Victoria Brandon's bedchamber

"Charles smiled approaching her slowly"

I'm not accusing you, darling. I know you're a virtuos and devoted wife. But...Princess Mary Rose is like a sister to me. She got upset because one of her ladies saw her husband coming out from your room...

"He explained, without leaving his eyes from her"

Tell her that there is no need to worry about her husband and I." she takes a sip as she pours another glass and offers it to him "She can trust little old me she sits down on the sofa as she fixes the wrinkles on her skirt

"Charles sat next to her smiling softly"

I know that Thomas neglected you, recently. And maybe...you looked for consolation in another man. I know you did nothing wrong, darling. But people have fun gossipping about everyone in this court. So be careful, next time...

"He said with low but firm voice"

" True, but i just had a little too much and some how i got a taste of his lips." she took a few sips of her ale "I'm sure I won't go crazy next time he is away for too long. I should of talked to somebody instead of acting a bit unladylike she takes a deep breath and lets it out to forget how her heart felt frozen "So, how is Lady Catherine?"

"Charles decided not to comment about this kiss between her and the Duke. He didn't even know he kissed his beloved child. He just smiled weakly"

Well...His Grace and the Princess are in Scotland, now. So...I guess this misunderstanding will be soon forgotten. And...Catherine is fine, yes. I admit I neglected her too, and she is jealous as always. But we're trying to have a baby...

"He answered looking tenderly at her"

She smiles as he mentions about him and Catherine having children"You are? That is wonderful to hear. she takes a sip as Elizabeth's governess brings Elizabeth and gives her to Victoria "Well this is quite unexpected." Victoria thanks the governess and dismisses her " I'm sure you've been wanting to see your Grandchild." she says as she smiles at Elizabeth

"Charles smiled warmly seeing little Elizabeth"

Ohh...my beautiful grandchild. I missed you. And I'm sure you'll become beautiful like your mother...right? May I hold her?

"He asked to Victoria, extending his arms towards the baby"

Elizabeth fiddled with Victoria's necklace as she put her down. Victoria whispered a few words in the child's ear then Elizabeth crawled to her grandfather. "She certainly has her mother's beauty."

"Charles took Elizabeth in his arms nodding at Victoria. He kissed the baby's forehead"

Naturally...she already has. Who knows? Perhaps she'll have a brother or a sister soon...Would you like having other children, darling? I'm sure Thomas will love this idea...

"He said smiling, caressing Elizabeth's delicate cheek"

Victoria fixes Elizabeth's hair before she sits down again "I would love to have many children as long as he is here." she sits back down "I would like to have a son for once." she fiddles her locks for a moment "I sometimes have a feeling that all men want a son in their family."

"Charles laughed"

Well...more or less. I have two sons, and I'm so proud of Charlie and Edward. But I also love deeply Catalina, Jane and little Margaret. Oh...and you, of course. You're my light, and I'm sure you'll give me many grandchildren...

"He smiled, watching little Elizabeth playing with his doublet"

I will give you more than expected." she says with a teasing smile "As long I give Thomas a son or two she takes a few sips of her ale while admiring Elizabeth

"Charles nodded smiling at Elizabeth"

You're a very good mother, Victoria. Sometimes I still see your mother in your eyes. And this little angel is so lucky having you...

"He kissed softly Elizabeth's head"

Victoria smiles at the comment"I may have my mother's eyes but, we all have the Brandon look she chuckles a little

"Charles laughed"

Ohh...surely. We Brandon's have something...special. So...have you planned something for tomorrow evening? I'd like having dinner all together. I mean you, Thomas, Catherine and I. What do you think?

"He winked caressing softly Elizabeth's head"

"Let me think." she thinks for a minute "My schedule isn't that busy so, i can squeeze a dinner on that day. She hopes Thomas will be there

"Charles looked at her with an amused glance"

Oh...my daughter is a busy woman, I see. And also one of the most admired ladies in court. So thank you for granting me your precious time...

"He said jokingly and raised up little Elizabeth with his hands"

And this pretty lady is invited too, of course. My beautiful Lizzie...

Victoria smiled at the thought of having a little family dinner "That sounds wonderful. How often does a child join her mother and father at a meal? she smiles widely as Elizabeth giggles

"Charles smiled her back and put little Elizabeth sat on his lap again"

I just hope that Catherine will accept to join us. She is...unhappy, recently. For some reason, she even asked me to break our marriage. And I don't know what to do...

"He admitted with a deep sigh"

Victoria puts a hand on her heart "That is terrible. I can kind of see why she would take a break from you." tears start to fall slowly down her cheeks "I think the both of you could separate for a few days. Maybe you could start seeing that Lady Nan you once had an interest for."

"Charles noticed tears falling from her eyes and extended his hand to dry them, holding Elizabeth with his other arm"

Oh no, darling...don't cry. Catherine and I are trying to solve our problems. And...about Nan, you know very well that I had much more than an interest for her. We had a son...

"He gulped for a moment, took a breath and looked around room"

Even if our little Daniel is gone, she is still very important in my life. Hope you understand...

"Heaven forbid if divorce happens." she wipes the last tears with her fingers "There might be a chance to be with her or the other women

"Charles took another breath, still rocking slowly Elizabeth on his knees"

I don't want to divorce from Catherine. I love her. Nan would never accept to be my mistress, and we're not intimate since very long time. Same with Anna. But Catherine doesn't accept other women in my life. And I don't know what to do to save this marriage...

"He said sincerely, turning his eyes to hers"

"I don't know what else to say to solve this." she takes a deep breath "She could be crazy or something. I know you love her but, maybe she needs to be alone to relieve herself for a day or so." Victoria hopes the dinner won't be canceled.

"Charles frowned and looked curiously at her"

Are you suggesting me to leave her alone for a while? What if she feels neglected?

"He asked, hoping to do the right thing"