Hiya :) I'm back again :)

So here's the confirmation you're all after :) Hope you like it...


Chapter Eleven

Confirmation

His Majesty's attention was fixed solely on his wife, as she finished her embroidery. Her shoulders were tense and he knew that she worked simply to occupy her thoughts. She worried greatly after their daughter-in-law. Isabella had suffered terrible sickness for over a week, and his son had begun to worry frantically, insisting they call the doctor. His Majesty had agreed, and this was why his wife was so tense. The doctor was calling upon their daughter-in-law at this moment. Her ladies were present and would escort the doctor to His Majesty's study once he had completed his exam. His Majesty hoped the doctor would arrive shortly; he did not like to see his wife distressed. His gaze lingered upon her, and he studied her intently as she drew the needle up through the cotton. His keen eyes spotted the slight tremble to her usually steady hand.

"Are you well, dearest?" he enquired, concerned for her.

She sighed, and set her needlework in her lap.

"It is not my health that matters today, my dear, and you know it," his wife replied, irritated by the question.

As if her delicate nerves mattered at all this day, he should not be concerned after her, he should be concerned after Isabella. The poor child had been terribly ill these past few days. Her Majesty had her suspicions as to the cause of her daughter-in-law's illness, but it was surely it was much too soon for that. Granted, she would be delighted if Isabella was found to be with child, however, she worried after her. The young woman would surely not take the news well; her mother, her majesty's sister, had died in childbirth. She was sure Isabella would become anxious at the thought of carrying a child, since unlike some young mothers; she knew all too well the possible danger of labour. She wondered then, as to how her young daughter-in-law would cope with expectant motherhood; she was still so very young. She wished now, that her husband had not insisted on them marrying so young, even if Isabella and Edward had taken every part of married life in their stride. They seemed rather happy with the match, but she had to wonder at how long their happiness would last if a new addition should arrive so early into their marriage.

A gentle knock upon the oak wood door drew Her Majesty's attention from her thoughts. Her eyes met with her husbands, and they both rose from their seats, preparing to meet with the doctor. A plump man with thick sideburns and a handlebar moustache greeted the King and his Queen. His Majesty invited the man to sit, he took the invitation gratefully. The patterned armchair groaned beneath the weight of the portly gentleman and Her Majesty tried her level best not to groan herself at such a sight. Her husband's chair would surely never recover from an encounter with the doctor. He was not the usual doctor that attended to the royal family, but unfortunately for them all, their doctor had passed away two months previous. Their previous doctor had delivered all three of Her Majesty's children, with the help of a midwife of course, and Her Majesty had been rather fond of him. His passing was such a shame.

"I hope you will not be offended," His Majesty began, "if we skip all the pleasantries and proceed directly to the delicate matter of my daughter-in-law's health."

The doctor nodded his head once, and hurriedly replied to His Majesty. Her Majesty fixed her eyes upon the doctor, her attention focused only on him. She had waited most of the day for this report, and she was did not wish to miss a word.

"Of course, Your Majesty, I expect you have been most worried," he spoke in a pompous voice. An attempt to appear higher than his rank, Her Majesty assumed. She would have laughed had she been in better spirits.

Once the doctor realised that neither of the royal couple intended to reply or admit to their worries, he cleared his throat awkwardly.

"It appears that the Princess of Wales is in the family way," he stated simply. The King and Queen eyed each other from across the room. The King appeared shocked, but delighted at the news, whereas his wife's heart sank. She would only delight in a grandchild once the child and her daughter-in-law were safe and well. It would be a long time coming, of that she knew all too well. Her husband frowned at the sight, he would've thought with most certainty that his wife would be glad to hear of such news. He did not think for a moment she would appear so disheartened, and he wondered at her thoughts, but did not question her given present company.

"Thank you, Dr," he replied, the doctor nodded his head and continued, much to the King's displeasure.

"You should be aware, Your Majesty, that it still very early and her course is only a week later than usual. My diagnoses may be void if the Princess' course should arrive."

The King knew exactly as to what the doctor spoke, having lost four children to miscarriage and one born still; both he and his wife knew the precarious nature of pregnancy. Nothing would be certain, until the child was in her arms.

"I am aware of all the risks, as is my wife," he stated unhappily, his memories of darker times dampening his mood, "Thank you, again, and I hope very much that we will not have need of your services for many months to come."

The doctor smiled politely, and after a pleasant farewell, was escorted from the drawing room. His Majesty turned his attention towards his wife, the moment they were alone.

"What troubles you, wife?" he asked of her, gazing across the space between them. Her Majesty forced herself to meet her husband's concerned gaze. She would have to reveal her worries; he would not drop the subject until she did. After three and twenty years of marriage, she had learnt a thing or two about her husband; nothing ever satisfied his curiosity. She sighed, but admitted to herself that it would be simpler to speak only the truth to her husband. He would assure her of her concerns, she was sure.

"Do not think that I am not overjoyed at the news, I am very much," she started after a moment, "however, I cannot help, but worry after Isabella, she is so very young."

His Majesty sighed, "as if age matters in this instance," he commented impatiently.

Her Majesty felt the sting of tears prick at her eyes, and blinked furiously. She did not wish to cry before her husband. The shame of it! She could not help it; however, his sharp dismissal of her concerns stung her like a slap to the cheek.

"It is not simply her age," she continued irritated, "tell me, Carlisle, do you honestly not worry after her?"

Her husband fell silent, and turned away from her. After a moment, when the silence grew too much to bear, she answered her own question.

"I know you well, my dear," she stated bravely, "I know you fear for her also, but you are simply too proud to speak of it. I apologise for my weakness and feelings, but I cannot help, but think towards her mother. The moment she knows, she will fret, her thoughts will go to the same place that mine have. I fear that she will lose her child, or lose her life to it, and I am not ashamed or too proud to admit such."

His Majesty turned to face his enraged wife, and sighed quietly to himself. Her temper usually amused him, but the sight of hurt in her emerald eyes took all hilarity from the situation.

"Esme," he said softly, "I apologise for being proud, and for not offering you reassurance as I should have."

He reached out to her, and against her better judgement, she allowed her husband to comfort her.

"Tell me truthfully, wife," he questioned as he held her tight against his chest, "why does this frighten you so? Surely, you knew this was the intended outcome of their marriage?"

"Of course I knew," she muttered, her cheek pressed against his fine waistcoat.

"Then why does the idea cause you such distress?"

It took her moment to admit it to herself, it was selfish and she would admit her true feelings to no one but her husband.

"She is all I have left of Renee. I lost my sister," she admitted reluctantly, "I do not wish to lose my niece too."

His Majesty understood the depth of her concern now, he had thought her worries to be overdramatized, but he knew how much leaving France had pained his wife. It was not for a love of her country, but for a love of her family that she had not wished to leave. He knew had asked much of her, when he had requested her hand, during a visit to the French court. She had not exactly been at liberty to decline his offer. When the King of England requested something of you, you did not refuse. She would not have refused him regardless; she had known Carlisle was meant to be hers, the moment she laid eyes upon him, before she even knew who he was. He had felt similar, the reason for his hasty proposal. Her sister; Renee, was the new Queen at the time of his visit; she was yet to be crowned and given her titles. He remembered her fondly, and understood his wife's grief better now.

"We will not lose her," he told his wife, adamant of that fact, "we have better doctors here than in France, my dearest, you know this, and I am sure our son will not allow for anything, but the very best."

Her Majesty found herself smiling at the comment, 'twas true her son was very protective of his wife, and they had not been married long. She could see already that her son was heading towards being very much in love with Isabella. He would never allow for an incompetent physician to care for her. Her worries were far from gone, but she allowed herself to think beyond them for a moment. She wondered now, at how her son would handle the news of impending fatherhood. She remembered that her husband had not been much involved in the children's upbringing, and hoped that her son would differ from his father in this respect. She thought on it for a moment, and came to the realisation, that her hopes for her son were unlikely. Carlisle would not allow Edward much involvement with his children. Her husband was a firm believer in the separation of male and female roles. A man had no place amongst his children, until they were old enough to care from themselves.

She began to wonder once again, as to Isabella's reaction. It was very early days in regards to her condition, she would surely not guess correctly for many weeks yet. Her Majesty knew, she would live to regret the decision that formed in her mind, but she could not help it. Surely, it would be in Isabella's best interest, if she did not know about her child. Of course, she was sure to figure it out once the child began to show, but if they could keep her worry to a minimum, then surely that would be for the best? She mentioned her passing thought to her husband, and he replied simply.

"Do you believe that she has not come to this conclusion, before the doctor's visit?" he questioned, and Her Majesty released herself from his embrace. She gazed up him, and thought on his words.

"It is entirely possible; she is a clever woman, but must we confirm it, while she is still within her first month?" she asked, hoping her husband would agree to her wishes.

His Majesty shook his head, he saw no need to confirm any suspicions that his daughter-in-law may keep. His son would have to be informed, however, and he thought it unlikely that Edward would be able to withhold the information from his wife. He thought on it further and came to a decision.

"We shall inform Edward of his wife's delicate condition," He stated, "I will allow him the final decision, as to when she is told."

Her Majesty was not overly pleased by this decision, her son would not keep the knowledge from her, and His Majesty knew this. She was not best pleased, but was wise enough to know that her husband's decisions were final. She had her say, and there was nothing more she could do now. It was out of her hands; worry returned to her that instant. Isabella would not take this news well, of that she was certain.


Edward seated himself at his father's instruction.

"I suppose you have called me here to discuss Isabella's health?" he questioned, and his father nodded curtly. There was no use in dragging out this conversation. His Majesty knew that his son was anxious to see his wife; all he waited for was the all clear. His Majesty had refused to allow his son contact with his wife during the last week. Prince Edward the heir to his throne; to his families' dynasty. He would not risk the health of his son, simply because he wished to send time with his wife. He did not regret the decision, her illness may not have been what His Majesty had ordinarily suspected, but the possibility of his son contracting the illness had plagued his mind. He'd lost many a friend to a sickness of the stomach; he would not lose his eldest son to such an inelegant demise.

"It transpires that Isabella is in a delicate condition," His Majesty started, and he watched his son's face pale considerably. The poor boy was very fond of his wife, and the thought of her in any amount discomfort or ill health brought worry to his heart.

"She is well, son," His Majesty hurriedly reassured his son, and sighed unsure as to whether he had chosen the correct path of delivering this news. He could almost see that he would have to reassure his son many times, before this evening was through.

"Isabella's condition is something we must celebrate," he continued, and his son frowned, until the penny dropped. His father had informed him, many months before Isabella had arrived in England, the intended outcome from their union; children. Of course, the Prince had not been ignorant of this, he was, however, most surprised to hear of his wife's being in the family way, so early into their life together.

"Are you certain?" He asked of his father. His Majesty smiled slightly, glad that his son had cottoned on quickly. He leaned back into his chair, allowing himself to become comfortable against the cushions.

"The doctor is almost sure," His Majesty told his son, "it is still early days, however, and nothing will be certain until the child is born."

The Prince Edward frowned, "Nothing will be certain?" he questioned his father's statement. His Majesty nodded, and began forming an explanation, when his silent wife spoke up beside him.

"Edward," he turned towards his mother, "you are my third born child, and yet you are the eldest of my three children. Just because Isabella carries your child at this moment does not to guarantee that you will be blessed with a child."

"Esme," her husband spoke sharply, "do not frighten the man. There is every possibility that the child will be carried to term, and delivered unto this world healthy and wailing."

Prince Edward preferred his father's statement over his mothers. He tried not to dwell on thoughts of losing the child that he had only just learned the existence of. If anything should happen, then it would be God's will, and they would have to accept the almighty's decision; he would surely have his reasons.

"The outcome will be above our control," the young Prince stated, much to his parents disbelief, "I shall think positively, and I am sure that Isabella will do the same."

His Majesty glanced towards his wife, and the young Prince took note of their exchange with interest. He did not question his father, however, and awaited his father's reply.

"That is a marvellous way to think on it, son," His Majesty stated proudly, "I am most proud of your maturity and spirit."

The young Prince Edward smiled at his father, and thought towards his wife; had they shared this news with her? Or had his parents been the first to hold this knowledge?

"I find I must ask, father," Prince Edward questioned reluctantly, "Has Isabella been informed?"

His Majesty appeared relived, "She has not, as yet, been told. We were intending to place this particular matter into your hands."

Prince Edward swallowed nervously, "You wished for me to tell her?" he asked in disbelief. In a normal world, it would have been his wife who would have informed him of her condition, not his parents, and it would certainly not have been his responsibility to inform his wife. He was most shocked, but did not allow his nervous to affect him much. He longed for his wife.

"We believed it for the best," His Majesty stated, "it will be entirely your decision as when she is informed. If you wish to not have this burden, then your mother will discuss the matter with her."

He thought on it for a moment, and decided against his mother's involvement. He would see his wife shortly, and he would tell her himself once they were alone. At the thought, Prince Edward found himself impatient to reacquaint himself with his wife. A week apart was far too long.

"That will not be necessary," the Prince replied, "I shall tell her myself. I shall go to her now, should you allow it?"

His Majesty noticed the change in his son's demeanour, and found himself smirking at the sight. He had never thought he would see this day; the day when his son showed passion for something besides his formal duties. The light in his son's eyes was all too obvious.

"Of course, son, I can sense that you are itching to see your wife," His father said, smirking knowingly.

"Your senses are most accurate, father," the Prince replied, "I must inform her of her condition, and I feel as though I must converse with her on the matter."

Her Majesty grew worried then; her daughter-in-law would be told tonight of her delicate condition, regardless of her opinions on the matter.

"Son," she attempted one last time, only for His Majesty to silence her with a single look. His expression spoke for him; stay out of this.

"You will pass on our congratulations to Isabella?" His Majesty requested politely, and his son smiled cheerfully.

"Of course, father," he replied and bid his parents farewell. He had no desire for idle chit chat with his parents. He wanted his wife, he needed her. He had been anxious and worried after her these past days without her. The news that she was in the family way brightened his heart and stifled his worries. He was sure that his worries were not put to rest permanently, but he tried to think only positive thoughts in regards to his wife's condition. Whatever happened would happen; it would be God's will, he reminded himself, as he headed towards his wife's chamber. He had never been more eager to see her.


Bit of a filler chapter, my apologies :)

Chapter 12 isn't quite finished yet, so there may be a slight delay next week :/ hopefully not though :)

Thanks for reading :)