"Isabel, put on this sword and show me." Lady Frances Howard, who was two steps away from Isabel Walton, said excitedly.

"Yes, ma'am." Isabel smiled and took off the crosshand half-sword and put it aside, and hung the sword on her belt and wore it on her left waist.

"You know, Isabel, this bayonet sword is really beautiful on you. But why is this handguard like this? While admiring, Frances noticed a problem that could not be ignored, and turned to look at her husband, "Henry, how is the Italian handguard of this sword different from the other gauntlets I have seen?" ”

The Earl of Surrey walked back to his throne and sat down, stroked his beard and said with a smile: "Madam, I have found that the gauntlets of the stabbing swords worn by nobles, knights, and ministers are very simple, and they cannot fully protect their hands and wrists in duels or against violence. So, after consulting with the craftsmen, I designed a completely new hoop gauntlet. ”

For Henry Howard's detailed explanation, Isabel couldn't help but sigh, "This young descendant of the royal family is worthy of an elite knight who won the crown of court knights. Not only does he have excellent knightly skills, but he can also innovate and reform. No wonder he was appointed by Henry VIII as a field marshal of the English army and led the army in the Italian War. ”

"Your Excellency, your idea is very good. I believe that this bayonet sword will be designed by you more and become an irreplaceable noble sword in the future. Isabel had to say a lot of compliments in order to show her gratitude.

Tonight's party lasted until sunset, and Frances talked about the next week's outing after dropping Isabel out of the manor gates herself. Isabel pondered for a moment, and told her of her own arrangements, "According to the appointed time, tomorrow I will meet the court painter Hans Holbein in His Highness's manor." If all goes well, the court painter will arrive at Windsor to join me on a trip to Sussex by Tuesday at the latest. ”

Frances stared at her, thought about it and said, "Okay. However, I will be there for tomorrow's meeting. ”

"Huh? What, you're worried that I won't be able to cope with someone from the court? ”

"A little. However, I am more worried that the painter from Europe will not leave on time, which will affect our journey. ”

In Isabelle's eyes, Lady Surrey is like a bird trapped in a cage for too long, and once given a brief chance to be released, she will not easily let the opportunity slip away from her eyes. Glancing at the other party, he nodded with a smile, "Well, tomorrow morning I will wait for the arrival of Lady Surrey in His Highness's manor." ”

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While Isabel was having dinner with the Earl and Lady of Surrey on Sunday evening, William Parr of Horton Manor put down his knife and fork. After glancing at his sister Anne, who was sitting opposite, he turned his head to Sir Thomas on the left side, "Father, I'm done with dinner." ”

The slow-swallowing Jazz stopped what he was doing, put down his fork and picked up the wine glass on the side of the plate, and looked at the eldest son, "Well, you still want to continue your training in archery and horsemanship?" ”

"Yes, Father. Miss Isabel hoped that by the time I arrived at Windsor, I had completed my training in archery and horsemanship. ”

After taking a sip of ale, Sir put down his glass, "William, do you think you can learn archery and riding in three days?" ”

After thinking about it, William Parr smiled a little awkwardly, "Father, you also heard what Miss Isabel said before leaving, so I think this is a punishment for me." ”

Anne, who was sitting across from her, put down her knife and fork and wiped her lips with a cloth. Then, looking at his brother, he smiled softly, "William, if you think this is a punishment for you, then I want you to reconsider whether this is a punishment or not." ”

Jazz and William both focused their eyes on her face, and William said suspiciously, "What do you mean, Annie?" It is true that I had drunk a little more with His Highness's guards the night before, so we didn't get up on time the next day, and no one can change the fact that no one can change it. ”

Anne looked at her father and then at him, "Punishment can be many, such as confession, confession to the priest, and flogging yourself. So, why is Miss Isabel punishing you with training? ”

William looked at the other party in silence and shook his head, and Anne took a sip of cider and explained with a smile: "Miss hopes that you can learn knightly skills as soon as possible to gain the trust of the Duke of Richmond." ”

"Annie, how can you be so sure? Do you know this young aristocratic woman whose father was also a magistrate? Sir Thomas also had a sense of doubt about his daughter's words.

Anne smiled slightly, "Father, I don't think my sister must have told you that this Miss Isabel is a good partner that my sister met in the northern society. She was also the eldest son of her brother-in-law, Lord Latimer, and the godmother of her eldest daughter. ”

William also hurriedly explained to his father: "Yes, father, I can testify about my godmother. John, the eldest son of his brother-in-law, Lord Latimer, was at this time in foster care on Miss Isabel's father's estate. ”

Sir Thomas nodded thoughtfully, "Just by being the daughter of a knight, you can become the godmother of the eldest son of a nobleman. Well, this is a young lady of rare wisdom. ”

"Father, I can tell you one more thing. Miss Isabel also has another capacity, she is a privy counsellor at the Duke's Court of Richmond. William spoke with a smug look that gave the impression that he was a trusted confidant of Isabel.

Sure enough, his words caught the attention of his father and sister. After Anne quietly took a sip of cider, she looked at her brother and suddenly said, "William, why are you still here?" Now, shouldn't you go and train in archery? ”

"I'm sorry, I'll go right away. Father, Annie, I went. William hurriedly stood up and walked towards the door of the restaurant.

Sir Thomas glanced at his departing eldest son, and asked his daughter again in a skeptical tone, "Anne, can a young noble woman take up the post of Privy Counsellor?" ”

Anne was puzzled by what her brother had said, but she only sat down in her seat and replied word for word: "Father, I have never heard of such a thing, let alone seen it. If you want to know the facts, I'm afraid you can only ask William. ”

"It is impossible for a guard who has not yet gained the trust of the Duke to know many facts." Sir Thomas shook his head and picked up his glass again.

"Father, I can write to my sister and ask." Anne Parr stood up gracefully.