This story has been beta'd by The Duchess of Fanfiction Sunflower Fran.
**We have a tiny time jump!
Chapter 36
Bella
"How is this possible?" I cry out as Angela stops struggling to fasten my day dress.
I am now past the halfway mark of my pregnancy, having only three months until my confinement.
After months of preparing rooms and sending invitations, as well as ensuring that we were adequately staffed for the overabundant amount of guests we are expecting, the Winter Ball is upon us.
Our parents are due to arrive in two days. Alice and Jasper arrived late yesterday evening. Alice's tiny abdomen peeked out of her thick gown, and I burst into tears upon seeing my sister with child.
We have not seen our family but once since the fall. We all went to Forkshire to celebrate my mother's name day. She was exceedingly happy that we surprised her with our visit as well as Jasper and Alice. That was early November, since then, I have written Mother and Mother Es as well as Alice every sennight.
Edward and I have spent most of our days sleeping late, wrapped in each other's arms as we watch our child move.
It was a shock when I started feeling the little flutters from within. It took nearly a month for Edward to feel them as well but it soon happened and now all the babe does is kick at his father.
"I dare say you are growing at an alarming rate. I know for a fact that this dress fit just a fortnight ago."
In the two months since Angela's wedding, it seems as if I have doubled in size.
I sigh out in despair taking my arms out of the peach day dress that Mr. Talbert made just last month. I had hoped to wear it to welcome our guest for the Winter Ball.
I try to hold back my tears as the babe kicks me repeatedly in what seems to be a rib. Rubbing gently I try to reposition my very active child as I sit on the bed.
"I shall open the seams up very quickly. I will have Harriet help me with the others and send a missive to Mr. Talbert to make a few larger gowns that will be easily adjustable." Angela says beginning to work on the offending garmet.
I lie on the bed trying to become comfortable when there is a swift knock on the door, and my husband enters.
"You are not dressed?" Edward asks walking over to me.
At the sound of his voice, the child inside of me kicks happily. I groan out in pain rubbing at a protruding limb.
Sensing my discomfort Edward hurries to me and lays his hand on my stomach. "Are you making your mother uncomfortable again, little one?"
"I do believe your child is trying to kick my rib out of my body. I am worried he or she is too strong," I say rubbing the same limb.
Although, I do believe I am caring the Masen heir, I've tried not to get anyone's hopes up in case the child is a girl. Girls have a hard enough time in this world without being a disappointment at birth.
"I am happy for a strong child; it means he will pass infancy." He bends down kissing my stomach through my chemise ignoring the fact that we are not alone. "Now come, our guests will be waiting for us to have breakfast and the Denali's will be arriving before noon."
He stands to help me up as Angela walks over.
"All done, I believe I have let it out enough," Angela says as I begin stepping into the gown.
Edward holds my hand as Angela pulls the dress over my bulging abdomen. I smile at his attentiveness
Angela laces the gown, it closes much easier than it did minutes ago. The bulge that my nearly, seven-month stomach creates is very impressive.
Edward is smiling so proudly, his eyes never leaving my stomach.
I giggle at his exuberance. "You're very proud of yourself, Your Grace."
His eyes move from where our child lies restless to me. The twinkle of happiness in his eyes takes my breath away.
Pulling me close he presses his lips to mine, and I moan forgetting that Angela is in the room.
"Excuse me, I'm going to find my husband," Angela says giggling.
I turn out of Edward's arms to face her. "Do not forget the both of you are to attend the activities later, if you do not I will come and find you," I warn sternly.
"Yes, I am aware Your Grace." She says rolling her eyes.
"Do not get cheeky with me, Mrs. Cheney. I know you would prefer to stay locked in your rooms than to be a part of the festivities." I raise my eyebrow in challenge.
She bobs a curtsey, smiling widely. "We will be in attendance."
Angela leaves the room. Edward laughs at our behavior before again kissing my lips. I lose myself in his soft firm lips that are now home to me. My fingers twine into his silky hair as I begin to hunger for him. The throbbing in my womanhood increases as Edward massages one of my sensitive breasts with his large hand.
Suddenly a loud growl fills the quiet room, and a swift kick reminds us that we are never alone. We laugh, jumping apart, both our hands on my large stomach.
"Let's feed our child and then we shall continue this later, My Duchess." Edward kisses my lips one last time before he pulls me out of the room.
~TBD~
Walking into the dining room, we find our guests enjoying their breakfast. Along with Alice and Jasper, Jasper's mother and grandfather have also come for the Winter Ball. The Duke and Duchess of Richmond also joined us early, The Duke insisting that he wanted to spend time with his friend.
Alice looks up from her poached eggs. "I did try to wait for you but I'm so hungry these days, and I informed everyone that you would not mind." She smiles knowingly.
Unfortunately, our tardiness has nothing to do with amour and everything to do with wardrobe malfunctions.
Taking my seat, I shake my head at her. "I understand. This little one is starving as well." I rub where my child seems to be kicking impatiently.
"May I say how stunning you look with child, Your Grace," The Duke of Richmond, Eleazar says his eyes roaming my form.
I shift uncomfortably under his gaze. Edward kisses my temple sensing my discomfort, and I smile up at him lovingly.
"Eleazar, please do not make me run you through with my sword. Save your flattery for your own wife." Edward says firmly before taking his own seat.
"Yes, Eleazar please do." His wife Carmen says rather coldly.
A plate is set in front of me, and I immediately start partaking in the delicious meal.
"It is peculiar that you were able to become with child so soon after the wedding. When is the child expected again? February?" The Dowager Hertford asks raising an eyebrow.
Alice let's out a sharp gasp as Jasper drops his fork. "Mother!" he says his blue eyes cold.
"Dowager Hertford, if you insult me or my wife one more time I will ask you to leave. My long friendship with your son requires me to give you a second chance-"
Edward is unable to finish his sentence as voices are heard before the door opens revealing our parents.
Our mothers rush into the room looking around excitedly. "Surprise!" They yell in unison rushing over to me.
"Oh, my! Charlie, look at our baby!" My mother yells pulling my chair back so that she can see my large abdomen.
I laugh happily standing to hug her. She pushes me away laying both hands on my stomach. Mother Es bends down next to her, and they start speaking to my gown in ridiculous sounding voices.
"Hello, my darling! It's your grandmothers!" My mother says tears in her eyes.
"We can't wait to see you! You've gotten so big!" Mother Es says crying as well.
The room is silent as everyone looks at them with mouths agape. The baby shifts inside of me and both of them yelp in surprise.
"Did you feel that Es? He knows it's us! Charlie come!" My mother says turning to my father.
He rushes over kissing my cheek before adding his hand to the fray.
The babe must know his duty to his grandparents because he starts kicking up a storm no doubt in protest to the food around me.
"Oh! He's a strong one, indeed!" My father says with tears in his eyes also.
Carlisle chuckles behind them all, being the only one to give me some space.
"Hello, Carlisle." I give him a wave.
Edward greets Carlisle before walking over to me and pulling me away from our parents.
"We're so glad you all are here, but Bella and the baby need to finish eating," Edward says leaning over to kiss our mothers on the cheek.
"Oh! Bella sit, don't mind us!" Mother Es says as she looks around the room.
Her face hardens at the sight of The Dowager, Lady Hertford. "Oh, I see we have entertainment! Dowager Hertford, what brings you out to partake with us mere mortals?" Mother Es asks with a raised eyebrow.
"Lady Esmeralda, I was informed you wouldn't arrive for days. What a surprise," The Dowager says in disgust.
"Esme, you are right on time. My mother-in-law was just stating how wonderful it is that Bella and Edward conceived so swiftly after the wedding," Alice states sweetly.
The entire room seems to freeze in movement as a hard look crosses Mother Es's features. Both my mother and father stare at the Dowager as if she has slapped them across the face.
"Why ever would you question such a thing?" My mother asks incredulously.
For her part, The Dowager shifts uncomfortably as all eyes look at her. I take my seat ignoring the entire scene and once again start eating.
I am more than aware of what my sister is doing. Alice's attempt at getting revenge on The Dowager is very entertaining. I just hope things do not end badly. Mother Es's dislike for the woman is clear, and if she believes that I am being disrespected, I fear what she will do.
Mother Es walks toward The Dowager standing directly over her. "Would you care to repeat yourself?
Edward acts quickly taking Mother Es by the forearm and leading her away from The Dowager.
"Mother, I have already spoken to The Dowager, so there is nothing else to be done on this matter. Come sit and tell us how you all arrived two days early." He escorts her to an empty seat practically pushing her away
"I, for one, would like to know what was said. I do hope there is no gossip circling through the Ton." My father looks around nervously.
"Yes, Fidelia, please tell us exactly what you've said. Since you are of a great opinion," Mother Es eyes never leave The Dowager.
The Dowager seems to cower slightly at the use of her given name but immediately straightens herself for the challenge.
I take a bite of my roll enjoying the butter and jam. Breakfast is becoming very entertaining, and this is not even half of our guests.
"I only stated that it was a miracle that they conceived so swiftly after the wedding." Her cold blue eyes glare daggers at Mother Es.
"Truly? Because if memory serves correctly, I believe Jasper was born a mere seven months after your wedding. It was an early birth, which caused you and the former Marquis to skip the season that year. Was it not?" Mother Es raises an eyebrow, as a plate is set in front of her.
"Mother?" Jasper asks in pure astonishment.
"Ignore her; she is a vile social climber who used my poor friend Lizzie, abominably." The Dowager stands to turn and leave the room.
"Calm yourself, Fidelia. There is no use to get upset over the past," Lord Hertford says shaking his head.
"Yes, calm yourself before I share every detail dear Lizzie shared with me. I suggest you never say another thing against my family again or I shall call the gossips." Mother Es starts eating her own food as everyone stares silently from one lady to the other.
The Duke and Duchess of Richmond seem to stir uncomfortably in the middle of the spat.
"Ladies. You are making our guests uncomfortable with this old bickering. Dowager, I assure you that I was indeed a maiden on my wedding night. I, for one, will not let gossip rule me as it nearly cost me greatly." I look at my husband remembering how I nearly called off our engagement because of mere rumors. "Mother Es, you taught me to have tough skin, please do not feel we need you to protect us. Edward has already given sufficient threat.
I smile at her and then to my husband, whose show of authority caused fire to stir in my belly.
The Dowager leaves the room upset, and it takes several moments for the tension to follow.
My father is next to me his hand on my abdomen and a smile on his face.
"You do know I would never believe such a rumor." He pats where a limb seems to be protruding earning himself a hard kick.
It seems the babe knows that father once believed the Ton as well.
Edward
After the disastrous breakfast, everyone in the family gathers in the Blue Sitting Room as our guests hide in their rooms. The Duchess, Carmen, was not fit to entertain, and she seems to harbor ill will towards Eleazar's appreciation for my wife.
I do admit I meant every word I said to him if he did not stop gazing at Bella in such a way. The pregnancy has only enhanced her beauty, but I am the only man who is to look at her in such a way. He is one of my oldest acquaintance, but I will not stop in showing him how much my wife means to me.
The Dowager is currently confined to her rooms, refusing to make an appearance after such a blatant attempt at suggesting our child was conceived early.
I do admit that I did hunger for Bella while in our courtship, and there were several times I thought I might have lost control, but my respect for her always prevailed.
I sigh out, praying that I can survive our guests. There will be fifty staying at Chatsworth, and another fifty will attend the hunt and the ball. This, being Bella's first social event, the gentry is traveling far and wide to attend.
"Has the carriage arrived?" Bella asks.
I smile at her, gloriously heavy with our child. She is a vision with her protruding abdomen and rosy cheeks.
"The carriage has been spotted coming over the bridge." I wrap my arm around her waist pulling her to me for a chaste kiss. "Has Mother Es calmed at all?
"I believe she has. Although I would watch her carefully. I'm afraid she may actually harm The Dowager." Bella says with wide eyes.
"I may actually like to see such a thing. The woman is truly vile," I whisper to my wife.
Bella hits my shoulder shaking my head. "You are shocking Your Grace. Not to mention the threat you bestowed your friend. Really, Edward, must you threaten violence to every gentleman who ogles me?"
"Yes, I must. You are mine." I practically growl pulling her into me.
Her eyes darken, and she licks her lips wantonly. My cock stirs as her fingers twine through my hair pulling me in for a passionate kiss.
Her tongue slides against mine, and I pull her as close as our son will allow. One of my hands grips the back of her neck as I am invaded with desire for her.
My wife.
A throat clearing fills the quiet hall. "Ahh, Your Graces, the carriage has arrived," Mr. Cope says.
"Later, My Duchess." I peck her lips one last time before escorting her over to the door.
We stay inside waiting for our guests at the door.
"What does everyone call Edward when the two of you are in the same room? It must get very confusing." Bella asks as Mr. Cope opens the door.
"We call him Young Edward. It seems to separate things a bit but I must confess I do not see my Godson as much as I should." I do feel guilty and pray that I am a better father than Godfather.
The cold winter air blows in, and I pull Bella closer to me as the Denalis all rush inside.
"Godfather!" Young Edward calls out as he takes me by the hand and pulls me into a hug.
"My goodness, you're taller than your mother. I dare say you will pass your father soon." I tease him.
He has grown immensely since I last saw him. At nearly thirteen, the young man is taller than Bella.
"Your Grace! I had not heard the news! Surely you could have mentioned it in your correspondence." Tanya says her hands on Bella's stomach.
"Tanya, we are friends, you must call me Bella. You know such things are not mentioned in letters," Bella says smiling over at me.
Alistair leans in for a kiss. "Bella, you look beautiful. I'm so happy for you and Edward."
"Thank you, Alistair." She turns to me. "And who do we have here?" She asks her eyes smiling from Young Edward to myself.
"Edward Alistair Denali, Your Grace." He bows to my wife causing her to stifle a laugh.
He is the splitting image of both his parents, having Alistair's coloring and dark eyes with Tanya's blond locks.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Young Edward. I have been excited to make your acquaintance." She smiles at him.
His eyes twinkle as if she has paid him the greatest of compliments.
"Truly? Your Grace, may I call you Godmother since you are married to my Godfather?" He asks trying to contain his excitement.
"Oh! I would like nothing more. Thank you. Come, Theodosia will show you all to your rooms. You all must be weary from your trip." She leads everyone to the maid.
Tanya hugs Bella again. "We must catch up. I want to know everything! When is the babe due?"
"We are expecting him or her this spring. We shall retire with the ladies after you have settled," Bella says giving her a smile.
The Denali's follow after Theodosia as Mr. Cope opens the door to reveal another carriage arriving.
I take Bella by the hand leading her to the threshold as Emmett, Rosalie and baby Isabella walk into our home.
"Oh, Edward! Did you know they were coming?" Bella asks excitedly hurrying to Rosalie and the babe in her arms.
Rosalie seems momentarily stunned as Bella wraps her arms around her. "Lady Rosalie, welcome!" She turns to the bundle in Rosalie's arms. "Oh! May I hold her? Baby Isabella. You are as beautiful as your mother." She coos as Rosalie hands her daughter over to my excited wife.
"Your Grace-" Rosalie starts.
"Rosalie, we are family, and we have exchanged letters. I am Bella to you," Bella says shaking her head.
"Bella, thank you for everything and for welcoming me so openly into your home," She says sincerely.
"You will always be welcomed here. As long as you have Isabella with of you of course." She teases as she kisses the baby on the forehead.
"Masen! I see you've been very busy." Emmett pulls me into a hug practically squeezing the breath out of my body.
"Yes, well, I have to follow in your footsteps so our children can grow together as we did," I tell him as we walk down the hall.
"Where is Whit? I haven't seen him since the hanging." Emmett asks excitedly.
"The family is in the Blue Sitting Room, but I'm sure you want to freshen up first?" I ask as Bella walks over to Mrs. Cope.
"Nonsense, we can say hello to the family before we retire." Emmett pats my back.
"Mrs. Cope, do we have anyone in the Centre Rooms?" Bella asks Mrs. Cope who seems to have a list of rooms and guest in her hands.
"No, Your Grace."
"Good. Please have The Marquis and The Marchioness things taken there and also send someone to freshen up the night nursery for babyIsabella. " Bella looks down at the child who is still in her arms.
"Yes, right away." Mrs. Cope moves quickly for a woman her age.
"I am sorry Rosalie, but the day nursery is currently being prepared for our arrival." Bella lays her hand on her stomach.
"I am sure the night nursery is just as wonderful. And Bella, you must call me Rose."
We escort our wives through the house, finally opening the door to the Blue Sitting Room.
Whit and McCarty greet each other excitedly. It has been a very long time since the three of us have been together. Not since the season that changed our lives for the better.
A/N: Ladies! Ladies! A month is too long! I miss you all immensely. I do apologize for the wait. I partook in a contest that took time away from our Duke. He is my first love and I do hope my schedule eases up so that we may reach the end. There are only four chapters left. That is what I have outlined but you know sometimes I tend to over indulge! I shall see you all very soon, hopefully sooner than a month!
**Also Ladies the Pay It forward FB group is posting a Mobward contest! Can't wait.
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