Courtyard

"I see you have acquired the philosophy of life,dear brother.Lessons to learn come into our lives rarely by fortune.However,how are the things with girls?!?" he said and noticing the look on his face made him change the way he asked the question. "Aren't there any pretty ladies around you or should I say  aren't there some maidens visiting your bed?!?" he asked yet really surprised.

"No,brother I have changed!" insisted Juan. "Well,I have some ladies in my mind,but nothing more than that!"

"I can't deny that there is a change in you,but another thing is that I notice what you say is just something like a little sexual break,witch appears to be the base of something bigger for the future" said Cesare and smirked. "Would you mind if we have a little drink? Just like the old times?"

"I surely will have a drink with you,brother. Yes...just like old times" said Juan with a smile  on his face and patted Cesare's back. "Do you still want to smoke from my cigarros?" he asked.

"I wouldn't mind in case I still have time after the drink.I still have some work to do.So we'll see each other in the tavern tonight,brother." said Cesare smiling to Juan.

"Don't be late...Oh,I forgot I am the one who is usually late" he joked. "We will meet there,brother" Juan winked at his brother and went to his chambers.

I had gone home over the Christmas-tide but begrudgingly come back in the New Year. I had barely spoken to the passing stranger before Christmas and I heartily desired to meet new acquaintances and make friends. My title was nothing in court unless I had connections.

My carriage arrived, churning to a halt in the courtyard. My luggage was swiftly unbuckled from the rear and promptly taken to my rooms-before I even exited. I made sure to be wearing one of my best gowns-a dress of pale grey, embroidered with intricate silver detailing; I could barely breathe in the French design and hoped it would not be in vain.

Victoria decided to take her youngest daughter, Mary out for a stroll in her fur coat that once belonged to her other daughter Elizabeth. She notices a young and beautiful young woman getting out of a carriage that could be her twin. "Good day Madame. I assume that you are going to be new at court."

I held the door hand as I stepped out, taking a slow shallow breath. I smiled when I was addressed, glancing down and finally looking up between lashes.

"Is it so obvious?" I said with a slight laugh, "I suppose I must stick out like a sore thumb!"

"more like a snow white horse with a herd of black stallions." Victoria reaches out her arm to welcome the new comer "The name is Victoria."

I chuckled and adjusted my dress, "Oh I don't know about that."

I extended my arm in reply and grinned; admiring the detailed cut of her dress, the expensive fabric, "An absolute pleasure Victoria. One finds most people here introduce themselves with titles-a pleasant change. I'm Elizabeth Patmore."

"Titles don't matter much to me when it comes to introduction." Victoria smiles as she puts Mary's hood up to keep her head from the cold "This little one that I have here is my youngest daughter, Mary." She says as she smiles and looks at her daughter

I bent down so I was at the same level as her daughter, kneeling on the stone. I winked at her playfully, "Hello you."

I then glanced up to Victoria, "She is a darling."

Mary buries her face into Victoria's coat "This is her first time out for a stroll. She's not used to seeing people." Victoria smiles and giggles as she picks Mary up "Do you have family here?"

I smile endearingly and stand up again, bashfully covering my lips, "Oh I'm sorry if I frightened her."

I tilted my head in a sort of melancholy fashion and began fidgeting with my hair, twirling a golden wisp around my finger.

"I did..but not any more. I'm...,"an orphan, I thought-completely alone,"independent."

Something in Elizabeth's eyes told V that she is alone "One can find family at court even if they don't have any. I have a few people that I like to call family."

I smiled, "Then you are lucky, and to have such an adorable child," I remarked, "Very lucky, indeed."

I chuckled lightly, "And I must admit, I am rather envious of your dress. It's lovely."

Victoria looked down at her simple icy blue dress "I'm glad this dress is to your liking. It's one of my dresses that I like wear for winter strolls." She then looks at the now shy Mary "She has the dazzling eyes of a Brandon and the hair color of her Papa. Someday you will have children as beautiful as mine."

I shrugged, clasping my hands together, "Oh I hope so...you're husband must be very proud."

I glanced behind me and saw my carriage ride away.

"He is. When she was born, The King's sister started a rumor about me seeing other men." Victoria tucked a loose strand of Mary's hair behind her ear "He heard about the rumor and came to me for the truth."

I raised my eyebrows, clear eyes opening wide and bright. One hears of court gossip but started by the Kings own sister! Utterly scandalous.

"Heavens. I can't imagine what anyone could have done to deserve a rumour such as thus."

I fiddled with my dress again and remarked,"I'm sure...at least, that is I may guess, not many husbands would remain amidst such slander. He is surely capital fellow and you a lucky wife!"

"She somehow heard or found out that her husband, Duke of Westmoreland, visited my chambers and thinks we're having an affair." The air started to get a bit cold but, the cold never bothered Victoria anyway "I hope I'm not too forward but, you look like you could be my younger sister. I noticed that you have a bit more beauty than I."

I laughed, "Well thank you. Though, I do not know if I am indeed of possession of more beauty than you-I doubt it."

I rubbed my arms as a cold wind blew, "I think I might go in; warm up and help my maid unpack. It would be nice to see you again."

"Some people say that Blondes have a bit more beauty than others." Victoria noticed that Mary started to cry a little "Shall the three of us go inside and warm up?

I laughed at her comment, "Then I shall agree to that sentiment-if only to have a fellow golden haired comrade."

I smiled at her little girl, a pure beauty, "Let us go then and escape the chill!"