18th, May, 1521

18th, May, 1521

It is told to me that we will arrive at Greenwich Palace by sundown. My journey has been long and arduous. I am fatigued and in desperate need of a bath. I still have reservations about this.  I am promised a great future once I am to become a lady to Her Majesty. But I miss home already and can’t imagine being away for so long.  I miss my family so. Although I am the daughter of a Baron and understand that my future is not in my hands, but the hand of my parents, I feel as though I ought to have some say! Mother assures me that becoming a lady of such important will secure a good marriage. But at thirteen years of age, I am not ready to think about marriage. I just want to be back at Dawkins Manor with my cattle. I am forever teased and reminded that tending to the livestock is a servant’s job. But I don’t care! I long to press my hands against their smooth coats and caress their faces.

I am so cold despite the warm blankets I have wrapped around myself. God’s Blood! I have yet to see the sun this week, I swear it. These past three days of travel feel as though they have been the longest days of my life. The clip clopping of the horses hooves have given me an awful headache and my bottom has become so sore from bouncing around on this seat. Mother provided me with extra pillows to sit on but it’s been of no help. My only reprieve has been in the evening when we stop to sleep and let the horses rest. My footman is kind and has done everything possible to try to make me feel comfortable. And while I do like the chance to be able to stretch my legs, the nights have been terribly cold.

As we near closer to Greenwich Palace, I find I am becoming quite nervous. I fear I will be out of place with all of the other court ladies. I am but a child! I have been promised that Queen Katherine is a warm and generous Lady and that The King is the most handsome man in all of England! My cousin Emily was a lady to The Queen before falling ill and having to return home. She wrote me to tell me how exciting life at court was and she was saddened to have to leave. I suppose the court is a magnificent place. And I know father has always spoken highly of The King as well. But I just can’t picture myself there. I keep reminding myself that I am a noble lady and I need to act as such. 

After stopping to water the horses, Charles, my driver says we only have about an hour or two left. I am so getting nervous! I have taken several deep breaths to calm myself but I am not sure I am feeling much better! Please God, don’t let me act like a study fool! 

As we near closer to Greenwich Palace, I find I am becoming quite nervous. I fear I will be out of place with all of the other court ladies. I am but a child! I have been promised that Queen Katherine is a warm and generous Lady and that The King is the most handsome man in all of England! My cousin Emily was a lady to The Queen before falling ill and having to return home. She wrote me to tell me how exciting life at court was and she was saddened to have to leave. I suppose the court is a magnificent place. And I know father has always spoken highly of The King as well. But I just can’t picture myself there. I keep reminding myself that I am a noble lady and I need to act as such. 

After stopping to water the horses, Charles, my driver says we only have about an hour or two left. I am so getting nervous! I have taken several deep breaths to calm myself but I am not sure I am feeling much better! Please God, don’t let me act like a study fool! 

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