Nan Saville's bedroom

"My brothers best friend-Henry Bosworth,"I glance at my ring and smile a little,"He is the Duke of Bedford and just arrived in court. I told him about my condition and he proposed to marry me so it would seem like our child. We married in secret a few nights ago..."

I then pause and add,"I cannot believe someone would perform such a selfless action for me...I think myself unworthy of his love."

I sigh and touch her hand,"I'm so frightened Nan. Edward will be furious and my brother Thomas will never speak to me again...I wish none of this happened...I don't know what to do..."

I look up at Nan,"I haven't told them-I have told no one- not even my maid Bridget. You were the only one I could come to-I knew you would understand."

I then pause and glance up,"No...well...Oh I don't know-I just fear his reaction and Alfonsina is ill again so he will be worried about her and Thomas has just been born and I don't want to add more to his worry."

I smile softly,"Oh would you? Thank you Nan! I don't know how I can repay you!"

I smile appreciatively and reply,"Thank you so much Nan. Although tell me about you-where have you been?"

"Charles heard that Nan was back at court after a short holiday at Hartfield. Many things happened in the meanwhile and he needed to see her. He missed her greatly. So he stopped in front of her door and knocked gently"

Nan...are you there? It's me, Charles...

"He said, feeling his heart beating faster"

"Once Charles heard her answer, he opened the door slowly and saw Nan lying on her bed. He almost forgot how beautiful she was. But he gulped for what he was going to say her and closed the door behind him"

Nan...I heard you were back from Hartfield, and I wished to see you. How are you?

"He smiled and came closer, noticing she was a bit pale"

"Charles looked worriedly at her and sat on bed, next to her. He leaned his hand on her forehead slowly"

Hey...what is it, darling? Don't you feel well? I...I can call my personal physician to visit you...

"He said with hesitant voice, rubbing softly her cheek"

"Charles smiled her back and took her hand in his. He kissed it gently and turned his eyes to hers, so deep and lively"

I just want make me sure that you're alright, Nan. You know I would do everything for you. You just have to ask...

"He sighed and smiled weakly, hoping she was not sick like Alfonsina was recently"

"Charles put slowly pillow behind her head to make her feel comfortable. Then smiled weakly after her question"

About me? Oh...I'm fine, really. You know, my children are at court, and I'm still busy with my pupil. And don't forget King's matters. So...I have very few free time, recently...

"He answered, looking somwhere around room"

"Charles laughed and shrugged a bit"

Well...I always have time for you. You know that. Or maybe...you remember I have ever neglected you, lady Nan?

"He asked with a teasing, charming smile"

"Charles made his voice clear and looked at her, without to stop smiling"

Well...there is an important news, indeed. About my pupil. You...you surely remember I talked you about her. You see...her mother asked me a very important thing...

"He started to say with calm voice, still looking at her pretty face"

"Charles nodded with a curious expression on his face, before continuing"

Catherine's family is in a very difficult situation, Nan. They have not so much money after her father's death. And her mother, Maria de Salinas, lives in Spain. So...she wrote to me. Lady Maria asked me to take care of her daughter, to give her an education...and a title...

"He took a breath and turned his head towards window"

She asked me to marry Catherine...

"He finally said, almost whispering"