After Mary had finished bathing and had gotten dressed, she laid back down and continued to rest, while I headed back out to Edward's to collect Braden and Brielle.
Once at Edward's, I tethered my stallion, Belial, next to Braden's pony, and knocked on Edward's door. To my surprise, Peter answered.
"Peter… What brings you here?"
"Cristabel's cooking, and my favourite niece and nephew…"
I rolled my eyes.
"Really Peter…"
"I swear it Will"
"Oh,
because I thought it would be that you wanted to borrow some of
Edward's wine, being as Thomas, Bordon, and I generally don't
have it directly on hand, save for special occasions."
"Well,
now that you've mentioned it… Oh never mind; that's beside the
point. As I said before Will, it was Cristabel's cooking, and
Braden and Brielle that brought me here."
"Is that so? Then who told you?"
"Edward, on his way to James Wilkins' house. He seemed very rushed at the time.. Anyway, come on in."
Thank you Peter." I replied, stepping into the house.
"Papa!" Cried Brielle as I entered the dining room.
"Hello my little princess." I replied, bending down and wrapping my arms around Brielle.
"How is Mother feeling?" Asked Braden.
"Yes, how is Mary feeling?" Added Cristabel, entering the dining room.
"Hello again, Cristabel. And thank you for watching my children."
"You're welcome."
"So, how is Mother feeling?" Asked Braden again.
"She's better."
"That's a relief." Said Cristabel.
"Yes it is. At least temporarily. One moment she's perfectly fine; the next, she's anything but. Good Lord, I can hardly wait until she gives birth. I detest seeing her so miserable."
"Will we get to see Mama have a baby?" Brielle asked.
"Certainly not!"
"But why Papa?"
"You and your brother are much too young to see something like that."
"But"
I gave Brielle a stern look and she fell silent.
Cristabel smiled.
"Well you two, you'd best get going back home with your father."
"But Papa, can't we stay longer?" Brielle asked.
"Not today Brielle. Now come you two, it is time to go home. And besides, you both still need to get cleaned up and dressed."
Braden and Brielle nodded and then said their good-byes to Cristabel and Peter. Then they followed me outside and back home.
