Anne Lumley's bedchamber

O.O.C what a pretty room-thanks

"Charles was looking for Anna's room. He heard she was back at court, but he also heard that the King granted her a new apartment. Seeing a new door, he knocked"

Anybody there?

Anne had been at court for a couple of days and finally sat down at her desk to write the letter that she had been putting off since she first arrived.
She had pulled on her velvet house coat and finally let her hair down loose.
Dear Husband, she began.

How I hate to call him that, she thought. She jumped though when she heard the door and smudged the black ink on the paper.
"Yes, one minute,"she called to the door and opened it wide.

"Charles saw a young lady opening him the door. Realizing it was the wrong chamber, he smiled a bit embarrassed"

My lady...sorry for disturbing you. I thought it was lady Buckingham's apartment...

"He smiled again, noticing she was very pretty"

She laughed politely, and fastened her housecoat,"No trouble. In fact you interuptted me from something I would rather not do-so thank you, I guess."
She hesitated a little but then asked a little shyly,"Do you want to come in? You are here now anyway..."

"Charles looked at her with the same hesitation. Then he smiled and nodded, stepping inside room"

Oh...yes, thank you. Let me introduce myself, at least. I'm Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk. I'm really glad to meet you. Lady...?

"He took gently her hand and kissed it softly"

She dulely curstied respectfully,"No need for titles-I hate mine. I'm Anne, Anne Lumley,but please just call me Anne,"she said with a serene smile.

"Oh, please excuse my dress- I'm not used to the late nights in court ... yet,"she said and winked.
Although she promptly cleaned her throat and felt the heaviness of her wedding ring,"Tea? Wine?"she asked, getsuring to a comfy chair by the fire that was almost burnt out.

"Charles glanced fastly at her figure and smiled. He sat on the sofa with an amused expression on his face"

I'd love some wine...thank you, lady Anne. And no need to apologize. You're right staying comfortable in your room. Are you new to court?

"He asked curiously, realizing he never saw her around Palace before"

She poured out some crimson red wine in her best glasses,"Not long,"she replied over her shoulder as she put the cork back in the wine bottle.

"Here you are...your grace,"she said smiling.

"Charles took the glass from her hand, smiling kindly"

Thank you, my lady. Oh...I was almost sure of that. Otherwise I would surely remember such pretty face. Are you married?

"He asked, before taking a sip from wine"

She chuckled,"You make me blush,"she said feeling a weight lift from her as she sat casually cross legged on a chair near him.

"Married? By name, by paper-yes."

"Charles frowned"

By...paper? What do you mean?

"He asked, trying to understand"

She glanced down, realising she spoke too much,"Well the marriage is not one which has been of love...or more to the point lust,"she said softly, quite embarrassed.

"He looked intently at her leaning his back against the sofa"

It has been...an arranged marriage?

"He asked, noticing her sudden sad glance on him"

She scoffed,"Is there any other kind? My mother is ambitious and my father pious-she wanted me to have a good marriage and my father says I am-was too passionate. It wasn't conveniant for them for me to fall in love."

She then glanced up,"I'm sorry-I'm speaking too much."

"Charles shook his head"

Oh no...not at all. Your story is very common. Many women marry to please their family, rather than themselves. And...is your former husband at court too?

"He asked again, hoping not to bother her with his questions"

"My husband? No he doesn't like the city. He is...much older than me. We married when I was fifteen...he was forty-two then,"she said and took a gulp of wine. It was perfumey and sweet.

"Charles was very impressed and he didn't try to hide it"

Fiftheen? My daughter has the same age. Sincerely, I would never allow her to marry a man...so much older than her. I want she still keeps her...innocence. May I ask you...how old are you?

"Seventeen now,"she replied,"And though I may be two years married, I'd wager I'm as innocent still as your daughter,"

"Charles cleared his throat, before saying"

Are you saying...that your marriage was not consummated?

"He asked curiously"

Anne chuckled and glanced down, I've said to much, she though,"Whilst my husband is old, he is not cruel. I am his wife but only by name..."

"Charles frowned and took a deep breath"

Well...I think you should know that such marriage is not valid. It can be easily annulled. I find weird that your former husband doesn't want an heir by you, considering his age. And...considering your youth and beauty. Anyway, my wife is your same age. And she is with child...

"He added with a warm smile, still looking at her"

Anne sighed,"He is kind to me and a good man, he loves me. He...couldn't...lie with me, even if he wished."

She gulped the last of her wine,"Congratulations-you must be pleased."

"Charles frowned again"

Thank you. Ehm...Sorry, my lady...I can't understand. In which way he lied to you?

"He asked, after sipping his wine"