Joan Champernowne Chamber.

Anthony arrived that evening as the sun was setting. Everything was ablaze with the warm of the sun as it poured it's final rays over the land. He had changed his doublet for this evening, putting on a fresh white shirt beneath it-sewed affectionately by his sisters.

He located Joan's room with the help of his manservant who had inquired as to where she may be. He knocked the door and held a small bunch of flowers he had collected from the gardens earlier that day.

He smiled at her reaction. Anthony then waved his hand to dismiss his manservant discreetly, who he shared a knowing smirk with. He then noticed her hair was loose, curling down her back, almost to her waist. She shone and he beamed as he walked into the room.

"I didn't know what to bring and after the buttercup...I assumed you wouldn't mind some to brighten your room."

He glanced around, "This is nice."

Anthony raised a brow, "Sounds ominous, "he said playfully and sat down.

As he watched her, he marked the grace in her movements and how she moved with such fluidity. It appealed to his heart and subconsciously his lips turned into an affectionate smile.

He nodded, not realising for a moment but then-fast as the crack of a whip, he knew. His reluctance to marry at that moment mingled with an inexplicable draw to her.

He stood up, a look of shock painted upon his face. He rubbed his forehead and let his hand brush through his hair as he sat back down again, "So...you are..."

He sighed, a gentle smile reappearing, "I'm quite lost for words. Did...did you know? Did you know I was...well me, when we met?"

Anthony shuffled in his seat and glanced down, still surprised by her revelation. He shook his head as he thought. For some strange reason the warmth of her presence supplicate his affections, appealing to the gentle side of Anthony which was so often hidden. He did not know why she inspired such feelings in him, they were altogether strange to him.

"I...Are you dreadfully disappointed?" he said jokingly to mask his shock.

He shook his head, "No. I just...I never wanted this. This - marriage and that sort of life."

He then laughed and rubbed his head again, biting his lip a little before saying, "But I had not yet met you and I...for the strangest and most unknown reason to me...well it just doesn't seem so bad anymore. I don't know you but there it is. There is my truth..."

Anthony nodded and chuckled, thinking his father had made a very good choice for him. He reclined in the chair, crossing his arms behind his head and said mischievously "So you won't sew my shirts or give me sons, won't hand me my ale at night?"

He shook his head with a relaxed smile, "No, I'm alright for now."

He then leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees-his hands clasped, "Except...well you are to be married and it would be a terrible pity, "he began playfully, "If you should kiss your husband on your wedding day without at least a little practice before."

He stood up and stepped towards her, bending down a little so that his eyes were level with hers. He touched her chin softly, "Both, follow my lead, it will happen naturally."

He then leaned closer and let his lips brushed against hers, his two hands cupped her face and finally he pressed his lips upon hers. At that moment he felt a quickening in his chest and he smiled as he kissed her.

Anthony sighed almost contentedly and held her closer, wrapping his strong arms around the small of her waist. He kissed her passionately and with fervour. The thrill of being the first man to hold to her, to have this mixed with the lust that now rose with his affection.

Anthony could have slipped, allowed it to continue but he broke away from her and stepped back-rubbing his hand over his lip.

"That isn't why I came here tonight, "he breathed slightly heavily after the kiss. Never, since he became a man, had he stopped at this stage - it had always gone further. He wanted her-God, did he want her...but for some reason he felt differently about her. The lust he felt, the desire; was gradually melding with the affections and respect she had earned. He felt for her in such a way he never had for a woman before. He breathed deeply, looking at her through dark eyelashes-quite beguiled.

The kiss in itself was a joyful experience but I knew that men had their limits. I know you didn't you will have to excuse my little outbursts when we kiss.

I didn't want to know how many women he had before me that was irrelevant. The question is where do we go from here. I look forward to getting to know you, good and bad.

Anthony shrugged and took both her hands. His heart content. He felt at home with her, such comfort in someone so young. It was strange for him, a strangeness he enjoyed. His bright eyes looked into hers', "Well...I shall write to my father, I will agree to this-to us."

He then leaned down to her and kissed her forehead affectionately, "I do promise you now...you shall be well loved, Joan."

I rested my forehead against his gently running my fingers through his hair.And you shall be loved too Anthony. I think that both our families shall be happy with the outcome.

You know I thought I was going to marry an orge something along that lines anyway. I giggled feeling much more relaxed about becoming a married lady.