September 2, 1554

I have met with the King. He has extended his deepest sympathies for the terrible anguish I have suffered and la petite Mary Fleming. He asked me repeatedly if she is in good health but turned red whenever he tried to get out the next words. Diane spoke for him. She began delicately. “The King wishes to know if little Mary Fleming’s honour has been damaged in any way.”

“Oh, no, Madame.”

The King then sank with relief into a chair.

I am pleased that it has gone this way with the King, and very pleased that Diane de Poitiers came with him. I plan to leave this court for a while. I do not want to leave the Marys behind, so I sent a letter to my uncles saying that we would all like to come and visit them and Grandmama at Meudon for a spell.