These last few months of being lady in waiting to Katherine of Aragon have been the most wonderful in all my life. The queen is such a kind and generous woman. We have spent the most part of this month inside the Queen’s bed chamber as she is in to her confinement. We eagerly await the birth of the prince this Christmastide. King Henry has adorned the chamber with the fresh scent of frankincense just as the Wiseman gave the baby Jesus at his birth. His Majesty is hoping it will induce the birth of a strong and goodly prince. The Queen lies on her great bed of state adorned in fine pelts of fur of sable. There are always candles burning for light and warmth and the fire is roaring at all hours. There is this new treat of chestnuts that are roasted on the fire and they are delicious. We read books and the Queens musicians make merry. The King himself has written a song for his beloved Queen. We feast in gull, roast swan and eel, boar and goose painted with saffron & melted butter! Parsnip cooked in honey. Sweetmeats, candied plums and marzipan. The king sends subtleties to our rooms. I have never seen these before. Coloured, gilded figures made of sugar paste: emperors and saints, wild beasts, ships at sea, cathedrals! They are beautiful. These subtleties are made more for the wonder of looking at them than the pleasure of eating them. We drink mead, mulled wine and 'lamb's wool' a hot and sweet spiced ale, served with apples bobbing in a bowl. We want for nothing!
The queen is in need of assistance. I must go. Happy Christmas!
Your Daughter,
Madge Shelton