Mary Sidney
Name Given at Birth: Mary Sidney
Nicknames: While with the Court I am simply called Sidney, for Her Majesty would prefer not to have the name Mary spoken in her presence. Understandably, of course.
Hometown or where you were born: I was born at Tickenhall, Worcestershire.
Current Residence: I am on progress with Her Majesty, The Queen.
Age: Nineteen.
Class: I am of noble birth, but feel as though I truly have been bred in the Royal Court of Her Majesty.
What do you do, your main function in life/society: I happily and with servant love tend to the immediate physical and emotional needs of the Queen. I attend to her with a balance of calm, humility, and my effervescent smile.
Have you ever gone skinny-dipping / do you know how to swim: Besides a bath, I rarely associate myself with water.
Do you make fun of people: Never without a fair deal of encouragement first! Though the ladies of the court are always up for a bit of jest, we are never hurtful to one another.
Favorite Color: Blue, because it is the color that Her Majesty has blessed me to wear whilst serving her.
Have you ever committed or been convicted of a crime: It would be my father’s dishonor and a slander on my good name if I ever were to do such a thing.
Closest friends/How did you meet: I would say I am closest with Her Majesty’s page, John Harrington. We are both very devoted to the Queen, and being such have grown to know one another over time.
One Pillow or two: A pillow is not always provided to me, and I sleep just as well without.
Pets: I would rather not keep any pets. The Queen does keep me well enough without the extra responsibility of an animal.
Favorite Type of Music: Though I do not have the chance to hear them very often, I have always enjoyed the music created by bagpipes!
Hobbies/Pastimes: I very much enjoy dancing, whenever I am allowed!
Personal Hygiene: To be in the presence of Her Majesty, The Queen, one must keep themselves well washed and sweet smelling. If nothing else, it is a sign of respect to my Queen.
Favorite Food: If I had my choice and the luxury I would be a glutton of strawberries! God save me for saying such a thing. I truly do love them!
Are your parents alive, do you get along with them: Both of my parents are alive, and I do love them very much. Though my mother does prefer to keep to herself.
If your parents are dead, when and how did they die:
Favorite place to relax: In the kitchens of the palace. I can often have a short sit, and if luck may have it, a scrumptious morsel from one plate or another.
Favorite Holy Day / Why: I have always enjoyed the Christmastide celebrations. I love the warmth that surrounds the season, and all of the special events that happen at that time.
Favorite Drink: I always like a spiced cider of some sort.
What's your bedtime: I sleep whenever Her Majesty has given me leave and I have finished all of my other duties.
What, if anything, do you usually wear on your feet: I wear leather shoes with sturdy soles, as I am on my feet for most of the day.
Are you married or single: For the moment I am single. But my uncle has arranged for me to be married, and it is quite a smart match, if I do say so.
Do you have a family / who are they: I do have quite an extensive family. Most known to this court is of course my uncle, Sir Robert Dudley.
Favorite Entertainment: I adore watching the dramas that Her Majesty’s play writes do sometimes prepare.
Favorite Subject in School or Chore growing up: I have always been fond of reading and writing, and am capable of doing so in several languages.
Least Favorite Subject in School or Chore growing up: Penmanship. I was often so enamored with my writing, that I paid no attention to how it looked. I understand the importance of a good hand now, and have mastered the art.
Favorite Sport: I would rather watch the sports than take part in them.
Most Humiliating Moment: When I first arrived at court I was to carry a tray with four glasses and a great decanter on red wine to her Majesty’s chambers. The door was a bit heavier than I anticipated, and when I shoved the whole tray tumbled down, spilling myself into her Majesty’s chambers, and the whine all down the front of my newest gown.
Proudest Moment: The day my Uncle came to bring me in to her Majesty’s service.
Craziest Person or silliest you know: Lady Elizabeth Throckmorton. She has a thrill inside of her that will not be calmed. She is always so full of joy, and good humor. I always wonder how she does it!
What do you look for in the opposite sex: An eye to catch my own, and a strong arm to hold my heart.
In our Hierarchical Society everybody has somebody "over" them, Who is your immediate "overlord" Her Majesty, The Queen.
Favorite Sport to watch: I have, and always will enjoy a good proper sword match.
Do you remember your first kiss: I am a pure maid and have not indulged in such activities.
Do you keep in touch with your childhood friends: Not at all. I have since traveled very far from all of them, and they do have lives to lead of their own.
Where is your favorite "Vacation" spot: I have always enjoyed our Court’s time spent in Canterbury. They always have such a merry harvest!
Have you ever been overseas: My feet have never left English soil and I prefer to keep it this way!
Do you have Dirt/Mud floors or Stone: Any place I would stay with Her Majesty has stone floors.
What is your bed made of: It depends entirely on where I am sleeping that night.
How many people sleep in your bed: As little as two if I am at Her Majesty’s feet, and as many as five if I am with the ladies.
10 Things Everybody Should Know About Me:
1. Since coming to court I am to only be known by my family’s name, Sidney. Those who know me particularly well call me Sid.
2. It is my job to skillfully and tactfully remind Her Majesty that my uncle is infact not dead, and that he loves her very much.
3. To serve her Majesty, The Queen is the greatest honor that I could have ever hoped to be graced with. I am very proud of my position.
4. My uncle has arranged a marriage for me to Sir Henry Herbert to take place once we have returned from this season’s progress.
5. I enjoy all sorts of entertainment, including her Majesty’s play writes, and of course, her Royal Jester’s!
6. I am a loyal and abiding Protestant
7. I enjoy keeping myself busy. Idle hands make idle minds.
8. While some of her Majesty’s ladies have a heart for adventure, I am pleased to view the world from the safety of the Court.
9. If you wish to find me whilst I am not in the presence of the Queen, look in the kitchen. I can usually be found trying new and delicious morsels from the local market.
10. Her Majesty enjoys seeing me smile, and so I am sure to do it quite often!