Alfonsina Garcia's Bedroom

She giggled after his words.Then she put his goblet on the table near her bed. Then she reached Charles' cheek and kissed it softly.

"Thanks for being supportive , Charles. You are the best friend that anyone has ever had."

"Charles smiled as he felt her kiss on his cheek and hold gently her hand in his"

You have no need to thank me, Alfonsina. You know how much I care about you and your son. Oh...I was just wondering when there will be his christening. I am still his godfather, right?

"He asked with an amused smile"

She smiled and nodded.

"Of course.. I can't find any perfect godfather apart from you."

Then she added.

"I was waiting Edward for that."

Then she stopped and realized how long it has been since she hasn't mentioned her husband's name.Then she again started to talk.

"After I get well , I start to prepare for it. But I think we need his father.. Forgive my inexperience.. Do we need Edward for it?"

"Charles thought for a little while, before answering"

Well...I took part to Charlie's christening, only. The twins and little Jane were christened in Buckingham, with an Anna's relative as their godfather. You know...I was sent to France that time. So...I don't think that his father is necessary. But I suggest you to ask to a priest about that, for being sure...

"He answered, reminding his first son's christening, many years ago"

She nodded.

"Yes you are right.. I should ask this."

Then she smiled.

"Thank you my son's dear godfather."

She giggled amusingly.

"Charles laughed with joy while shooking his head"

You know that I'm ready to take care of Rinaldo as he was my own son. Doesn't matter if his father is here or not. Also...he is so lucky having a mother like you, Alfonsina...

"He added with sweetness, touching softly her chin"

She smiled softly after his words and started to talk while she was touching his hand softly.

"I know Charles.. That's why I wanted you to be his godfather."

Then she added.

"I can't imagine that he will be grown up and take care of his mother. But I think these days are in blink of an eye."

"Charles shrugged with a smile"

Oh...children grow up fastly. It seems still yesterday to me...when Charlie was in my arms after his birth. And now...he is already almost a young man. While I get older...

"He added, pretending to consider himself as an old man"

After hearing of Alfonisa's condition, I knew the right thing to do was to pay her a visit and make she was alright.
I knocked at her door.
"Alfonisa..are you in it's me Anthony." I said in a hesitant voice.

She giggled and spoke.

"You will be always a handsome father of all even if you get older , don't worry."

Then she heard door knocking. She heard a noise but she couldn't recognize.

"Come in , please.."

"Charles giggled a bit after her kind answer. Once he heard a knock he turned towards door. That voice looked familiar. But he was not sure..."

I walked in and saw Alfonsina looking pale and not herself. I passed by Charles and my heart sank for her. "Alfonsina, I heard you were ill, how are you?" I said as I took her hand showing much concern.

"Charles stood up as he saw Anthony entering. Rather surprised, he smiled weakly at him"

Anthony...please, come. I was just greeting Alfonsna...

"Then he turned towards Alfonsina and leaned on her. He kissed softly her cheek"

I'll come back soon, darling. I promise...

"He winked at her and looked at Anthony again"

Very well...I'll leave you alone. I wish you both a nice evening...

"He bowed with a smile and glanced meaningfully at Anthony. Then he left the room, closing the door behind him"

Charles and I had always fought over women since childhood, and Alfonsina made no exception.
I looked at Charles and nodded my head. I then turned my attention back to her and pulled up a chair next to her.
"How are you feeling these days?" I asked as I looked at her. She seemed weak, but she was a strong woman.
"Where's Edward?" I asked concerned.

After the door opened , she saw Anthony and she was really surprised. She didn't expect him to visit her. She smiled as Anthony approached and held her hand. They didn't break up well , but Alfonsina knew that Anthony was always in her heart. The more she was angry with him the nore she wanted him to be happy. While Charles were leaving Alfonsina smiled at him kissed him back.

"Do not let me miss you.."

She said to Charles and then she turned Anthony.

"Anthony.. What a surprise!"

She added with a weak smile.

"I am trying to feel good , thank you. I don't know where Edward is actually. I haven't seen him nearly for 4 months. What about you? Congratulations on your marriage."

Then she reached and kissed his cheek softly.

"I am happy for you. I hope you and your wife will happy life with a lot of children."

I looked at her and took her hand. "Your husband should be here! especially when his wife is so ill!" I said angrily
"And your boy...may I ask, where is he?" I asked very concerned, I could would never forgive myself if something happened to Alfonsia. "Yes, i'm married now to a German lady, we're expecting our first child soon" I said as I couldn't be happy about it at the moment as I saw her so much sadness in her eyes.

She smiled sadly.

"Yes he should.. But I guess I am not that important for him right now."

Then she sighed and smiled when he mentioned about Rinaldo.

"Whatever.. My little son is quite well. He is growing really fast. He is with my lady-in-waitings. I see him twice or third times a week."

Then she added.

"Oh Anthony.. I am really happy for you! You are going to be a father."

She smiled wide. Then she remembered their son. Alfonsina was sure that their son would be happy if he saw them like that.

I could hear there was much sadness in her voice. "You should be important to every man...especially your husband" I said and smiled as I softly grazed her cheek.
"At least your here for your boy that's all that matters" as I placed my hand on hers. My mind went to the son she had birthed. If had lived, would they still together? I got lost in the moment and then wiped my eyes.

"Who would of thought I would be married! Soon I'll be like Charles!" I said jokingly.

Edward made his way to Alfonsina's chamber with his son bundled up in blankets. The child had been ill for a week and Edward had rushed back to court. He knew he should have sent him to the country sooner-the winter weather in the city is no good for a child of his age.
He did not bother to knock his wife's door, he knew she would want to see him and nurse him. For months now things had not been well between them and he anticipated their meeting with yearning and trepidation.

She giggled after his words.

"I knew.. I knew that you would marry and you would be happy forever."

Then she was startled when the door opened suddenly. While she was thinking how rude that was she saw Edward. And she realized there was no heartbeat in her heart like old times. She wasn't even surprised to see her. She spoke with a ordinary voice.

"Welcome Edward. An old friend of mine came to visit me."

Then she turned Anthony and smiled.

"Anthony , this is Edward."

Edward nodded his head briefly at the man but in his head he suspected. Anthony was a name who had been mentioned in passing and through rumours and gossip at court he learned the father of Alfonsina's first child,"Sir Anthony...wife."

He took some steps forward,"Our son is sick. I received word from his nurse and returned immediately. I assume you either thought it no business of mine or did not even know."
Edward touched his sons warm cheek,"He has a had a fever and has been bothered with a cough and vomiting."

She was surprised because he said that Rinaldo was sick. She shook her head.

"Rinaldo isn't sick. I saw him 2 or 3 days ago. He was very healthy. Also if he was sick , Margaret or Katherine would let me know."

Edward raised an eyebrow,"Thomas is sick. You can feel how his head burns and listen to the nurses say how he has been stirring through the night...However I see you have company, I shan't bother you any more with my son's health."

She frowned after his words and then she apologized from Anthony. She stood up hardly and went to her son's near. She touched his forehead. Edward was right , he had a fever. She tried to seem calm but inside her heart the storm has already broke out. She took her son into her arms and kissed his cheek. Alfonsina saw that he smiled weakly in his dream.

"Oh.. Now I am the one who don't bother our son's health? I'd like to remember that I am the one who took care of him while you were absent. I will always be. Even if without you. "

"You cannot expect me to be a constant in court! I have duties which are unavoidable, I cannot stay in my chamber and sew and call for music as the days plod on. I must work to give my son a future. You are my wife and it is your duty to care for our son. I have kept my promises to you but it seems all you do is entertain men in your room."

Edward turned to Anthony and bowed his head,"Forgive me Sir Anthony-I must congratulate you on your recent marriage, I hope it turns out to be a better one than mine."