Later

I visited Francis this afternoon. I was told not to tell him about the Queen’s miscarriage. I think it is absolutely rotten when adults keep information from children, but I shall do as I am told. I distracted Francis by having him help me plan my first entertainment, now that I have an independent household and much more money to spend. I plan to give a dinner at midday on the first day of the new year. My uncles de Guises are to attend and of course the four Marys. I did not tell Francis but I am more than relieved that the Queen will most likely be unable to attend. Mostly Francis and I talked about the food. I told him there will be zabaglione. I am engaging an Italian chef. There is no doubt about it, Queen Catherine has brought new tastes to the French court, and the best chefs are Italian. They know how to use herbs. At least that is what everyone says. Of course how should I know, being just a rough Scot raised on haggis and all. Mary Livingston says I should give a special luncheon and invite Madame de Parois and tell my chef to cook haggis. I told her that my chef would quit my service. You see, haggis is a bit of a barbarian dish but we Marys love it. It is a kind of stew made from sheep’s liver and heart and lamb kidneys all chopped up and then boiled with oatmeal in the stomach of a sheep. It sounds terrible but it is really very good. The French would hate it.