Greer and Leith worked on unpacking their clothes trying to pass the time until the evening. She was excited to tell everyone the news they had. She was finally pregnant and she had Mary to thank for part of it. Only two weeks had passed after they'd returned home and she'd become pregnant. Leith walked over to where Greer was looking out the window and put his arms around her middle cradling her protruding stomach. "Mary will be so happy for you." He said as she rested her head on his chest. "I'm happy for us too. Our summer will be much different." She said.
Mary placed baby Phillip down in his cradle as her ladies maids helped her transfer her things back into her and Francis' shared chambers. She had decided to decline the invitation to dinner and for good reason so she decided to finish the paperwork she had been working on before she had been interrupted by her sons arrival. She really did want to see Greer and Lola and Kenna, but she also knew she needed her rest. So once she and Phillip were settled in she sat at the desk she and Francis shared and finished the paperwork.
Bash headed to his and Kenna's chambers to change out of his officer's clothes and into a more suitable outfit for dinner. Kenna and Alexander weren't there, but he found a note explaining that Kenna had taken their son to the nursemaid and then went to the Great Hall early to get some extra time with Greer and Lola. Bash finished washing up and changing before heading to dinner.
Lola met Greer and Leith on their way to the Great Hall for the dinner. She'd left Nathaniel with his nursemaid and put on her best dress happy to be back in the swing of court even if it was a small dinner gathering. "Greer! I've missed you!" she said hurrying her pace toward her friend. "I've missed you too Lola!" They embraced and then Lola stepped back and placed a hand on her friend's stomach. "I'm so happy for you. You both must be thrilled!" Leith took Greer's hand and they both smiled at one another. "We are. And when do we get to see the little one?" Lola smiled and they all made their way into the Great Hall as Lola explained she would bring Nathaniel around in the morning.
Francis had left Mary and Phillip to take Adi back to her nursery and get ready for the dinner. He was in need of just time with friends without politics, but he also was anticipating holding his wife tonight. Mary needed her rest until then so dinner with friends and then his duty as a husband. He arrived in the Great Hall just as Greer, Leith and Lola entered. There were a few other courtiers present, but no pestering nobles wanting a chance to convince Francis they are loyal and most deserving of some land or estate or special favors. He smiled and went to Leith and Greer first. After a brief conversation about Leith's business ventures he went to talk to Bash about a few things before the announcement for dinner was made. He made his way to his seat and as the first course was brought out he watched his brother and friends interact as if they weren't part of a very dangerous and hazardous French court and making history along the way. He could almost imagine them as a big family living in the country loyal to the King, but without the high cost of politics. He watched as Lola, Greer and Kenna conversed as they once did their first days back at court. The somewhat innocent girls had become less innocent yet mature, wise women well versed in court politics and married to fine men for the most part. Francis did have a plan to help Lola in that area but only when she was ready. Bash and Leith were laughing at some joke one had told and then whispered it to Francis who couldn't help but chuckle as well. Things were good tonight and Francis would cherish moments like these as much as he could.
Kenna's heart swelled at the joy and happiness of being with her "sisters" again. She could remember a time when things were like this most of the time. Back in Scotland when they were just girls waiting to join Mary at French court. Now most of them were married and all were or going to be mothers. There were ups and downs to their lives now, but in this moment they were together and nothing else mattered tonight. She watched as Francis scanned the table and saw the thoughtful look in his eyes. He was not like most Kings. He cared about his people and his family. Even Bash, who most people or Kings would dismiss or have killed because of his connection to the throne, was one of his trusted advisors. Life was good for the moment and she would enjoy it.
And so the others at the table all had similar thoughts and trains of thought. The night was a well needed respite for all of them and each were reminding themselves how blessed they were even amongst the chaos and cruelty of French court and royalty. Even Mary in her chambers caressing her son's cheek was thinking on these things.