Following day Gregory, Violet and Kate came to help finish the library. Before they went to work, they asked Francesca to show them the house. Kate was surprised to see Damini in the house dressed in her sari.
''This is Damini. She worked for my husband in India and this is Kate, my sister in law.''
They started talking and Francesca left them and joined her mother and siblings.
''Would you like me to show you the house mother?''
''Yes, I would… I am very interested to see your home, Francesca.''
They started with the rooms on the ground floor. Violet took every detail of the house and she was glad that her daughter managed to fix everything as she wanted it. She took them upstairs and showed them bedrooms. Violet was very impressed with the master bedroom and glad to see both Francesca's and Michael's things there. Yes, she and Edmund had two bedrooms, but she barely ever used her Viscountess bedroom. She slept there only when the kids were babies and her husband had a busy day ahead of him. In eighteen years of marriage, they spent few nights apart. Also, sharing the bed meant that they are intimate or close to it. There is no way for two young people to be in the same bed and not consummate the marriage at all. She hoped for some grandkids from Francesca very soon. Yes, Daphne and Anthony have given her grandkids, but she wished more of them. She knew that not all of the children would follow into her footsteps with eight, but she hoped at least each of them would have four. Violet entered the closet and took a seat on Francesca's dressing chair. She kept looking at the Michael's side of the closet. She forgot the feeling of having the other side filled with your husband's clothes and things. Now her closet is just hers. She missed Edmund very much and sometimes in her sleep she would feel him beside her, but she also missed those small things you don't pay too much attention too wen your spouse is alive.
Francesca found her sitting in the closet on the verge of tears.
''Mother, what is wrong?''
''Nothing… It's stupid.''
''Please, tell me.''
''I saw Michael's things and I just…Oh, I still miss your father.''
''I'm sorry mother…''
''Don't be… It was meant to be like that…He was not supposed to grow old with me… I had him for a bit over eighteen years and we had amazing life together. I shouldn't be ungrateful.''
''You are not. It is natural to wish to grow old with a person you love. He would have loved seeing us marry and having grandchildren. He would love to fuss over them like you do.''
She started laughing.
''He would have been worse than I am.''
Francesca stood at the door thinking if it was appropriate to ask your mother this question.
''Mother…''
''Yes?''
''Why have you never remarried?''
''Oh… I… Well, I was pregnant with your sister and after that… I had you kids… Well, the boys were big, but you little kids didn't need a new man in the house.''
''Will you think about it now?''
''Oh, Francesca… I loved… I lived and I lost the love of my life. I had you kids and soon all of you will be married with your families. I will not be lonely…''
''No, you will not… Since Eloise will never marry…''
''Oh, Francesca! Don't say that.''
''I am just making a joke mother… But maybe after you get us all out of your hair, you could think of getting married again…or at least taking a lover.''
''I don't have time or strength to take a lover… All of you occupy my time and I am afraid that lover would only watch me sleep.''
''Well, that is nice too… Having someone by your side…Not having your bed empty.''
''I suppose it is… But I can't just take a lover or new husband. It would feel like I am betraying your father and our love… I still love him Francesca and I don't think I am capable of letting another man in my bed and sharing an intimacy with him. And I am not young anymore… I've had eight children. I couldn't be naked in front of the man who didn't know this body before all of you were born. Men have unrealistic expectations. We don't stay perfect. Our bodies grow old and change… I could only share a bed with someone who grew old with me.''
''I guess I could understand that.''
''Are you…?''
''No, not that I know. Mother, I just got married. It will take a minute for me to be with child.''
''I guess I am just inpatient.''
'' I know. But as soon as I have the news, I'll tell you.''
''Are you happy in your marriage?''
''It turned out better than I expected. Michael is…well a surprise… He is not the man from the gossip. Well, he is…but people don't know his other side.''
''Other side?''
''Yes, he is very funny, smart. He is full of stories from his travels and I could listen to him for hours. His stories are much more fun than Colin's.''
''Please, don't tell that to your brother….''
''I will not. I've learned how not to hurt their precious egos.''
''Especially his.''
''I am glad you are happy.''
''I think this marriage will offer me more than the one with John could.''
''Why do you say so?''
''He is his own man. Lady Sterling is his mother, but she doesn't get involved. She let us fix the house as we wish, she didn't come yet. She is waiting for us to invite her and she knows who her son is. His good and his bad are something she is aware of.''
''That is the hardest part of being a parent. You have to let your children hit the wall, make mistakes and then it's up to you to be with them when they need you to support them. You don't guide them as before. You stand by their side because they will be your babies forever.''
''We love you mother.''
''And I love you too. Now, let's go to the library before your sisters and Gregory create chaos.''
Lady Bridgerton knew her children very well. When they entered the library, Gregory and Hycinth were at war about putting the books away. Eloise tried to calm down the situation but had no success.
''What is going on children?''
''Mother, she is not letting me put the books away. She wants me to clean them.''
''You can clean them together.''
''But I was doing it yesterday…''
''Well, you will be doing it today also.''
Hyacinth knew better than to argue with her mother. She and Gregory cleaned the books and Francesca, Violet and Eloise were putting them away.
Kate and Damini took upon themselves to make Indian food for dinner. They had things they would need for a simple meal and both of them were excited to hear from the family what were their impressions of the cuisine.
Kate set the table and called them all to join in the dining room. She and Damini were explaining how to eat their speciality when door opened and very tired looking Michael entered the house. Francesca got up to great him and all the ladies and Gregory were courious how shall the couple greet one another.
''Michael, you are back…''
''Yes, I am… We finished what we had to do. Now general has to present it to the queen. I feel like I could sleep for a week.''
''You do look tired…''
''Very tired Frannie…I shall need a bath and then my wife in my arms so I can sleep.''
He came to her and kissed her on the lips. He tried to deepen the kiss. She let him and then she remembered they were not alone. Francesca stepped away…
''Not that I mind your idea, but my family is here and Kate and Damini made some Indian food we wanted to try… Do you want to eat with us.''
''Yes, oh, yes…If Damini made food with Kate, I am sure it will be good.''
They entered the dining room and her family pretended they haven't seen them kissing at the entrance.
''Good evening… I am sorry I was not here to greet you, but I just came back from work… We worked for two days without much time off…''
Violet noticed he didn't look that well.
''You should eat something and then go to bed.''
''I shall do just that… But I might add a bath too.''
''Of course. After dinner, we shall leave you to rest.''
Hyacinth didn't want to go home.
''Francesca said we could stay.''
''Yes, but Michael needs his rest. We shall send for your things tomorrow.''
''They can stay if they want. I apologize upfront I shall be sleeping tomorrow longer than usual so I would not be a good host.''
''Don't worry. We are going to leave after dinner.''
They had dinner and family was impressed with the food. Taste was different from what they usually ate, but they loved it. After they finished dinner, Violet rushed her children home so Michael could rest.
''I shall go and ask for your bath.''
''I have to go to my office and then I will join you upstairs.''
He kissed the top of her head and went to leave his papers. Francesca made sure that the bath was ready for him and as soon as he came upstairs, she helped him get rid of his clothes. She hung his jacket on his side of the closet and folded pants to put them on the other hanger. Michael soaked in the water and tried to relax.
''I am so tired.''
''I know…''
''I think that I just want to crawl into bed and don't wake up for days.''
''You deserve it. Were you successful?''
''I think we did a good job. We shall see what the queen would say tomorrow.''
''I hope you will get good reviews.''
''I hope too. If we get good things said about us, we would be working much more for the queen.''
He offered her a hand and she took it. He pulled her closer so she sat on the edge of the tub.
''Join me Frannie…''
''I am sure you are very tired…''
''Not that tired…''
''Michael…''
''Join me Frannie…''
She turned her back to him.
''I need help with the dress….''
He unbuttoned her dress and she took it off and put it on the chair. She removed the rest of her clothes and got her pins to pull the rest of her hair into bun so it doesn't get too wet. She got into tub with him and leaned onto his chest. He put his arms around her and kissed her neck.
''I missed having you in my arms…''
She smiled…
''It does feel nice.''
She helped him with his bath and then he went to bed. Valet and maid cleared out the bathroom and she got ready for bed. She got under the covers and fluffed her pillow. She watched him sleep for a moment and then she fell asleep. In the morning, she woke up and took a seat at the window and picked up her book. She spent most of her morning reading the book and sneaking the look at Michael from time to time. She got dressed and went downstairs to have something to eat. Damini asked about Michael and she said he was resting and that he wouldn't be up until lunch. She got the letter form Kate informing her of itinerary for tomorrow. After breakfast she went to the library and played the piano for some time. She got some sheets she forgot about and played for hours.
Michael woke up around lunch time. He got dressed and went to find Francesca. As expected, she was in her element playing the piano. He took a seat on the sofa and watched her play. She didn't notice him at first and when she became aware of him in the room, she gave him one of her big smiles.
''Have you rested?''
''Yes, I feel much better than yesterday.''
''Are you hungry?''
''Yes, but I can wait for lunch…''
''After lunch we should start preparing for Aubrey Hall…''
''Ah, yes. We leave tomorrow.''
''Yes, that is a plan.''
She gave him Kate's letter. He was reading the letter and what was intended for them do to and when to show up at Bridgerton house.
''Do you want to postpone it for a day or two?''
''No, tomorrow is just fine.''
''Two weeks with the Bridgerton bunch…''
''Are you happy about it?''
''Yes, I do miss my family… But I love the life we are building.''
''It will be fun… I am sure that your family is even bigger band of misfits out of the sight of ton. Like all the little things that Hyacinth is doing away from the eyes of your mother.''
''I am terrified to know what she does…or any other sibling does…''
''What do you think they are doing Frannie?''
She rolled her eyes.
''Oh… Is that a suggestion?''
''Michael Sterling!''
''What? It is a big estate…''
She started laughing.
''I am sure that your mind will go there as soon as we step on the grounds…''
''Is it wrong?''
''No, just strange… it is my childhood home.''
''This is my childhood home to and we did things here…''
''In our bedroom…''
''Do you want to do it in some other room?''
She didn't answer just gave him a look where she narrowed her eyes at him.
''We should go and see your mother for tea.''
''We should?''
''Yes, it is polite thing to do. Especially since we will be leaving to be with my family.''
''I shall send her a note.''
He wrote quick not to his mother inviting her for tea in their home and he gave it to one of valets to take it to her.
''Good… now, let's go and have that lunch.''
It was a very light lunch because Francesca didn't know when he would wake up. He enjoyed the food, but he was the happiest when he got chocolate muse. After lunch they informed their staff they would be gone for two weeks and that Damini will be in charge of the house and finances. He would leave money with her so they can get their wages and also have enough to buy food for themselves.
They spent some time in the library talking about their adventures in the nature. Michael was telling her about Kilmartin and how he loved that place. She wished they could visit but she was not ready to spend time with Michael, John and his mother. She knew Michael had his cabin there, but she knew it would be too awkward. It was too soon for them to take such a journey.
Helen arrived and Damini took her to the library where Michal and Francesca were. She found them sitting on the floor with huge world map in front of them. He was telling her about his travels and where he was sailing or going on horse.
''Good afternoon, Michael, Lady Sterling…''
She got up right away and tried to straighten her dress.
''Lady Sterling….''
''Please, call me Helen… Since we are both Lady Sterling, it is a bit confusing.''
She just nodded.
''I shall ring for tea…''
Michael gave his mother a hug and they all took a seat.
''How is it being back in the house?''
''It has been nice… We made some minor changes.''
She looked around.
''I see…''
''You still have this house?''
''It doesn't bring back good memories.''
''Not even his birth?''
Helen smiled.
''His birth is definitely something I want to forget. He tortured me for two days. Lucky he was such a charming boy from the start… Otherwise I would have…''
That got them all to laugh…
''He was born on Kilmartin estate… he was in a rush and came almost three weeks early… John was born few months before him in the Kilmartin house, here in London. Janet barely survived…and then we went all together to Scotland. It was not very comfortable to travel pregnant. My husband promised we would be back in London before I give birth, but this one was inpatient. He came and turned my world upside down. He was early, but very healthy boy. He was almost never sick as a child and he loved that damn estate in Scotland more than anything. He would ride, hike…just be outside all the time. Michael's uncle trained him and John to be his heirs. And I remember as soon as he was done with the lesson of the day, Michael would be out of the house…no matter snow, rain, cold, hot. That boy always loved his adventures… He is really Highland's man.''
''That is true… I hated being in the house. I would roam the estate and do all sorts of things. Later that came pretty handy when I joined the military. I knew how to ride, how to handle my animal, how to make things with my bare hands… I was never really into being a lord and surrounded by bunch of papers.''
''Like you are now?''
''Now…Now I have to… My injury and all…''
''I know son… I am glad you are back in London. I missed you and I was terrified of every letter that arrived that I might get the bad news.''
''Well, I am here mother… Safe and sound.''
''I am glad…''
She chatted with Francesca about the Bridgerton family. She knew Violet and Edmund from social events, and that was all. Now she was not really into going to balls and all. She did go to one or two with Janet and John before her son came back. In fact, at one of those balls he met Francesca. She had no idea that the woman John couldn't stop talking about would be the woman her son married.
''We are leaving tomorrow morning to spend two weeks with Francesca's family at their estate.''
''That is nice. I am sure you will have an amazing time there. I've never been, but I know that many say your estate is very beautiful.''
''Yes, it is… I grew up there and I love it very much. Much more than London and noise of the city.''
''Well, you would have loved Kilmartin then… It is at the end of the world…but beautiful nature…''
That made it awkward.
''Janet and John will be in London for the summer. Maybe then you could go there?''
''We shall see mother. I must speak to my cousin and aunt about that.''
''Yes, I am sure they would understand that you want to take your wife to see where you were born.''
''How is my aunt?''
''Ah, complaining as usual. In Scotland weather is never what she likes it to be. And she spends most of her time in the house.''
''They don't usually go there at this time. Is everything all right?''
''I don't know. She hasn't mentioned anything.''
Michael had a bad feeling about this, but didn't comment. They spent some more time chatting and Helen had dinner with them. Michael walked his mother to the carriage and Francesca gave instructions for packing. They were packed and trunks were by the door ready for tomorrow. They went to bed and fell asleep pretty soon.
In the morning, they were woken up by the maid who told them that the carriage would be here in an hour. They got ready and had some light breakfast. Damini made them a basket with food for the road. By the time they left the house, their trunks were placed at the carriage and they went to Bridgerton house. They were greeted by the valet who let them into the house. As usual, the situation was chaotic. Violet was on the verge of breakdown, almost no one was ready and she couldn't believe it happens every time they have to travel somewhere. Colin and Penelope were not ready yet. Kate and Anthony were busy with a fussy baby. Greg and Hyacinth were at war over Newton, Elosie was reading and ignoring them all and they had no idea where Benedict was.
''I see we will not be leaving any time soon.''
''I think you are right.''
''Do you think we could help?''
''No, there is nothing we can do… We just…wait…''
''Here at the entrance?''
''Give it a minute… She will rant for a moment more; say she wishes my father takes her to him and then she will climb the stairs and we will run into the garden…after we steel the cookies.''
''Cookies?''
''Yes, before Colin comes… Lesson number one, get the food before he shows up or you will never taste that thing. He doesn't eat, he sucks in the food.''
Michael pictured Colin sucking in the food and it was disturbing image. Just as Francesca predicted, Violet gave her little speech and climbed the stairs. She took his hand and took the entire bowl od cookies. Then she carefully led him to the garden. They took a seat in the gazebo and started eating the cookies.
''These are good.''
''I know…''
They spent about twenty minutes eating cookies and Francesca telling him how many times this had happened and how they will never leave on time in their lives when they heard shout through the window.
''FRANCESCA BRIDGERTON, YOU BETTER BRING THOSE COOKIES IN!''
''I see Colin and his wife are here…''
''Yes…''
''Are you going to give them cookies?''
''Give me your handkerchief…''
''What?''
''We are hiding the cookies...in my purse… I just need it to wrap it. My tissue is small…''
''You are devious…''
''Oh, they have no idea…''
He helped her hide cookies and he smirked when he saw she left only one cookie.
''Oh, you are setting them up for a bloodbath.''
''They deserved it. I haven't gotten a cookie in ten years.''
He offered his hand to her and they walked in with just one cookie into the house.
''Let the bloodbath begin…''
She smirked at him and winked.
''My money is on Hy… even if someone else gets the cookie first.''
''Oh, definitely.''