Welcome Sir Nicholas

*becomes nauseated by the carryings on but feels much better after a theraputic unpicking of the needlework Marie hath been taking care of over the past few weeks.*

*her merriment is destroyed for a moment with a feeling of worry which ceases entirely when she locks all her best gowns away from Marie's handiwork.*

*smiles back* Enchante. Do you have your riding gear? *Pulls out a whip and chaps*.

Ah Young Bess *Nicholas smiles and approaches her* how are thee today my Lady

AHH! MY NEEDLEWORK! WHO HATH UNWOUND ALL OF MINE NEEDLEWORK! IT TOOK ME 4 MONTHS TO EMBROIDER THIS PILLOW, IT WAS ELIZABETH'S BIRTHDAY GIFT! ARGH!

I am affraid not my Lady, I have been at sea many long years and have not taken to horse back since I was a young child

Well, maybe later. Hath thou any idea who hath unwound all of mine needlework?

*whispers under her breath* Ah, so that ist why the thread wast mainly of scratchy gold. I didst think i a curious expense for a pillow.

*turns to Sir Nicholas and smiles gently*

I am well thank-you kind Sir, though a little tired from matters of state and these constant arguments with mine cousin.

If thou thinkest it not too tiresome a task, I wudst that thou take Marie up on an offer of horseriding just to get her out of my sight so that I might spend a few gentle hours of peace in mine own home.

I wudst escape for a spot of hunting mineself but the kill doth disgust me and I hath little energy to truly enjoy the pleasures of a wild gallop.

Then perhaps then Sir Nicholas thou shudst take her for a trip down the Thames when we return to Hampton Court...

*whispers under breath*

...and hopefully ditch her somewhere in the river

*hides his smile at that last comment*

As you wish my Lady *bows to Elizabeth*

Lady Stuart would you honor me by perhaps escorting me around the grounds, I do so like walks out of doors.

*looks to Elizabeth and trys to convey an expression that tells her not to worry*

*Whispers to Sir Nicholas* I know Elizabeth is plotting against me, you shall have to choose. That ugly, old bag or me.

*sighs and replies softly*

Let us not worry over such things now, walk with me

*Links arms, caressing his abs while doing so*. Very well.

It looks as though it shall be a lovely evening, thank you for your company ... I grow weary of the strife and gloomy atomosphere that sometimes lingers in court.

I long to be out of doors and away from it

Then I will be gleeful to walk with you, 'tis best if we leave the poison behind us, n'est ce pas? So, did you merely wish to observe the sunset or do you have something to discuss?

My intention was to enjoy both the sunset the pleasure of your company
*and to get you out of Bess's hair he thinks to himself but does not say*

but since you broach the subject *takes on a serious tone and expression*

What is it thou hopes to gain by playing me and my heart for the fool?

*rolls eyes before walking past Marie and 'accidently' nudging her, making her lose composure*
It seems perhaps Sir Nick that thee would have all or none.
*sweeps across the floor to comfort Bess's insanity*

*frowns and comptemplates issueing words in his defense but thinks better of it. *


Let them think what they will, what I want is of no consequence. *he thinks to himself but doesnt say*

*he casts one last look at his dear Bess sulking behind her needlework and his frown deepens. He will just have to speak with her in private and explain himself ... if she will hear it, she must know what he does he does for her.*

Ah, dear great grandmaman, thine presence is both an honour and a comfort.

Wilt thou join me for a moment and tell me stories of thine own time? The court at present doth weary me and I long to hear of past times. I find that history doth often repeat itself and a knowledge of the past doth much to clarify one's own present situation.

Sir Nicholas, I doth not play thee for a fool. I have been nothing but kind to thee, and thee wouldst do well to remember that. It is simply this: I need a strong, intelligent man, whom Elizabeth approves. It is also a family rivalry, if she wants you I will do everything in my power to have you, and she would do the same.

Do I not please thee?

You have been most kind, at least after our initial misunderstanding, to that I can agree.

But I do not care to be a pawn in childish games of rivalry.


Elizabeth has no intrest in me, so I ask you ...

If there were no such rivalry, if you had nothing to gain from a union with me, would you still fancy me? I doubt very much so *frowns*

*sits down*
Our court may have been old fashioned, but at heart there was no difference between our two courts, our fashions were very unflattering. Those fancy French Hoods thou maids were are very stylish compared to the veils we wore, we had to scrape our hair back. However, appearance issues was never something I had to face.
*laughs under her breath and smiles*
Sometimes I wish I could go back to the times when all was well, for I miss my dear husband, The Kinge greatly.
*frowns before looking up to face Elizabeth*
It seems thee have progressed into quite the beauty!

Sir Nicholas of Rhodes wrote:

You have been most kind, at least after our initial misunderstanding, to that I can agree.

But I do not care to be a pawn in childish games of rivalry.


Elizabeth has no intrest in me, so I ask you ...

If there were no such rivalry, if you had nothing to gain from a union with me, would you still fancy me? I doubt very much so *frowns*

Yes I would. Thou art charming, handsome, intelligent and will protect me *Fingers the embossed initials on your cloak*, at least I hope so. *Smiles*

Elizabeth Woodville wrote:

*rolls eyes before walking past Marie and 'accidently' nudging her, making her lose composure*
It seems perhaps Sir Nick that thee would have all or none.
*sweeps across the floor to comfort Bess's insanity*

Excuse-moi! Watch your gros derriere! Just because Elizabeth will tolerate your insanity does not mean I will.

it pleases me to hear that much at least *smiles*

*comptemplates in slience for a few moments*

I must confess something to you, My Lady. I have allowed you to believe an untruth about my situation. You spoke of me as a commoner at one time and I proclaimed you to be false in that. While it is true I am of noble blood little good it has done me in life. While I have been away our family's fortune has been squandered, I have returned to my beloved England completely destitue I am afraid. It is so that brought me here to Haitfield to indulge of good Queen Elizabeth's generosity until that time that I can make my own way.

So you see I have nothing to offer a would be wife.

I have money aplenty. Here are mine reasons

1. Thou art Protestant, which will please Elizabeth and the English
2. Thou art English, ditto above.
3. Thou art charming, which pleaseth me.
4. Thou art not bisexual, which pleaseth me even more.
5. Thou art sly, so thee will not anger my nobles.
6. Thou art intelligent and handsome, which pleaseth me more.

Do not deny that you find me charming as well!