Page 46 of The English Queen

“I love you for it. It is brave of you. I feel guilty—”

“I chose you, Louis. I choose you. If this is the worst I have to face, then that’s alright. My strategy is to have two back-to-back and then move along. We’ll have done the thing. You’ll have happy, fat babies for people to gawp at. I’ll do the mothering thing. We can live our lives in peace. It will be fine.”

“How can you be sure they will be fat?”

“Because, apart from me, all of the babies were—even the twins were. Robbie and Duncan were huge for twins. Singleton sized. Poor Mummy. I was the runt. By the time they came, Mum was older. I would like to avoid the risk age presents. Having children sooner seems a good idea. And I doubt you relish being fifty before you have children.”

“Doesn’t appeal, no,” Louis admitted. “I do love you, Beth. For a million reasons. But I will not forget the sacrifices you make. I know it’s not easy.”

?????

Robbie outran his mother for enough time. He couldn’t avoid her much longer, however. He disconnected completely from things to spend a long weekend with his wife and children. It calmed Vanna enough to get her to London, but Robbie knew this would be a marathon, not a sprint. In fact, as he went to meet his mother in Windsor, Robbie ached to stay with Vanna. He knew how much she hurt. She held it all together for him before the crash. The best Robbie did was call in a few favours, which included asking her father to fly in for a few days to help. Her mother was engaged in Paris for some reason, thankfully. The last thing Vanora needed was her mother complaining about her weight and pointing out every perceived flaw she had with her daughter’s impeccable appearance.

Robbie arrived at Windsor to find his mother in her usual sitting room at tea. Robbie expected her to be on the defensive already. Instead, she looked somewhat sombre, if not frightened to see him. She was quiet, withdrawn, nervous. This wasn’t what Robbie planned.

“I am here to explain what the situation is at KP not to ask for your opinions or to make amends. I am here to set some boundaries and request you respect them as well as my decisions. I don’t want half-hearted apologies.”

Maggie nodded without protest.

“Vanna is in a bad place. She fled to Wales after your outburst. I brought her back, which is why I did not return your calls. Rita has steadied her a bit.”

“I know, Robert,” Maggie said. “I have no impulse control.”

“Well, that’s why I do not want you directly interacting with Vanna—even to apologise. Leave her alone. I mean it. If you are in the same place, remain only cordial. Do not engage her.”

“I can do that, but I think she is too sensitive—”

“You can think whatever the fuck you want, mother. It doesn’t change she’s playing consort, I’m acting as king, and this is what is happening.”

Maggie didn’t respond. She looked at her lap.

“I would like you to stay in Windsor–permanently. Unless it is a health issue. Your meddling is what caused this. If you want to engage in something with Beth’s wedding, come through me or Sabine. Leave Vanora out of it.”

Maggie nodded. “I think it is prudent.”

“I will plan to move into the state apartments. We will be requesting a renovation when I become king. It will be less stressful for the children to move while Kiersten is a baby than when she is older. This is what we did when you were transitioning into the role. I think it is fitting we do the same.” Robbie explained.

“I understand,” Maggie agreed. “I am sorry, Robert. Truly.”

Robbie expected resistance.

“Your father believes…” Maggie took a deep breath. “He believes… this outburst is something that will only become more common for me if I stay involved. My doctors say my impulse control is poor due to where the tumour is. I gave up my keys. I made a promise to him. No major decisions, no more driving, and all that. And given he thinks it is only fair I abdicate and leave you officially in charge.”

Robbie was surprised. He was chuffed. He was sad. He was frightened. He was many things. He was already doing the job, but this seemed somehow much more pressing.

“Darling, I know this is hard,” his mother sighed. “I do not want to admit this is the right thing, either, but I think your father is right. Keir always has my best interests in mind. Perhaps, it’s finally time to hang up my gloves?”

Robbie tried to form words. “I think… I believe it is best you do as you need. I am prepared to accept anything you believe it right. However, I ask we refrain from any… personnel changes… until after Beth’s wedding. I do not want to overshadow it or distress her further. We should agree to put it off until say, May?”

“Agreed,” his mother nodded. “And that will give Kiersten time to grow up and for her mother to take care of her as she sees fit. I will only assume Vanna will be taking more time off?”

“Her schedule will be part-time. We will get less done. People must accept it. And, if you’re wondering, I’m going to blame you a bit.”

“What? How?”

“I am not throwing you under the bus. I am going to say the family will be spending more time with you as needed. It is true I would like the children to spend more time with you. Vanna will have to spend more time with domestic coordination. She won’t be spending more time here with you, of course, but she will have to coordinate time you and Pa can spend time with the children. Kiersten won’t be a common feature.”

Robbie set expectations. Vanna didn’t want to leave Kiersten with them because she was quite demanding at this age.

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