Alfonsina Garcia's Bedroom

"Charles lowered his eyes while smiling and nodded slowly"

My children are very well. They're at court with me, actually...all four of them. And...Anna is pregnant again...Probably you heard about that...

"He giggled a bit and raised his eyes to hers"

I have a pupil, now. Her name is Catherine Willoughby, and...I am her tutor. Her mother, Maria De Salinas, asked me to take care of her education...

"He explained, staring amused at her surprised face"

"Congrutulations on your new baby , then."

She smiled softly and added.

"Oh.. A pupil.."

Then she giggled amusingly.

"I am sure she has already had a crush on you Charles.. "

"Charles laughed and shook his head"

Oh no...not exactly. You know, Catherine's family is an a very difficult situation. Lady Maria is in Spain, and after her husband's death, her family has not so much money. That's why she asked my help. Without a proper education, and...without a title, her daughter's future will be ruined...

"He said, turning serious"

"Oh.. That must be hard for her. I am sure you are a good tutor. She is very lucky."

She smiled.

"Charles smiled again and took a deep breath"

Thank you, dear. I'm seriously thinking...to marry her. In this way, all her problems would be solved. Her mother could come back to England, and as duchess of Suffolk she would have...a better position at court. Also...I like her very much...

"He took another breath, before adding"

I just...can imagine Nan's reaction. I'm still in love with her...but I gave my word to protect Catherine...

She squeezed his hand and smiled soflty.

"Just for once , think yourself. I mean.. Think which one is the right thing. I know things between you and Nan is complicated. Don't take my words wrong but I think it is impossible. At least It seems to me impossible."

Then she sighed.

"I think if you like Catherine , you should marry her."

"Charles sighed deeply and nodded with a smile"

Yes...I know that very well. I'll try to do the right thing, without hurting anyone. Even if...it will be not easy. Anna, for exemple. She is carrying our fifth child...so I'll try not to make her upset...

"He took another breath and looked at her pretty face"

Rather...what about you, dear? Have you news about your husband?

She smiled him tenderly.

"You will make all the things right. I am sure of that."

Then she sighed after Charles' words.

"Things between Edward and I aren't so perfect. I haven't seen him for a long time. And I heard he was seen with a beautiful lady in a close way."

"Charles frowned and shook slowly his head"

Oh...I'm sorry to hear that. He seemed...so in love with you. But probably are just rumors, darling. You don't have to believe at everything people says...

"He replied, trying to comfort her"

She smiled and nodded.

"I know.. But a side of me is always telling me that I should believe these rumours."

Then she added.

"By the way.. I heard Anthony was married and he will be father again. Can you say that I congratulate him and hi wife a lot. I am happy for him."

"Charles was surprised by her words about Anthony. He knew she suffered so much because of him. He smiled and nodded slowly"

Of course...I'll let him know, Alfonsina. I'm sure he will be very happy of receiving your wishes. Because they are sincere...

"He sighed and caressed slowly her cheek"

And...if rumors about your husband are ture...he is a complete idiot! How can he leave such wonderful woman like you?

"He added with warm voice, looking at her"

She smiled sadly after his words. Then she remembered the old times and sighed.

"I guess I always will be the woman whom men love first , get laid and get bored easily."

Then she added.

"I wish I was a man. If I was a man , I would get laid with anyone whom I want. And I would never fall in love."

"Charles couldn't avoid to smile and shook his head, still holding her soft cheek"

Oh...don't say so, darling. It's not true. You just...have met men who never realized how lucky they were for having you. You're young, so beautiful...and also very strong girl. Only a fool would refuse you. And anyway...your husband could come back...maybe there is a reason for his absence...who knows? But...if he won't, just focus on your son and your life. I'm sure you will be happy...

"He sighed and curiously at her"

And...sincerely, if you were a man...I would never enjoy the touch of your soft skin on my hand, now...

"He added with warm voice and giggled a bit"

She giggled after his words.

"Oh Charles.. You know how to make me smile. I am so lucky to have you."

Then she added with a smile on her face.

"If I were a man , I am sure I would be jeaolus of you."

"Charles laughed, squeezing softly her hand"

Oh...really? Well...I would be jealous too, if I you were my wife...

"He added with a teasing tone, winking at her"

She giggled.

"Ohhh.. You are just teasing with me. "

Then she added.

"Can i ask you a favour? I haven't drunk wine for a long time. Can you pour us two glass?"

"Charles remained speechless for a little while, surprised by her request. Then nodded with a smile"

Oh...of course. It has been a long while, indeed...

"He stood up and reached the table. He poured two glasses of red wine and walked towards bed again. Smiling wide, he handed the glass to her"

Italian wine, I guess. I don't even remember last time we drank wine together, dear...

"He said while sitting next to her again"

She nodded and took a sip from her wine. She realized that she forgot how italian wine tasted like. She smiled to herself as the sip was going down from her throat. Then she started to talk.

"Yes.. It is Italian wine. I forgot how it tastes like. Isn't it perfect? It also smells like Genoa."

Then she smiled again.

"I don't remember , too.. I've missed the things we do together. When I get well completely,we should do this often."

"Charles took a sip from wine and nodded"

Surely...I can't wait to have a walk with you. I heard that the King will give an Autumn party soon, to celebrate Cordelia's birthday and to announce Mary Rose's wedding. Hope you'll allow me the honour of a dance with you...

"He said smiling, after tasting her delicious italian wine"

She giggled.

"Dancing with you would be an honour for me , you know."

Then she smiled and took another sip.

"A party would be great for me. I can look some other handsome men apart from you. In theory I have a husband but in practise I don't."

Then she giggled again with hoping that Charles wouldn't give and furious reaction what she had said.

"Charles looked curiously at her after her words"

Oh...have you intention to have some flirt, then? If so...it would be no difficult for you...

"He frowned a bit but showed her an amused smile"

She smiled sadly and spoke.

"Oh.. I know the woman who is married can't flirt with someone else. I mean it doesn't seem nice to other people. They always judge you."

Then she added.

"I was just joking.. I know what the results can be.."

"Charles smiled indulgently and shhok slowly his head"

Oh...I don't judge you, Alfonsina. And I never will. You're still young and beautiful...and it's your right to find someone to love. Just...do what you feel to do. Doesn't matter what people says...

"He added with calm voice, looking into her eyes"

She looked down and spoke.

"I know.. And I appreciate it. Thank you.. But I don't think anyone could like me after all the things."

She smiled.

"Charles sighed and smiled again"

You're too hard with yourself, Alfonsina. I'm sure that when you'll be well again, all men in court will run after you. Just tell me if someone makes you suffer...and I'll smash his face. There is already...one person who deserves this from me, actually...

"He rolled his eyes, thinking at her husband Edward"