Nearly 5 years Later
"Papa! Papa!" the two Sidney's turned to watch as two little girls raced towards them. When they were within arm's reach the men scooped them up and listened intently to their adventures.
"Papa! I found some shells for Mama" four-year-old Georgina Parker held out her hand to show the shells she had collected. Sidney admiring them and agreed her Mama would love them. The youngest child of Sidney and Charlotte was a bundle of energy bringing much laughter to her parents. She was the spitting image of Charlotte but Georgina's hair colour was closer to Sidney's. Sidney brushing stray hair away from Georgina's face so he could kiss her cheek. He never thought he would have more children after Anne and treasured his little ones.
Charlotte's pregnancy had been both a thrilling and terrifying experience for Sidney. Sidney witnessed first-hand the severity of Charlotte's morning sickness and had found the experience heart retching. Sidney often becoming snippy with the staff as his concern grew for his wife.
"My love… this is a normal part of bringing a child into the world" softly spoke Charlotte as Sidney eased her back into bed after she had been sick again.
"Charlotte" was all Sidney could say as he pulled her into his embraced and prayed, she would be able to sleep.
"You are with me this time and that is all that matters!" Charlotte smiled when he kissed and settled her against him. During the days when Charlotte was resting Sidney would sit next to her or often succumbing to sleep himself after spending sleepless nights keeping watch over them.
As the birth of their child approached Sidney's fear increased. Charlotte telling him about the birth of Elizabeth adding to his anxiety. Even though the labour was long everyone survived and were healthy. Sidney's love and admiration for his wife increased as he watched her endure childbirth. He had missed the birth of Sidney M and Anne … it was something he would remember for the rest of his life.
"I have shells for Mama too!" Esther Montrose loudly informs her own father. She was not going to be outdone by her Aunt/Best friend. Sidney M kissing his eldest on the cheek and was rewarded with a smile like her mother. Esther was only a couple of months younger than Georgina, but the two girls were inseparable. Each girl leaning over to receive a kiss from their brother or grandfather before tucking their heads into the crooks of their father's neck. Sidney checking Georgina was comfortable before looking up in search of the other members of the party who had gone on the beach walk. The men smiling as everyone in the group waved from a distance. Walking on the beach was a regular family activity and the two men had been disappointed they had missed this one.
"No wonder our girls are asleep… they ran a long way to reach us!" Sidney M spoke while stroking the back of his sleeping daughter. The two men walking down the beach path and headed towards the group. In the course of five years the two men had developed a close bond and were regularly seen in each other's company. Sidney M valued his father's advice and often asked him to attend meetings as Angus managed his own estate.
"I am glad you arrived. This little one is falling asleep on his feet" Charlotte commented. Holding onto her dress folds was Georgina's twin brother. Fredrick Parker was the oldest of the pair and their gentle soul. He preferred sitting on his father's lap while Sidney completed business or read a book. Charlotte always commenting on the strong Parker genes as Fredrick was even more similar to Sidney. It worked to their advantage as people would focus on that instead of Sidney M. It had been a long walk and Fredrick looked up at his father with tired eyes. Without any effort Sidney lifting up his little son and rested Fredrick's head against his other shoulder. Fredrick sighing with relief and was instantly asleep. Sidney in these moments was grateful he had maintained his fitness. Sidney M taking his two-year-old son 'Hector Montrose' from Joy who was heavily pregnant with their third child. Little Hector not settling until he received his own greeting from his grandfather. Charlotte now free to offer her arm to Joy and the women followed the men back into the house.
Charlotte and Sidney had named their home 'Heraclius House' and found it was a point of amusement for their visitors. It was a home full of love and laughter…. At times squeals but full of the sounds of children. Sidney and Charlotte wouldn't have it any other way. The nursery was equipped for not only their own children, but also for their grandchildren to stay. All the children happily going with their nursery maids leaving the adults to discuss their plans. Charles Babbington was marrying Janette Montrose… Charlotte winning the bet she made with Henry Crowe all those years ago. The whole family was expected to descend as everyone wanted to be present for this event.
Even though they had been attracted to each other, it had taken time. The promises they had made on the deaths of Andrew and Esther weighed on their minds. They certainly acted like a married couple and their children subtly suggested they make it official.
"Papa… I know you love Janette. I can see it in your eyes. Mama is no longer here but Janette is. Be happy!" Joy speaking with her father when they went on their regular walks together. It was the encouragement Charles needed and proposed to Janette that night and was surprised when all wedding invitations were accepted.
"Everyone wants to be present to celebrate this happy moment. You deserve it old friend" Sidney slapping Charles on the back when they were told the news. The two men toasting to the marriage while the women started talking wedding plans. The wedding was to be held in Montrose Castle with the majority of the guest staying there. Janette taking full control, and everyone just had to follow her orders. Charles often calming her down and finding ways to lavish his affection on her.
"Besotted!" was the word everyone used whenever they observed Charles with Janette.
The couple they had been speaking about arrived followed by Anne and Angus with their three children. Andrew who was the same age as Esther spotted his Grandfather Sidney racing over for a wrestle. Two-year-old Susan went for a cuddle with Charlotte while newborn Sophia happily stayed with her mother. Like Sidney M and Joy, they were regular visitors… Andrew and Fredrick were best friends.
"When are we expecting the Crowe and Alix families?" Sidney enquired after greeting everyone else. Henry and Amanda had sent multiple cases of their finest alcohol for the wedding celebrations. Filipe also importing wines for the occasion.
As they were speaking about weddings, they remembered the wedding of Isabella and Filipe. The wedding had been a beautiful affair and the amount of detail Amanda Crowe was able to achieve in such a short timeframe was impressive. Isabella's gown was exquisite and highlighted her beauty. The bride and groom glowed with happiness as they exited the church. As expected, the spectacular wedding breakfast was held in one of the hotels owned by the Crowe family… not to mention the alcohol.
The engagement and marriage of Filipe certainly held the interest of the ton. Another eligible bachelor was off the marriage market to the disappointed of many ladies, but Filipe felt he was the fortunate one. His father commenting in a toast that the female population of Paris had gone into mourning. Filipe's father wanting to shock Isabella but was surprised when she raised her glass and declared 'she had won the race'. Isabella truly had the right temperament for Filipe which made his mother happy. The newlyweds embarking on a short wedding trip which ended at the Montrose Estate.
Sidney M privately mentioning to Joy the mistake he made when sending a note to the Count and Countess the morning after they arrived.
'Filipe growled as the knock on the door was interrupting his time with this wife. He had achieved his goal and married 'Isabella' before leaving for Scotland. Choosing to ignore it and concentrated on his wife who was making the sweetest noises. The person at the door would not go away and Filipe finally opened the door wearing his robe.
"What?" the girl who had been at the door jumped. He was given a letter from his cousin Sidney M outlining the activities for the day… since arriving yesterday the Count and Countess of Alix had not left their room. Filipe stalking over to the desk and wrote a note of apology that they would not be available until dinner that evening. Once the note had been dispatched, he returned to his wife.
"Filipe! That was very rude"
"I just need you and nothing else!" rasped Filipe
Sidney M and Joy had been enjoying their own private breakfast when Filipe's reply arrived. Sidney M chuckling as he read the direct note from his cousin. He gave directions to the servants that the Count and Countess of Alix were not to be disturbed for the rest of the day.'
Sidney M was reminded about that matter in a letter from his cousin he received today… banning all early morning messages during their visit. Sidney M was tempted to send one to see Filipe's reaction but was cautioned by Joy. Joy was looking forward to spending time with her friend and see their three children. They lived the majority of their time in France, and it had been a year since they had been in England.
While they were enjoying tea and cakes there was loud voice, and everyone knew it was Crowe.
"Well met everyone! the Crowes have arrived and now we can truly start the celebrations!"