That evening around seven, Peter and Edward arrived for supper, and I was mildly surprised to see Cristabel at Edward's side.
"Good evening Charlotte." Said Cristabel. "Where is Thomas?"
"Outside I believe, with Braden and Brielle."
"They're here?" Peter asked.
"Yes, for the rest of the week. Thomas can give you the details after supper."
"Does it have to do with Mary?" Peter asked.
"Yes."
Edward raised his eyebrows and said, "I hope everything is all right."
"I'm afraid not, but Thomas can tell you later."
"Very well.."
"Anyway, how have you three been fairing?"
"Very well thank you." Replied Peter.
"Very well indeed." Added Edward. "In fact, we'll discuss it after supper."
"Uncle Peter!"
I turned to see Braden coming in the door followed by Brielle and Thomas.
"Good evening, Edward, Peter, Cristabel."
"Good evening." They replied.
"Hello Uncle Edward." Said Brielle.
"Hello Brielle." Said Edward, bending down to give Brielle a hug.
"Cristabel, I almost didn't expect you to be here; Edward told me you haven't been feeling well."
"I haven't been, but I did feel well enough to come." Cristabel replied with a smile, her eyes flickering as if she were hiding something.
"So, where's the food?" Peter asked.
Edward groaned and I laughed.
"Is that all you think about Peter?" Edward asked.
"Well actually"
"Nevermind, the question was rhetorical; don't answer it."
Peter grinned impishly.
"Alright Peter, supper is ready if you'll just take a seat in the dining room. Just don't eat all the food before the rest of us get there."
After supper, Peter took Braden and Brielle upstairs to play instead of joining Thomas and I in the sitting room to talk with Edward and Cristabel; he figured he would find out what was going on later.
"So, what is going on with our brother and his wife now?" Asked Edward settling into a settee next to Cristabel.
"Mary has pneumonia. And she is pregnant with twins."
"Pneumonia? You can't be serious. Thomas, that can kill!"
"I know that Edward, but it still seems she has a chance. I told Will that he should stay home for a while to take care of Mary, and that we would take care of house chores, and if need be, the children."
"Of course we will!" Edward replied. "Will shouldn't have to do anything right now but care for Mary."
"I agree. He has enough stress to deal with already. However, there is one minor issue that I probably should have left to him; I told him we would also take care of Belial."
Edward raised his eyebrows and said, "That demon of a stallion? You know he only listens to Will and Mary. To everyone else who tries to command him, he behaves like a horrid beast."
"I understand that but I thought we could still give it a try."
"Well I hope you're right about this." Edward replied.
"If I'm not, I'll take full responsibility if any damage is done. I know how Belial is. But I believe we can handle him."
"Perhaps; we've all much experience with horses, including stubborn ones."
Suddenly Cristabel gripped Edward's arm, her face all of a sudden pale.
"Edward.. I need to go to the washroom.."
"I'll take her." I said, getting out of my chair.
"Thank you Charlotte."
(Thomas' POV)
After Cristabel and Charlotte left, I turned to Edward and asked, "Is Cristabel alright?"
Edward smiled mischievously and replied, "She's fine, Thomas; she's with child."
My eyes widened.
"She's pregnant?"
"Yes! Our first child!"
I smiled.
"Congratulations brother."
