Thanks for the feedback! I got excited so I dropped this chapter sooner than expected...It's kinda of long but I hope you guys will enjoy it.
Disclaimer: I don't owe anything
Chapter 2
Charles stood with the Duke of Norfolk and George Boleyn drinking wine, watching the party unfold before them. Lady Anne seemed to have had success with King Francis. He knew this could very well lead to a royal wedding next week.
"My sources have told me that King Francis has been open to discussion regarding a match between one of his daughter's and the King's future son."
Charles snapped his head away from the dancing and looked Norfolk "She's pregnant?" he asked pretending to act surprised while successfully masking his disgust.
"Not yet but she is late. The faster she is pregnant the more pressure the King will get his divorce and marry her." Norfolk crossed his arms smugly watching his King laugh with his niece. "Cromwell had just completed the oath and it's ready to be drafted into law as soon as we arrive in England. The reformation has reached our doors. Not that I care for it but it has definitely helped us. "
Charles he took another swig of his wine not trusting himself to speak.
"Another thing uncle I have it in good hand that the Lady Mary seems to have moved from her residence in Ludelow."
" To where?" Asked Charles looking from his cup curiously. How does he knew she left? Did he have her spied on too?
Thomas shrugged. "To Hudson I believe. They could not specify where exactly. I shall keep your graces posted."
"Hudson? I did not expect that." Norfolk said completely puzzled. " She truly is an annoying obstacle. How do we get rid of that bastard before Anne has her son?"
"We can hope she dies with an illness or who knows maybe she can have unfortunate accident of some sort." Thomas responded wistfully.
"Yes wouldn't that be a blessing." Charles told him as he squeezed cup hard. He was fighting with every nerve not to kill Norfolk or his bitch of a nephew.
Then he saw two French noblewomen look at him suggestively, they were beautiful with golden ringlets and green eyes. Sisters? He thought as he decided to use them as his escape. "Now gentlemen if you will excuse me. It is my last night in France and I intend to make the most of it."
"You never change do you Suffolk." Said the Duke of Norfolk with disgust as Thomas chuckled raising his glass to cheering him on. Charles looked back at them and bowed. One more minute he would have skewered them.
Later at night he laid naked in bed unable to sleep. He missed England; he missed his son and even his new wife though he spent only few hours with her since their wedding. His mind always wondered back to her because Charles felt she would be a wise and supportive companion. He didn't know why he felt that way despite not knowing her at all. He toyed with the idea of bringing Mary to court countless of times. Besides who would recognize her? The last time anyone has seen her was when she was a child and now she was 16 , barely unrecognizable. With her dark chocolate hair, icy blue eyes, ivory cream complexion and slender tall figure she was a beauty. Her features hinted at her Mediterranean heritage and it was so striking that you couldn't keep your eyes from her face. He suddenly felt someone shift beside him, it was a woman of course. He decided not go to bed with the blonde sisters although he had his fun with them but it was this woman with black hair and blue eyes. The first thought that crossed his mind when he noticed her was that she reminded him of Mary.
Fidelity for him was definitely not his strong point in his marriages nor did he feel truly guilty but lately he did feel a bit of regret. When he first arrived in France he did not engage with any women for two weeks. It wasn't until Henry told him to behave normal so he would not raise suspicion that he began to bed women. The problem was that he told himself he'd only do it once and pretend with the rest but he got too carried away in his old habits.
He watched as the sun begins to rise and finally went to get ready as their envoy was to leave around noon.
**Suffolk Estate**
Even though she was in her room with her eyes closed she was not sleeping. The rain was pouring hard and normally she loved it when it rained because it helped her fall right to sleep, but not tonight. She felt a bit restless and she did not know why. Mary looked at the child in her arms; he had become so attached to her (as she was to him) that it was not enough that they spend every waking hour together. But also he seemed to also find his way into her chambers in her bed almost every night.
She and Henry picked flowers every few days for the house. He was a very active boy and she always did her best to match his energy whether it was to run around the garden with him, pick flowers or just walk around the grounds, explore, sing songs, draw together and play some tennis. Of course tennis meant just him chasing the ball around with racquet aimlessly. She always laughed at how his face lit up in amazement when she tried to demonstrate how to hit the ball as if she performed a miracle. The reality was she was a horrible tennis player largely because she is clumsy and her father did not approve of girls playing sports. Especially, not the Princess of Wales.
Mary also began teach him how to read and write. Eventually she will to introduce other languages but presently she was trying to teach him how to pray in English then hopefully in Latin. Even though he was just a three year old but his mind was a sponge and he was very intelligent. She was completely in love with her son and felt proud to be his mother.
She felt very comfortable running her own home and Lady Bryn was a blessing. She rearranged the furniture and changed the curtains to off white and gold with red embroidery and almost every room had flowers. Mary hoped these changes will please the Duke. That was the last thing she thought of as she fell asleep.
By the time Charles reached home the rain had stopped. He got off his horse and was quickly greeted by Eric his 14 year old stable boy.
"Your Grace." The boy bowed greeting him
"Eric you seem to have gotten taller since I last saw you." Charles told him. "It's really late why haven't you gone to bed yet?"
"I forgot to lock the stables, forgive me your grace."
Charles shook his head "Don't worry. Is everyone asleep?" He asked leading his horse to the stables with Eric closely following him.
"Yes your grace. Pray tell did you come here by yourself? With no protection?" Eric looked around and saw none of his bodyguards with him.
"Indeed. I just could not wait to be home I did not think about bringing protection."
The boy nodded "I can get the someone to open the door your grace."
"No need to make a commotion. Did you come from the back kitchen?"
Erik nodded "Yes."
"Thank you. I trust you will take of the rest."
"Aye sir."
Charles quickly walked through the back kitchen door and swiftly made his way up the stairs. Some of his servants quietly greeted him but he urged them to be quiet.
He first went to Henry's room but he heard the guard whisper. "You will find him in Lady Brandon's chambers." He looked at his servant and thanked him then made his way to the left wing.
He stopped at her door and quietly dismissed his guard and he silently crept into the room. Then he realized his wet boots made an awful sound but to his surprise they did not wake up. Were they dead? He thought. Charles found Henry asleep beside Mary who had her arm wrapped around his boy protectively. Charles knew he missed his home and family but he was a little taken back by how much he actually missed his new wife. He bent over to kiss his son on his chubby cheek and then looked over at Mary. Her long dark tresses spilled all over her pillow like ribbons, her face was serene. After a few moments of taking them in he made his way to his chambers.
He spent the few days catching up on paper work and sending out letters in his study. Charles did not have much time to spend with Henry and Mary but he did see them during meals. Things have changed for the better since his marriage to Mary. He noticed his son and Mary spend most their time outside or in the library reading and drawing for hours. Sometimes he could hear her play the lute or virginals in the main room which he enjoyed listening to. Until it was Henry's turn to play Charles tried hard not to throw himself out the window out of sheer annoyance. Seems his son didn't have the patience to play anything rhythmic and would go rogue over all the keys after 2 minutes into the lesson.
He stood up from his chair and looked outside the window. Mary and Henry were playing tennis; his son seemed to never fail to be shocked at how Mary hit the ball with the racquet. She would only hit the ball against the wall as Henry was too small to play with someone. He saw him pull on her black gown to whisper in her hear and pointed toward the field, his young wife nodded and took her racquet. Mary threw the ball up and made a move to swing it over her hand hard but she completely missed. This sent Henry into a fit a laughter and Mary stood looking confused as to how she missed it.
Charles sighed thinking of the request he received from the King. He wanted him back at court by tomorrow because there were pressing matters that needed to be dealt. But these days everything was urgent, and as each day passed the more intense things became. Something big was coming and it will definitely change history. Charles then decided if he was going to leave to court tomorrow for who knows how long then he should at least spend a few hours with Henry and Mary.
Mary was tying up Henry's laces when she heard heavy footsteps. She turned her head and saw the Duke walk towards them. She quickly stood up and bowed "Your grace."
Charles put his hand up ease her. "My Lad-" He didn't get to finish because Henry launched himself at him unexpectedly.
"How is my boy today?" He asked Henry.
Henry looked at him and smiled. "Today? Today I'm having a lot of fun with mother."
"Is that right? You haven't gotten bored yet?"
Henry looked at his father wide eyed. "No! We always have something to do."
Mary picked up the racquets on the ground listening to their exchange.
"Is there something the matter, your grace?"
" Can't a man spend time with his wife and child?" He questioned as he put Henry down.
Mary looked stunned realizing how her question may have sounded. "Of course."
Charles shook his head and placed a hand on her shoulder. Mary looked at the contact and slowly looked at him unsure what to do.
"I was watching you two playing tennis and saw you miss that serve. I thought I could perhaps show you how it's done. May I?"
Mary handed him a racquet.
"Thank you, now Henry this is much to your benefit as it is your mother. So watching me closely." He told his son who looked on gleefully.
The Duke threw the ball up high and as it started to come down he bent his knees and with a powerful overhand he slammed the ball hard. The ball went flying several yards across the field and soon became unrecognizable in the air. Charles couldn't help think he over did it as he watched the ball drop onto the soft grass.
Mary and Henry suddenly broke into applause.
"No wonder my father always esteemed you as his rival in sports." Mary commented as she took hold of her own racquet. She didn't want to show she was clearly impressed with the Duke's athleticism.
"That is because he loses more times than wins against me." Charles smiled mischievously at Mary who shook her head smiling softly.
Mary cleared her throat and smoothed out her dress. "Well now its my turn." She told them feeling slightly competitive. She adjusted her stance trying to mimic the Duke's position and was about to throw the ball up until she felt his hand on her arms. He leaned on her shoulder and repositioned her hand. "Hold the racquet like this."
Mary suddenly felt herself grow uncomfortable. "Bend your knees that will give you power." With Charles standing so close made Mary feel awkward. She wasn't sure if she liked being this close to him or not yet.
"Throw the the ball up" And she did as she was told. They watched the ball begin to fall and Mary made a move to swing. The ball did not make it very far, nowhere near to how far he went.
"Ah, maybe the next one." He told her lightly as his blue eyes lit up teasingly. "It is a good thing we did not wager a bet. Otherwise you would be a poor woman"
Mary raised a brow at him not missing his little taunt. "Gambling is unchristian." She told him dryly and then turned her back from him. Mary began to undo the strings of her corset. If she was going to do well then she needed to at least breath properly.
Charles stared at her in confusion wondering what she was doing. Then he saw laces being pulled out, was she undoing her dress?
"Henry!" She called out. "Stay right over there, I shall serve one more time."
Mary looked back at the Duke who now had his arms crossed amused. "Do you need my assistance my lady?"
"No thank you." She looked determined and Charles gazed at her intrigued. Maybe she had more Tudor qualities then he anticipated.
Mary threw the ball up and with her right hand she crushed the ball with all her might. The ball hurled fast into the air and flew far. Not as far as Charles but enough that it was impressive all on its own.
They heard their son gasp in amazement and then looked back at her with a shocked expression on his face.
Mary smiled in triumph and handed the Duke her racquet. "How does that suit your grace?" She asked him. Before he could answer she turned around walked towards Henry.
"Let us see who can find the ball first!" She said.
Charles saw her run quickly across the field to find the ball. After a few moments Henry leaped on to her suddenly and they both fell on to the ground.
Mary picked up Henry in her arms and walked towards Charles. She smothered the boy with small kisses on his neck causing him to squeal.
"It tickles!" He screamed. "Papa help me!"
Mary put Henry down, who then proceeded to grabbed each parent's hand.
"Well done." Charles told her as they walked back.
"Thank you."
"I can see that Tudor competitiveness did not escape you"
Mary looked away embarrassed, "Or it could be the stubborn Spanish side of me."
Charles smirked knowingly. "Yes of course."
**Later that day**
Charles and Mary sat in front of each other with their dinner served. It was their first time being alone together since they've gotten married. Although he was home for nearly a week he was mostly confined in his study. Mary had changed into dark violet dress with black and golden embroidery of roses. A large gold cross necklace hung down below her breasts. It once belonged to her grandmother Isabel of Castile and one of her few prized possessions. It was her finest outfit; her cousin Philip sent her the dress over a year ago. The King of Spain has been has been generous to help Mary and her mother but Mary suspected it had been at Chapuys' behest that the Emperor even bothered. All her other gowns were plain mainly because her father cut her allowance by half a few years ago and she has heard reports that her mother also faced the same cut. After living humbly for so long Mary learned to be more frugal and she no longer not cared for fashion or luxuries like her father does.
Charles dressed in his usual black attire but suddenly felt under-dressed when he saw Mary. He felt the same way when Margret first came into the house, she made him feel very unworthy. In his life he's married two princesses and how he managed to do so was inexplicable. "You look lovely this evening."
"Thank you, your grace." Mary said before taking a nervous sip of her wine.
Charles took a few grapes and looked at her dress again. "Not a black dress either. I'm surprised."
"Black is my favorite color."
"Is it?" He asked surprised. "That's unusual."
"Why is it unusual?"
"Most women like lively colors."
" I am not like most women."
" I am beginning to realize that. Are you also against gifts as well?"
Mary stared at him for a moment and then realized what he implying.
"You should not have troubled yourself, your grace." She told him as she cut into her duck.
"Of course I should and I haven't given you a wedding gift yet." Charles responded, why is it when he tries to do something nice for her, she makes it so difficult?
"You gave me a home." She said looking at her goblet not wanting to meet his eyes. "That's more than enough, your grace"
Charles sighed and motioned to his servant to bring them in. The servant came in with a parcel wrapped in golden silk and two other adorned boxes. He immediately presented them to Mary.
Mary looked at Charles who just gave her a sly smirk before taking a drink from his goblet. Mary resisted the urge to roll her eyes and then it hit her how long it's been since she received any gifts. Suddenly she felt vulnerable and at the same time excited. But she made sure to keep her face cool and collected. If there was one thing she was prideful of it was that her face never betrayed her feelings.
She reached for the parcel and placed it on her lap, she guessed it was a dress. Mary unwrapped it and pulled out a silvery blue dress with long royal blue sleeves. The neckline was adorned with pearls and gold beads. The fabric of the dress had intricate patterns which was very typical of French fashion. It was very elegant and beautiful and looked very expensive.
"Do you like it?" Charles asked searching her face for a reaction. And as usual she was her face gave no emotion. In his experience whenever he gave a woman a gift her face would light up, scream in delight and ultimately fall into his bed. But Mary was another story.
Mary looked at him and nodded. "Yes, it's beautiful. Thank you."
"You don't sound so enthusiastic. I saw this was a very popular fashion amongst the women in Paris."
Mary raised her eyebrows at his statement "Is that right your grace?"
Charles nearly choked on his drink but before he could say a word Mary already moved on to the next gift.
"Whose are these from?"
"The King."
Her heart immediately started to race. "He sent gifts?" She asked opening the box.
"And a note."
"What did he say?" .
"Well," He began. "That he wanted me to come back to court immediately and that he forgot to give us a wedding present. And that I should consider it a dowry."
"I see." She said slightly disappointed. She didn't know why she would expect him to ask about her well being. It was if her life with her father never existed.
She opened the first box and found pearled choker necklace with sapphire stones hanging like chandeliers, also with the box were matching sapphires and pearled earrings.
"It seems his has upstaged me." Charles could not help but feel bothered that gift. He brought her a dress, a few actually and the King gave her a grander gift. Reminded him that he could never compete with the royals in Europe.
"It's a dowry, we can sell it."
Charles stared at her offended. She might as well added salt to the wound. "I have money Mary. I may be a mere Duke but I'm not poor." His tone was stern. He was far from poor, he was nearly as rich as King Henry he was not going to flaunt that fact to Mary, she would see it as poor taste if he did.
Mary flinched at his words.
Charles continued. "Which brings me to the next topic; since I was gone you barely managed to spend anything."
"Most husbands would be pleased if they had a wife who spent frugally."
Charles shook his head. "Yes however, you came here with very few things and I would have thought you would have brought new dresses or things for yourself. Instead you brought curtains."
"I don't understand your grace." She was confused, she would have thought he would be pleased.
"What I'm trying to say is that I know your father cut your income severely over the past few years and that is why you carry few possessions. Your dresses look to be a few years old now and are no longer suitable for a Duchess to wear."
"You want me to spend more money on myself?" She questioned him slowly.
"Yes."
"If that is what you want." She told him quietly.
Mary looked at him as he looked at his cup in deep thought. She immediately got up from her chair and walked over to him. Charles reverted his deep blue eyes into pale ones.
"Thank you for the gift." She told him staring right into his deep blue eyes.
Charles was about to respond how it wasn't necessary but her gaze distracted him. Her icy blue eyes shone brightly against the fireplace. Her nearly dark brows were arched perfectly framing her eyes flawlessly. He looked at her lips, never noticed how defined and full they were until now.
"Are you pleased?" she asked breaking the spell.
"What?" .
"I asked if you were pleased with the house."
"Yes, you have done very well. I am pleased."
Mary gave him nodded in satisfaction. "If you must leave tomorrow then I will make sure all the preparations are done."
"I have already taken care of it."
Mary tried to think of something else to talk about. She had many things she wanted to discuss with Charles but he seemed not interested in talking about matters at court. "Is there something else you want me to do? Any instructions before I retire?"
"I have something to discuss with you " Charles stopped his mind thinking. "Come to my chambers to my later."
"Yes of course. "
Mary bowed and left the room.
She waited as her maid finished combing her hair; she had just finished praying with Henry and put him to bed. He fell asleep quickly it seems Mary has succeeded yet again to exhaust his energy. She was nearly at her wits end when he asked God for little brother to play with. Though she had been married for a month and a half she was nowhere near ready for baring a child. It wasn't that she didn't find Charles attractive, she was fully aware her husband was incredibly handsome and vied after by every woman in England. She had always known that about Charles and could recall the ladies at court gossiping about the Duke and his philandering ways. Her father and the Duke were a favorite topic among the noblewomen. It was a game to them, of who can manage to seduce them into their beds. Perhaps that is why she is so unenthusiastic about sleeping with Charles. Not that she expected any husband she married to be chaste like herself but it did not necessarily mean she wanted to know about what kind of lover he was by others. She knew too much and the fact he was also her aunt's husband at one time brought a lot of conflicting feelings. Though he has been good to her so far she still did not know what type of man he truly was.
Maybe she should have just been a nun she thought comically.
Suddenly a door knock was heard, "Mary?"
Mary and her maid Sarah quickly scrambled around for robe. As soon as she had it on she rushed went opened the door but was saw the made pointed to her hair. She glanced the mirror and found it was a mess again and she furiously smoothed it through her finger and looked at Sarah again for her approval. Sarah only smiled and nodded and left her chambers.
"Your grace," She said breathlessly as she opened the door, Charles looked into her room wondering what she was doing that left her breathless.
Charles moved aside and guided her in.
"Please sit." He told her and Mary did as she was told.
"I know I have not been open to discuss about what is going on with the King." Charles began as he seated on his chair. Mary said nothing.
"Since I'm leaving tomorrow I thought I should update you as I feel that these next few weeks will be crucial for England." Charles studied Mary's face but again she remained expressionless.
Charles shrugged his shoulders not sure what to tell her. "There will be another meeting with parliament."
"For what?"
"To pass the Law of Supremacy. Cromwell has already completed the documents." Charles sighed as he realized that there was so much Mary did not know. It wasn't fair for him to keep so many things from her especially when it involved her.
"Who is Cromwell?"
"The Chancellor,"
Mary looked at him strangely "I thought Sir Thomas More was the Chancellor."
"He resigned months ago."
She stayed silent her mind was spinning. Why was he telling her all this now? Without More or Wolsey, England will surely go to hell.
"What will the Law of Supremacy encompass?"
"That your father is the head of the Church in England. And that-" He hesitated unsure how to break it to her. "Your mother's marriage to his majesty is invalid."
"So he is willing to risk ripping our kingdom apart." She said slowly trying to process.
Charles nodded "Yes."
"Did the King of France support this?"
"Unfortunately as he hates the Emperor so he will not speak against the annulment."
She looked at her hands in her lap and found them shaking. "What will you do then?"
"Support it."
Mary stared up at him and blinked in confusion. "Support it?"
"Yes." He told her waiting for her to respond but she stayed silent. "You are angry."
"Should I be happy?"
Charles studied her carefully and then spoke again. "I only want to accept the king as head but not the annulment but if I reject completely I will no longer be in his good graces."
"What difference does that make?"
"If I were to fall from his majesty's good graces then the Boleyns will be sure to end me."
Mary stayed silent.
"They hate me as much I hate them. So far I have been managed to use them against my conscious. In order to keep near to your father so he does not fall completely to those leeches. Your father is like a brother to me and I need to protect him. I have his best interest." Why could she not understand his intentions? He thought.
"It's blasphemous." She responded coolly.
"I may not be able to stop your father from marrying that Anne nor am I able to stop him from placing himself as ahead of the church. I sympathize with Queen Katherine a great deal especially in her situation. But I can still have some influence to advert him from causing the kingdom to fall into complete chaos." Charles protested standing up and walked over to her.
"We are already in hell."
"The fact that I married you Mary also puts me in a difficult position. If I were to lose favor with your father they can easily accuse me of committing treason. Firstly, that I married you so that I can become king myself. Secondly, that I married you explicitly in support of the Holy Emperor and the pope. "
"But this was his idea."
He placed his hands on her shoulders and looked straight into her eyes. "I know but your father isn't the most rational man. He's become more impulsive and unpredictable. And what good am I to you and Henry if I'm one head shorter?"
Mary immediately looked away from him thinking. He was right and she hated that he was.
"I remember you said that you will make me sad and I accepted that. Perhaps I did not anticipate how hard it was going to be."
"I understand." Charles said as he leaned against the bed post. "I just ask that you trust me."
"It's hard to trust anyone these days."
"But I'm your husband. You can trust me."
" My mother trusted my father. So forgive me your grace, if I am not so quick to put my complete trust in you." Mary told him and then sat struck at her own words.
Charles clenched his jaw, understanding where this was coming from but that did not make it less difficult to hear.
Mary looked down ashamed at how harsh her words were and then moved to leave but Henry suddenly appeared through the flashed him a small smile.
"Come here sweet boy" As she grabbed him from the ground "Let's say good night to your father."
Charles didn't move, her words seemed to strike him hard.
"We have a visitor." Mary handing Henry to Charles breaking him from his thoughts.
Charles unexpectedly collapsed on the bed with Henry. The boy squealed in surprise, totally oblivious to the tension between his parents.
Mary gave Henry a kiss on the forehead "I am going to retire to my bed. Tonight you sleep with your father."
"Why?" Henry whined unimpressed.
"Well..." Mary had no good excuse.
"What is it son? You already grew tired of me?" Charles joked. The boy shook his head but whispered something into his ear.
"Your son he wants to know if you can join us tonight."
"Oh." Mary's eyes went wide open in surprise. They had just had a heated discussion and it would be uncomfortable to even be in the same room let alone the same bed.
The Duke shrugged "So will you share my bed tonight?"
Mary wanted to crawl into a hole and die of mortification but then realized it was harmless. They we're just a family sharing a bed. Surely that is normal she rationalized but she never knew what normal was.
"Well I-I suppose I can." She said slowly.
"Good. Satisfied son?"
"Yes!" The boy clapped his hands.
Mary couldn't help but feel self-conscious, one minute they are arguing and the next minute they're in bed together with their three year old son.
30 minutes later they were still awake in bed and while Henry was fast asleep between them.
"You and I do not know each other very well." He whispered. "But in time I will prove to you that you can trust me."
"I am sorry I spoke too carelessly." She said quietly. The guilt was gnawing at her that's why she couldn't sleep.
"Do not be."
"I am not accustomed to trust anyone." Mary admitted. "
"I know."
Mary nodded and stared back at the canopy above them.
"I want to be your friend." She heard him say.
"We are married, naturally we are friends."
"No. What I mean to say is although we are husband and wife that may bring some pressures on you. I don't want that. I want a genuine friendship with you. "I see you with Henry and I envy him. Not only do you play with him but you pray with him, you teach him how to love, how to be kind and good. You read books with him and take time to educate him. You love him with every part of you; you offer him your love, your mind, soul and body. I want to share that with you both as well.""
"As you wish your grace."
"Charles. My friends call me Charles.' He corrected her.
"Charles, you can call me Mary."
Then she thought about his words more in depth but one thing struck out to her.
"You want me to love you as well?"
"It would be ideal if we did love each other wouldn't it? Considering the circumstances."
"I see."
"That's hardly encouraging."
"I do not know what to tell you."
"You do not have to say anything." He told her.
Marry stayed silent debating her next question.
"Are you in love with me now?"
"No."
"Do you want me physically?"
"Do you want me physically?" He countered.
"I cannot say for I will be sinning." It was not true but she found it amusing to lie a little bit.
"It's a sin to admit you want sleep with your husband?" Charles asked in disbelief.
"Shush." She warned as Henry had shifted position. "And yes it is." Mary mouthed.
"That cannot be true. Where does it say?"
"Charles, you disappoint me with your knowledge of our holy book. When was the last time you read it?" Mary said pretending to be disappointed.
"A long time ago, perhaps when I was 12 or 14," He said trying to recall. God he was old.
"Then you should join Henry and me in our daily readings from now on. We will be starting Judges tomorrow."
"Henry is reading the bible?" Now he was feeling a bit guilty.
"Yes."
"In that case I will take a bible with me tomorrow." They lay back smiling finding the conversation strange but pleasant.
"Charles?" Her tone suddenly serious.
"Yes?"
"Do not seduce me like your past mistresses."
Charles was shocked, what did she know? He wondered.
"Friendship first." He grounded out ignoring her then turned his side but he could not help but like this side of Mary.
Mary turned to her side. "Yes."
Well? Did I loose anyone? Did you make it here? If you did congrats! I salute you for sticking it out.
Let me know what you think...trust there is a plot but I really wanted to focus a lot on their interactions with each other in this chapters because ..well you will see why later lol.
PLEASE REVIEW! I'd love any feedback