With a reserved smile, a bodysuit of the same duchess rank, and a Greek sculptural sitting posture, Isabel Walton began to have some doubts about the need to continue talking in the face of the same duchess. Looking into the other person's face, he said with a pretended smile, "Mary, I think your cousin, Queen Anne Boleyn, probably didn't learn to swim either. ”

Mary Fitzroy, Duchess of Richmond, nodded slightly, "Well, you're right. After all, my cousin had already been educated in French culture and etiquette when she was a lady-in-waiting at the French court. I don't think there's any chance of her learning more knightly skills. ”

After listening to Mary's words, Isabel felt that the other party probably didn't understand what she meant, so she smiled and said, "Mary, you... Don't object to prolonged contact with such things as water? ”

Mary tilted her head to look at her, "Touch with water?" Giggles... What about washing your hands, face and feet, Isabelle? ”

"Well, it can also be counted as one. But, Mary, I'm talking about our bodies being in contact with water for a long time. ”

Sure enough, Mary didn't respond immediately. There was just a shallow smile on his face, "Isabel, I think I understand what you're talking about." Before I give my opinion, though, I want you to look at one thing. ”

"Mary, may I know what it is?"

"Don't worry, you'll find out right away." The Duchess kept her upper body straight, turned her head slightly and commanded aloud to her personal maid, who was standing a few steps away, "Amy, go and bring me the letter from Her Majesty the Queen." ”

"Her Majesty's letter? Mary, when was this delivered? Isabel was a little surprised by the timing of the letter's delivery.

"Just after you led the guards out of the castle."

"Damn, did Mary's cousin mention me in the letter?" Isabel heard Mary's soft voice again, "Isabel, come and sit." You're my good company, and we should sit down and talk about what we love. ”

The two then chatted happily about the weather in Richmondshire, the ancient books in the Duke of Richmond's library, embroidery, cooking, Chinese and tights. While the two were talking with great interest, the maid Amy came to Mary with a letter from the southern court tied with a ribbon in both hands, "Madam, this is the letter you want from Her Majesty the Queen." ”

"Well, give the letter to Miss Isabel." When Mary saw that she had reached the letter, she said unusually calmly, "Isabel, this cousin of mine has mentioned one thing in her letter to me, one thing that has to do with you. ”

"Hell, it must be Catherine, the slut, who wants me to go to the court to be a lady-in-waiting." After scolding herself, Isabel nodded at Mary, "What does it have to do with me?" What does Her Majesty want me to do? ”|

"Just open it and see."

Isabel had no choice but to slowly stretch out the letter and take a rough look at it. When she finished reading, she heard Mary beside her whisper, "Now, you know what is going on." ”

"Well, Her Majesty the Queen wants to hire me as a lady-in-waiting in the Queen's court, and the annual honorarium is... 30 pounds. ”

£30 was an almost impossible reward for a young lady-in-waiting who had just entered the court. Even female chamberlains, who had served in the court for decades, were able to receive additional rewards from Henry VIII, such as a pension of £60, when they left in old age.

It should be said that Isabel was lucky enough to enter the court this time with the permission of Henry VIII. At this time, in the eyes of ordinary aristocratic families, she will have more opportunities to get protection and favors from the royal family. At the same time, her rise in status also strengthened her family's influence in society, thus becoming a symbol of social and political prestige.

"You know, this is an opportunity to gain the favor of His Majesty and the Queen, as well as the rest of the royal family. This opportunity is not available to everyone. Mary still looked calm, as if she had no intention of congratulating Isabel on her imminent entry into the court.

"Mary, I thank you for letting me see the letter written by Her Majesty the Queen." Isabel slowly rolled up the letter again, "Just, do you really think I'm fit to enter the court?" I know that His Majesty is very strict with the requirements for maids who can enter the court. ”

The Duchess slowly stood up and looked sideways at her as she paced in front of her, "What would you do if Her Majesty the Queen forced you to enter the court?" ”

At this point, Isabel really didn't know what to do. If she disobeys Her Majesty's directives, she will be charged with treason, and all her efforts will be in vain. And following the orders of Her Majesty the Queen to enter the court was something she was extremely unwilling to do.

"Isabel, now, you've read the letter I want you to see. Well, it's time for me to give my opinion. Seeing that she was a little distracted, Mary smiled and beckoned at her.

Isabel stood up with a heavy face, and after handing the letter to Amy, who was standing on the side, came to the Duchess's side, "Mary, what do you want to tell me?" ”

The Duchess smiled at her, and the two of them walked slowly toward the depths of the garden. As she walked slowly, Mary offered her opinion, "Considering the curse of the terrible plague and the prohibitions of the Church, I have another way to clear my weariness. ”

Isabel knew she would say that, but nodded in response. Mary glanced sideways at her, "You're a trusted companion of mine, so I'm sure your words are true and credible." ”

Then, he said calmly: "I also think that you are indeed not suitable for the environment of the palace. So, I recommend it to Her Majesty the Queen... Mrs. Cumberland went to the Queen's court to serve as a lady-in-waiting. ”

"Mary, are you telling the truth?" Isabel had a feeling of overjoyation and a charming smile on her face.

"Isabel, I think that as the daughter of Queen Catherine of Aragon's good companion, Lady Cumberland will miss her days at court very much." Mary's words are so eloquent that those who don't know the inside story might think that she is a partnership with Mrs. Cumberland.

Isabel thought about it and felt that the Duchess must have another purpose, focusing on the other party's expression, "Mary, you don't want me to enter the court, do you think I can clear your tiredness?" ”

"Isabel, as long as Richmond Castle has you, I don't have to be entangled in territorial affairs all day, and my tiredness can be cleared, right?" A sly smile appeared on Mary's face.