July 12, 1554
Chambord

We are back at Chambord. So far we have not had an opportunity to lay our trap. The next day after the Midsummer Eve, Signore Marcellini was summoned to Blois by Queen Catherine. Since we have once more settled in here at Chambord he has been seen little. We have had precious few music lessons. Of course, it is the height of summer and our activities are mainly out of doors.

My old hawk Ruffles is ailing. It seems that after his last moult of feathers he contracted some illness. He has unsightly bare spots that we must dab with olive oil to soothe the irritation. Monsieur Gilbert, the hawk master in the mews, is hopeful that old Ruffles shall fly again. Francis is quite dear with Ruffles, bringing him tasty morsels from the kills of his own hawks. And not only that, but he also lets me fly his newest falcon, Sebastian. I think hawking is one of the things that Francis and I do well together. Our instincts combined with those of the birds seem to fit perfectly when we are in the field. We speak very little to each other but silently give the calls to the birds and perform our hand signals. This afternoon the two of us went out with only Robin MacClean as our guard. And I thought as I took a rest on the ridge of a hill that there was something of perfect harmony amongst the three of us and the birds we had brought to fly. If only all of life could be kept in the company of such good souls. But I am blessed with an abundance of good company, for do I not also have the four Marys?

I considered telling Francis about the problem of Signore Marcellini. He would love to be in on the plot to entrap the foul creature, and I daresay he would put a good twist on it – come up with something quite imaginative. But I cannot tell Francis, for it could put him at risk. His mother is always snooping into his business, and he might be forced to say something to her, and then our plans would surely be dashed. The Queen is exceedingly fond of Signore Marcellini. Oh yes, the Queen is most definitely with child. It has been confirmed. The baby will come sometime in early spring. Little Princess Marguerite, who just turned one last May, is becoming the most engaging infant. She is full of charm and smiles and is always of a good nature, unlike little Henry. I cannot understand how the Queen can dote on that boy the way she does. Although he is only three, there is something devious about him.