After what feels like hours of being poked and prodded by maids, I am deemed acceptable to go down to dinner. I look in the mirror and see that my long hair is pinned up behind my head making me look older. I'm dressed in a light blue dress with dark blue trimmings and my waist is tiny thanks to the corset that holds me like a vise. I feel fancy but restricted, I'd rather be able to run and play than look proper and grown up.
I'm completely dreading dinner until I remember that Francis will be waiting for me. Quickly I make my way out of the room and down the stairs. Just as he said Francis is standing at the bottom waiting for me. He looks quite smart in his tunic and breeches, both being decorated with fancy embroidery. When he looks up and sees me his face brightens in a smile and I can't help but smile back. Without speaking he offers me his arm and I take it without hesitation. Together we make our way into the dining hall for my first meal at the French Court.
The dinner is extravagant and I eat until I can't possibly eat anymore. I'm only spoken to now and then which is fine by me. Instead, I listen to all the political talk that is going around the table. Much of it makes no sense to me but I figure I'd better learn about these things sooner than later. I am a queen after all.
"Mary, did you hear me?" Queen Catherine asks me quietly.
"I'm sorry your Majesty, I did not." I reply as politely as possible.
"Tomorrow there will be a lovely picnic in celebration of your arrival. As long as that is alright with you."
"Of course your Majesty. With the oncoming excitement of tomorrow I think it would be best for me to retire to my bedchamber and get some rest. If that's alright."
"Oh of course! It has been a long day and tomorrow will be a long one as well. Shall I call a maid to bring you back?" I'm about to say yes when Francis's voice stops me.
"That's alright Mother, I'll bring her back." He says eagerly. Queen Catherine looks pleased at his offer and nods her head in consent. Francis stands up and offers me his arm again like a perfect gentleman. We both bow to the King before leaving and once again Francis is leading me up the large staircase. Too soon we arrive at my bedchamber door and we must say goodbye.
"Thank you Francis, for everything today." I say sincerely. He really is quite wonderful.
"It is my pleasure Mary." He says as he takes my hand and kisses the top of it lightly.
"I shall see you tomorrow at the picnic. I hope you have a good nights rest and a good deal of fun tomorrow. Goodnight Mary."
"Goodnight Francis." I say and watch him make his way down the stairs again.
I enter my bedchamber and ask the maids to draw me a bath. After I relax for a little while one of the maids tightly braids my hair up and puts on my night cap. I'm helped into my nightgown and tucked warmly into my bed. I did not realize how tired I was until I laid my head on the pillow. I think I must have fallen asleep immediately.