Alfonsina Garcia's Bedroom

"Charles heard that Alfonsina reached finally Whithall. He hadn't seen her since they left Hampton Court. So he decided to vist her. He stopped in front of her door and knocked"

Alfonsina...are you there?

She was resting in her room when she heard door knocking. She stood up and spoke.

"Come in , please."

"Charles opened slowly the door and looked inside. He smiled as he saw Alfonsina there"

Alfonsina...when have you arrived? I missed you...

"He walked towards her and hugged her tightly"

When the door opened , Alfonsina saw Charles and smiled widely.

"Charles.. I've just arrived. I missed you so much , too."

She hugged him tightly back.

"Charles nodded while smiling"

I see...I've been busy with Trial, recently. You know...the King's big matter. But tell me...how are you?

"He asked, glancing at her belly"

She was in last month of her pregnancy. She smiled to Charles.

"I am good , thank you. What about you my dear friend? How is your life? Still complicated?"

She winked him with smiling.

"Sit down please. What would you like to drink?"

"Charles sat on the sofa and smiled, amused by her words"

I would like some wine, thank you. And...yes, things are still complicated, dear. Margaret is seriously sick. I fear for her life...

"His smiled disappeard as he ended the sentence, and looked around room"

While she was pouring some wine , she listened his words. Then,she gave wine glass to him. When he finished his sentence , she opened her eyes wider.

"Oh My God,Charles! I'm so sorry. What is her sickness? Is there anything that I can help?"

She was sorry for her dear friend. Because she knew how it made someone feel when it came to death.

"Charles took a deep breath and shook his head"

I don't think so, Alfonsina. I found blood on her pillow, recently. And physician said it's rather serious. I think...I think she is dying...

"He added almost whispering, lowering his eyes"

She was so sorry that she could cry. Her eyes were full of tears. She didn't know if Charles loved Margaret or not but it was obvious that he was caring about her. She rubbed his back with sad voice.

"I am so sorry.. I hope she will get better. I will pray for her,Charles. And.. I know it's easy to say but you must be strong."

"Charles nodded slowly and smiled gratefully at her"

Thank you...I'm trying to be, Alfonsina. Every day could be the last one, for her. And...I'm not ready to face all this. I've been an awful husband for her. I can't avoid to feel guilty...

"He added with low voice, turning his eyes to hers"

She sighed.

"Do not think like that. I can see that you care about her. I think that's the point. You are a good husband , you were and i'm sure you will be.. Don't blame yourself. If something will happen , it will surely happen. You loved her before that's why you got married."

"Charles sighed and looked at her face"

Margaret talked with Nan. She...she asked her to take care of me. After...after she will be gone...

"He could finally say, trying hardly to refrain tears"

She smiled a little and took his face in her hands. She looked at his eyes directly.

"After she will be gone , I am sure that her soul will be peaceful. You can just show some attention to her in these days."

She sighed and kissed his cheek.

"Oh , my dear friend. How unlucky you are.. I always pray for your happiness. You deserve it."

"Charles smiled weakly as he felt her kiss on his cheek. He needed her support"

Thank you, Alfonsina. I'm trying doing my best in order to make her happy...during her last days. I still can't believe that. Thank God...you're at my side. I'm not so unlucky, after all...

"He added, trying to smile while looking at her deep eyes"

She smiled again softly to him.

"I know you are doing your best Charles."

She sighed.

"I hope you can overcome all of these.."

"Charles smiled and squeezed softly her hand"

Thank you...Oh, but I don't want make you bored with my issues, dear. Talk me about yourself. Are you happy with your husband?

"He asked, trying to change topic"

"Do not talk like that.. You never bore me with your issues. I always like hearing about your problems,Charles."

Then she smiled. Actually she smiled because she didn't want to show her feelings. She haven't heard her husband for 3 months. She even didn't know where he was. Last thing she could remember about him that he had gone to France. She even didn't know if it was true or not. But she didn't show anything about this topic.

"Yes , indeed. I am waiting for him to come here. He went on a trip."

She smiled again.

"Charles frowned but smiled at the same time"

Oh...he is not at court, then? Well, let's hope he'll come back in time to see his child's birth. The most important thing...is that you're happy, Alfonsina. Anyone deserves it more than you...

"He said with a sincere smile, glancing at her big belly"

She smiled to him tenderly and held his hand.

"Thank you so much , Charles. I hope life will be better for both of us in the future.."

"Charles smiled her back and looked at her hand on him"

I'm sure it will be. You're going to become mother again. And myself...I'll become father again too. Anna is carrying my our fifth child. Margaret told me...can you believe? It seems she was with Anna when she fainted. This is not...a good moment for having another child, but...

"He sighed deeply, turning his eyes towards her surprised face"

"Sssh.. Don't say that. If Margaret will be gone , a new will come to life. It means that if one goes , the other will give you life. You'll be a father again. It is so good."

She smiled tenderly to him.

"Charles smiled warmly this time and nodded slowly"

You always manage to make me smile, Alfonsina. Of course I'm happy. I love all my children...and I'll love this new one in the same way. And Anna is a wonderful mother. I'm just a bit...confused. And scared...

"He added, looking thoughtfully around room"

She kissed his cheek again and smiled.

"If I can make you smile , it means that i am happy , too."

Then she sighed.

"I know.. It's very normal. But I know you will get through these.."