Chapter 4: Confessions

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Two weeks later.

Charles was still fretting over Ava's health, despite her assurances that she was growing in strength every day; he frequently wondered if he could gain the King's permission to remain in Suffolk over the Christmas period if his ward was not fit to make the journey to court. Although when he had broached the subject with her, Ava had insisted that if for some reason she was not able to travel at the end of the coming week then he should not alter his plans. If Henry did grant him permission to remain on his own estate he couldn't risk concealing the reason from his friend, she was too intelligent for that; having already outsmarted him. The previous week he had still been trying to hide the fact that the villager she had so struggled to assist had died of his injuries the morning after their rescue; she knew his non-committal replies meant he was hiding something and so when Charles had left, she had asked his steward a fly away question and he had answered truthfully, unaware he was betraying his master. Charles had been furious at the man, but Ava had reasoned with him and made him feel thoroughly ashamed that he had been so vile to his loyal servant. He could also see that the truth of the man's demise had utterly devastated Ava, even though she tried to hide it.

The Duke of Suffolk turned to smile at Ava who was walking alongside him wrapped in the warmest clothing possible, as they strolled some of the gardens near to his large house.

"Honestly, Charles I wish you would stop looking at me as though I might shatter into a thousand pieces at a moment's notice." Ava shook her blonde head smiling "I am perfectly well now, and I needed the fresh air. If you keep me cooped up inside then I will be ill again within the month" She argued succinctly, and he had to agree with her logic.

"I admit defeat – as long as you keep to your promise that if you feel tired or cold you will tell me at once" He waited until she nodded her response before he squeezed her hand that rested on his arm. "Did the doctor say if you would be able to travel soon?" He held his breath as he waited for an answer.

"He did, he is very please with me, and said that I am sufficiently recovered enough to travel for the Christmas season, as long as I still take plenty of rest while we are away he believes I will be back to normal by the new year."

"I am so very glad, Christmas at court is too magical to miss!" Charles grinned like a small boy.

"Indeed it is Charles! Why would anyone want to remain away once invited!" A voice boomed from behind Charles, the friends turned to be greeted by the smiling face of the King of England, they both made the appropriate displays of respect and then Henry moved to embrace Charles laughing and place a light kiss on Ava's cheek.

"No one would ever wish to avoid Christmas with you Henry, but we had feared that Ava would have to forgo the enjoyment this year – she had a fever a couple of weeks ago, but she is much better now" Charles explained, Ava blushed as Henry turned his wide eyed, concerned attention to her.

"If I had known I would have sent my personal physician to you my dear! Are you sure you are recovered?"

"Indeed your Majesty, I will soon be as though nothing ever happened. And I am so very excited about the forthcoming celebrations."

"Good, good. Charles there something I need to discuss with you privately, shall we walk?" Henry suggested not so discreetly. Ava obliged.

"If you will excuse me you Majesty I am feeling a little tired, I think I shall return to the house and get warm."

"Of course Ava – Sir Anthony Knivert is already inside trying to get warm after our journey I am sure he is in need of some company."Henry inclined his head to her as she left swiftly.

"Is she really well Charles?"

"I very much believe so Henry. I confess I thought I might lose her at one point – the fever was very aggressive and she didn't seem to be strong enough to fight it." Henry eyed his best friend suspiciously, whilst Charles remained looking at the ground he stepped on.

"Ava is actually what I wanted to discuss with you. Sir Anthony and I were passing through on our return home and thought to take rest here; which allows me to have this talk with you before we all return to court together" Henry explained, Charles was used to his friend assuming he could go where he wanted when he chose and that everyone would do his bidding. "She really is a stunning young woman Charles and she is of the age when she should be happily married."

"No one has approached me, and she is such a good friend that I would not see her married to anyone who would make her unhappy!" Charles argued with more force than he meant to and a smirk appeared on Henry's face.

"How could they when she has been hiding away here for a good few weeks? Anyway I agree with your sentiment and I did say a happy marriage. Sir Anthony was very taken with her..." Henry began, stopping as Charles' eyes threatened to fall out of their sockets, horror crossing his handsome features. Unable to form words to fill the gap Henry had left Charles allowed the King to continue. "Then of course there is the most obvious option my friend" Henry raised his eyebrows suggestively.

"Which is?" Charles could barely breath; his heart was beating so fast in his chest at the possibility that he might lose Ava. Henry gave a slight chuckle.

"Well let us assess the facts. There are rumours at court about the Duke of Suffolk and the very many ladies who pant after him".

"There are always rumours about me!" Charles reasoned.

"Ahh but these are different. According to several sources you have put aside your mistresses and the delights of the flesh that you are usually so fond of and now live a life of abstinence. You also apparently drink less and behave far better than you ever have. Oh and your last letter was almost poetic." Henry covered his grin as his friend frowned at him.

"I don't understand"

"As far as I can work out, this miraculous change occurred around about the time that Lady Berresford returned to our company."

"I have responsibilities now Henry" Charles argued, fearful that Henry would disapprove of his attachment to Ava.

"Admit it man! It is plain for me to see that you have reformed your character because you want to impress the woman you have fallen in love with and that woman is Ava is it not? I can see it in the way you look at her...it's the same way I look to the Lady Anne." Henry pressed bringing their stroll to a halt as he stared at one of his oldest and dearest friends.

"I was not sure you would approve and I certainly don't know how Ava feels, if she does not return my feelings then I cannot pressure her into a union and I certainly would not wish to lose her friendship." He rubbed his face "What should I do?"

"Court her Charles! Over Christmas, shower her with affection, show her that your affection is real and not passing, I am sure she cares for you in the same way. You must also keep others away; Sir Antony for one is very keen" Henry snorted as Charles looked back to the house in concern "Come then let us return before he can start to seduce your beautiful wife to be!"