The gardens of Avebury Manor were a palette of early autumn hues, the air crisp with the scent of fallen leaves and damp earth. Marguerite pushed the twin's trolley along the winding gravel path, each turn revealing another picturesque view that made her ever so grateful for this life she had been given. Isabelle and Juliette lay peacefully in their little carriage, bundled up against the chill, their tiny faces serene as if they too appreciated the natural beauty around them.
William, a pint-sized bundle of energy and curiosity, toddled beside her, gripping the edge of the trolley as if making sure his sisters didn't suddenly decide to go on an adventure without him.
"Look, Mummy! A green woodpecker!" William's eyes widened with excitement as he pointed toward a bird perched on a nearby branch.
"That's right, William! You remembered that from the book we read, didn't you?"
"Uh-huh!"
As Marguerite reached the wrought-iron bench that had become one of her favorite spots in the garden, she noted the twins had fallen into a peaceful slumber. She parked the trolley beside the bench and sat down, her eyes appreciating the simple beauty of her surroundings. Carefully, she lifted William onto her lap, cherishing the delighted glow in his eyes.
"William, you know you're a very special and smart boy, don't you?"
"I am?"
"Yes, darling, you are. You're incredibly smart, and you're very loved. One day, your sisters will look up to you. You're such a quick learner, I can't wait to teach you so many things."
"Like what?"
"Well, For starter's, I'll teach you how to read bigger books, how to speak another language like French. I want you to know about history, about knights and castles, and how the world around us has changed."
"When will I play?" William interrupted, clearly worried.
Marguerite chuckled at his innocent concern. "Oh, my love, you'll have plenty of time to play. Learning new things can be its own kind of adventure, but there will always be time for play."
In the tranquility of the afternoon, the master bedroom had turned into a haven of warmth and coziness. Marguerite had resourcefully converted her makeup table into a temporary desk, sliding away beauty products to make room for an open book.
Sitting beside her in a child-sized chair designed to elevate him to desk level, William looked eagerly at the book, his little eyes dancing over the vivid illustrations. They were engrossed in "The Tale of Peter Rabbit" by Beatrix Potter. William would occasionally reach out to carefully touch the vivid illustrations.
"There's Peter Rabbit! He's in the garden."
"Yes, darling, he's in Mr. McGregor's garden, and he really shouldn't be."
Marguerite carefully turned the page. "Oh, but look what happens next. Peter is having quite the adventure. Can you read this part for me?"
William leaned in closer, eager to continue the story. He focused on the text Marguerite pointed to and began reading with clear, enthusiastic articulation:
"Mr. McGregor was on his hands and knees planting out young cabbages, but he jumped up and ran after Peter, waving a rake and calling out, 'Stop thief!' Peter was most dreadfully frightened; he rushed all over the garden, for he had forgotten the way back to the gate. He lost one of his shoes among the cabbages, and the other shoe amongst the potatoes. After losing them, he ran on four legs and went faster, so that I think he might have got away altogether if he had not unfortunately run into a gooseberry net, and got caught by the large buttons on his jacket. It was a blue jacket with brass buttons, quite new."
Marguerite embraced William proudly and kissed his hair. "Well done, my little one. That was excellent. It won't be long before you start reading classics."
John stepped into the bedroom, pausing for a moment to take in the domestic vision before him. A smile spread across his face at the sight, it was the kind of everyday magic that he'd always hoped his family life would contain.
"Quite the literary afternoon we're having."
Marguerite looked up, her eyes meeting John's. "It's one of his favorites."
"I love seeing you two so immersed in reading. But don't overdo it. He should have more time to play."
"Well, yes, he has plenty of time for playing, but it's also crucial that we stimulate his mind."
"Marguerite, he'll have years and years for that. But he'll only be this young once. Don't you think we should let him savor it?"
"Well, let's ask him what he wants to do. William, do you want to continue reading, or would you like to go play?"
William's eyes flickered between the book and his parents. "I love Peter Rabbit, he's naughty! But I want to go play now."
Marguerite felt a mix of emotions. A part of her was slightly disappointed that he wanted to leave their reading session so soon. But a stronger, more dominant part of her was touched by his innocent joy.
"Alright, darling. Why don't you go find Nanny in the nursery and have some fun?"
"Okay, Mummy!"
With that, he bounded out of the room, his youthful energy filling the space even after he'd gone.
John grinned, feeling a sense of relief and validation. He and Marguerite exchanged knowing glances. The issue may not be entirely resolved, but for now, they were content to let their son find his own balance between learning and play. After all, it was his childhood, a time for both wisdom and wonder.