Two weeks after welcoming twin girls into the world, Avebury Manor was brimming with newfound joy. Marguerite had named the older twin Isabelle, captivated by the name's grace, while John had chosen the name Juliette for the younger one. They opted for the French versions of the names, finding it charmingly cute and fitting well with Marguerite.
Years ago, the idea of having three children would have seemed imposible to Marguerite. She had long resigned herself to a life without a family, convinced that her past mistakes would forever haunt her and that she'd never find a love deep enough to change her mind. Yet, fate had other plans. William was conceived unexpectedly during their time in Avalon, a product of their unbridled love and passion. Holding William for the first time transformed Marguerite in ways she hadn't imagined possible. She experienced a surge of new emotions, a sense of purpose, and a depth of feeling she had never known. William addad new dimension to her life. He quickly became the center of her universe. He was perfect in her eyes, and the thought of another child hadn't crossed her mind. However, John, wanting to give William a brother or a sister, expressed his desire for more children. Marguerite, moved by his vision of a larger family, couldn't help but happily agree.
While congratulations and well wishes poured in from near and far, a small cloud of disappointment hovered over William. He had been dreaming of a baby brother to share his toys and adventures with, and the arrival of not one, but two sisters left him a bit distressed.
Recognizing his mellow mood, Veronica decided that an outdoor escapade and a pony ride might be just the thing to lift his spirits.
"Are you ready for your pony ride, William?" Veronica asked.
"I guess."
Veronica knelt beside him. "You were hoping for a brother, weren't you?"
"Yes, I really was." he said, his gaze falling to his shoes.
"You know, you and I have a lot of fun together, don't we?"
"Uh-huh."
"Your sisters are going to be just as fun. I promise."
"But sisters like girl things, don't they?"
"I'm a girl, and I like climbing trees and playing all sorts of games."
"Yes, but..."
"But what?"
"You grew up in the jungle."
"That's true, I did grow up in the jungle, and it taught me all sorts of things. But, William, being a girl or a boy doesn't limit what you can enjoy or do. Your sisters will grow up here with you, and you can teach them all the fun things you love. Who knows? They might even teach you a thing or two."
As Veronica led the pony around the sunlit field, she kept one arm wrapped securely around William's small frame, holding him in place as he sat on the saddle. Her other hand guided the pony's reins, ensuring a slow, steady pace perfect for a young rider.