Alfonsina Garcia's Bedroom

Alfonsina froze after Edward's 'it seems all you do is entertain men in your room' sentence. She couldn't know what to say. She was so angry and sad that she couldn't explain with words. She gave Rinaldo to Edward.

"I am sorry Anthony. I didn't want you to see a scene like that. Thank you for your concern. I hope I ca see you soon and congrats again."

Her voice was shaking with anger and sadness. After that she didn't say anything and left the room. But she didn't know where to go.

Edward nodded his head at Anthony and left the room,"Do not walk away from me,"he commanded and walked after Alfonsina,"Your son needs you."

She heard Edward's voice behind her but she didn't turn to him.

I've waited you. I was sick. Actually I am still sick , not fully recovered. And you are accusing me entartaining men in my room."

Then she turned him suddenly.

"What about you Edward? How many women did you entartain? Do you want to know the last thing I heard about you? I've heard that you came to court and you entartain with a woman. Riding horses..."

She stopped talking for a while then she started again. She was out of breath.

"I didn't do anything wrong. I never expected you to stay at court constantly. But at least you could've let me know."

Edward scoffed,"Riding with a woman! One maid in the hundreds at court! I talk with someone where many can see us-I have nothing to hide! You whisper with your men in your chamber and you will not make a cuckold of me. I am your husband and as such you should give me the respect I am owed,"Edward sighed and lowered his voice as Thomas stirred.

Alfonsina could say one thing with very low voice by looking down.

"I am not cheating on you."

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

"Nor I you! And yet you talk of this woman as if she were my mistress. Believe me if I were to have one I would conduct my affairs just as secretly as you do."

Thomas let out a cough and Edward rocked him gently.

She got angry after his words.

"I am not doing anything secretly! Stop talking as if I do."

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Edward held his head as it grew painful,"Sh,"he whispered to his son who now began to cry.

"I am taking Thomas to his nursery and the physician will see him there. If you care for him at all you will be there with us…if not then I know not how we can continue."

"I'll be there."

She spoke with cold voice.

As Alfonsina and I were having a peaceful conversation, one that had not been reconciled since our break, A man walked into the room with a child in his arms. I assumed this was her husband; Edward. Tension filled the room and I felt awkward. "I think it's best I leave" I said and hugged Alfonsina. "Please don't anger yourself too much, your still in a very weak state. We shall continue this another time" I smiled and squeezed her hand as I left the room.

I travel to my sisters room after I have heard the news, my hands clutching the hem of my silk gown as I pad with great speed in the night to her room. I won't see her in the day-I was a spy once in court for The Queen and now know their secrets. How she did not realise she would be caught I cannot comprehend...
She is a Duchess- of two realms and has one of the most powerful heirs in the kingdom! She is watched by everyone. Everyone -if they can afford them- has employed a spy in court. With growing tensions that will not cease it is a necessity to have an informer-Edward has one though it was not his who told me;thank God, he could not bare the shame...

I chap her door lightly, wary if she will be asleep,"Sister? Alfonsina? It's Bess..."

Alfonsina has just made Thomas sleep and gave gim to lady in waitings to put them in his crib. She was sitting on the sofa in front of her mirror and brushing her long blonde hair. Then she heard a noise which was familiar. She stood up and answered.

"Come in , sister.."

I quickly unlatch the door and shut it tightly behind me,"Sister,"I mumur and give the necessary curtsey.

I notice she is wrapped up in her robe,"Forgive me for coming so late- but it is the only time I thought it safe to come."

She frowned after her words.

"Of course It's not important you can come whenever you want sister...But what happened? I am worried."

She looked at her curiously.

I wring my hands together and bite my pink lips,"I know..."

I sigh exasperatedly and tug of my dress to get rid of creases that are not there,"I know about Edward...not my Edward, our Edward but that Seymour..."

She sighed and didn't know what to say.

"It doesn't mean that I don't love Edward.. I still love him with my all heart. "

Then she added.

"We were drunk and I needed someone. I know these can't be excuses."

I hold my head in my hands and sigh,"You cannot love someone and then sleep with another man,"I glance up,"You know he is getting married?"

"How could you do this to Edward-do you know how much he loves you, how much he loves your son? I have never seen him love anyone more than you...I cannot be your judge -God knows, I am as sinful,"I reflect to William and cannot help but feel a fire pulse through me for how much I love him. I shake my head and continue," But you-you! You married for love-taking a stranger to your bed when it is still warm from my brother should not be a consideration."

I sigh and offer,"Is he cruel to you, does he beat you or torment you?"

"Yes you can.. You can love someone and slept with another man. Also.. I don't remember that I slept with Edward. As I said we were drunk."

She sighed.

"If the man you love isn't near you , you can need someone , sometimes. I love Edward more than anything. I love my son.. I will kill myself for them to be happy. But I am beyond missing Edward now. I even can't remember his touches.."

She stood up and went in front of the window.

"I understand.. You have all rights to judge me. And yes he is cruel to me because he is away that's why he torments me. I sometimes can't know how much i miss him. "

"Alfonsina you have more years than I and yet you act as if you were a naive girl of sixteen. A husband-no-a man; has to work, has to have independence and has to forge a future for his family. In case it's escaped your notice The King is rather absent with Anne Boleyn, kingdoms are in jeopardy and so are lives of families-mine, yours, ours...No man can rely on their wealth or good name any longer. Edward is making sure you are safe, you and Thomas."

I look up,"You are so lucky...and I am not, look to your marriage and then look to mine."

She smiled sadly.

"I know man's business.. I had a father who is Duke. But I know that no man stay this long far from his wife and his child."

Then she added.

"Don't say that. Do you have any news from the man who is the father of your child?"

I scoff,"How long has it been-months? Alfonsina, my father would sometimes be away for seasons, years at a time and it did not do Edward, Thomas or I any damage. Did my mother stray-no! She was a mother for us and a wife for him-never in all those years of marriage -and happy marriage- did either he or she take a lover."

I glance up, my eyes wide and full of shock,"How...how did you know? Who told you?"

"I am saying one more time.. I am not having any lover or something. We were drunk and when we woke up we didn't remember anything. So it means that there is nothing between us. It isn't obvious."

Then she frowned.

"You told me Elizabeth.. Don't you remember?"

I laugh lightly and hold my cheeks in my hands,"Oh yes-forgive me,"I reply lightly and add,"I swear it-since I have had William my mind has melted, especially since my return to court."

I then glance over to the crib and then to Alfonsina,"I have-I mean, yes. I have seen him again."

She smiled softly.

"Did you talk anything? I mean what will happen between you?"

i glance down coyly,"In troth I do not know what will happen...but he says, he says he loves me."