-Chapter One-

1515, Kenninghall

Lady Bessie Howard sat in the window seat of her spacious chambers at her family home, Kenninghall. She was looking out to the beautiful gardens; the lake was glistening in the sun as a few swans drifted across the water, and all the flowers had bloomed in the summer, turning the garden into a colourful paradise. Mrs Morley, Bessie Howard's old nurse, waddled into Bessie's Chambers, her old, bulky frame preventing her from moving nimbly.

'How are you today my lady?' Mrs Morley asked, as she went about the room carrying out her duties.

'I am well thank you dear Mrs Morley, I was just admiring the gardens, I do love them in the summer' Bessie replied.

'Aye, my lady, they are lovely. I passed your father the Duke on the way here, I am just warning you he may be on his way'

Bessie immediately leapt up, smoothing her blue gown down and adjusting her hood on her head so it covered her golden blonde waves more modestly. The Duke of Norfolk always expected his daughters to present themselves as neatly as possible no matter where they were, due to their ranks as ladies.

At that moment, the door flung open and Bessie's father strode into the room. Bessie sank into a deep curtsey and looked up into those dark beady eyes that scared her so much.

'Good Morrow my daughter, I come here with exciting news'.

Bessie waited expectantly, her hands clasped in front of her, hoping that her father would tell her about a new gown, or even, she thought excitedly, he would take her to serve Queen Katherine.

'I have secured for you a place at the court of Queen Claude of France. You will learn to become an accomplished lady, and if God allows it, you will find a wealthy French Duke to marry. This is a great honour Elizabeth, why do you look at me like a lost pup?'

Bessie was in shock. She couldn't leave her lady mother and her home. London was far enough, but France? Bessie felt tears threatening. She didn't want to be in another country, where she knew no one and could just about speak their language fluently.

'But Father, could I not serve Queen Katherine?' she asked timidly.

The Duke's black eyes flashed dangerously. 'I worked hard to get you a place at the French court daughter. You are in your 10th year, a perfect age to leave home and become a proper lady. You will leave in a weeks' time, and I do not want any more complaints Elizabeth'.

The tone of her father's voice stopped the retort she was about to say. Norfolk abruptly walked out the room and the door slammed shut behind him. Bessie sank slowly to a chair close to her, still shocked that her father was sending her to France.

'Do not worry my lady, I have heard lovely things about Queen Claude and a few other English ladies will be sent there too. Think of the gorgeous new gowns you will have, and the amazing palaces you will travel around.'

Mrs Morley's words comforted Bessie only a little; she was not looking forward to going at all.

Author Note

Hi guys, any reviews will be welcomed :) I have a clear idea of where I'm going with this story but any ideas will be great.