Anne Lumley's bedchamber

She stared at her wardrobe,"You did make me laugh. But I...I...I don't fuflfill my duties as a wife- not like I should. The very least I can do is defend my husband."

She turned round to face him, tears threatening,"I hate him and yet I love him. It is my duty to sing his praises and say he is a wonderful husband. I was honest with you in confidence not in jest so I could humilate him."

She laughed sarcastically,"Both you and I are guilty of hinting more than just a conversation. All that talk of secret lovers and mistresses. And I am sorry for it. I could never do that to him-not unless it were for love or exclusivity- none of which I believe you are at liberty offer me...Your Grace."

"Charles took a step towards her, noticing she was not calling him by his name anymore. He was almost speechless but he nodded after her words"

Anne...please, forgive me. Sometimes I can be very rude, even if I never meant to be. I shouldn't talk about your husband in such way. And...you're a very special girl, Anne. Because you acceprt aal this with dignity and faith. Forgive me...

"He repeated, lowering his eyes for a while"

She sat on the bed heavily and wrapped her arms round her legs,"I am sorry too."

"Charles cleared his throat. He sat slowly on bed at her side"

It's not your fault. You don't have to feel responsible for your husband's...problem. Maybe he should simply see a physician. It's very common among man. But you...you're still young, Anne...

"He said calmly, looking at her"

She glanced at him,"He already has. Nothing could work."

She sighed,"I'm sorry. I barely know you and I act like this. I'm stupid, stupid little girl with stupid dreams who never learns."

"Charles shook his head while smiling"

You're not stupid, Anne. I think it's perfectly normal. Rather...I apologize for my behaviour. I just wanted to see you smile...

"He said almost whispering"

She smiled a large grin and then chuckled,"Do you have any plans for today?"

"Charles smiled her back, shrugging"

Well...I have some matters to talk with the King, and I think I'll take care of my daughter's love life. It seems...that she married without my permission. Oh but I have time for a walk in the garden, if you wish...

"He suggested,winking at her"

"She seems like a very brave girl. I'm sure we would get along,"she said smiling, glancing to him from a veil of lashes.

She looked out the window, it was a frosty and crisp day but the sun blazed,"Yes... a walk would be nice."

"Charles giggled. He looked silently at her for a little while"

Brave...you said? She is just a child. She is just 15 and...she is with child. It's hard to accept for a father...

"He admitted, still staring at her movements"

"I can imagine. I suspect my parents wish I were her. I married at fifteen and well...you know,"she sighed and stood up, leaning on the window sill.

"Charles watched her standing up"

Forgive my question, my lady. But...were your parents against this marriage?

"He asked after a short hesitation"

She laughed,"Against it? No! They could not believe their luck when Robert asked to marry me...I knew him before you see, but not in...that way, never did I think he would be my husband."

"Charles nodded thoughtfully"

I see...So, it was an arranged marriage. Even if you respect your husband. Well...your situation is rather rare, Anne. But I like your behaviour. You're very...strong for your age...

"He added whispering"

She shrugged,"Playfully-what can I say? I am a girl of many talents."

"Charles laughed"

Oh yes...I see. Sorry for teasing you about...being someone's mistress, before. I was only trying to make you smile. And...you have a very beautiful smile, actually...

"He said, smiling and looking at her pretty face"

A flush of pink crept upon her cheeks,"You think me..beautiful?"

She asked him glanced through the window, pretending not to be flattered.

"Charles stood up. He smiled and walked slowly towards her"

I already told you. The one who doesn't believe in her own beauty...it's you, my lady...

"He said playfully but with warm voice at the same time"

She turned round and tapped his shoulder lightly,"I'll bet you say that to every girl in court."

"Charles laughed again"

Oh...my reputation precedes me! Well...no, actually. For exemple, I never said this to Queen Katherine...or to lady More. Don't you believe me?

"He asked still smiling"

She shrugged with a grin and turned to face him,"I dont know..."

"Charles smiled. He looked out of window"

Well...you're not the only one. Even my wife hardly believes me. I'm used at this...

"He said thoughtfully, looking around landscape"

She nudged him playfully, sensing his melancholy,"I'm sure I will trust you soon. Or succumb to your charm..."

She leaned her head on her hand and sighed.

"Charles giggled"

Ohh...really? Is this a proposal, my lady?

"He turned his eyes towards her and winked playfully"

She chuckled,"Is that not usually the man's duty?"