Forbidden Love (Tudors)

Chapter One

1515, Kenninghall

Lady Elizabeth Howard, known as Bessie to most people who knew her well, sat in the cushioned window seat of her spacious chambers at her family home. She was looking out at the beautiful gardens; the lake was glistening in the sun, as a couple of graceful swans drifted across the water. The flowers had recently bloomed in the summer, and the garden had been transformed into a colourful paradise. It was one of Bessie's favourite places to go, but she was supposed to be studying a book of Latin.

The door swung open to her chambers, and Bessie quickly resumed her reading. Luckily, it was just Mrs Morely, Bessie's old nurse. She waddled into the chambers; her old bulky frame preventing her from moving as nimbly as she used to.

"How are you today dear? You look forlorn," She asked, as she started to arrange Bessie's gowns.

"I am well thank you, Mrs Morely, I was just lamenting that I could not be out in the sun," Bessie replied.

"Aye, well dear, you know how important it is now for a lady to have a good education."

"I suppose."

"I passed your father the Duke on the way here, dear, he might be on his way to see you."

Bessie immediately leapt up, smoothing the creases out of her light green gown, and adjusting her hood on her head so it covered her golden blonde curls more modestly. Bessie was terrified of her father. He was imposing, cold and cruel. Above all, the Duke of Norfolk always expected his daughters to present themselves as befitted their station as ladies.

At that moment, the door flung open and the Duke strode into the room. Bessie sank into a deep curtsey and looked down at the floor.

"Good Morrow, daughter, I come here with exciting news," he said.

She slowly looked up at him, meeting his dark, beady eyes. She waited expectantly for him to talk; her hands clasped in front of her. She was hoping for a new gown, or perhaps, she thought excitedly, she would join the court of 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."

Bessie was in shock. All she could hear in her head was 'France' and 'Marry'. She could not leave her home and her family. London was far enough but France? Bessie felt tears threatening to spill. She did not want to go to another country on her own.

"What is it Elizabeth? Why are you looking at me in such an ungrateful manner?" the Duke snapped.

Mrs Morely flinched in the corner of the room, hoping her dear girl would not flare the Duke's infamous temper.

"Could I not serve Queen Katherine, Father?" 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 fret, dear. I have heard wonderful things about Queen Claude and the French court! Your cousin is also being sent there I believe, though you have not met her before. 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; quite frankly, 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.