Katheryn Howard became a member of the household of Agnes Howard, her step-grandmother and the Dowager Duchess of Norfolk, in 1531. When she was about 15 years old, she was romantically pursued by Francis Dereham, a secretary of the Dowager Duchess. They allegedly became lovers, addressing each other as “husband” and “wife”. Dereham also entrusted Katheryn with various wifely duties, such as keeping his money when he was away on business. Many of Catherine’s roommates among the Dowager Duchess’s maids of honour and attendants knew of the relationship, which apparently ended in 1539 when the Dowager Duchess found out.
Despite this, Katheryn and Dereham may have parted with intentions to marry upon his return from Ireland, agreeing to a precontract of marriage. If indeed they exchanged vows before having sexual intercourse, they would have been considered married in the eyes of the Church – although if there was such a thing, it would likely have to come to light at the final months of their lives, five years later.
