Time flies, which is true. Through time the pain of Catherine's death lessened. Time also rushed forward with its warrior called patience from the passage of death to the journey of birth. With birth came new beginnings. Sometimes the most important part of the journey is the new beginning. The start of something new brings about hopes of greatness surrounded by a sea of possibilities.
So it was with the marriage of Lady Dot and Sir Anthony. Mary's close friend had long since asked if she could have her wedding at Hapus House. "I love it here. Everything is beautiful, more so than my childhood home." How could the Princess refuse? She couldn't because she wanted her friend's wedding to be held there. She agrees with Dot. Hapus is a perfect location for festivals and feasts and celebrations of all kinds.
That is how the wedding celebration came to be held at the Brandon's "mini palace", as His Lordship is often caught saying. It was a splendid affair. Dot's parents Richard and Catherine Grosvenor, along with their fifteen children, arrived two days prior to the wedding. Sir Anthony's parents Edmund and Eleanor Knivert came shortly after, along with their five children. Then other guests, who are staying at the house, showed up. Suffice it to say, Charles and Mary had a house full of people ready to wish the happy couple well.
In an ironic turn of events, His Highness did not like it. Usually, he's very sociable and jolly, but oddly he became taciturn. However, with it being so close to Christmas, he felt that "These people are going to eat us out of house and home. Then what will be left for our Christmas Eve Feast and our own holiday meal? Plus who knows what manner of sickness they are all bringing with them, especially all the kids." At present, he's very protective of his own children and pregnant wife.
Mary let him know that he was to act no other way than that of a gracious host. "The wedding is only two days away now. Put a smile on your face and take the men hunting tomorrow." Which he did. He led all of the men into the backstretch of land where he's found the hunting plentiful. They caught more than enough meat to supply the Christmas Eve Feast and well into the new year. He was the most gracious host to have ever been a gracious host— mainly because he did not want his wife's pregnancy hormones turned on him.
The wedding itself went off without a hitch. In another ironic turn of events, Mary played lady in waiting to her friend. She helped Dot with everything from securing the flowers to making sure Mrs. Evans had all of the food ready for the marriage feast. At the Cardiff chapel, the vows were exchanged. During the ceremony Dot and Anthony read their custom-written wedding poems. There was not a dry eye in the chapel, amongst all the ladies. Charles whispered to his wife, "You put them up to this poem nonsense didn't you?" She only smirked in response.
After the ceremony, came the wedding procession where Dot couldn't wait to show off her beautiful blue wedding gown. Lady Lillian made it special for her. The procession was elaborate with all of the carriages adorned in fancy embellishments for the occasion. It started at the chapel and ended at Hapus House. The whole community turned out to share in celebrating the happy couple. But really most of them were lined up to see the Prince and Princess of Wales. In honor of their friend's marriage, Charles gave Mary a big money pouch. With it, she was able to throw coins out to the crowd. It was very rewarding for her, especially since she didn't get to do so at their own wedding.
Feasting and dancing followed the procession. Instead of several days' worth of revelry, as was the custom, there was only one day. This being everyone wanted to be at their own homes to observe Christmas. So in light of this, there was only a fifteen-course meal and not as much dancing. It was gracious plenty, according to Dot. The food tasted divine, and everyone enjoyed themselves— even the grumpy host.
The very next day, saw all of the guests leave including the newly married couple. It was very difficult for Mary to say goodbye to her close friend, as it was the same for Dot. "This is not goodbye. It's just an extended leave of absence," Dot explained. She was trying not to cry and doing a horrible job of it.
Mary did not try to cry, for that is a lost cause. She woke up crying that morning and really hasn't stopped since. "Even though you are going away, you will still be an essential part of my life. I know we'll see each other at court and other times on and off throughout the year. Same as I know one day, when Owen takes over Suffolk, you will be back in Wales with me. But in the meantime, I will miss you every day."
The two friends hugged and promised to write. Then Dot got into Anthony's carriage and rode away to Suffolk, leaving her sad, pregnant friend behind. Charles tried cheering her up with flowers and love poems. It worked, a little. And true to their word Mary and Dot wrote letters every week, which became something the both of them looked forward to.
New hopes and possibilities also sprung up in February as well. With only a few weeks left in the pregnancy, Mary started overseeing the new baby's room. Lady Paisley has proven herself to be a tremendous help and a hard worker. She has fit right in, filling Dot's shoes in her own way and it has been a truly good thing.
For example in the baby's room, Mary told her exactly how she wanted it to look. Then the two of them went to the storage room, on the far side of the house, to rummage around for furniture. The Princess pointed at items and Paisley marked them to help the footmen identify them. Over the course of the week, the baby's room was put together all under the new lady's instructions. When Mary was brought in to see the finished product she was astounded.
Her eyes could scarce believe it. Happiness bloomed in her chest. From wall to wall it was a baby paradise. Anything a child could want was there, along with a crib, a changing table, a chest of drawers, a chair that rocks, and many other things. But the soft colors of the room are what put it all together and capped it off. As her eyes took everything in, Mary knew if the baby is a little girl some things will change. The curtains and bed linens will have pink hues and there will be a lot of frilliness, and pretty items.
Then she saw the exquisite flower arrangements. One on the chest of drawers and the other on top of a low shelf. She knew Paisley had done these, as she has such a knack for such things. "This is beautiful Paisley. Everything is perfect. Thank you," she expressed to her new friend. Paisley smiled and accepted the thanks with a slight blush, which to be honest her talents have been grossly overlooked in her own home back in Scotland. The two ladies ventured downstairs to have tea.
One day, almost a week away from the estimated due date, the Prince and Princess received a letter. Charles found his wife in the downstairs library reading. Although, she does far more napping than actual reading lately. He sat beside her on the sofa and put her feet on his lap. His fingers began tickling them, which made her jerk awake and him to laugh.
"Oh, Charles. I was just... napping. Is there something you need?" she asked. Then she sat up, closed her book, and scooted close to him.
Tucking her hair behind her ear, he told her "Can't I just be with my wife? Do I need a reason?"
She shook her head. "No, but you have a letter in your hand. Usually, it's some kind of distressing news from my father. So the way I see it is he is either sending you away from me on some mission or asking for your presence at the palace. Regardless you'll still be away from me."
Holding her in his arms, tucked in close to his side, he rested a hand on the baby bump. Their baby has been very active lately, and one thing he loves is the nighttime. That's when he gets to see its little footprints when it kicks. In a show of affection, he'll lean over and kiss the tiny feet. "I can't argue with your assessment. He does seem to have that habit. This letter is actually two parts. One is he wanted us to know that the Queen is pregnant and he hopes it's a son."
He saw his wife's face grow impassive. It makes it unable to read her expression. "Of course he does. He always wants a son. I hope he gets one this time, for I am tired of hearing about it." She played with the buttons on his doublet.
Taking her hand, he placed a kiss on it. "I agree with you, Sweetheart. I think everyone is tired of hearing him talk about it. The second thing is he has asked me to travel north in an attempt to halt the Northern Rebellion. He's already sending Edward Seymour, Norfolk, and a few other men, but after our baby is born he wants me to join them. He thinks I'll have a better opportunity to negotiate."
Oh her heart sped up and her eyes narrowed at those words. "I knew it. I knew he'd send you away from me. What does he mean by after the baby is born? The day after? A week after? How much after?" Her father always does this and usually at the most inopportune times. Super frustrating!
With a chuckle, he explained "I'm certain at least a week after, surely. Maybe even two. But after that, I must go to help."
She whined. "Must you? Must you go? I'll have just had the baby. I don't want to have to worry about you being in danger." A great sigh left her mouth.
This is understandable. He doesn't want to go, not really. But he can't risk falling out of the King's favor, even if he is a Prince and married to His Majesty's daughter. "I'll be home before you know it and then you'll get so sick of me you'll beg me to leave again."
In a disagreement, she stated "Like pigs flying it is impossible for me to get sick of you. Although when you're being overprotective like you were at the Christmas Feast, you do make me touchy."
His eyebrows raised. "Mary, Thomas Kemble was much too friendly with you. His hands were on your arms, same as that blasted Edward Seymour does." His complaints are worthy.
Angling herself to see him better, she reminded him "Charles we've been over this already. You have nothing to be jealous of. Thomas Kemble was asking me about Paisley. That's all. And as for Edward Seymour, sure he's handsome. But his personality is as dull as watching wood be carved." He started to say something, however, a well-placed kiss quieted him.
As the days drew nearer, Mary grew more and more ready for the baby to be born. They had discussed names for both a boy and a girl, just in case. Finally on a Tuesday morning, while breaking her fast, the baby decided it was time to be born.
Having just put butter on a piece of bread, Mary's fork clattered onto her plate. It startled Charles, who had sipped his wine. "Is everything alright?" he asked.
A large birth pain hit her. Breathing out a huge breath, she stated "Just peachy." She took a sip of her purified water before another pain came. It was then Charles knew something was wrong.
He pointed his piece of bacon at her. "You are looking suspicious. What's going on?" He bit the bacon.
Breathing out again, Mary explained "Nothing. Except I'm having a baby." She inhaled and exhaled.
Not catching on, His Highness continued eating. Between bites, he said "Of course you are. You're pregnant."
"No Charles. I'm really having the baby. Last night when I went to the privy my water broke. I didn't tell you because you were asleep and looking peaceful. But I've been having birth pains ever since. I think I'm almost there," she declared.
Standing up, he questioned "You're ready to have the baby, now? But we need... we need Doctor Pearce."
Her blue eyes bore into his. "Yes, I know. That's why I had Glyn send a footman for him before we sat down to breakfast. Now help me up."
"Why are you having the baby now? The doctor isn't here yet. It needs to stay inside until he arrives," Charles exclaimed. His voice rose to a shrill pitch.
Holding out her dainty hand to him, he took it. She pulled him down to face her. "If you do not help me up to our bedroom, we will not have any more children. That includes making children. Now get it together."
He snapped out of it, sort of, and gently hoisted her up and walked with her up the stairs. They met Joan on the way. With heavy breathing, Her Highness informed her "Please go fetch Lady Agnes, Lady Enid, and Paisley." Joan rushed off to do so, while Charles then gathered his wife into his arms and carried her the rest of the way.
No sooner did he deposit her onto the bed than a huge birth pain arose. She grabbed her husband's hand and squeezed. When it was over his hand ached and he helped her change into a comfortable cotton nightgown. All the ladies arrived and shooed him out. He waited with William in his study where the two drank wine and played chess until the doctor arrived.
Same as before, Edmund came to get him because "Your wife wants you with her for the birth." So he got up from the game and went to the bedroom, where he helped his wife through labor. He sat behind her, same as last time, and helped her breathe and encouraged her to push. And finally when she was good and sweaty and tired, at some point in the afternoon their baby was born.
Everyone said it was an easy birth, but he didn't really pay attention to that. His eyes were on his baby— his teeny, tiny, sweet, little girl. When Lady Enid placed the swaddled babe in his arms, after having her first bath of milk and rose petals, he spoke out "She's perfect, just perfect." Then he turned to the doctor's daughter to ask a question. "She's a cute baby, right?"
With a laugh, Mrs. Nevitt declared "Of course she is. She's a very pretty baby. One of the prettiest Princesses I've ever seen." Then she, and the other women, shooed him from the room so they could finish attending to his wife.
He walked down the hall showing their daughter off to William first and all of the staff. They cooed and scrambled to get a look at the new pretty Princess. The proud father was cuddling his little girl when Mrs. Nevitt fetched him to come back in. He came to sit by Mary and handed the baby over, for her to nurse. Then kissed her forehead.
"While all the kingdom is eager for little boys, you got your little girl," she told him. Her eyes kept staring at their baby.
His fingers played with the tiny fingers of their daughter. "I did and she looks just as pretty as her mother. Besides, we already have two boys. Now we need just one more little girl to even things out. Are we certain on what we want to name her?" He thinks she's the most attractive little girl he's ever seen, with her Bonnie blue eyes and her dark hair that has a reddish tint to it (just like his wife's). Since he thinks his wife is the most beautiful woman he's ever laid eyes on, he can't help but wonder what this one will be like when she's older. He'll have to have her brothers help him beat the boys away.
Mary took her eyes off the baby and looked at him. "I'm not so sure anymore. I liked Meghan because it means pearl. You sometimes call me My Pearl, like my father did, but it seems like everyone in England has some form of Meg for a name. I want something unique for her."
He agrees. "OK let's think of something then. How about Emma?" Mary shook her head no. "Eleanor? Margot?" No again. "Isabelle?" The names kept coming but Her Highness rejected each one.
Until... Mary spoke up. "Mrs. Nevitt, there was a Welsh name I heard not too long ago. Serenity or something like that."
Mrs. Nevitt came closer to the bed. "Yes. I think you mean Serene. That means calm, sort of like your little one. She's a very calm baby."
Turning to Charles, Her Ladyship told him "I think I like that as a middle name. Gillian Serene Brandon. What do you think?" She put the baby on her shoulder to burp.
What does he think? "Well, it's different. I've never heard that combination before and I haven't heard the name Gillian in a long time. I like it and I think it suits her." He took the baby back from Mary as she fixed her gown.
And so they welcomed baby Gillian into their family. The bells of Cardiff Chapel rang out loud and clear all day on the hour. Ravens were sent to the King and to the Knivert's in Suffolk. There was a moment of sadness when Mary realized she couldn't send her mother one, but Charles chased it away by placing the babe in her arms. It seems the babe's father has become attached to her and is proud to show her off to anyone who will look, even if they've already seen the child.
As for the twins, they really didn't understand that the baby is their new sister. Charles brought them in to see Gillian. William eyed the little girl with his inquisitive face. Owen, however, pointed and said "Who". Their father told them "This is your sister, Gillian. Give her a kiss." Owen gave her a kiss on the head, while William did not. He was smart enough to know that this baby would take his mother's attention away from him. So he sat down and had an ugly look on his face.
Mary wanted to laugh, but she didn't. She turned to look at Charles, who was looking at his son. "William, aren't you going to give your sister a kiss?" he asked.
He shook his little head and said "No." Then Mary handed the baby to her husband and pulled William into her lap. She smothered him with kisses all over and it made him laugh. While she was holding her keen little boy, she told him "Mama and Daddy love you just like we love Owen. Mama and Daddy also love Gillian. Won't you kiss your sister?" He nodded and leaned over to give her a kiss on the cheek like he saw his mother do as an example.
Sometimes all it takes is a mother showing love to each of her children that does the trick. They sat as a family on the bed— mother, father, William, Owen, and Gillian. The only one missing is Elizabeth, who was still taking her nap. While Mary held the new baby, Charles held his two boys. They had given him a block and a knight figurine. He began telling them a story using both items as props and it made them laugh, even his wife.
Hapus House is slowly becoming full of so many hopes and dreams under one roof. As Charles took in the sight of his wife, new baby, and little boys he felt this was it. This is what he had been waiting for all of his life— his family. This is the start of a new beginning. One that he's running to with open arms. And the sooner he goes to put out the fires up north, the sooner he can be back here where his heart is- with his wife and children.