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| I get by with a little help from my friends; George | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Apr 18 2011, 06:15 PM (170 Views) | |
| Catherine Willoughby | Apr 18 2011, 06:15 PM Post #1 |
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vérité sans peur
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Summer 1510 At court for a few weeks, Catherine Willoughby--the young baroness, commanding her own fortune, now a lady in waiting to Queen Margaret--still felt very lost. There were only a few select people she had struck up something like friendship with, and considering the sprawl that was Hampton Court, it was a miracle she saw them at all. It seemed like whenever she wanted to see someone, she never did; and those days she wanted to be alone, she ran into someone she had to talk to out of sheer politeness. In these long, dreary days of being cooped up inside by the fire sewing, Catherine needed to get out. And so she was, walking down the hallways to find the stairs that led out into one of the many gardens that surrounded the palace, big and small, all places for courtiers to come and enjoy the quiet. Sometimes they were crowded, but this time, she was alone. Just her and the flowers and the birds that sang somewhere nearby that she couldn't see. She found a little stone bench, one fit for two that always seemed empty, and settled herself there. Just to enjoy the peace and quiet and the sunshine. It was almost like heaven after being cooped up all morning sewing altar cloths listening to gossip. For a few brief blessed moments she closed her eyes, imagining herself at home in the south garden of Grimsthorpe Castle surrounded by familiarity, not here at Hampton Court feeling like a stranger in a strange land. When her eyes opened she saw she was not alone, for the shadow of someone--a man--coming into this little garden to disturb her peace. Oh! It was someone she wanted to see. Fancy that. "George!" At the familiar sight of her tall, handsome friend, Catherine smiled. He was the first person to meet her at court, to show her around, to treat her like a person rather than a parcel. She would always appreciate it. The sixteen year old baroness also wasn't immune to a handsome face such as his. Who wouldn't be? "I was looking for you, but couldn't find you anywhere," she said as she rose from her seat. "It's dreadfully lonely being stuck inside with gossiping ladies." |
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[align=center]"I must shape my own coat according to my cloth, but it will not be after the fashion of this world but fit for me." Catherine is in 2 threads. [/align] | |
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| George Boleyn | Apr 18 2011, 06:53 PM Post #2 |
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George Boleyn was laughing heartily at the other courtiers. A young man of twenty one, life was one giant party for George. He was accompanied by a few of the other men as they discussed a hunt they were preparing. George knew better than to participate in such an activity, and the longer he stuck around, the more likely they were to reel him in. To be frank, George wasn't interested in hunting because of the risk it posed to his young and handsome body. "I must excuse myself now men," George said, exiting with a polite bow. They waved their good byes before returning to their discussions, and George breathed a sigh of relief. He had escaped without being invited. The only down side to his plot was the loneliness he now felt. George was always the life of the party, used to being surrounded by dozens of people feeding off his every word. Perhaps he was exaggerating, but the fact of the matter was that George was used to company. He was unaccustomed to being alone. He smiled slightly, realizing that this was the first time in ages he would have a moment to collect his thoughts. And what better place to do that, than his favorite spot in the gardens? There was an isolated quality to this particular spot. It could be crowded at times, but mostly people passed it by. As he approached he was shocked to find a young woman sitting at the bench. Upon further examination, he smiled broadly. The young woman was none other than Catherine Willoughby, a young heiress who recently came into wealth and titles of her own. The familiarity of his name on her lips suggested she was excited to see him. He made a polite bow, before returning her greeting. "Hello Catherine," he said in a familiar manner, also visibly pleased to see her. Catherine was new to court, only a few weeks in. Thus, she was ripe for the picking. He made sure to befriend her as quickly as he could, for not only was she wealthy, she was beautiful and young. George always had his eye on the women of court, and Catherine seemed different from them, in some way. She also presented a bit of a challenge to him, and he could actually hold a conversation with her, as opposed to some of the other women at court. To say the least, George Boleyn was interested in Catherine. "Now you have found me!" George exclaimed happily. "And I have come to rid you of your loneliness. For, I know how boring it is to listen to the other courtiers drone on. Just now the men were talking about hunting, and as you know, I am no hunter. But, it worked in my favor for now I have the pleasure of your company," George explained. "Tell me, how are you enjoying court thus far?" |
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| Catherine Willoughby | Apr 20 2011, 08:58 PM Post #3 |
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vérité sans peur
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Why did she like him so? Was it the fact he was so charming and devilishly good looking? Catherine knew she was naive, having not spent much time around men, and really, growing up occasionally meeting with William Spencer didn't count for much. George was easy to talk to for someone overwhelmed with her new life, who was acting quite unlike herself: shy, quiet, forever afraid of making the wrong step lest it got back to her mother's ears. But with George Boleyn, she could be a little more talkative. He had that way about him of making people like him, an easy charm Catherine--like so many other young women--was pulled in by. "Ah, just you?" She let out a short laugh. "At least I've someone to come to my rescue so I am not so bored, nor spending my day pricking my fingers with needlework. You are lucky you are not a lady, Sir George!" She was smiling at him, she couldn't help it. The sixteen year old was clearly on her way to being besotted with the handsome man before her, as so many others probably were. Catherine was too sheltered in many ways to recognize it and steer clear. Reputation was everything, she wasn't going to do anything stupid, but she just couldn't help but like him. At least he had a good wit, she thought. Making a face at the idea of talking about hunting, she said, "Lucky for you, then, that you found me, for I would not want anything to do with a conversation about hunting. Man's business, isn't it?" Catherine had no interest in it whatsoever, probably thanks to her dismal skills as a rider. For her part, at his comment of enjoying her company, she snorted a little, rolling her eyes playfully at his words. "You would not be much of a friend if you did not want to spend time with me," she pointed out. "And court? Well enough. I hate how I meet people and then they expect me to recognize them if I pass them somewhere. There are far too many people here, all with their own business. I don't quite like it." That was as far as she would go to say what she had seen--the lying, the fact you could never quite trust anyone--wasn't anything she liked. Sometimes she thought she would be better off back home, where at least she was lonely but she knew everyone and did not have to worry for herself constantly. So afraid of putting a false foot forward, Catherine hated how she had to look out for herself, make sure she never said anything objectionable even if it meant biting her tongue til it bled. Her mother always warned her never to have anyone see her vile temper or her sharp tongue. So far, she was doing a good job of it. So far. "I am very lucky at least I have Her Majesty," she amended, "and of course, you, for she is always too busy for me now that she is Queen of England." |
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[align=center]"I must shape my own coat according to my cloth, but it will not be after the fashion of this world but fit for me." Catherine is in 2 threads. [/align] | |
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| George Boleyn | Apr 21 2011, 09:25 AM Post #4 |
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George laughed along with her, enjoying the sound of her merriment. He was a man who prided himself on his ability to lighten a mood and provide entertainment to all. It got him this far in life, and while his family may have looked upon George with shame for the young man's inability to get serious, George realized that in life, a laugh got you farther than plotting and scheming. At only twenty one, he was a knight, a gentleman and a close friend to many of the powerful men at court. He was a man on the rise, as he liked to call himself. "I thank God everyday that I am not a woman at this court," George laughed. "The gossiping, the dresses and of course the needlework," George explained. Women had it hard in this court, for far more reasons that that. They were always being pawned off to the highest bidder, used for family advantages. George liked being a man, able to determine his own fate in this ever changing world. Poor Catherine would eventually suffer the fate of her peers, ending up tossed into a loveless marriage all to control her vast amount of wealth. His own sisters, even, who would one day end up unhappily wed. George had a bitter view on marriage, witnessing nothing but failed unions. His only wish was to earn an obedient, intelligent and vivacious wife, who would tolerate infidelity. "The hunt is just a way for a man to show off, especially for a pretty lady," George explained. "Real men understand that riding a beast does not prove you are a man. A real man knows that life is a game of luck, not skill," George said with a knowing smile. Luck, as it would seem, had always been on George's side. He smiled kindly at Catherine as she explained her views on court. She was young, after all. Not quite accustomed to the ways of court. For a man who had been at court for nearly ten years, he was used to the games of the courtiers and the treachery that passed through the halls. "You will get used to it," George assured her. "Court can be overwhelming at times, but a girl such as yourself will do well," George complimented. He had faith that Catherine would do well for herself at court. "Aye, being Queen of England is a busy job I'd imagine," he commented. "However, you shall always have me to entertain you, that is a promise. Even when you are old and gray, call upon me, and I shall be there to put a smile on your pretty face," he said flirtatiously. |
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| Catherine Willoughby | May 11 2011, 11:36 PM Post #5 |
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vérité sans peur
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How glad she was that she had a friend, a true friend, like George Boleyn. He had been so kind to her the first day she came to court and was kind still. Catherine enjoyed his vivacious wit a bit too much. "Yes, you would make a poor woman in a gown," she said with a laugh, eyes sparkling as she looked up at him. "Though I do wish I were a man at times, as I could do more of what I wished without worrying so much what others think. But that is what friends are for, aren't they?" She was probably being far too honest, but something about him made her speak to him without such caution. George's smile distracted her. Catherine shook her head. "You men all spend too much time showing off," she scolded playfully. "Hunting, dancing, even talking to us, is there anything you do not do to try and impress a lady?" She was probably so innocent to him, it almost embarrassed her, but in a way she was glad. She knew how to behave, at least, enough to protect herself, though everyone probably looked at her like some stupid, naive child though she was of marriageable age. "I would agree with you. Proving oneself to be a man has nothing to do with one's escapades hunting. I think a man should be just as you: a gentleman, a good friend." She was genuinely complimenting him, but she would always feel indebted to him simply because he had taken under his wing the overwhelmed baroness. Giving him an amused crooked smile, Catherine wanted to laugh. "Ah, how do you think I will do well? You know me so well already?" she teased. "I am glad you think so highly of me; such words from an experienced courtier better serve me well." Not used to the flirting game, hardly ever around men growing up, she felt a little flush come to her cheeks. I am such a fool. "If I have you to entertain me for all of my days I shall count myself lucky. Especially if you think I have a pretty face, I should keep you about!" George Boleyn was the only person to ever say something like that to her and it obviously worked in charming her, who hated vanity. But a man saying you were pretty did have an effect. |
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[align=center]"I must shape my own coat according to my cloth, but it will not be after the fashion of this world but fit for me." Catherine is in 2 threads. [/align] | |
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| George Boleyn | May 15 2011, 08:26 PM Post #6 |
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Exactly," George assured her. "Friends are there for us to expose our true selves to! They are security blankets, at least the good friends are," George said with a wink. He knew betrayal and the falsehood of a deceiving friendship. He knew to be cautious with whom you choose to relay your closest secrets. Catherine would find out in time that friendship was a valuable commodity in the court of England, and choosing friends was probably the most important thing one could do. Strong alliances could make or break your future at court. But, he would not lecture Catherine Willoughby. She was young, and knowledge came with experience, not the words of a twenty one year old man with indecent intentions. George smiled at her words, appreciative that someone at this court thought highly of him. She was probably off the mark, but it was nice to hear her compliments. "Such a welcome compliment from Lady Willoughby herself!" George laughed. "Your words are dear to me, I am glad you think me a gentleman and good friend," George said with a warm smile. "Though many would not agree with you, I'm afraid." George was not so dumb to think that everyone praised him. He knew of the gossip and ill words whispered behind his back. Some people would say that gentleman is the last word they would use to describe George Boleyn. But, George always fancied himself a proper young gentleman, even if he was distracted by the skirt of pretty lady. George laughed merrily at her statement. "I read people easily, and I can often predict their futures in this court," George said with a cautious smile. "My words shall serve you well. In my experience I know how people will fare, and some shall do better than others. You Catherine will do fine for yourself, take my word for it," George assured her with a winning grin. "And I am not the only one who thinks your face is lovely," George winked. He was so flirtatious, especially towards one who was so new to these courtly rituals. Still he found himself amused with Catherine, she held his attention, which was very difficult to do. |
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| Catherine Willoughby | May 16 2011, 07:29 PM Post #7 |
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vérité sans peur
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Laughing, Catherine smiled up at George as if she were listening intently to every word he said even if they were playful. "Yes, I am glad I have friends like you," she demurred honestly, "for where would I have found myself had you not run into me that day? I shudder to think, I would still be getting lost and acting like a shy fool!" Probably so, though she could still be quiet and reserved around others, watching and judging cautiously, not jumping into the fray unless friends such as George were present. Tilting her head to the side, Catherine shrugged at George. She didn't care what others spoke or thought of him. Some told her to stay away, for he had a reputation, but she did not care very much as he had always been nothing but kind to her. She would not judge him the way she often did, if those rumors were true. He had never said anything indecent towards her, but honestly, she would not have even minded as she was like so many young ladies: infatuated with the handsome knight. "It doesn't matter to me what they say. I have heard it yet I see no reason to not be your friend because of the stupid gossip others spread." Smirking at him, she said, "I am glad you think so highly of yourself that you will help me if I find myself in need of it." Catherine's sarcasm faded as she touched his arm gently almost in thanks. "Truly I am glad to have you, someone who can speak to me plainly. All the women do is gossip about their betters behind their backs. They have not the brain for anything else." Eyes wandering about the garden, they met George's again as he reiterated his compliment. She snorted, though a little flush came to her cheeks. "Oh, you're not? Perhaps you could provide me with names of these men who have run mad besides yourself to think such a thing?" |
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[align=center]"I must shape my own coat according to my cloth, but it will not be after the fashion of this world but fit for me." Catherine is in 2 threads. [/align] | |
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| Isabel Leigh | Aug 9 2011, 09:40 AM Post #8 |
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Virtue alone is invincible.
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This thread has been archived either due to forwarding of board timeline or because of a month of inactivity. If you would like to continue, please PM an Admin! |
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[align=center]Mistress Leigh Isabel is in 8 threads and can has more! App | Plot[/align] | |
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6:26 AM Jul 11