Henry looked at his brother with sympathy. He had always been a bit on the weaker side. Not really sickly but his weak immune system showed itself at the most inopportune times. Such as now.
His sister in law was hosting a garden party. Spring was in full swing. The sun shined and because of the winds that carry dust and a whole host of other things, Henry's brother was in a coughing fit.
"Here brother," Henry said. "Drink some water."
His brother drank and seemed to calm down. "Thank you. I hate these garden parties. It's annoying."
"Uncle Henry!" A voice called out to him.
He turned around and saw his niece, Little Mary walking towards him with her sister Isabelle.
"Izzy. Little Mary." He hugged and kissed them both. He had missed them. Now that he saw his nieces he wished to see his three nephews.
"Where are your brothers?" Arthur asked Izzy.
"Henry is entertaining a woman called Lady Anne. I don't know where William and Edward went off to."
"Anne," Henry said. "Where are they?"
"I'll take you to them, Uncle," Mary said.
Henry offered his hand. "My lady."
She giggled and on they walked. Henry asked about her mother, Catherine. She was doing well apparently and going all out to make Mary's coming out party a success. Isabelle was already engaged to an Earl and now it was Mary's turn be married.
Henry admitted that Mary was a beautiful young lady. Being only sixteen he was a little worried that she was too young to be married off so. But he conceded that the elder is to be married before the younger. It was the way it went.
"Have you found someone Uncle?"
He turned to her with surprise. "Me?"
She laughed. "Yes you! I wish for another aunt."
"You have four! There is no use for another one."
"What of your legacy?"
"When it comes time for me to wed then I shall be wed. As you must be."
"Yes. I suppose so." She stopped. "Look uncle! There is Harry."
Henry stopped as he admired the beauty of this woman. This Lady Anne. She was as graceful as a Queen and as beautiful as Aphrodite herself. He suddenly felt his face grow warm.
"Uncle? Are you alright?"
"Huh? Oh. Yes. I'm quite alright."
"Brother," Mary called out. "Come greet our Lord uncle."
Henry smiled. "Uncle. It's good to see you. Lady Anne, this is my Uncle Henry."
"Henry," she said seductively. A smile was on her lips and Henry thought that he wanted to hear her say it again.
"Lady Anne. A pleasure." He kissed her hand.
"The feeling is mutual."
"Come brother. Father wishes to see you." Mary pulled Harry along.
Anne turned to Henry. "Your family is wonderful. Harry is a brilliant young man. Your nieces are a delight as well."
He smiled. "I'm glad you like them." He offered his arm to her and they walked towards the a table that had a variety of food. Mostly sweets. The table next to it had drinks.
Anne reached for the wine but someone grabbed her hand. Anne turned and smiled smoothly. "Lady mother."
"No wine. Drink some champagne instead." Her mother handed her a glass of light coloured liquid. "You are a lady after all," her mother added.
"And ladies don't drink wine?" Anne replied as she took a sip.
Henry studied Anne's mother. She was a beautiful woman. He could tell Anne took her mannerisms from her mother. Henry met her eyes and he saw her study him closely.
"Who are you?" she asked coolly.
"Oh! Mother. This is Mr. Henry Tudor. Henry. This is my mother. Lady Elizabeth Boleyn. Formerly Howard."
He bowed. "My lady. A pleasure."
She didn't extend her hand for him to kiss it. "Likewise. Come Anne. Lord Henry Percy desires to meet you."
Henry wondered why she stressed the word lord but then the thought left his mind when he saw Anne being dragged away. Henry wasn't sure what to do now. Just when he considered leaving he felt someone clapped him on the back.
"Uncle!"
Henry turned and his face broke out into a full grin. "Eddy!" Edward Tudor was definitely more wild and rambunctious than his two elder brothers. His parents arranged many marriages for him but he often broke them off. No one in polite society would dare marry their daughter to Edward Tudor. He was too unpredictable.
"We should leave and go have some real fun Uncle Harry. What do you say to that?"
"And where would you have some "real fun" Edward Tudor?" a voice asked.
Standing behind them was Catherine Tudor along with a woman who was quite thin and homely looking. Henry thought her to be ill.
"Lady mother," Edward smiled.
"Jane. Introduce yourself," Catherine said.
The woman stepped forward. "Hello. I am Miss Jane Seymour."
Edward kissed her hand. "A pleasure. Mr. Edward Tudor, my lady."
Henry bowed and kissed her hand as well. "Mr. Henry Tudor."
She blushed. "It's lovely to meet you."
"Edward, show Miss Jane the gardens."
"Of course." Edward offered his arm to her.
Catherine pulled Henry aside. "Walk with them." He appeared confused. She sighed. "As an escort."
He nodded. "Of course Lady sister."
"And try to talk to him about going through with this engagement. He needs to be married so he can settle down."
Henry followed his nephew and Miss Jane through the gardens. He felt someone loop arms with him and he was surprised to see her.
"Lady Anne!"
She smirked. "Did you miss me, Henry?"