this coffee, and how can we go about having it in England?"

Charles has been waiting for this question. He responded by sharing how they acquired it from Spain and said he'd like to talk to the Emperor about adding the coffee beans to the trade agreement. Henry gave his full approval and begrudgingly added, "And see if he will allow for that grenache and cava wine as well."

Oh, how he hates asking that man for anything. But having had both of those wines here at his daughter's house, Henry doesn't think he can do without it. It's simply too good. Charles told him he'd look into it.

After breakfast, the trio waited for the Seymours in the sitting room. They discussed the day's activities and the barbeque feast that night. "Mrs. Evans is preparing grilled ribs, brisket, pork butt, chicken, and steak. The trimmings will be incredible, but she's also making her lemon custard pie and blueberry pound cake. You're going to love it," Mary exclaimed. Her mouth is watering at the thought of both desserts.

Her father looked amused and noted, "Now I'm hungry all over again. I will gain two stones from all the food I've eaten here."

His daughter wondered, "So do you concede that Mrs. Eavans is a better cook than Lady Bridgemore?" She looked at him and waited for his response.

Picking a piece of imaginary lint off his cotton breeches, Henry declared, "I concede nothing."

This answer made Mary huff out, "Oh, father!" She shook her head.

While Henry and Mary were in a food stand-off, the Seymours arrived. They brought little Anne and Edward along to play with Elizabeth and Gillian. "Sorry, we're late. We had to wait for John to arrive. He's minding the estate while we're out today," the Duke told them. His oldest son, John, lives in Frome, and it takes him a while to get to Edward and Anne's estate.

Charles and Henry got up to greet Edward, while Mary did the same with Anne. The Princess asked their guests, "Are you both hungry?"

Anne, who held little Edward, replied, "We ate waiting for John, but thank you."

The group stepped out into the foyer. Lady Edith and Sir Glyn met them with the food baskets they handed out to the men. Before the group left for fishing, Mary hugged Charles and her father. As they were walking to load into the carriage, she yelled, "Catch a lot of fish!" It made them smile.

Inside, Her Highness led Anne, and her two children, to the nursery. This is where the children were getting ready for the day. As soon as they walked through the door, Gillian called, "Mama!" She toddled over, and Mary picked her up.

Holding the little girl close, her mother inhaled her sweet scent. While experimenting with combinations, Mary made some for the children. She has been giving Lady Agnes different soaps and lotions to try on them to see which is better. Gillian's is a mimosa and elderflower scent; it smells bright and happy, just like the little girl. But it also calms the skin.

"Hi, little love. Do you see who came to play with you today? Anne and Ed," Mary informed her. She turned Gillian to where she could see the two.

Gillian's eyes lit up, and she gasped. "Look," she said, pointing at her two friends. Then she asked her Mama, "Down peas." Mary kissed her cheek and put her down on the floor. Gillian toddled to little Anne and Ed, where she hugged them both.

Leaving the children in Lady Agnes's care, the two mothers wandered to the dining room. They sat and kept Paisley company while she ate. The Princess asked again, "Anne, are you sure you don't want anything to eat? We have fresh coffee available too."

Chuckling, Anne assured her friend, "I promise I'm not hungry, but I will take a cup of coffee. We have our cook brew at home, but it's not as good as it was in Spain."

Mary understands that. Mrs. Evans has come very close to brewing it correctly, as in Spain, but not quite. It's still delicious. She handed Anne the pot, cream, and sugar. Then informed her friends, "I arranged for us to visit Lady Flora today. We'll leave in about an hour or so and stay until lunch. I'm taking Robert along too. I want her to meet him, especially since she aided in returning him to us."

Paisley nodded her consent since her mouth was busy chewing and swallowing food. But Anne wondered, "Who is Lady Flora?"

Her Highness looked confused for a moment, then said, "Oh, yes. I forgot that you haven't met her yet."

It was at that moment that Paisley finished her bite of food. She explained to Anne, "Lady Flora is Mary's mentor and our older friend. The Dowager Countess comes across as persnickety, but she's really kind, thoughtful, and witty. Although, I wonder if Lady Flora will want you to take etiquette lessons with us. She might since you're one of our friends."

Placing her coffee cup on the table, Anne asked, "What are the etiquette lessons, and why would I have to take them?"

Mary fielded that question. She informed her new friend about them. "The etiquette lessons are something that Paisley, Dot, and myself take. Lady Flora's butler, Mr. Harris, is our instructor. You'll meet him today. He's very punctilious and fussy about things, but Harris is the best teacher. The lessons are all designed around my eventuality as Queen, with Dot and Paisley as my maids of honor. I hope for you to be one too as well, Anne."

Anne almost choked on her drink. She did not expect that, as she's never been a lady in wait nor had actual friends. So the Duchess told her, "Thank you, Mary. You don't have to do such a thing. I appreciate your friendship, both of you." She added Paisley in that because she's also thankful for her.

That is why Anne is part of their group. She's similar in personality to Mary, Dot, and Paisley. Mary took a sip of water, and then the Princess continued. "You see, my father has been giving Charles king lessons, and Lady Flora has been doing the same for me. Since, as Paisley mentioned, you're our friend too, the Countess may ask you to be a part of the lessons. You can refuse, of course."

Anne thought about this. "Are the lessons helpful? What do you learn," she asked?

Chuckling, Paisley replied to that. "The lessons are beneficial, but Mr. Harris is particular about them. He made me cry several times. I will never forget about the finger bowl incident. Ironically that knowledge was handy in Spain and Kleve." She and Mary laughed in remembrance. Then Paisley continued to explain how the lessons are designed to help polish eating, speaking, manners, and confidence skills.

Subsequently, Mary shared one of Mr. Harris's favorite sayings. "One thing Mr. Harris loves to say is that good manners reflect a person's inward character. It's a consideration for others and respect for yourself."

Paisley chimed in and added, "He also says that good manners arise from kindness. The man says a lot of other things too, but those are the most important ones."

Hearing all this talk about the Dowager Countess and her butler made Anne ready to meet them. "It sounds like the lessons are worthy of having. If your Countess thinks I should join you in taking them, I will do so. I need to refine my own manners and aptitudes."

Once Paisley finished breakfast, Mary went to get Robert. She entered his room, and a fussy baby greeted her. "What's wrong, my sweet boy," she questioned? Mary leaned over and picked him up. The baby quieted some but still hiccuped tears on her shoulder.

The assistant governess, Gwyn, told the Princess, "He's been quite fussy since he woke this morning due to his tummy. We fed him the milk bottle, and he seems better, but we'll see."

So Her Highness decided to leave him and let him rest. She stroked her hand over his head, placed him back into his crib, and leaned down to kiss him. Before Mary left the room, she let the assistant governess know, "I'm having a servant send for Doctor Pearce to look at him. Let me know what he has to say. Thank you, Gwyn." The girl bowed and told her she'd write everything down.

When the Princess returned downstairs, she spoke to Glyn and requested Doctor Pearce to be sent for Robert. Then she explained to her friends how Robert wasn't feeling well. Paisley asked, "Should we stay here?"

Mary grabbed her friend's arm and hooked hers through it. "No. He should be fine. William was the same way as a baby. Plus, Doctor Pearce is going to come and check on him."

The carriage was already pulled around when the trio exited the house. They entered it and went off to Penarth for a visit with the Dowager Countess. On the way, the ladies talked about Cardigan. Anne explained how she and the kids are for sure going to visit in July. She confided to them, "The trials are starting in June, and I don't think Edward will be able to get away much. But towards the end of July, I'm hoping things will be calmer, and he can get away. I know he's looking forward to going. We both are."

That made Mary think, "I bet Charles will have to sit in the hearings. I can almost guarantee that. I suppose I'll ask my father about it this evening. Then I'll talk with Charles to decide if we should wait and leave in July altogether. We would have July and August in Cardigan."

At that moment, the Duchess shared a little more insight about her husband. "Edward has been happier and more content since Spain. It's no secret he's had mistresses whenever I was pregnant or after giving birth. But things have been different. He's more attentive and gentler to me. Plus, Edward has not had many friends in his life. He's always been quieter and involved in intellectual pursuits. Being friends with Charles has helped him because it's brought him more joy."

Mary thought about that. Both their husbands are good guys and similar in different ways. Charles has many friends, but only a few true ones. They keep their cards close to their vest and only show their hand at the last minute. Perhaps those two men need each other. Every guy needs true, genuine friends.

By the time the carriage arrived at the Dowager Countess's estate, the women were well on their way to solving all of life's problems. Well, all of life's issues in their regions. When the carriage stopped, the ladies were helped out and met by Mr. Harris. Mary and Paisley greeted him, but Harris only grunted a greeting. He led them straight to the sitting room. Where Lady Flora declared, "Well, I told you. There's someone for everyone, and for the Queen (your father's wife), someone is either the executioner or the Mother Superior at a nunnery."

They all laughed, even Anne. The Princess greeted her friend and went to give her a hug. With a few tears in her eyes, Mary addressed Lady Flora. "I know you hate hugs, but I have to provide you with one. Thank you for your help in seeing my baby returned to me. We named him Robert, and I was going to bring him with me today, but his stomach is achy." She moved to take her seat on the sofa.

The Dowager Countess commented, "Robert was my husband's name. It's a good name for a boy. Now in regards to my help, it would have been nothing were it not for your good friend Dot."

Mary did not know either of those things. By naming their baby Robert, she unwittingly honored Lady Flora too. Amazing! But she really did not know, "Dot helped? I was unaware of that."

Mr. Harris brought a tray of tea and scones into the room. He set them down on the low table in front of the sofa. The Countess stated, "Thank you, Harris. I will ring should we need anything else." As soon as the man left the room, Flora turned her attention back to the ladies. Looking at Mary, she made known, "I shall make you aware. You see, Dear Girl, lies are like cockroaches. Everyone that you discover has many more where that one came from. They seem to multiply, and you cannot be rid of them. That was the Queen's problem. She started her reign on a house of lies and kept adding to them until they all collapsed around her."

The Countess added two lumps of sugar to her tea. Then she told the room, "Dot found her out. She suspected Catherine of faking pregnant as far back as Christmas. But then, with the help of your new friend here, Dot had the ammunition she needed. Although Dot did something very foolhardy, she performed a stakeout and surveilled the goings-on of the Queen's nighttime activities. I do not recommend that in the future."

Holding up her hand, Mary stopped the conversation. She turned her head from Lady Flora to Anne. "Wait. So you're saying Anne helped Dot too?" The Countess motioned with her hand to the Duchess.

Anne nodded and explained, "I did. I informed Dot about seeing the Queen in a compromising position with Thomas Culpeper. Then I thought I was going crazy because I saw her without a baby bump too. I had to tell someone, so I told Dot." Mary reached over and grabbed the Duchess's hand. She gave it a squeeze of thanks.

Then the Countess went on to clarify how Dot came to her. She also described her part in the return of the babe. "So now we have history repeating itself and reaching a new low. Another Queen will be tried for treason and executed. Although after the horrible stunts she pulled, I cannot feel sorry for the girl. But assisting you and Dot was the most fun I've had in ages. It was like being trapped in a world of mystery and intrigue. I'll leave that to you young people from now on."

Mary had tears in her eyes. She cried a few tears of thanks. "I honestly appreciate each of you. I have never had such good friends, especially ones that would risk their reputation and sanity, to help me. I'm humbled. Thank you."

The conversation turned to summer plans. Same as last summer, Flora will be letting her house in Cardigan. "I expect to see you and Paisley there for lessons. Now that you're back from Spain and giving birth, we need to resume those. What is your plan for the Duchess of Somerset? Is she part of our group?"

Mary said yes, and then the Countess put her spectacles on and studied Anne. "Now, tell me all about yourself and don't play mysterious. That's the last stand for boring people."

After chuckling, the Duchess of Somerset told all about herself, her family, and her pursuits. When she finished, Lady Flora asked, "And how do you tell the Edwards apart?"

This question made all three ladies on the sofa laugh. Anne let them know, "It is rather tricky on holidays. I call out the name, and all three (husband, son, and toddler) respond. When needs be, I call my husband Ed, the oldest Junior, and my toddler Eddie. And Lady Flora, I wouldn't mind taking lessons with Mary, Paisley, and Dot."

The Countess rang the bell while responding to Anne, "Wonderful! I was hoping you would."

Mr. Harris entered the sunny room. He addressed his lady of the house. "You rang, Your Ladyship?"

Talking to Harris, Flora told him, "We have another participant in the Queen's lady's lessons, the Duchess of Somerset." She motioned with her hand to the couch.

The abrasive man looked at Lady Anne and said, "Oh, how delightful."

Shaking her head at him, the Countess said, "Life is so much better with a sense of humor, Harris. Do try to have one." She waved him off. Once the man left the room, she apologized to the girls. "I apologize for him. Today is not his day. Pannebaker has threatened to quit, and Harris is unhappy about that. It would mean more work for him, which would include darning undergarments. The man can do many things, but laundry is not one of them."

This made Mary and Paisley laugh. What they would not pay to see Mr. Harris doing laundry. The rest of the visit was spent talking about Spain, and what a wonderful time it was. By the time the trio left to return to Cardiff, they had made plans to visit the next week and begin lessons again. When they returned to Hapus House, the men had returned too. Charles had fallen overboard. He was tired and drained from his fall. His pride was wounded, too, from hearing Henry talk about it at length. So, Mary tended to him and showed her husband more care than usual. She told him, "I may not have fallen overboard, but I do fall a little bit more in love with you every day."

He smiled and kept her by his side throughout the evening. Sometimes things don't go as planned, and you must embrace it and move on. That's what Charles did. He hugged his wife and tried to move on from this debacle of deep-sea fishing.