Lord Kildare fell to his knees at the sight of his daughter. Joan, her mother, ran to her and embraced Katy, tears streaming down her face kissing her cheeks. Joan cupped Katy's face, seeming to check if she was real.
"Oh, how we've missed you!" She called, embracing her daughter again. Ann's arms flung around her next.
"You are unrecognizable!" She exclaimed examining her sister. "Who has found you in their favor?" She whispered looking at the jewel hanging from her neck. Katy said nothing, but looked at Richard, who helped her father to his feet and was assuring him of his brother's love. "The Duke of Gloucester? You must tell me everything!" She whispered again, looking over Richard.
"In time I will tell you everything, but I must speak with our father." Katy looked at the worn face of her father. Last she had seen it, he was being imprisoned. She walked slowly, and curtseyed before him. "I-" she choked.
"My Katy!" He embraced her, grinning larger than she had ever seen. "I worried I may not have seen you again,' he mumbled.
"I am sorry to give myself up into wardship. I did it for the pardon, for you and our family."
"Do not apologize. You have done more than I could ever ask of you. Sacrificing yourself for the sake of our family and our people," he paused and looked over the court, which had remained silent. "Play the music! Begin the dancing! My daughter is home!" Katy sighed, noticing Richard speaking with Gerald. Music and chatter filled the air, and Katy wandered to her brother and fiancé. The conversation grew silent as she approached.
"Hello brother, did you miss me?"
"Every day, sister!" Gerald picked Katy up and spun her in the hall. Richard kept his distance from her, as to not arise any suspicion of their betrothal to her family.
"Sir Gerald, it is an honor to finally meet you. I confess, I must attend to some business with your parents. Lady Kathryn, I trust I will see you again soon," Richard kissed her hand and bowed. Katy dropped only slightly, keeping with her formalities
"Of course, your Grace." Katy turned her attention back to Gerald, blushing slightly.
"Well, that explains the gifts," he commented, looking at Katy's neck, watching as Richard approached their father. Katy remained silent, but smiled softly. "What you did was extremely idiotic. You do know that, don't you?"
"I'm back now, Gerald. And I secured your title and lands," Katy boasted, chuckling to herself. "You should be thankful."
"You've turned yourself over to the men who could easily take everything we have worked for away. This is far from over while he is here."
"He has been good to me."
"He is using you! I am not sure what you have done to secure his favor, but I hope you did not compromise your virtue." Katy couldn't help but laugh at the accusations her brother made. "If he is anything like his brother, George..."
"He is nothing like George," Katy snapped back. "I so wish for you to like him, Gerald. He will exceed your expectations, if you give him the chance." Richard had already charmed her father. Earl Thomas' laughter filled the hall as Richard told him stories of Thomas at Sudeley.
"I must speak with Father," Gerald grumbled, moving away from Katy. Ann stood silently next to Katy, while Gerald attempted to intrude into the conversation. Richard welcomed him kindly, much to Gerald's dismay. Richard locked eyes with Katy and half smiled, before turning his attention back to Gerald. Joan lightly put her hands on Katy's shoulders.
"How long has he looked at you like that?" Ann couldn't help but giggle.
"Since he met me. My first day in court," Katy blushed.
"Sounds as if we may have another wedding sooner than we originally had thought," Ann whispered to her mother and sister.
"You mustn't say anything," Katy hushed. "He must speak to Papa, first."
"Men do not notice matters such as these. That is why they need women," her mother teased. A young man suddenly picked up Ann and spun her round.
"Patrick, this is Katy." Katy curtseyed and smiled softly. "My husband." Patrick hard large green eyes, which hardly left Ann. His blond hair clashed with the gold they had chosen to wear.
"Lady Kathryn," he bowed, "It is truly and honor to finally meet you. I have heard all the stories from Ann. It is a great day when a Fitzgerald returns home."
"Ah, you are the next Lord of Wexford!" Katy laughed, "Tis a pleasure, my Lord."
"Now I must warn you," the music suddenly changed. "I have made a slight request for a specific song. One Ann excels at." The vielle slowly began a different melody, one Katy instantly recognized. Ann smiled and grabbed Katy's hand. Ann stood tall angelically began singing:
"A 'níon mhín ó, sin anall na fir shúirí
A mháithairin mhín ó, cuir na roithléan go dtí mé
Dúlamán na binne buí, dúlamán Gaelach
Dúlamán na farraige, be'fhearr a bhí in Éirinn."
Music took over the hall while Ann effortlessly danced. Ann motioned for Katy to join her. Katy quickly matched her hopping steps. She focused on the steps and allowed for Anne to continue singing. Richard gazed at Katy, focusing on her dancing. He smiled and chuckled to himself. Gerald glanced at him from the side, careful to not turn his head. Richard's eyes never left Katy and his focus never broke. Gerald leaned into him, noticing how Richard stared at his sister.
"It's about gathering a type of seaweed," Gerald whispered, careful not to interrupt. "Dúlamán. It may be my sisters' favorite song. They have been singing and dancing to it for as long as I can remember."
"Your sister sings?" Richard questioned looked at Gerald, shocked. Gerald smirked and turned his attention back to his sisters. The music continued with Ann and Katy's dancing. The two moved in perfect sync, having years of practice. The music came to a sudden stop and Katy and Ann looked at each other, catching their breaths. Ann slyly smiled, slowly clapping to the beat of the song. Katy couldn't help but feel joy, and she began to sing:
"Ó chuir mé scéala chuici, go gceannóinn cíor dí
'Sé'n scéal a chuir sí chugam, go raibh a ceann cíortha
Dúlamán na binne buí, dúlamán Gaelach
Dúlamán na farraige, be'fhearr a bhí in Éirinn."
The hall came to life, filled with laugher and dancing. Katy and Ann kept singing, watching as everyone danced in sync. Gerald left Richard alone to join in the dance. Richard caught Katy looking at him quickly and winked. She broke eye contact and look at her father, beaming with joy. Her mother took the opportunity to speak with the young duke. Joan curtseyed and extended her hand to Richard.
"I can teach you, your Grace," Joan spoke softly. "It would be an honor for you to join the celebration." He bowed and took her hand.
"You have raised lovely children," Richard commented, matching her steps.
"I am very proud by all they have accomplished. God has been good to our family, as he has to yours." Joan looked up at Katy, still entertaining and smiling. "I must thank you, for keeping her safe." Richard looked at Joan and breathed slowly. "We are lucky you were chosen as her guardian," she praised.
"Your daughter is unlike anyone I have ever met. She is extremely intelligent, loyal, and simply kind. The Queen is smitten with her."
"She will have to return with you, then? We understand the position she has put herself in, she is your ward. But I cannot image that there has not been talk of marriage." Richard swallowed dryly.
"She is due to return with me, yes. There is much interest in your daughter's hand. I confess, that is another reason I have come to Kildare. My brother would like to announce a betrothal. There are options he wished for her family to consider, as a courtesy to Lady Kathryn."
"We must speak with my husband."
"Your daughter should also be present. The King has requested that." Joan smiled and looked at her daughters. The music concluded and the hall erupted in cheers and claps. Joan bowed to Richard and walked quickly to her husband, whispering in his ear. Katy wandered through the crowd of people. Her hand was quickly grabbed and lightly pulled her backwards. Katy smirked, looking into Richard's bright eyes.
"What did you think, your Grace?" she questioned, dropping herself to him. Richard half-smiled and took a step closer to her.
"Breathtaking, my lady." He moved closer, looking around the hall at the people.
"I need you to come with me," he murmured cautiously, careful not to touch her.
"And why is that?" Katy playfully responded. "Do you want to kiss me?" She whispered into his ear. Richard closed his eyes and breathed deeply.
"We must speak to your parents," he spoke clearly. Katy's eyes became large and she put her hand on her chest, feeling the intense beating. "I must admit, I am rather nervous as well. Edward had made his mind, but we must still present the other options. Though, I see no reason as to why I would not be chosen."
"I do not even know who the others are," Katy whispered as they walk together out of the great hall. Richard paused, reaching into his pocket and producing 4 letters. He handed the bottom one to her, returning the others. Edward's seal prominently secured the parchment in bright red wax.
"This is the only one of value for us. The others are unimportant, for you were born to rise above them." Katy couldn't help but flush with his kind words. Richard quickly hid the letter as Gerald approached.
"My father is ready for you, your Grace," he boomed, wanting to show control over the situation.
"Ah Sir Gerald, you will be joining us then?" Richard questioned walking ahead of him.
"I come as a representative for my sister. As I will one day be head of our family, my father wishes for my opinion on these matters. Thomas may manipulate to get what he thinks best, but I still have the final say."
"Any one with Lady Kathryn's best interest at heart is welcome. We are here for her, after all." Katy slowed her pace and walked next to Gerald.
"Please be kind to him," she whispered. "He wants nothing more than for the family to like him."
"After the imprisonment, I do not trust them," Gerald murmured to her. "His brother was instrumental on Father's attainder."
"You must have faith. He is good and has our best interests at heart."
"I do not understand why you agree with all he tells you. He has done nothing to show support of our family. All he has done was his duty when you were assigned to him as a ward." Katy had nothing more to say and walked quietly. Richard continued to walk ahead of her to her father's chambers. He sat with his wife, at the long table, smiling large. When Richard entered, he stood abruptly, bowing quickly.
"Your Grace, my wife tells me you have come to discuss suitable husbands for my daughter."
"Lord Kildare, your daughter has made her mark at court. As a result, she has been made many offers for her hand in marriage." Richard produced three of the letters and smiled softly. "Lord Waterford has offered his son, John, to be wedded to your daughter. Should you accept this proposal, it would be seen as an act of treason by my brother, as Waterford has made it clear he believes in a Lancastrian King."
"Not to mention, Katy has rejected him once," Gerald laughed. "He would be unable to tame her as he so wishes." Richard could not help but smile.
"We would not go against His Grace's wishes," Thomas added in. "Lord Waterford's son is not an ideal match for multiple reasons."
"Whom does the King wish for?" Joan added, looking down at the letters. Richard released the final letter and handed it to Lord Kildare.
"This is the King's seal," he whispered, lightly breaking the wax. Katy watched as his eyes moved over the parchment, his lips lightly quivering. Katy held her breath, waiting for his reaction. Her father's face remained of stone and he put the letter down. "It cannot be," he whispered quickly picking up the letter and reading again. Gerald quickly stood and moved behind his father, scanning the letter. "You wish to marry my Katy, your Grace?"
"I have come to love your daughter more daily. And I continually think, I cannot love her more than I already do. And every day, she finds a way to prove me wrong." Katy sat silently, smiling at Richard. He lightly took her hand and looked into her eyes. Gerald half smiled, looking at his sister.
"This is why you've pleaded with me to be kind to him. He is your choice, isn't he?"
"I cannot image spending my life with anyone else. And I hope with all my heart you will accept him into our family." Thomas suddenly stood up, putting the letter down. He walked around the table to Richard and Katy. Richard stood up abruptly, unsure what the Earl would say to him. Thomas flashed a toothy grin and opened his arms.
"We are honored and humbled to have a great man from an excellent family join us. You are my daughter's choice, and her word is all I need to know that you are a great man." Richard smiled and embraced the Earl. "I welcome you, as my son, Lord Gloucester." Gerald laughed and shook his hand, changing his demeanor entirely.
"I hope you do not think of her as being an obedient wife, for she will always stand for what she believes in," Gerald warned. "I do apologize for my behavior earlier; I am extremely protective of my family."
"I soon hope you will give me the same support," Richard teased. Gerald laughed and bowed, smiling larger than Katy had seen before. Joan quickly hugged Katy, trying to hold back her tears.
"Lady Mother, if you cry, I fear I will as well," Katy whispered. She kissed her forehead and hugged Richard. Richard was bombarded by her family, with questions regarding the wedding and Katy's new position. Edward would continue his pension for her family and give Katy a dowry. She would remain with her soon to be husband in England and assist the Queen with royal duties. She had come to England with nothing, and now had made a promising match for herself.