Catherine Willoughby's bedchamber

Catherine rolled her eye's. Yet it feels as if she is trying to ruin everything I forgot to mention I would really love to meet Alfonsia if she is not busy do you think she would like to meet me? Smiling Catherine placed her earrings in her ear looking at Charles through the mirror

"Charles let out a reassured sigh. He rubbed his chin while watching her preparing herself"

Alfonsina? Oh...of course! She always wanted to meet you. She is a dear friend of mine, and I talked her a lot about you...

"He answered smiling"

Lifting her head up she smiled. Really? Is their anything I need to know about her

"Charles came closer. He kissed her shoulder leaning his hands on her hips"

Uhm...let's see. Well...she has been very unlucky, recently. She lost her husband a year ago, and previously she lost a son from Anthony Knivert. Now she has another son, Rinaldo. And she choosed me as his godfather...

"He said looking at her image in the mirror"

What did he die from? Rinaldo is that spanish I am sure I shall like her. Catherine turned around and faced him. And how shall you spend the rest of the day? If Anna can't see that she is being extremely selfish I have no children with you and you are mine not hers I've been thinking it over why not take her to Agostino just an idea.

"Charles couldn't avoid to giggle. He shrugged, shooking his head"

Well...I don't know. But stop talking about Anna, now. This makes you in bad mood. And I just want to see a smile on this beautiful face...

"He kissed her lips softly, pressing her body against his"

Uhm..do you want me to arrange a meeting with Alfonsina? Her first son died of sweating sikness, like my friend William Compton. His name was Ariadne. I remember...that I helped her to give birth in the forest. That's why Rinaldo is everything for her...

Catherine narrowed her eye's. Charles you know I have away of finding out things that I shouldn't know and that is what makes me unique. Thinking back Catherine remembered a young boy associated with William Compton. What happened to that choir boy who was friends with William... Anyway yes I would love to meet Alfonsia quick question is she english ? And I suppose we are to dine with Victoria tonight with her husband Thomas. Picking up a necklace she held it to her neck smiling at Charles to do it up.

"Charles rubbed softly her arm"

William was very close friend to me and Anthony Knivert. Also to King himself. But...the sweating sickness took him away from us. And...no, Alfonsina is not english. She is italian. Indded, she is the Duchess of Genoa. I'm sure you'll like her...

"He kissed her shoulder and looked at her image in the mirror"

Can't wait to join my two special women together for our dinner, my love...

Catherine took all this in to remember. Anthony Knivert? Is he the man I met you with that day when I was carrying my books and to which you ever so boldly said " I am going to marry her one day" I heard you all the way at of earshot Charles can you do up my necklace please. Dangling the necklace in front of his eye's. Has Alfonsina come back to england too seek refuge I can only imagine the king going to war with italy over his latest mistress . Have I ever met Alfonsina husband I would hate to seem impolite if I had. Taking the bottles of scent Catherine dabbed something that smelt spicy on to her neck reminding her of winter. Oh and about dinner best to keep quite as I don't want it ruined by someones unwanted presence Charles. Oh and now that Jane Bassett is back at court try not to sleep with her for this reason you could catch something nasty and then give it too me just saying

"Charles helped to tie her necklace with a warm smile"

I see you have a perfect memory, darling. Yes...it's exactly that Anthony Knivert that you remember. Oh and...I didn't know that Jane Bassett was back at court. I knew she was in France...

"He said, rather surprised"

Catherine pulled gently on her necklace turned and smiled. Yes i do indeed husband i am so excited for our dinner my love it shall be nice i feel closer to you already and it's a nice feeling isn't it i love you. Catherine got up and wrapped her arms around charles her head pressed against him

"Charles hugged her tightly kissing deeply her soft lips"

It is, my love...finally. I love seeing you so happy and relaxed. Rather...you're making me very curious about this dinner. You're arranging it, but I know nothing yet. What's in your mind?

"He asked playfully"

Catherine looked up at him. It is a time for people to come together and it is my duty as your wife to hold and dinner and show of your wealth but it will not be about that i am looking forward to this happy event what's the worse that could happen i have selected the very best of guests. Catherine reached up and kissed his cheek giving him a reassuring laugh when she mentioned wealth. What shall we eat for the night would it be wrong to have italian wine to drink French wine too strong, English wine is weak I prefer Italian wine for the night.

"Charles laughed. He kissed deeply her lips and looked into her eyes"

You know that italian wine is my favourite, my love. Anyway...this dinner thing is a very good idea. Who would you like to invite?

"He asked curiously"

"Charles showed her an amused smile"

Oh wow...the most happy couples in court! Oh I'd like to invite my friend Anthony Knivert. But his private life is rather confused, right now. He wants to annull his marriage with lady Charlotte...

"He explained and hold her delicate hand"

Catherine stopped dead in her tracks. You want to do what! How can you want to annull his marriage well would he want to come alone I mean is he a ladies man oh Anne and Edward. Anthony can bring a guest or his wife

"Charles cleared his throat, before replying"

Well...Anthony just found out that his dead son...the one he had with Alfonsina, is alive! This news shocked him. He was with Margaret in the forest when he found him. But now...he is confused. He doesn't know if coming back with Alfonsina or not...

"He said again, noticing that she was disappointed hearing about this annullement"

Catherine' eyes grew even more wider. I hope this does not happen to you but is he not meant to marry another Howard off spring this is a mess maybe he could go to France and do some searching to think it through. When you remove yourself from a situation things become clearer but how does his wife fit into this. Still confused Catherine sat down holding Charles hand

"Charles shrugged"

He never talked me about this Howard lady. He is just happy for his son. He has another son with Charlotte too. Just hope he will make the right choice for himself and his children. But tell me...what will you wear during dinner?

"He said teasingly rubbing softly her chin"

Catherine looked at him.Sounds to me like he has mad up his mind and is not being man enough to tell the truth is Victoria still at court

"Charles kissed her neck and nodded"

Yes, she is. Oh but...you should know that my other daughter, Frances...came at court too. I'd like to invite her at our dinner too. If you agree, of course...

"He answered, waiting for her reaction"

Catherine preferred Victoria and Frances much better less complicated. That is nice for her to join us at court as long as you save the first dance for me at Christmas party.

"Charles laughed"

Oh...but of course! If you're ready...we can join this evening. I heard that the King will bring lady Anne instead of the Queen. For the first time in an official occasion...

"He whispered into her ear"

Catherine made her way waiting for Sabrina making sure that Charles was not permitted until she felt better.