Library

Anthony laughed warmly and replied teasingly, "I'fear it won't be only your son coming to you for advice!"

"Charles laughed after him"

Well...what's the problem, my lord? I would be happy giving you my advices. Even if...I have been not an...esemplar father for my children. I lost some of them's childood, and I was absent from their lives for long time. But I'm trying to fix things...

"He added more seriously"

Anthony smiled kindly, "The past matters little-especially if you mean to make amends."

Anthony then winked and added, "And I am sure you are an exemplary father. I think it must be close to saintliness to be a parent-an honour I do not yet wish to have..."

"Charles sighed deeply"

I understand. You're still very young, and you have time for children. You still can...have fun...

"He added smiling teasingly"

But...at my age, I think a man should be devoted to his family only...

Anthony shrugged, "Not that young."

He then winked and added jokingly, "Besides age is no excuse."

"Charles laughed"

Come on...I think you are no more twentyfive! I was...very active at your age. But as you say, age is not an excuse. I agree...

Anthony laughed heartily in response, "Not quite-I'm twenty eight! Though I should take that as a compliment."

He then brushed down his doublet and sighed with a grin, "What of your wife? Is she young?"

"Charles nodded grinning a bit"

Yes...she is just seventheen. She was my pupil...but in spite of her age she is very clever and wise. I'm proud of her. Being much older than her...I'm also very protective...

"He replied"

Anthony smiled knowingly and nodded, "It seems you are also wise-I'm sure such a...youthful, " he winked mischievously,"woman, will make you very happy."

"Charles chuckled a bit"

Yes...but women can also bring you...troubles. So, be careful with them, my lord. I think I know them very well...

"He winked"

Anthony laughed, "Oh believe me, I am aware...yet often the mischief is where the fun is to be had!"

"Charles shrugged and nodded"

Yes...maybe. Do you have a love interest...at the moment?

"He asked curiously"

Anthony shook his head, "Not especially. My commitment is usually only for a night, " he said and winked with a slight chuckled.

"God knows what this new woman my father wants for me shall be like..."

"Charles smiled"

I'm sure she will be young and pretty. No need to worry...

"He winked"

Anthony laughed and ran a hand through his hair, "Well, I can only hope!"

"Charles kept on playing with the book in his hands and smiled"

Oh I'm sure of this. It's very rare meeting...an ugly lady here at court. And who knows? Maybe you'll change your mind about children. Probably you won't have nine like me...but...

"He smiled teasingly"

Anthony laughed, "Perhaps although I think you are correct, certainly not nine! I have so many siblings I know what it's like to live in such a noisy household. I wish to have quiet home now, with plenty of ale and a hot fire."

Anthony then tilted his head and looked at Charles' book, "What were you reading?"

"Charles sighed"

You know...I had another son, once. But...my little Daniel died because of sweating sickness...

"He added thoughtfully, thinking at the beloved child that Nan gave him. Then he shook fastly his head, realizing suddenly that Anthony asked him a question"

Oh...nothing special. It's a book about italian poetry. I always loved it...

Anthony frowned, "That was a hideous thing, it got everywhere-even the country. My little brother even got it but by the grace of God he survived. It was a horrid time, my mother cried for days. I am so sorry for your loss. To lose a child...well...it's unimaginable pain. I'm so sorry. How old was he?"

"Charles let out a deep sigh, before replying"

He was just one year old. And...he looked like his mother, lady Nan Saville. You probably heard about her. I has been tied to her...for years. Before Daniel, she got pregnant...but she lost our child. So...when Daniel died, my whole world collapsed. He is buried at Hartfield House. Sometimes I visit his tomb...

"He explained, lowering his voice and his eyes"

Anthony shook his head, "I'm afraid I haven't heard of her. Yet, no doubt she would be a lady greatly worthy of your affections"

He frowned, feeling his pain and tapped him on the shoulder, "That is a suffering too great, my friend. What a great cruelty-the joy of a son, an heir! Only to be parted from him. Indeed your Nan must have suffered greatly as well. At least he is at peace now. I am sure such a pure soul is in paradise."

"Charles nodded"

Yes...I like to think that. Nan was...destroyed by such loss. But little by little...she learned to accept it, and she is fine, now. Our Daniel was an angel. And I'm sure I'll meet him again in heaven, one day...

"He added. Then he gulped to refrain a tear"

Anthony frowned, sincerely sympathetic, "Is she in court now?"

He asked and put his hands back in his pockets.

"Charles shook his head"

No...she is at Hartfield House with her ladies in waiting. Her husband was the Duke Fernando of Naverre...but he died before all this. So she could keep the title of Duchess. I...I just hope she will be happy with another man, one day. Because she suffered enough because of me...

"He admitted sincerely. He rarely talked about Nan and their son with someone"

Anthony smiled weakly, "At least she is not too far, so you may visit her. I'm sure that something like that would have brought you closer together. You have been through much...I hope your life is full of nothing but unbridled joy now."