It was a mild day at the end of November. December 1st was going to be in a few days. Alexandra was happily playing in the playroom chattering and singing to herself. She was waiting patiently for her Mummy to come back in to play for a bit.
It was a Friday morning. Christopher only had a half day because the IT department was going to install new and updated software on all the computers. Christopher was trying to leave for work. He was not having any luck because of his beautiful wife and the fact he didn't really want to go. The couple stood at the door sharing deep kisses. Christopher had trouble keeping his hand above her waist, as not to cause this lovely make out session to go any further. They finally broke for air. "Mmmm, are you sure you want to go in?" Marianne asked him with a grin. Christopher groaned. "I wish I could stay home but I am hoping to be home before 1." He explained. Marianne smiled and reached to kiss him again. He moaned and reluctantly pulled away as she kept placing kisses on his lips and cheeks. He giggled and embraced her tighter. "You know you are a bad example darling. I have to go but I don't think I will be able to concentrate after early this morning." He said as he began placing kisses on her neck. He figured five minutes late was not going to do any harm. Marianne sighed and smiled. "It was wonderful. But if our little darling is down for her nap maybe we can have a reenactment when you get home." He giggled a little, still kissing her neck.
Marianne was now 9 weeks into her pregnancy. Like her first one, her morning sickness and fatigue seemed to disappear overnight a couple of days ago. She woke up feeling refreshed and happy. Now the other symptoms that her and Christopher grew so fond of when she was pregnant with Alexandra surfaced. Marianne could not wait for him to get home last night. She found she could not keep her hands off of him again, especially when she woke him up this morning with some delightful kisses. Which of course led to some more passionate moments. They were a bit nervous after the miscarriage. Marianne felt more relaxed a bit since she was past her 8th week mark since she miscarried when she was only around 5 weeks before. They also heard the baby's heart beat a few days ago and were so happy. They were planning on telling the family this weekend. Marianne had trouble hiding it from Elinor as well. She made sure she didn't see Elinor or her mother until later in the day when she would feel better so her astute older sister would not suspect anything. A lot of excitement was going on as well. Elinor shared with the family a few weeks ago that her and Edward were having twins. They kept it a secret longer to make sure everything was fine. It certainly explained Elinor's size. They had a laugh when they would question the actual due date. Anne was not going to know what to do with herself, three new grandchildren in one year!
Christopher finally pulled away. "I have to leave darling. But believe me we will continue this." Marianne still had her arms wrapped around his neck. She kissed his lips one last time. "I am holding you to that. I will be thinking about you." She grinned. Christopher smiled back. "Ok, what time is Alex's appointment?" Christopher asked. Marianne still had her arms wrapped around him. "9:30, she might be sleepy and cranky from her flu shot later." Marianne explained. "I wish I could go but then again I am also a wreck when she has to get a shot. I think I cry more than she does." Christopher said with a frown. Marianne smiled at him. "I know darling you hate seeing her like that. She will be fine. I am going to stop at the grocery store after the doctors as well just to grab a few things. Mainly the cookies I have been craving. I will call you when we are done. I love you." Christopher smiled and leaned down and gave her one more kiss. "I love you too. See you later." Then Christopher finally pulled away and was off.
Marianne walked into the play room and spotted her darling girl happily playing with her ball run toy. Alexandra loved cause and effect toys and building toys. Christopher was convinced she was going to be an engineer. She didn't seem interested in dolls yet. Marianne figured she was going to be a bit like Margaret, a tomboy. Alexandra looked up at Marianne when she walked in. She grinned "Hi Mummy." Then went back to her toy. Marianne walked over and knelt down behind her and gave her a squeeze. "Hi Sweetheart. You having fun?" Alex giggled and nodded. "Do you want to see if you have to go to the potty?" Marianne asked her. Alex firmly shook her head no. Marianne smiled and sighed. "Ok darling. Just let Mummy know if you want to try." Marianne then sat down and helped her build a tower. Marianne was trying to work on potty training for the past couple of weeks. Alexandra still wasn't two yet but was hoping to get a head start. Marianne was not going to force the issue though. She was able to get her to use the loo a couple of times during the day but Alexandra was still trying to get the concept of when she had to go. She was hoping that she would be trained during the day by the time the new baby came. Marianne was wondering also in the spring if they should take the one side off her crib to make a toddler bed. Christopher was nervous. He had a hard time letting go and realizing that she was growing up. Alexandra had not tried to climb out yet though. Marianne figured that if they were able to transition her to some things before the baby she would have an easier time than waiting until the new baby so she didn't think her routine and patterns were being changed all because of her new sibling.
After a little bit, Marianne got up. "Okay darling we have to leave in a bit to see Dr. Jack. Let's clean up first." Marianne explained. "Ok, Mummy." Alex replied and began putting her blocks in the correct bin. Marianne giggled. Alexandra was so like her father, liked being tidy. Marianne zipped her jacket and put her in the stroller. It was a nice day and mild out for November. Marianne felt great and wanted to walk since the doctors office was only a few blocks away. Marianne buckled her in her stroller and gave her a juice cup. "Ok darling we are off."
Across the street from the house, Marianne did not notice one John Willoughby watching her. Johnny thought he was over what happened with Marianne and had not seen here in over a year and a half. About a week and a half ago he was walking by the Impressions office. He usually did not go to that area of London. He stopped in his tracks when he saw Marianne and Christopher walk out while Marianne pushed a stroller. He saw the happy family chat a bit. All the feelings began to rush back to him. He felt his blood boil when he witnessed the happy couple share a deep kiss. Christopher then leaned down and kissed his daughter goodbye. He went back inside as Marianne continued on. He followed them and stopped as he saw them stop at a park that wasn't far from their home. Marianne took the little girl out and watched her play as Marianne chatted with another mother. Johnny watched the toddler happily play. He thought she was adorable. It was then that sanity had left John Whilobouy. He began to believe he could convince Marianne that she made a mistake and to come back to him.
Now he stood watching the pair walk down their street. He began to follow them, far enough behind so Marianne would not see him. He felt pity for Marianne. She was free and looked forward to continuing with her music and art when they had met. Now here she was, still in her 20's saddled with a toddler because Christopher Brandon wooed her into the dull domestic life and wanted her to give him heirs. Johnny even wondered if he was disappointed with Marianne for not giving birth to a son, knowing he didn't provide her with one. Johnny soon saw Marianne enter a medical building. Johnny thought about following her in but didn't want to cause a scene if she spotted him. He waited patiently for her to come out to start what he had planned.