That afternoon, in the garden on the terrace Isabella was visiting the Astoria mansion, having tea together with Vanessa.
"I am glad to be here. It has been too long since we last spoke, my lady."
Isabella spoke, having a warm smile forming on her face.
"Ah, yes, it has been far too long. I am also most pleased to see you again... I have missed you as well, Lady Isabella."
Vanessa nodded.
"I've heard your two brothers have returned home."
Isabella said softly.
"Ah, yes they are... I surely think you missed them, especially my brother William"
Vanessa smirked a tone of teasing in her voice.
"I daresay... I have missed them both, my lady."
Isabella smiled slightly, she could feel her cheeks getting warm. Suddenly Vanessa saw William was about to leave the mansion, she called William and gestured for him to go to them.
"Good afternoon, my ladies."
William greets them.
"May I inquire as to your destination, William?"
Vanessa asked softly.
"I have an important engagement, my lady."
William answered.
"Well, we trust you will have a safe journey, Lord William."
Isabella spoke up softly as she smiled warmly at William.
"I thank you for your concern, Lady Isabella."
He said as he glanced at his Hampden and glanced back at them.
"I must be going now; thank you for your time, ladies."
William nodded at them, giving Isabella a warm smile before he left.
After William had left, Vanessa quickly glanced at Isabella and a smirk formed on her face while Isabella watched William leave.
"You know, I have been encountering something..."
Vanessa said softly.
"Yes, my lady?"
Isabella glances back at Vanessa.
"Nothing..."
Vanessa hesitates and gives a slight smile at Isabella.
"I see..."
Isabella smiled as she nodded.
In Vanessa's thoughts, she knew that William and Isabella had secretly liked each other since childhood but they hadn't told each other or rather admitted their feelings. But she knew someday they'll admit their feelings to each other.
At the carriage, William can feel butterflies in his stomach... He was happy seeing Isabella again after those years, he had missed seeing her beautiful face. He couldn't help but smile at her concern and the warm smile that formed on her face earlier.
In the palace, Lita comes up to Henry's office and Knocked.
"Who is it?"
Henry asked.
"It's me, Lita..."
Lita said while opening the door. Henry was a bit surprised but annoyed, he was confused about why is she there and what does she want.
"What is your desire? Lita..."
He scowled.
"I have come to speak with you... I understand you are still displeased with my departure..."
She mumbles.
"Perhaps... But to what end?"
He asked.
"I... I apologize for my treachery, and I know this may be difficult, but my affections remain yours, Henry."
She looks down then looks at Henry.
"I beg your pardon? All your betrayals notwithstanding, your affections remain, and yet you chose the Crown Prince? Explain yourself!"
He frowned.
"Henry... I apologize, I had no alternative. I know this causes you pain, but my heart remains yours. Perhaps... perhaps we could find a way, even with my betrothal to the Crown Prince."
She steps closer to Henry begging him, with a sad smile.
"My apologies, Lita, but a clandestine affair while you are betrothed to the Crown Prince would be a grave disloyalty, and invite considerable difficulties. Therefore, I must decline."
He said in a serious tone.
"And I fear further heartbreak should we pursue this."
He added.
"Henry, I implore you... my affections remain undiminished; I cannot relinquish you."
Lita plea.
"Lita, this ends now. I cannot condone your treachery, nor can I partake in this clandestine liaison. My apologies, but I dismiss you. Depart."
He said seriously.
"Begone. I desire no further discourse."
He added.
"Very well... but rest assured, I shall find a means to reclaim you, Henry. Or I shall petition your grace."
She said before leaving the office. After Lita left the room, Henry sat down on his chair and he pinched his bridge nose feeling relief about Lita.