Courtyard

"Yes well we gentlemen are very rare in these parts." He said in a sarcastic tone. "I'm joking. I like to go for a walk with you however I'd like to introduce myself, I'm Leonardo Spencer" He left out the baron of Naples as to see what her name and title was first.

"Pleasure to meet you, Signor Leonardo." she smiles widely "The name is Brandon, Victoria Brandon. Duchess of Somerset formerly the Duchess of Suffolk. I'm not sure if you heard of my father the Duke of Suffolk

When she said Brandon Leonardo became confused. "Yes I know of the Duke of Suffolk, however are you are much to young to be his daughter." He said charmingly.

"When he was 19, he had a mistress. He didn't know about me until I came to court." she sighed "I'm the oldest of his illegitimate children."

Brandon seemed like the type to not know how many children he had, he thought. "It's a pleasure to meet you, lady Brandon" He said admiring her face thinking she must carry he mother's features.

"Now, tell me about yourself." she said as they started to walk "I'm sure your story is half interesting as mine."

He smiled "I'm the Baron of Naples and a distant relative of the Benedetti family. I also have a four-year-old daughter named Gianna. Her mother passed during her birth, since then it's been just the two of us." He said.

Victoria's heart dropped for a moment "My condolences. It must be hard for that girl to live without a mother." the feeling suddenly made her hand rest on her heart "She's not gone forever, every soul turns into a star in the night sky.That's how I know why there are many stars at night."

"Thank you, my lady although Gianna has never known her mother. The only mother figure that she is fond of and has known since birth is her governess, Rebecca.' he said as he pondered her thought about the stars.

"I'm sure she has her mother's beauty." she smiles "It can take a long time for one's heart to heal."

"Indeed she does" He said with a smile, then he wondered if his heart was truly healed. "What about you, do you have any children?" he asked.

"Yes. A daughter named Elizabeth she smiles "She is a bit younger than your Gianna." she kicks a small rock as they walk "I spend as much as I can before her nanny takes care of her for the day."

As she spoke he wondered if he should bring up the fact that she's married. "Yes, well children are wonderful. Are you raising little Elizabeth on your own as I?" He spoke bluntly so he could know once and for all if she was really married.

"Yes. Being a daughter of a Duke that is in the King's "social circle" and living at court can find oneself busy at times." she smiles when she thinks of her Elizabeth "When I have nothing to do, I either wander around or be with my Lizzie."

Leonardo was confused, she wore a ring on her finger yet she claimed to be unmarried. He had know choice but to straight out ask her. "And Elizabeth's father, are you....?" He didn't want to be blunt but he still couldn't ask her.

"Married? Of course" she smiles brightly. She was deep in conversation that she forgot to mention she was married before she talked about Lizzie "First he was a simple priest and then heir to the Duchy of Somerset. He traveled to France for some things to attend to." she tried to forget how she felt when it seems he was gone forever

Leonardo's eyes widened "A priest! wow" then he heard mention he was the heir of the duchy of Somerset and his assumptions differed. "I know i'm being blunt here, but are you happy?" he asked since he got the feeling she was lonely.

"Of course I'm happy" she smiles widely"I was super delighted when he came back to court. she felt warm inside when she thought of his return and being in his arms again

Leonardo could see the happiness in her eyes "It pleases me that you are happy, and your little Elizabeth has both her parents" he said simply "I hope we can be friends lady Victoria?" Leonardo asked feeling a sisterly bond with her and wanted to stay in contact.

"I would like that very much" she smiles as she looks at him"And maybe our girls can be playmates as well?" she says as she thinks of the idea

"Of course, I will have that set up soon" He smiled and took her hand kissing it. "I hope to visit with you soon then lady Victoria." He smirked pleased to have met a good friend.

"I hope so too." she thought this friendship would never happen "Until then, I bid you adieu." she smiles as he kissed her hand

"Until then my lady" he said as he made sure her face registered in his mind.