Bench under tree

I grinned,"Thank you and I should think that your happiness is not far away...should you wish to have children when you marry again?"

I touched her hand softly,"I will pray for your happiness-you are a kind and good woman who deserves the kindest of men."

I then think to Alfonsina and how she will soon give Edward a child,"I have always wanted a child-I can't imagine anything more magical..."

"Do you ever think you will return to where you have come from...perhaps you will find a husband there? Although would The King have to give you leave to return home?"

I sigh wistfully thinking of my eagerness to travel.

"I'd love to go to Germany...maybe France or Spain. My brother Thomas went on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and he said it were one of the most beautiful countries in the world. I think -however- Scotland is the most beautiful country. My family own a little home there and I can think of nowhere more magical-it is almost as if there has been a spell cast over the land and even in the most grey days the fields still seem greener than emeralds and the flowers bloom without fail every summer."

I glance at the flowers here and the grass but it can't compare to where I feel my heart is pulled,"Would you choose love and a Kings displeasure or a Kings happiness to sacrifice your own?"

"The rainiest days are the best...or snow!"

I smile at memories from my child hood when I spent days wondering around the fields of Scotland or the grounds around my home in Kent. My brothers playing archery together and me trying to keep track of scores as I made daisy chains neath my favourite willow tree.

"I believe so...however it may not be the easiest option,"I then whisper,"May I ask you something?"

I look down and begin to gather my hair to one side and run my fingers through it,"How do you...know when a man...is...well...."

I laugh gently and look up as I begin to braid my hair,"Well when a man...is interested in you."

"Well...I do not know if I am too high but...well I met a man and he was very handsome and very charming and seemed to take an interest in me,"I pause and add with a playful smile,"He is from Scotland...infact his brother is...well he is the King."

I then flush and hold my head in my hands,"Oh I am fool! He probably has a whole store of lovers and would not be interested in I..."

I then turn to Nan,"I am sure many men fight for your hand...if my brother were not married I know for certain he would be one of them,"I give her a wink.

I smile at her kind words,"I hope to have found a friend in you as I have been given kindness from you."

I then giggle and run my fingers through the braid I made with my hair,"I know so...have you spoke with him recently?"

"Edward? I have not seen him since he returned and now I hear that Alfonsina has had her child and I have not been told by him or her if it is true,"I reply kindly.

I let out a sigh,"So it is true."

I then add softly,"I find it strange...before he met Alfonsina he told me everything and now he barely has time for anything or anyone. I know he is married now but...he seems so very anxious to please her and ensure her happiness that he has no energy for anything else..."

"When we were growing up together he taught me more than my tutors did; taught me how to play the lute, he has a wonderful talent for music...and poetry, taught me how to ride,"I add with a grin,"How to defend myself ...he was very protective of me. I -in my small ways- taught him how dance well-taught him the newest dances for Italy or France..."

I pause and reply in a whisper,"He probably thanked you for allowing him to be himself...I should think it exhausting how he lives now."

"Well yes...and no. I believe that he feels he has done everything in his power to care for Alfonsina and love her- he hasn't even taken a mistress and usually men would whilst their wife was with child,"I pause and tuck a tendril of hair behind my ear,"If I speak frankly I believe he is...well that he is of the belief he does not have her whole heart."