Alfonsina Garcia's Bedroom

Margaret looked sadly at her. Love? Cesare never showed love to her. She burst into tears and stood up "Im sorry...I am so sorry.." She whispered among tears and left fastly her room

"Charles decided to visit Alfonsina and walked towards her chambers. He hadn't talked with her since long time and he wished to greet her. He knocked at her door"

Alfonsina...may I come in?

She was brushing her hair when she heard a knock on the door.

"Come in please.."

She answered softly.

"Charles entered in the room and smiled as he saw Alfonsina. He closed the door and took a step towards her"

Alfonsina...how long time! How are you? I find you even more beautiful every time I see you...

"He smiled and came closer"

After the door was opened she turned her head and saw Charles. She smiled widely and then stood up. She came closer to him and hugged him tightly.

"Charles! Oh I missed you so much. But I am angry with you also. Why didn't you come to see me before?"

"Charles hugged her tightly and smiled wide. He leaned his hands on her shoulders"

You're right...you must forgive me, darling. But I have been very busy with my marriage. I married my pupil last week in Suffolk...

"He explained without leaving her eyes"

She opened her eyes widely.

"Really? Not a big wedding for this time ha?"

She smiled.

"How is your marriage dear?"

"Charles kissed deeply her hands and looked into her eyes"

Uhm...it's not bad. Catherine is very sweet and I wish to make her happy. What about you, darling?

"He asked while stroking softly her hands in his"

She smiled and rubbed his cheeks slowly.

"I hope she will make you happy too Charles.."

Then she answered his question.

"Me? Things are the same with me. Nothing changes. I am quite bored here actually. But my little boy loves here and he never wants to leave. When I talk about going back to Genoa , he always insists on staying a little bit longer."

"Charles smiled with joy and nodded"

He is right. I insist too, darling. I don't want to lose my beautiful friend and my godson. And what about...your private life? Come on...sit with me and tell me how many suitors you have...

"He sat on the sofa and looked meaningfully at her"

She laughed a little bit and joined him to sit on the sofa. She shook her head while still smiling widely.

"Believe me Charles.. I have no suitors. I guess noone likes widows anymore."

She answered playfully.

"Charles laughed and shook his head"

I don't believe you. Is it possible that such beautiful woman has no suitors? They must be blind...

"He said with teasing voice, staring at her beautiful face"

"They are blind , then.. Or maybe I am too coward for something like that."

She smiled by looking down.

"Charles sighed and reached her hand. He squeezed it softly"

You're not coward, Alfonsina. That's not easy finding someone who is really in love. And I'm sure you'll find this man very soon. Trust me...

"He smiled and touched softly her chin with his other hand"

"Actually the men who are because my heart beats fast are generally either married or engaged. That's why I am not looking for anything anymore Charles. But of course I agree with you. It's hard to find someone who is right for you."

Then she stood up.

"How silly I am. Sorry.. I didn't ask you. Would you like to have some wine?"

"Charles smiled warmly and nodded"

Oh yes...I'd like too, thank you. But only if it is your excellent italian wine. Do you still have it?

"He asked while leaning his back against the sofa"

She smiled warmly and nodded.

"Of course.. I always have , you know."

She winked and took two goblets. Then she opened a bottle of Italian wine. Wine was poured to the goblets softly.After she gave one goblet to Charles and she took the other for herself. She again sat down near him and took a sip from the wine.

"I hope you like it. So.. Tell me what's new with your life my dear friend?"

"Charles took the goblet she gave him and took a sip from wine. He tasted it deeply and looked at her"

Uhm...delicious, as I remembered. Well...I'm still trying getting used of being married again. Catherine wants children. I already have five from Anna, and I am even grandfather. So...I'm a bit scared...

"He added with a forced smile and took another sip"

She smiled and squeezed his hand.

"Don't be afraid.. It's good to have many children. It means you will never be alone. They will be always with you. Also think of Catherine.. She shouldn't be alone when you have some work to do."

"Charles nodded while smiling and looked at her hand on his"

Yes...that's true. I'm not saying I don't want children from her, cause I'm sure she will be a good mother. But I think it's normal having some fear in my situation. And who knows? Maybe my grandon will have a brother or a sister soon...

"He winked and sipped again. He looked at her beautiful face, hoping to see a smile"

She smiled widely and took another sip from the wine.

"Oh.. Charles. I sometimes envy your life. It's like an adventure with a lot of actions."

Then she continued with smiling and she rolled her eyes.

"My life is boring like older people's."

"Charles laughed while shooking his head"

Come on...it can't be so boring, Alfonsina. I think you just need some fun. You take care of Rinaldo all day, and you have so few time for yourself. Maybe you should meet new people...

"He added thoughtfully, grinning a bit at the end of his sentence"

She smiled playfully after his grin.

"I know right? I should meet some new ones. When does this court have another entartainment again?"

She asked half-mockingly.

"Charles giggled"

I don't know. But maybe I can introduce someone interesting to you. You know I'm very well known at court...

"He said after sipping his wine"

Alfonsina giggled too after his words.

"Of course I know it. Who doesn't know? Tell me.. Whom will you introduce me with?"