The young, independent, and freedom-loving Duchess Mary Fitzroy undoubtedly spoke her mind, which was probably the main reason why Mary had been reluctant to exercise authority over her domain and family affairs. However, it is dangerous and will harm her physical and mental safety. As time passed, Mary was bound to bring painful experiences to herself because of words and actions that did not match her status and status.

There was an incident in the aristocratic families of the north a few years ago. In 1528, the Earl of Northumberland mentioned an incident in a correspondence to Mary's father, the Duke of Norfolk III. When confronted with the countess who maliciously confronted him, his wife, the Count assigned three confidant servants to supervise his wife's words and deeds. Later, the Earl's father, the Earl of Shrewsbury, sent a servant to visit his daughter, who was also turned away by the Earl of Northumberland.

Since the Middle Ages, patriarchy and primogeniture have been the two major factors that determine the role and status of family members. The genealogies of noble families are still mainly based on male lineage, and titles are still passed down mainly from generation to generation among the males of the family. Therefore, in the perception of being a "parent" or a "husband", the men in the family always believe that the head of the family is more important and includes the behavior of "being a husband", and the aristocratic men generally invest more feelings and energy in how to be a good "parent".

Although the aristocratic women of this era shared more social resources than women of other classes, and also had more time for leisure and enjoyment, such as embroidery, in practice, aristocratic women had to assist their husbands in supervising the territory and family affairs in all aspects. If it is violated, it will exercise the power of movement, residence, and social intercourse over his wife, as the Earl of Northumberland did with his wife with a strong self-will, in accordance with the powers conferred upon him by law.

Now it seems that Mary is unwittingly preparing to turn herself into a second Mrs. Northumberland against her husband's orders and wishes. Isabelle Walton didn't want to be involved in her family affair with the Duke of Richmond, but she didn't want to see Mary, who she considered her best friend, hurt physically and mentally.

Glancing back at the two maids, who were embroidering with unusual care, Isabel made an opinion to the Duchess that she thought was good, "Madame, I understand your thoughts. If you are not willing to assist Your Highness in overseeing the economic and land affairs of your realm, I have a good advice for you. ”

Mary nodded, as she embroidered the embroidered cloak she had made for the Duke of Richmond, "Say it, Isabel." ”

"Madame, I intend to seek a duchess secretary for you."

"Secretary?" Mary looked up at her, "Isabel, I remember that you were also a secretary of the Duke's Palace, how could you have thought of seeking another secretary?" ”

Isabel smiled lightly, but replied to her seriously, "Madam, I'm talking about the Duchess's secretary. ”

At this time, Mary finally put down the needle and thread in her hand and thought. Soon, he turned his gaze back to her, "I, as a duchess, can indeed have a secretary. Only, what kind of secretary do you want to seek for me?

"Well, your secretary is only in charge of socializing, going out, land, and property."

"Sounds good. However, I am afraid that it is not satisfactory for a secretary to take care of so many things. ”

"So, add another secretary, do you think it's okay?"

Mary didn't answer, but stood up with a smile, "Kelly, go and bring me and Miss Isabel two glasses of wine." ”

After the maid left the room, Mary slowly walked to the side of the room and admired the tapestry on the wall, "Isabel, do you think Your Highness will agree to the matter of having two secretaries for me?" ”

Isabel walked to Mary's side with her hands behind her back, and after a moment of thought, whispered, "Madam, are you talking about the honorarium of the two secretaries?" ”

"It's not just about honorarium. One more thing, I only volunteered to follow His Highness to the north just to get a male heir, do you remember? ”

On this issue, Isabel now has a great headache. She wanted to get rid of the Duke and Duchess of Richmond at once and run south to do what she loved. However, the aristocratic couple became more and more inseparable from her in the affairs of the territory. The purpose of hiring a secretary for Mary was naturally to keep himself away from Mary calmly.

Isabel lowered her head slightly and shook it twice, "Madam, even if Your Highness agrees with your decision, will you still not live with Your Highness for a long time after you have an heir?" ”

"I would ask Your Highness to live with me in the south. If His Highness is still willing to stay in the north, I can raise the heir well in my father's castle. ”

"Ma'am, this is not a wise decision. His Highness will exercise the powers conferred upon him by law as a husband, lest he ......"

Mary turned to her and smiled, "Isabel, are you worried that I will find myself in a painful, sad predicament if I go against His Highness's wishes?" ”

Isabel nodded, "I think, I'm afraid so." ”

"Okay, you don't have to worry about this problem, I'll deal with it with Your Highness." As Mary finished speaking, the maid Kelly returned to the room with a glass containing two glasses of wine.

When Kelly approached the two of them, Isabel took a glass of wine from her plate and handed it to Mary, "Madame, may God be with you. ”

Mary took the glass, smiled and nodded, "Isabel, you should say, 'I wish me a happy day in the North.'" ”

After Mary chatted with her for a while on embroidery, Isabel left the Duchess's room. Glancing at Baldwin and another guard named Fast standing outside the door, "Let's go." ”

As the two guards followed her briskly out of the hallway, she thought to herself, "I'll think about it later." As long as Henry went to serve in the court, he didn't have to worry about going to the south. ”

As she was leaving for Sussex to-morrow on an errand, she was to go to her Church Hill estate today to give advice to the heads of the estates on some ranches, farms, and handicrafts. Outside the main building, he stood on the stairs and commanded Baldwin, "Go and bring the horses, now I'm going to Church Hill Manor." ”

Due to the long delay of Mary, the inspection of the Duchy of Richmond, which was originally carried out in the morning, could only be completed in the afternoon. Before Baldwin turned to leave, she stopped the guard again, "Go and tell the captain of the guard that I have asked William Parr to be my guard." ”

"Also, let William patrol the territory with the patrol after lunch."