Before the day had ended, there had already been a major conflict between Elizabeth and her former governess and long-term friend, Kat Ashley.

"But I want to feed them myself," Elizabeth protested.

"It simply isn't done," Kat insisted. "Wet nurses shall be found for them."

Just then, baby Robert awoke and began crying. Kat reached for him, but Elizabeth was faster. Quickly she moved the material of her gown aside and gently guided Robert's mouth to her breast, where he latched on hungrily. Elizabeth gave Kat a look that was part pleading, part challenge.

"Very well," Kat said with a sigh. Elizabeth watched as she went away muttering to herself. She loved Kat dearly, but she was determined to make her own decisions regarding the care of her children.

Almost immediately, Rose awakened and began to whimper. Robert picked her up right away and held her close, gently rocking her as he sang to her.

Lavender's blue, dilly dilly, lavender's green
When I am king, dilly dilly, you shall be queen
Who told you so, dilly dilly, who told you so?
Twas my own heart, dilly dilly, that told me so...

"Lofty ambitions, have we?" Elizabeth asked. Robert burst out laughing, and his wife joined in a moment later.

Baby Robert was soon asleep, and Elizabeth gently laid him in his crib as her husband handed Rose to her. Within a few seconds, baby Robert stirred again, and his father held him and sang to him as he had to Rose.

It quickly became routine for Robert to hold and comfort one baby while Elizabeth fed the other. Elizabeth achieved a new closeness with her husband during these periods, as she temporarily forgot that she was a Queen and he her subject and saw them instead as simply two parents caring for their children together.

While both babies slept, Robert and Elizabeth went for long walks in the garden, talking of their childrens' futures.

"I imagine that Robert will most likely excell in mathematics and astronomy, as you always did," Elizabeth said. "Do you remember all those hours you spent with me when we were children, trying to help me understand arithmetic problems? You used to get so impatient with me. I remember how you would shout and tell me that I wasn't really trying, and I would push the book away and burst out crying."

"Indeed I do." Robert laughed. "You had strengths I lacked, however. I remember that your spelling and penmanship were always superior to mine."

"I remember the time I made fun of your handwriting. Although you didn't say anything, I could tell by the look on your face that your feelings were really hurt."

"That was ever so long ago, Bess. I hope you don't still worry your sweet head about it."

"I do, just a little," Elizabeth admitted.

"Yet there is absolutely no reason for you to do so. And may I remind you, my dear lady, that my handwriting skills are now excellent, even if I do say so myself."

"That's certainly true, although I still don't understand the first thing about mathematics."

"Never mind, my darling. You happen to be excellent at so very many other things."

Robert suddenly gathered his wife into his arms and kissed her passionately. Elizabeth could tell that he was aroused and felt badly about it, as the physician hadn't yet given her permission to resume her marital relations with her husband. She determined that when he finally did, she would be sure to give Robert a night he would never forget.