Garden

Margaret laughed. "You are so right, Men cannot have the glory in all things!" She looked around the garden and admired the beauty of the place.

Catherine looked at the book 'Tis about an italian poet, called dante' she said with a smile.

Margaret looked at Lady Catherine. "I have never heard of such a poet. Are his works any good?" Margaret asked wanting to know.

"Charles reached the garden with Anthony. He looked at him with a wide smile on his face"

It has been a while since we had some free time to spend together, my friend...

"He said sincerly, enjoying his company even more, especially after William Compton's death"

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After confessing to Charles about Charlotte and our child, I knew I could always confide in him. We walked through the gardens and I realized he knew me but knowing about him was more difficult than pulling teeth.

I locked my hands behind my back "So it seems you have a lot of free time lately. Aren't you supposed to be ruling the country?" I asked with smirk.

"Charles looked curiously at him and shrugged a bit"

For doing what? What are you saying, my friend? Oh...I leave this job to Norfolk. He is much more experienced than me. And, in any case...meetings with ambassadors are so boring! Middle aged men...liars and hypocrites...

"He answered while walking, looking around garden"

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I laughed and continued walking "Would you prefer that they were women?" I asked knowing the answer to my own question.

"Charles giggled for his words and nodded"

My friend...if ambassadors were women...I'd serve my country day and...night!

"He laughed and glanced teasingly at him. Suddenly he noticed Catherine who was walking towards them"

Ahh...here you are...

"He showed her a charming smile and bowed with his head"

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Catherine was walking with her ladies through the garden when she came across Charles and the man she didn't knew. ''Your Grace!'' She said sweetly as she curtsied to them.

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"Charles noticed that she was holding the book he gave her and smiled. He turned towards Anthony"

I introduce you my pupil, lady Catherine Willoughby. Catherine, he is my friend sir Anthony Knivert...

"He said with a proud smile on his face"

I smiled charmingly at the beautiful young lady. "It's a pleasure to meet you, my lady" I said as I wondered exactly why Charles took in such a young and beautiful lady if he hadn't had his way with her already.

Catherine looked at Anthony, and gave a little nod toward him. ''It is truly a pleasure to meet you,my lord!'' She said with a bright smile.

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"Charles smiled warmly and turned towards Anthony again"

Anthony is a very good rider...

"He said giggling, patting softly his arm"

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I laughed "Only when I fall off!" I said trying not be as cocky as Charles may have made me out to be.

"Charles laughed and turned his eyes towards Catherine again"

Are you enjoying your walk?

"He asked smiling"

Catherine laughed softly and then turned her eyes to Charles. ''Yes,your Grace!'' She replied with a small smile.

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"Charles nodded and smiled wide at her"

Good. Then I won't hold you back further...

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"He bowed with his head and stepped back, allowing her to walk away. He watched her leaving silently and turned to Anthony with a smile"

She is very pretty...isn't she?

"He winked"

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I watched Catherine as she carried on with her ladies. I turned to Charles, "Yes, she's very beautiful" I said wondering what he had up his sleeve.

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"Charles giggled and looked at his friend with a smile on his face. He wondered Anthony's opinion about Catherine, now that he met her in person"

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I'm going to marry her...

"He announced him with joy, patting softly his arm"

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I looked at him with a shocked look on my face. I went to look back at Catherine but she had already turned the corner. I turned back to Charles, "Well all I can I say is congratulations! It's been far too long since Margaret passed, you need a new wife." I shook his hand and padded his back.

"Charles nodded and smiled back at him"

Yes...Her mother, lady Maria De Salinas, asked me to give her a title and a good position at court. You know...her family had some difficulties after her father's death. But...if she'll become duchess of Suffolk, lady Maria could come back in England from Spain, and all her problems will be solved...

"He took a deep breath, before adding"

I talked with Alfonsina. She has been sick, recently. She...asked me to send you her best wishes for your marriage...

"He added, curious to see his reaction"

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"Good for you Charles, I'm very happy for you." I said as I stood against the wall. When he mentioned Alfonisa I become concerned, even though we parted on bad terms. "Is she alright, what kind of illness does she have?" I asked becoming full of anguish for her and her family.

"He sighed and glanced around garden"

She had a fever...a puerperal fever, maybe. Her physician was fearing for her life. But now she is much better, thank God. She is still weak...and still can't go out from her room. But her life is not in danger anymore...

"He paused for a while, before adding"

I am her son's godfather. And once she will be completely alright, we'll arrange his christening...

I became concerned when he told me of Alfonsina's illness. She I know longer spoke, although she would always be in my heart. "I think I shall pay her a visit just to make she's alright" I said as everything we had went through came flooding back.