While Nuno Álvares was a resident in the king's household, when he was little more than sixteen years of age, it so happened that a lady from the province of the Minho became a widow; her name was Leonor de Alvim, and she had been the wife of a noble knight named Vasco Gonçalves de Barroso. This lady was of noble birth, honourable in every way, and very wealthy in her earthly possessions, both chattels and landed property.

Knowing of her wealth and good repute, the prior sent her a message proposing that she should marry his son Nuno Álvares, and, when João Fernandes, the Commander of Flor da Rosa, went on the prior's behalf to present this proposal of marriage to her, the lady replied that they should inform the king and find out what His Grace commanded should be done, for she would not go against what he commanded. João Fernandes returned with this message, and the prior reported it to the king, requesting him to attend to the matter favourably. The king was pleased at the proposal and summoned her to him with a letter.

While the prior was dealing with this matter, Nuno Álvares was at home and had no knowledge of it. One day the prior sent for his son when nobody else was present and addressed to him the following words: ‘Nuno, although you are just a boy and of a tender age, it seems to me that it would be very suitable, in God's service and a worthy thing for you to do, if you were to marry. In the Minho there lives a most noble lady, who is young and very virtuous, and therefore it is my wish, please God, that you should marry her. For that reason I would like to know what you think about it.’ He said nothing more than that.

Quite apart from being naturally courteous to everyone, Nuno Álvares was much more so towards his father, as well as being very obedient and compliant to his wishes. Yet when he heard what his father had to say he was somewhat perturbed. One reason was the bashfulness which he habitually felt in his father's presence, the other was his raising the subject of marriage, a thing that was extremely remote from his own wishes.