Charles Brandon's bedchamber

She sighed and started to explain.

"You know me. I don't sleep every man I meet. But I needed someone at that moment. Edward was attractive and kind. He know how to behave a woman. The only clear thing I remember is my heartbeats. They were really fast."

Then she added.

"It doesn't mean I don't love my husband anymore... And.. My sister in law knows about Seymour and me."

"Charles nodded and smiled warmly after her words"

Oh...I understand perfectly, Alfonsina. I don't dare to judge you. I found myself in the same situation many times. Including...when you needed me, that night...

"He added almost whispering, meaning the night he slept with Alfonsina"

"I guess I need a man most of the time.. Because no man that I loved couldn't be happy with me."

She sighed and then she smiled teasingly after remembering that night with Charles.

"Thanks for accompanying me then.. It was a lovely night."

Then she added.

"I guess we both needed each other that night.."

"Charles smiled for her words"

Oh...much more than lovely, believe me. But don't say so, darling. Every man would be happy with you. I'm sure that everything will be alright. And...are you planning to see Seymour again?

"He asked with a tesing smile"

She giggled after his words about that night.

"Oh I know.."

Then she looked down and added.

"I don't know really.. He is going to get married.. And I don't know if he wants to see me or not."

"Charles took a sip from wine and shrugged"

Hmm...He is like me, then. I had no time to let you know, but...I'm engaged, now...

"He finally said, looking at her beautiful face to see her reaction"

She was shocked and surprised.

"Oh God.. Can i make a guess? Did you engage with your pupil?"

She smiled happily.

"Charles bit his lips and nodded silently with a smile"

Yes, darling...I asked to Catherine to marry me. And she accepted...

"He explained, looking at her with joyful eyes"

She hugged him tightly.

"That's wonderful Charles.. Congrutulations!"

Then she added.

"Did you determine any date for wedding?"

"Charles hugged her back while smiling"

Thank you, dear. Ehm...not yet. I'd like to wait for Anna to give birth our fifth child, first...

"He answered, knowing that it sounded rather weird. But Alfonsina knew his situation"

She nodded.

"I understand.. "

Then she sighed.

"Have you talked with Nan?"

"Charles took a deep breath and shook his head"

No...not yet. But I'll do it very soon. Before she learns it from someone else. Hope she understands that I gave my word to lady Maria De Salinas, Catherine's mother. And...I can't step back...

"He added, looking around room wuth thoughtful eyes"

"Was that the only reason for you to ask her to marry? I remember that you said you liked her."

She asked curiously.

"Charles turned towards her again. He sighed"

Oh yes...I like her. She is beautiful...and also very sweet and clever. But I promised to her mother to save her family from ruin, I can't deny it...

"He paused, before adding"

Ehm...I also promised to respect Catherine's virginity until the altar...

"He hoped she won't laugh for his last sentence, and raised an eyebrow"

She nodded knowingly.

"I understand.. I hope you wil be happy with Catherine then.."

After his words , she smiled a little bit but she didn't laugh.

"I am sure that it would be a difficult decision for you."

She smiled again but teasingly.

"Charles smiled and kept on looking curiously at her"

Uhm...are you saying that I'm unable to resist a beautiful young lady?

"He asked, pretending to be offended"

She smiled and looked at him.

"Umm.. I guess , yes."

She giggled.

"Charles laughed, leaning his hand on his knee"

Well...it seems that my reputation preceedes me. But I'll surprise you, this time...

"He winked at her and took a sip from wine"

She took the last sip from her wine and then laughed after his words.

"So.. Let's hope then."

Then she got serious.

"What do you think will happen to me if my husband will learn about Seymour and I?"

She asked like a child and sadly.

"Charles took a breath and leaned his back against sofa"

I don't know, darling. But...if it's not a serious thing, maybe it's not necessary he'll have to know about that. Don't you think?

"He smiled and removed slowly her hairs from her cheek with his hand"

She smiled after he removed her hair , once more she realized that how much Charles was important for her.

"He doesn't have to know.. But I am afraid that Elizabeth will tell him. And I guess she has every right to do it."

Then she sighed and held his hand.

"I am sorry to bother you with my problems all the time."

"Charles smiled and squeezed her hand"

Don't be silly, Alfonsina. You never bother me. Rather...I'd like spending with you much more time...but you know how busy I am. About your sister in law...maybe you shouldn't have told her if you don't trust her. But I think she won't betray you...

"He said with a reassuring, charming smile"

She smiled happily after his words about herself.

"I know Charles... I'd like it too. But I know you are a busy man , don't worry I know I am on your mind and you should know you are on my mind , too."

Then she sighed.

"If I am brave enough , I will talk with her."

She stopped for a moment and then added.

"So.. Tell me about Catherine. What is she like? She must be very beautiful to earn you heart."

"Charles smiled her back and nodded"

Indeed...she is. She is just 17 years old...and when I started giving her lessons, I wouldn't never thought about her as my future wife. But her beauty caught my eyes immediately. I...I just hope of being good husband...

"He added, looking at her with a weak smile"

She smiled.

"You are always a good husband.. I have no doubts for it. "

Then she added.

"How did you propose?"