Thomas Howard's bedroom

Anne said with a bit of fear
yes father, it is true, I do not bled for a month

He rose his hand to slap her but stopped half-way, instead he growled and walked away from her, grabbing the first servant he saw by the arm.

You! Go and get a doctor! and as the startled servant rushed to the door, he shouted after him.
Not just any doctor, I need De Agostinos, now, hurry boy!

He went to the fireplace and tried to settle down, still breathing heavily, not looking at his daughter.
Do you know what you have done? You just ruined all your chances to conclude a fortunate marriage!

Agostino came in the Duke's chambers after the servant called him. It seemed an urgent matter. Once entered, he saw the Duke of Norfolk with his wife and his daughter and bowed deeply

Your Grace...did you want to see me?

Anne looked at him.
Father, this is my happiness

He looked up at her and laughed scornfully.

Happiness! In our circles we don't talk about happiness, but about advantage and fortune... ahh Agostino, thank you for coming so quickly! he spoke while he nodded at him.

I want you to examine my daughter and to find out if she is... with child. He added softly while looking meaningfully at him. He started to walk to the door.
I give you some privacy, meet me later in my office, your grace... and you, Anne Rose, stay here untill I return! He left the room with huge steps.

Agostino bowed deeply and nodded humbly after Norfolk's command

Your Grace..it will be done as you wish..

Once he left, he looked at lady Anne a bit perplexed. Therefore, he put down his medical bag and smiled

My Lady...it's true what your father said? Do you think of being with child?

Seeing her father leave, Anne wiped the tears
 Master Agostino , I'm pregnant, a woman feels when it is

Agostino looked at her indulgently. He took his medical bag and leaned it on table

I see, lady Howard. But your father gave me a command. Do you allow me to visit you shortly? Just for make me sure..

Anne gave her consent

Yes sir, you can visit me, and you can see the truth of my situation

Agostino nodded and showed her the bed. He wore his gloves

Could you please lie on bed and raise up your skirt, my lady? The visit will be fast, don't worry..

(knock on the door) Rose ?? can i come in ?? its me. (hope she let her in)

Anne hesitantly performs what the doctor said. She meets her mother no longer worried
"Oh lady mother, I'm glad you came.."

Agostino bowed at the Duchess. He started visiting Anne carefully, looking for any sign of pregnancy. He finished after few minutes and removed his gloves

You may cover yourself, my lady. Yes...I cnfirm that you're with child. Since almost four weeks, I think..

Anne, with so much happiness could only embrace her mother and then the doctor

Is not that wonderful?

Agostino smiled and gave her a little bottle

Congratulations, my lady. Take this medicine twice a day. It will avoid a miscarriage. Now, if you excuse me..

He bowed quickly at the two women and left the room

Darling...are you pregnant ???;

(She smiles and is happy and hugs her)

Anne thanked the doctor and after she turns to her mother

Oh mother, I am very happy but my father is disappointed and embittered, what do you think?

Well....we both must speak
( she looks at the man and he let them alone)

Darling im happy but i was shocked like your father. He is very mad but im sure he will calm down But let him time why You didnt tell me that you ...You know

Anne sits on the couch
 mother, you may call my dad?

I heard of Elizabeth's arrival and I went back to my chambers imediately to talk to her:

" Elizabeth I have no idea how this has happened to our daughter and I will not have it because she must have married without my consent and look at what she has done now".

I turn to look at Anne:

" Tell me Anne where is this husband of yours I would like to speak with him"

I nervously knock upon the door of His Grace's chamber, I had heard that His Grace's wife had arrived with their daughter. I pray that there is no ill feeling

"Your Grace, I believe you have sent for me" I gently call as a man servent opens the door

I inform the servant to follow the orders I gave him and escort my wife and daughter to Elizabeth's chambers and let Mary Dawn in and as he does my orders I approach the lady Dawn: "My love" and I kiss her on the lips "I am pleased to inform you that I hope we will marry within the next month"." How do you feel?"

I smile as I see His Grace and do not stop him from kissing me "My Love, I have missed you" I whisper as I stroke his cheek "I have not yet received word from my family but if their Majesties agree then we shall wed"

I look around his room, I know his wife had been there "Sir, do you think I should meet the Lady Howard, I do not want ill feeling with your children" I sit on the edge of his bed and pat the space by my side "Tell me Husband" I smile "What other news do you have?"

" I have missed you too my love" I say whilst nodding to the servant to let no one in whilst we are together.

" If you wish to meet the Lady Howard then let me know and I will try and arranged a meeting for you my love" I kiss her again.

" I went to Suffolk and spoke with the Lord Brandon and he has nothing against us marrying and now I just await Anne's approval to it as well as I have been unable to see her but will do soon".

" Will you come with me my love to see her?"

"I want the best for your family my dear heart, I want your children to know I never intend to be a Mother figure for them, I could never replace her in their lives. I pray they see me as a friend." I smile and place my hand upon your thigh "I think it may do the Lady Howard good to see and meet the next Lady Howard to see that I mean no harm" I giggle

"I would much like to meet your Niece, I am her lady in waiting but I have never spoken to her within a friendly occasion" I look down "How is Lady Mary? I do hope she finds the happiness she deserves" I frown as the last time I saw her she was being reprimanded about Sir Francis