The Spaniard's Bride

Eight

"Roseanne, what are you doing out here all by yourself?"

Roseanne turned from her position in the garden to see Jason walking over to her, a smile planted on his face.

Roseanne looked down at the ground of the garden and then looked back up at him. She wasn't sure what to say to him for she did not want to tell him that she had contemplated agreeing with her father to marry the King of Spain.

The money he offered would be never ending. She would be free to do as she wished, without hearing from her mother. She would be able to see a new world and explore things she never would have been allowed to do.

"I was feeling suffocated with all those people in the house. I thought it would be good to get some fresh air and quiet." She decided to say instead of what she was thinking.

Jason nodded, "Do you mind if I join you? I, unfortunately, am neglected by my only friend due to the complaints of his wife. I need someone else to talk too."

Roseanne laughed, "Oh, I am sorry, Jason. My brother really should pay more attention to you, after all that you have done for him."

Jason lifted his hands in the air as if he was surrendering to the ideas Roseanne was proposing, "I know! Yes, he owes me more than what he gives me."

Roseanne giggled and stepped up to him, "Perhaps he should give you his most prized possession?"

"Who, Mary? Oh, no thank you! That woman's bite and bark are the same thing. She would tear me piece by piece until she worked her way back to her husband." Jason teased.

Roseanne shook her head and gently pushed his arm, "Silly man, I meant me! I am more important to Edward than Mary."

Jason did not smile back at her. He stared at her with a serious expression plastered on his face.

Roseanne arched an eyebrow, "Jason, are you alright?"

Jason shook his head, "Forgive me, I had a long night."

Roseanne smiled, "Oh, a long night? You could not keep the ladies away from yourself? You poor dear."

Jason nodded, "No, they cannot."

Jason started to walk away from her without saying goodbye but Roseanne called out to him, "What is wrong with you? You said you wanted some company, right? So why are you leaving me?"

Jason sighed, "I am sorry, Rose. You are right, shall I continue to walk with you?"

Roseanne smiled, "I will always love to walk with you."

Jason took her arm and started to walk with her through the Queen's garden, "I hear your brother's wife is with child again."

"Oh?"

Jason grinned, "I can confirm that. She told me in complete secrecy but I might have let old Edward over some gin. I guarantee that Mary wants my head."

Roseanne smiled, "I think she does. I watched her stare you down at dinner last night."

Jason scoffed, "I swear, Mary has no perception of forgiveness. I have only told him twice. She will have countless time to tell him about her child."

Roseanne shrugged, "She is the one who had to carry the monster. She should get the purse and joy of telling Edward."

Jason stopped and pulled her closer to him, "Roseanne, I really think—"

Before Jason could finish, though, Roseanne turned around to see exactly what Jason did not want her to see.

"Good evening, princesa. My lord." Alvaro bowed deeply and kissed Roseanne's fingers.