Cecily Seymour

My dear lady Somerset,

I have news that I am sure you will be delighted by, in that on the 31st of December I was safely delivered of a daughter who shall be baptized Cecilia after you, her godmother. If you could manage to make it to Grimsthorpe for the child's baptism it would mean very much though I am sure my lady mother could stand in proxy for you as I know you will be quite happy at the news, though I do wish I had a son. Here you have a daughter to marry one of your boys!

Yours
Catherine Warwick

Written the 2nd of January in the year of Our Lord 1513.

Dearest Catherine,

Your news of a healthy daughter comes as both a relief and excitement, for I have long wondered of your wellbeing and your fat belly sheltered up in Grimsthorpe. And oh, the name of her! Such a better name could only be mine own, but I praise you for the effort of at least granting the young heiress of a similar christening. I am sure you will still think of me as you call upon her.. in fact, I have no doubt. In return for your good deliverance, I, too, have news of your own godchild, little Thomas Seymour whom is already nearly two months of age. He is so very strong, and we will be glad to come to the young Lady Cecilia's baptism. No need for your mother to do more than what she already is.

Yours,
Cecily Somerset

Sent from Wolfhall Castle on the 5th of January in the year of Our Lord 1513.