Mary's life had improved steadily since her decision to take the oath. Her father had ordered a whole wardrobe remade for her, gowns made of cloth picked by the queen, and even a few ladies in waiting were being appointed. She still struggled with her decision, but she believed Anne had been right-it's what her mother would have wanted. That still did not stop her from praying for her soul every morning in chapel.
She had missed this morning due to an interview with a potential household member- a Mistress...Howard? It was hard to keep track of all the families, but she believed it was of some relation to the Marquess. The girl had been flighty and simple-headed and Mary had quickly passed, sending her along to the queen. Mistress Howard would find some place at court, but it would not be serving the king's daughter. Mary wanted a household of pious, virtuous women who held some level of sympathy for her mother and herself. Still, the Howard woman had distracted her from her prayers, so now she was headed in late. At least the chapel would be empty.
As she rounded the corner she was disappointed to hear voices. They seemed slightly argumentative and she almost turned around-willing to pray in her rooms rather than be drawn into any kind of courtier drama. But then she had heard a woman's cry. Fear dripped through her as she rushed forward. With her size, there wasn't too much she could do if a man was threatening a lady at court, but perhaps just the presence of another person (the king's daughter, no less!) would scare the attacker off.
Her eyes widened into saucers when she saw the couple in question. Anne, the woman who was always immaculately put together, had abandoned all elegance and was practically brawling with the man who had ahold of her. Thomas Seymour was gripping her arms hard enough to tear the fabric of her sleeves as she struggled to get away. Her presence was unnoticed as Seymour pulled Anne back towards him.
She took a deep breath and summoned all her courage. "What on EARTH are you doing?!" The two froze on the spot and stared up at her, Anne with relief and Thomas with annoyance.
"It's nothing to concern yourself with, my lady" Thomas spoke through gritted teeth, immediately releasing Anne. She gently rubbed the reddening marks on her arms and took her chance to stride away from him several paces. He glared after her murderously. "Just SPEAKING with my betrothed..."
Mary stood strong, waiting until Anne was closer to her before glaring at the Seymour man. "I believe your conversation is over. Lady Anne, may I escort you to your rooms?"
Anne nodded gratefully before sending Thomas a heated glare which was returned. As they walked away, they heard a crash as the drunken gentleman slammed his fist into the wall. Anne had turned the color of milk, and Mary placed a hand on her arm in comfort. Mary had just recently started giving the woman who had destroyed her happiness a chance, but even in the pique of her hatred, she would never have condoned violence against any wife. She was just grateful she got there before he could do any kind of real damage. "We'll speak to the king, my lady. I'm sure he will not force you into marriage with him after this."