Charles Brandon's bedchamber

"Charles listened carefully and frowned a bit after her words"

I'm sorry, but...I can't understand, my lady. What are you talking about?

"He asked, wondering what they did wrong"

she did not know whether to believe his confusion.
<< Yes, my lord, my father and my uncle are very strange lately, I was wondering if the situation between the king and my cousin to make them feel so anxious >>

"Charles crossed his arms on his chest and took a breath. He nodded"

Well...you should know that your father and uncle are very busy with King's big matter in these days. There is...the possibility, that your cousin becomes Queen of England. Maybe...they just dodn't want to involve you in such matters...

"He tried to explain, hoping to solve her doubts"

she smiled
  << Oh Your Grace, I'm really happy if my cousin will become Queen, everything will change, I tell you in confidence that I would marry the illegitimate son of the king, Henry Fitzroy >>

"Charles opened his eyes bigger by surprise"

Oh...really? Well...I admit I have no news of him. But maybe I can arrange an audience with His Majesty, if you wish...

"He suggested with a kind smile"

she became sad
  "Not my lord, I thanked . but still I did not say anything to my father, because he has other marriage proposals"

"Charles shrugged a bit"

Oh...it will be an unofficial meeting, my lady. You're almost part of royal family, after all. I'm sure you have many suitors...but your father cares for his family, and he will choose the best for you, lady Anne...

"He said looking at her young face"

she smiled excitedly
You're a good-hearted man Sr. Brandon, thanks

"Charles laughed softly"

Oh...you have no need to thank me, my lady. Remember that I'm here for everything you need...

"He said showing her a charming smile"

she answered that charming smile with a look as interesting.

" thanks for your time, I'd better go out "

embarrassed

"Charles smiled again and shrugged a bit"

It's not a problem for me. As I told you, I'm here for everything you need. Lady Anne...

"He said bowing at her"

she responded his bow.
 " My mother always said that you are very handsome and charming, good-bye my lord "

"Charles smiled for her words and bowed again. After she left, he entered in the room and closed the door behind him. He looked at Eleanor with an apologetic smile"

Sorry sister...I didn't want you to wait. Tell me...how are you?

"He smiled and sat next to her on the sofa"

Eleanor was sitting on the sofa when he came in, smiling. "It is of no issue, brother! I am well. How are you?"

"Charles nodded still smiling"

I'm well too. Busy as always, as you see. Rather...I haven't seen you for a while. Just hope you're hiding nothing from me...

"He said with a joking glance, knowing his sister very well"

She looks away from him for a moment, wanting to forget about Francis for the moment. "Oh brother! You know I can never keep anything from you! I should tell you though, I think I am in love!"

"Charles was taking a glass from table but he stopped after her sentence. He frowened and looked curiously at her"

Are you...in love? With who?

"He asked curiously, wondering what was in his sister's mind"

Eleanor looks down at her hands and smiles, seeing Francis' face in her palms. "I am happily in love, Charles, but when I tell you with you, promise me you won't be upset or angered. I don't want you to go spoiling things."

"Charles frowened again and shook his head"

Oh...I see. Why I have the feeling that you're going to upset me? Come on...who is he? The King?

"He giggled and poured finally his glass. Then he took a sip from wine"

She laughs, moving around on the sofa to get more comfortable. "Don't be silly, you know I am not the type to fall for the king's charms. I grew up with him around and didn't fall for it then and won't fall for it now." She sighs and looks him in the eye. "I am in love with Francis Bryan!"

"Charles was about to choke with wine. He gulped hardly after he heard that name and left the glass on table again. He coughed a bit and opened his eyes bigger"

What? Oh...Nora! Tell me that you're joking, please. I mean...Francis Bryan is one of the worst womanizers of court!

"He exclaimed. Then he shook his head and stood up"

She gasps and goes to him when he chokes, patting and rubbing his back trying to comfort him. "I'm not jesting you, Charlie! I love him and we have been getting to know each other and he has shown me the same affection I feel for him. You aren't going to kill him or anything are you?"

"Charles cleared his throat and took a sip from water. Then he took a deep breath and looked at her"

Nora...how can you think that I could give you my blessing? You know what kind of man he is. He is just kidding you, and you're nothing else for him that one of his...

"He stopped and thought for a moment"

Oh my God! Nora...please tell me you haven't slept with him. Because I'm in mood to kill someone, today...

She turns away from him and goes to look out his window, seeing pretty gardens outside. "Oh, come now brother! Francis isn't as the court makes him out to be. You will not go killing the man your sister dearly loves because it would be ill-advised, the king's best friend murdering a man all for the sake of his sister's heart. She sighs. "What I have done with Francis is none of your concern!"

"Charles looked shocked at her and smiled ironically"

It's not my concern? Nora...I remind you that I'm your brother. My duty is to protect you. And if you really slept with that...man, well, we have a problem. Not only because you threw away your virtue, but especially because he is using you! He is not the man you think he is, Nora...

"He took a breath and tried to calm down"