Page 113 of The English Queen

Louis passed Nina. The baby settled face and cheeks pressed sleepily on Beth’s chest. Her little face was shielded by a sun hat. The view of Nina on Beth, her feet splayed on either side of Beth’s growing pregnant belly made for a sweet scene.

Rita said, “Wait until you have your own. It will be intoxicating. It’s fleeting, though. She’s already so big.”

“I know. I cannot imagine how she got like this so fast.” Beth kissed the baby’s head. “Oh, that new baby smell!”

“You are the most doting lass, aren’t ya?” Keir climbed the field to where they sat.

He was followed by a herd of grandchildren and then, bringing up the rear, ever-so-slowly was Maggie. The short walk and Highland air was good for her. She looked happy.

“Oh, Louis had her for ages, Pa,” Beth called.

“See, ya gotta get some practice in, wee man.”

He continued towards the house while Maggie sat.

“Why does he always call me that?” Louis asked Beth in French.

“He calls Robbie that, too. It’s a term of endearment,” Rita answered. “We can all see there is nothing too ‘wee’ about you, Louis. You’re what? 6’4’’?”

“6’5’’,” he said.

Bruno chuckled. “Yeah, well, aren’t you special.”

“Forgive him. He has no idea he’s this tall. Nor does Papa mean anything other than love by it, darling.”

Louis nodded. “Sometimes, I don’t… get what he is saying.”

Maggie burst into a hearty laugh. “Oh, well, that’s the case for all of us, dear. I’ve been married to him nearly forty years and I don’t always make it out some days.”

“You couldn’t find a better guy but… the accent is hard for me.”

Rita related. “I know. For all of us. I’m Scottish. You forget that. I was born up here. Sometimes Uncle Keir’s accent is very thick.”

“And lovely,” Maggie admitted. “I wouldn’t change it. Sometimes, it is hard, though.”

“You made it around?” Beth asked her mother.

“I did. I had a good day. But, now, I am exhausted. Bethany, you look like you’re about to nod off.”

“I’m not. I’m basking,” Beth smiled and asked Rita. “Do you remember when your boys were this age?”

Rita sighed. “I do. And now Winston is so tall, and his voice is changing. I am unprepared for this stage of life. Well, both of them, simultaneously.”

“Poor Winston with his occasional squeaks,” Bruno said. “Poor little man.”

“But how are they with Lady Nina?” Louis asked. “The boys, I mean.”

“Oh, they are adorable. In the words of Vanna ‘my poor ovaries’.”

“How darling,” Maggie sighed. “Beth, you must prepare. It will be challenging at first. Rita makes it look easy, but it is a slog.”

“Well, I’m not alone. We have hired a night nurse. Since exhaustion is what triggers my seizures the most, it is for the best. We will have a nanny as well to assist.”

“Look at you with all the staff,” Rita said.

“I need to admit I need help to stay well. And Louis is on me about overexertion.”

“Because you don’t slow down, woman! And you need to, mijn maanstraal.”

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