Chapter One

"Both Their Majesties are in the room. Make sure you put yourself in His Majesty's way." Thomas Boleyn said surveying his eldest daughter critically. She was wearing a tight Tudor green damask gown and pearls.

Mary and Thomas entered the room. "Your Majesties, may I present my eldest daughter, Lady Marianne Boleyn." As soon as her name was pronounced, Mary sank into a deep curtsey facing the King. "Your Majesty."

She then turned to Queen Catherine and swirled a shallow curtsey."Queen Catherine."

"Ah my new Lady in Waiting has arrived. What are your talents?"

"Well, I can dance, sew and play the harpsichord, Queen Catherine."

"Ah my husband adores music. Will you play for us?"

"Well of course your majesty." Mary sat down and started playing a French country dance. The king then asked "You're a talented lady. We have the banquet to celebrate the French ambassador's arrival today. Would you play for them?"

"Well, of course, Your Majesty."

"His Excellency the French Ambassador Admiral Du Bellay and Lord Poitiers, Count of Toulouse." the herald announced. The Ambassadors entered the banqueting hall and bowed toward Their Majesties. "Your Majesty, what an honor to see you again."

"What news have you brought for us today?" asked the king.

"Well the French King was wondering if we could organize a betrothal between the Princess Mary and Dauphin."

"I agree but for further arrangements talk to Wolsey."

Later that night the herald announced "Lady Marianne Boleyn".

"Your Majesties. Your Excellencies" said Mary as she curtsied towards the dais.

"You may commence Lady Mary" said the King. Mary sat down on the harpsichord chair and started playing.

"Well done Madmoiselle Marianne". Mary curtsied and looked in the King's eyes. The king looked at her and followed her with his eyes as she curtsied and walked away.

"Well played Mary. You did well. The King followed you with his eyes as you walked away, which is a good sign. You have been taught well in France. Now we only need to get Anne back. Your Uncle Howard wants to talk to you on the morrow."

Oh No! I have to see Uncle Howard! thought Mary. Of course, she did not say as much, only murmuring "Thank you Father. Goodnight." as she dipped a curtsy and left him.