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The Queen, widowed at eighteen years of age, has no lack of suitors for her hand in marriage. Having spent her youth in France, however, she is more inclined to those customs than the ones of her country of birthright. Being tall she sits a horse most regally, although she does not participate in hunts. She is not fond of the wind horn but can play lute or virginals to the entertainment of the three Marys. It is no surprise, then, that the suitors she admits to her company are mostly royalty with connections to France.
This I learnt through letters from Mum and John. I now reside in London at University studying the law. I have my sister, Mary, to thank for having the ear of Queen Mary, as well as the reputation of my late father, a well-regarded laird, despite his fondness for strong
