Matt Ford

Dating has never been so easy.

This is episode two, Mary in Haste.

One year earlier, February 1565, the Great Hall, Wemyss Castle, Scotland.

Mary raises her gilded mask, peers through the narrow eye holes, and surveys her latest guest dancing in the warm torchlight.

Mary's advisor whispers in her ear, He is the Duke of Longville, your majesty.

Estates in Normandy.

Strong taste to the Spanish court.

Mary raises an eyebrow at the man's impressive physique.

Then he turns.

The man is older than her uncle, at least 50.

She eyeballs her advisor, who dismisses the Duke with a curt wave.

For months, Mary's been holding grand balls and banquets, intent on finding a husband who will strengthen her grip on Scotland and provide an heir to help her take her cousin's crown in England.

But every prospect either bores or repels her.

She hands her empty goblet to a passing servant, deciding to retire.

As she turns to go, the musicians strike up a galliard.

Mary looks up to find a six foot tall man standing before her.

She takes in his broad shoulders and narrow waist.

The light brown wavy hair that brushes his shoulders.

His blue eyes hold her gaze with an intensity that makes her heart skip.

Can I say, I think we should have more of this in British Scandal.