You all are so kind with your words. I humbly thank you.

And I also thank those who have given me hope. Although my fears that Anthony will not ride in on a white steed and save Edith in the Christmas Special are probably true, there is hope for the coming year. I live in that hope, lol!

"He's had a concussion," Dr. Clarkson told the parents. "It isn't uncommon with rowdy little boys but that he had a seizure is. It suggests this wasn't the first time he's done this. Great care will be required with him for some time. He can't afford to have this happening again. As it is, there may be consequences we don't know of yet."

"Consequences? What consequences?" Anthony asked nervously. Edith could see the fear plainly displayed in his face.

"There could be mental deficiencies as a result or perhaps bring about behavior problems…we'll just have to wait and see. And then he may weather this and be just fine," Dr. Clarkson said kindly. "But he must be watched closely for some time and nothing too boisterous."

Anthony seemed deep in thought so it was Edith who spoke. "We'll see to it. And thank you Dr. Clarkson, for coming so quickly."

Clarkson nodded and said a brief good bye before departing.

Edith turned her attention back to her husband, who stood in the middle of the room, his eyes cast upwards, biting his lower lip. She couldn't remember ever having seen quite such an expression on him. "Anthony?"

His eyes settled on her, anger and sadness vying for dominance in his features. And then she saw his tears working out of the corners of his eyes. Panic set in as she saw him crumbling. "I'm so afraid for our boy," he finally gasped.

Edith moved to him instantly. "As am I," she confided as she wrapped her arms around his waist. "We'll watch him for the next few weeks. One of us will always be there with him. And the new nanny will be…well, we'll know everything there is to know about her and we will watch her too until we are confident."

"Yes, but what if the damage is done?" he asked softly, as if he were afraid to speak it.

"Then we will find a way," she replied with more confidence than she felt.

"Yes, yes…of course," he said, stepping out of her grasp. "Well then, one of should talk with the twins…and the staff will have to be warned…"

"Yes, my darling. And we will do those things together." Taking his hand in hers, Edith squeezed his fingers in an attempt to give them both confidence. "But just now, let's check on Charles."

The staff was instructed to watch for and report any tumbles Charles might take. But the warning was largely un-needed because one or both of the baby's parents were with him constantly over the next few days, even having his small bed set up in their room so that he slept with them. Even the twins seemed to realize the importance of Charles' situation and were very careful around their little brother.

Finally, the day before Christmas, Anthony decided to reward Robbie for his good behavior and took the boy out to the stable to introduce him to his Christmas present a day early. It had been decided some weeks before that perhaps the boy was ready for a pony. Anthony had given up riding after the war, his arm presenting too many challenges. But he did have hopes that his sons would enjoy the sport. He'd scoured the countryside and decided on a pony for Robbie to begin his horsemanship education. Robbie was delighted with his grey pony. He'd immediately been taken in by the little pony's large brown eyes. Anthony cautioned the boy about becoming too excited around the little cob, explaining that the pony wouldn't understand and become agitated himself and that could lead to dire consequences.

Robbie couldn't imagine what dire consequences were but he heeded his father's warning anyway and fought to remain calm as he stood at the stall, his fingers rubbing the pony's nose. "What's his name?" Robbie wanted to know.

Anthony smiled as he admired the boy's control and also the soundness of the little animal. "He doesn't have one yet. He's been waiting for you to give him one, you see," Anthony told Robbie.

Robbie turned to his father, his eyes huge with excitement. "Really? He is really mine and I can name him?"

"He is yours. But he will be a responsibility. You must check everyday to see that he has been properly cared for, fed and groomed, and such. And Orson is going to work with you to teach you how to look after him and also teach you to ride."

"But…"

"What Robbie?"

"You could teach me to ride," Robbie said quietly. "I've heard Grandpapa and you talking about riding…so you know how."

"I can teach you some of it. But Orson can ride along side you when you are ready to ride outside the paddocks. You must promise me you won't ride without Orson, Robbie."

Robbie sighed. "Yes Papa," he said toeing the dirt under his shoes. "But I wish you would ride with me."

"So do I, my boy, so do I…" Anthony put his hand on his son's shoulder and patted him affectionately. "We must see that you have proper riding clothes as well. But all in good time. For now, I think your mother would like to hear about your little friend here and it is about time for tea. But you must think upon a name. A good horse always deserves a good name."

Edith watched through the window as the two walked back to the house from the stables. She couldn't help but smile at the pair. Robbie really was taking after his father, lean and lanky and tall for his age, his tow head a mess of curls that needed taming again, much like his father's did after time outside. Tears filled her eyes as they approached, her heart full. She couldn't ever have imagined being this happy even after Anthony had finally proclaimed his love for her and claimed her as his. But here they were, both undeniably happy even as their marriage settled into a rhythm that many would consider boring.

That night they read to the twins to settle them for bed, although Robbie was having a difficult time calming down. Charles had already been put to bed before the twins and was soundly sleeping in his bed in their room. Ruth would remain with him until they turned in for the night. Downstairs in the library, Edith searched under the tree for a special package.

"What, shaking the packages?" Anthony teased. "Can't wait until morning to know what you've gotten?"

Just then Edith grasped the one she'd been looking for. "Not at all," she said as she rose with the small box in hand. "It's just that there's one I wanted to give you tonight, when it is just the two of us." She walked to him, watching his entranced expression. "I'm not quite ready to share this with anyone else but…" She handed him the package and watched as his mouth crinkled into his wonderfully crooked smile.

"Oh this is intriguing," he said as he eyed the box, his eyes flashing at her with a look of mischief. "Is this one of those little things that is for you but intended for my enjoyment? Like the package last year?" He was of course referring to the lingerie she'd bought for herself but wrapped up for Anthony, who'd immediately proclaimed that he would have preferred if the lingerie had been the wrapping for the package that was his wife. He'd been rewarded with a very Merry Christmas for that one.

"Not quite. Although last year's gift might have had a part in this one," she said impishly.

"Well, now I am captivated." He began to unwrap the box with his left hand, letting the paper and ribbon fall to the floor, his excitement building. Once he had the box opened, he nestled it against his chest to pull out the contents. Holding up the pair of booties, he looked smug. Edith gleefully watched his face but was confused when he didn't seem the least surprised. "I was wondering when you might tell me…" his eyes moved from the booties to her face and upon seeing her elation, he chuckled.

Edith was perplexed. "You knew?" she asked mystified. He engulfed her in a hug, his arm wrapping around her and holding her to him, the booties still clutched in his hand. "Oh my darling…all the signs were there…you knitting little booties, although I did think perhaps they were for Mary since she is expecting again. But also, well…you've been quite….demanding lately; as you were in your other pregnancies. But you are quite sure?"

"I'm sure…not about…well, pink…but Dr. Clarkson confirmed it a couple of weeks ago. I've been demanding?" she asked sounding just a little put off.

"Oh, I'm not complaining," he assured her. "It's rather gratifying to be honest. I mean, at my age…" he paused and then continued. "Besides, I know the three we already have are quite a handful and one would expect that between them and me and the household, you'd be too tired at night…. So when you come to bed ready to…to…"

"I would think a husband, any husband would be happy that his wife is so …affectionate," she said accusingly but with a smirk.

"As I am but…oh my darling, my sweet dearest darling….you give me the best gifts you know…" he said looking back at the booties.

"I'm so happy you are pleased, Sir Anthony, since you played a part in this gift," she teased.

Straightening up to look into her face, his blue eyes even brighter than usual, he asked her when.

"When what?" she taunted.

"Oh my little minx, you know very well what… when will our little package arrive?"

"July…about the middle, I believe."

Suddenly his face grew dark. "What does Clarkson say…about…I mean since you…since…the last baby?"

"He's says I am quite healthy…after admonishing me for not waiting awhile longer. As long as I take care there shouldn't be any problems. He says you are to take quite good care of me to which I replied that you already do."

Anthony smiled crookedly again and looked at her with the most bemused expression. "You really are quite special, don't you know my darling…"

"I only know that it is how you make me feel…and that I am quite ecstatically happy."

Suddenly the room grew rather warm for Anthony; for both of them really. "Shall we go up?" he suggested.

"But Charles is in our room," she reminded him.

"Then we will have to be very quiet," he whispered conspiratorially as he took her hand to lead her upstairs.

Edith giggled. "I'm not sure that is possible," she replied.

It wasn't long until she was proven right but fortunately Charles was deep asleep.