#mr. sinclair

The whole family was invited to Viscountess Lavinia’s baby shower. And Clara Sinclaire wanted to make sure that everyone was prepared and ready to leave. The party was set to start at noon after all. Waddling her way up to her room she could hear Harry and Theresa getting prepared. Then Briar and Edmund as well. Edgewater was starting to get fuller and fuller as they had children themselves.

Ernest had finished straightening his cravat as she stepped into the room. Just a quick change and make sure her hair looked nice.

“I have the present,” he said gesturing to a wrapped gift on their bed. “Are you sure I must go?”

“If I have to go full with child, you have to as well,” she said. “It will quite entertaining I’d imagine.”

After all she was expecting her first child in a few weeks. Theresa in currently in her sixth month and her dress showing off her stomach. Briar had fortunately had her daughter back in February and bringing her three-month-old daughter Katharine.

Ernest stared intently at her as she felt a blush creep to her cheeks. Then stepped in front of her to run a hand down her stomach. He could feel the kick of their child while she just smiled already envisioning him holding their son late at night together. She was positive it was a boy, but Ernest had insisted that it might be a daughter.

“Alright, only because you’re insisting. She had a son, didn’t she?” asked Ernest breaking his gaze away from her to kiss her softly. “Can you imagine our child growing up with hers?”

“I’d imagine that it’d be fun,” she said raising an eyebrow. Her hand slipped into his as they savored the moment before having to leave.

With that they were off as it was starting to get hard to move around. Smiling she sat next to Theresa in the carriage as she had insisted on going together. Harry and Theresa talking about what they would name their baby if it was a boy.

“Are you sure that we can’t argue about the name Vincent?” asked Harry to her and Ernest. Her husband had shaken his head.

“If our baby is born first and it’s a boy, we will name him Vincent,” said Ernest. “But if we have a girl and you have a boy his name will be Vincent, that is the arrangement.”

“And we stand firm with that,” added Clara.

Theresa only shrugged happy with the decision. As much as she loved the earl, she had insisted on naming the boy Timothy after her father. Harry took his wife’s hand rubbing it softly not saying anything. They both wanted to honor their late father. If only Briar had a son, she would have beaten them both to the punch!

“Jane for a girl then,” said Harry as they pulled in front of the Viscount’s home.

In front of them Luke Harper and his wife Cordelia were carrying in their son. Well the nursemaid was while the young couple holding hands, leisurely heading inside. The former Donna Bowman also struggling to walk with her pregnant belly.

It appeared that the year of the lord 1818 were so many women expecting a child. First Briar and so forth until the end of the year.

“I’ve never seen so many women together that looked like this,” said Harry a bit surprised.

“Me either, it must be half of London,” said Ernest holding Clara’s hand as they exited the carriage.

Clara was just excited to be able to give advice she had been passed onto and hear more. Clutching her gift did they enter the parlor set up all nice and neat. Lavinia standing next to the cradle to show off her and Westonly’s son.

Walking up to them did she drop off the gift with the others and peered at him. Ernest being pulled along also looked down at the child. He was very handsome with much of Lavinia’s features. Although she was thinking of what her baby would be like.

“Thank you for coming,” said Lavinia hugging her as best as possible and then Ernest as well. “Please have a snack. You’re a good friend to me Clara and I insist you hold him.”

Not even getting a chance to thank her for inviting them, Lavinia had put the infant in her arms. Oh, now that was different. Aww but he was so adorable sitting here as she had burped making Clara smile.

“You look very natural holding a baby,” said Ernest from over her shoulder. “I can’t wait for ours.”

“Yes, you’re having a baby,” said Lavinia not really hearing him. “Congratulations. Now I simply must show off little Anthony to some others. I believe that this is my chance to rub it into Miss Holloway?”

Clara passed her the infant as she laughed a little. There were a few young women here that didn’t have a baby yet, Miss Holloway included. With that she kissed Ernest’s cheek to talk with some would be expecting fathers. Perhaps Mr. Chambers who had been invited as well. It appeared that their usual social group had been invited with or without children.

From her spot she watched as Briar attempted to get Katharine to be friends with the young Westonly child. She and Edmund never really leaving each other’s side staying close to the window.

Harry and Theresa smiling at each other and exchanging long glances before eventually leaving the party discreetly to the outside area.

Cordelia and Luke part of the attention while they just praised their son like a prodigy. How she wanted to try again for another.

Watching them Clara went to find her husband. Ernest had been caught in a conversation with Viscount Westonly talking about war techniques again. Grateful for the escape she had pulled him out of site from the others. Then somewhere far away from where she hoped Harry and Theresa would be.

“Thank you for getting me away…”

Before Ernest could finished his sentence did Clara press her lips against his, arms going around his neck pulling him as close as she could. Savoring the moment Ernest kissed her back not stopping until they had to breath. Taking the advantage of the moment he peppered her face with kisses, her forehead, cheeks, that spot that made her squirm against him at the base of her neck.

She had adjusted to sit on a chair in the dining room.

“Ernest,” she breathed pulling him close. “Is it bad that just being here, I wish our baby was born today?”

Ernest sucked in a breath shaking his head no. Of course not, if anything he wished that she would have had their child last week. He took a sharp intake of breath for starting to kiss her lips, there fingers interwoven together.

“Every time you are with Katharine or even holding Anthony, makes me think of the dozens of children I want to have with you.”

Clara brought a hand up and cradled his cheek.

“And a dozen babies we will have,” she said enjoying their quiet moment as the party continued around them.

There were three children present the Christmas of 1819. Theresa and Harry had their daughter Jane. Briar and Edmund with their daughter Katharine. Finally, Ernest and Clara had their son Vincent. It would be all their children’s first Christmas. Some of their other friends had their families as well but none would be at Edgewater tonight.

“That was excellent wassail,” said Theresa looking at her cup as Clara filled it back up for her.

“It’s the Sinclaire family recipe,” said Ernest happily as Clara had passed Vincent to him. His son giggling happily as he bounced him on his knee. “One day I will teach you.” He pressed his finger to Vincent’s nose who just reached to play with his jacket.

“Perhaps we should make a tradition like that Theresa,” said Harry to his wife.

“I know which tradition I’ll start,” said Briar from the pianoforte as her song finished. “I’ll make Katharine a new dress every year, I’m starting to design a new one as soon as yesterday! Then for each daughter born.”

“What about a son?” asked Edmund interested. She looked up and down at him trying to piece together an idea.

“Possibly a hanky but we’ll see.”

Edmund had moved from his spot next to the fire to sit next to Briar on the piano bench. She had turned out to be rather good as Annabelle showed her how to play. Edmund putting Katharine on her lap to be with her mother.

Clara had squeezed Ernest’s hand as she knew what they were starting. “We’re going to have a special boxing day ball for the staff and their families. I’ve been making them a special ornament to put on the tree.”

She was particularly proud of this tradition that she was starting.

“Oh, that sounds lovely!” said Theresa as she tried to think before something popped to her mind. “I know and we can do it right now. I think we should take a minute after the feast or before we go to sleep and just be quiet. We have a silent minute just to think of what we wish or the new year.”

Harry had taken her hand and kissed her cheek softly.

“It reminds me of that song I had heard in Austria when we were touring,” said Ernest. “Stille Nacht or Silent Night in English. Where everything is calm and peaceful. That’s a rather exquisite idea Mrs. Foredale.”

She just looked proud of herself to think of such an idea.  

“Perhaps we should do it now,” said Clara. “It is just about time to sleep.”

“Oh, please let’s just drink one more mug of wassail,” said Harry, “and let Briar finish her song.”

Clara looked down at Vincent who was already starting to get drowsy. She just laughed some and took him from Ernest rocking him slightly as she nodded. They had been up and busy all morning with visits from their friends as well. She supposed just one more song would do it as Briar turned to Ernest.

“I don’t know the music, but would you sing this Silent Night song Mr. Sinclaire?”

She had brushed up against Ernest encouraging him to do it. Perhaps it would rock the children to sleep. He had sighed and instructed her to move over. Perhaps he could remember the tune if he looked at the keys.  

Clearing his throat Ernest thought of the words before forming a melody to what he had heard. Then started to sing. “Silent night, holy night everyone sleeps; alone watches only the beloved, holy couple. Blessed boy in curly hair, sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.”

With that everyone else in the room started to sing along as they had repeated it once more. Edmund and Theresa rocking their children to sleep in the same manner that she had. The fire was dying slightly keeping the room rather warm and the family feeling closer then ever.

“That’s simple yet elegant,” said Clara kissing him. “Perhaps let’s take a silent minute together before we head to bed?”

Everyone had nodded as Clara closed her eyes to think of her one Christmas wish. She knew exactly what it was as she pressed Vincent to her chest. I wish for another child, she thought, and smiled as the minute had finally passed.

With that each person started to head to their rooms. Clara put Vincent to sleep and so forth with the rest of the family. Finally reaching her room she had started to disrobe ready to join Ernest in bed. He had set his book aside before turning to her.

“Clara,” he said seeing her green gown set aside to be cleaned or put away.

“Ernest,” she said sliding underneath the warm covers next to him.

She thought of her wish and decided to be a little proactive. By now they could very well have a chance as she was sure her monthly visitor wouldn’t be coming until later in the month. A bit eagerly she had kissed him long and deep before adjusting to be on top of him. Her dark hair made a curtain around his face as she let it fall. Ernest took in her deep scent of flowers and chocolate from dessert. Flushed with desire and hunger did he flip he right back over for her to be underneath.

“Ernest,” she squealed happily along as his kisses went from her lips down to collarbone and then to her breast. She didn’t say anything yet as he teasingly pulled her nightgown up slowly but surely.

“Ohh Ernest,” she moaned pulling his body clos to hers.

“Ah ah,” he said losing her corset before discarding it to the side. The only thing between the two of them was her thin and sheer chemise as Ernest gently nibbled at the fabric before slowly undressing her more and more. A shiver ran down her spine as he took pride in that.

“I want you to make me beg…”

Listening her to her Ernest had taking his discarded cravat and tied it around her twists slightly above her head. She looked at bit surprised but could only encourage him as his lips went around to belly button and the had gently prodded at her.

“Clara,” he said His father like kisses reaching down to her abdomen. The very same one that was round with child only months prior. Her hips buckled against his lips as he tutted at her softly.

“Patience,” he said, “I want to hear you beg…”

“Ohhh Ernest please,” she whispered feeling that rising heat and tension between them. He knew it wouldn’t take long to rile her up. He had poked on finger against her slit pleased to see her wet already. Then a second and finally….

“Ahhh Ernest please please,” she said giving in easily.

“You’re so tight,” he muttered as his cock broke her barriers and dug into her. Her hips matching his thrusts oh oh as she felt a wave of pleasure course through her. Ernest looked very satisfied with himself when he released into her body limp in his arms. “ERN…”

His hand had covered her mouth urging her to keep at least a little silent. Her hands arching to be out of its confinement to wrap around her husband. With one tug he released her as her arms went around his neck kissing his lips softly. Their bodies creating its own rhythm unable to stop as more waves of pleasure rolled through her.

Finally, content with their love making did they lay next to each other. Her eyes closed but her hand lazily tracing around his torso. Her head using his chest as a pillow. Ernest pulled her closing gently playing with her hair a lazily smile of his own on his face.

“I love laying with you Clara, I love feeling your body pressed up against my own. You’re voice when you say my name. its out own private dance that we can only have together. Oh Clara my Clara, you’re perfect with your flaws and all.”

“Flatterer,” she teased before moving up and pressing her kiss to his cheek. “But you’re my own Adonis that I want to be with every night of my life.”

He brushed hair away from her face pressing his lips to hers.

“Th only person that I’d ever want to share you with for affection is our own children,” he said thinking of Vincent in the next room. “Every time we lay together, I pray for more, you’re a great mother Clara and…” She had kissed him harder back as she led his hand to her stomach.

“I hope sooner rather then later. Let us sleep and hope for our next bundle of joy.”

With that they had drifted off to sleep in each other’s arms.  

Clara Sinclaire stared out the window as it was raining heavily, there went part of her surprise for the day. Most of her children asleep and Ernest off teaching Vincent something or another. Percival had left with his aunt earlier that afternoon and her duties for the day done for the most part. Sighing she looked back down at the dress she was working on.

“Alright Georgiana,” she said turning to her. “Arms up and out.”

Little Georgiana Sinclaire nodded happily and put her arms out as Clara measured her. Perfect this dress was going to fit just fine. The blue fabric bringing out the color of her eyes.

“Mama are you going to show me how to sew a dress?” asked the seven-year-old brightly. Clara watched her daughter for a minute and smiled.

“Perhaps soon. Your father and I have a surprise for you once he’s done with his business,” she said.

The girl perked up and looked at her attentively nodding getting excited as she twirled around in her own dress. Clara just grinned she had planned this back when they had Vincent’s ceremony and then Ernie’s. She held the gown up just about done. Too bad it was raining they were going to do something special outside.

Georgiana patiently sat with her and watched her sew before working on her sampler. Just the alphabet in different types of stitches. The rain coming down heavier then usual. Putting the finishing touches on Clara stood up.

“Alright let’s go get your dad and brothers,” said Clara finding the basket she had put together.

“Is this part of the surprise?” she asked brightly.

All she had to do was raise her eyebrows before heading down to the ballroom. Georgiana had quieted down before they could hear Ernest with the boys down the steps. This was perfect as she made her way over to her husband and smiled. Ernest held his arm out for her before heading over to the piano.

“Ready?” asked Clara softly kissing his cheek.

“When you are,” he said whispering to her getting ready for this.

They had talked about it and this was important. At least just as important to their daughter. Vincent and Ernie had sat down on the piano bench. Georgiana talking with them about what they learned in their lessons. Alas she wasn’t getting many answers.

Ernest cleared his throat as he gestured for her to come over to him. She straightened out her dress and smiled standing between him and Clara. The nursemaid had brought Laurence and Mabel into the room as well taking seats on the floor.

“Now Georgiana your brothers had a breeching ceremony when they turned seven. You had asked if we’d do something like that for you when you turned of age and now, we are,” said Clara.

Her blue eyes light up excited as she bounced in her spot standing up. Her brothers had grinned at her knowing that this would happen. Clara had set aside her basket and nodded.

“Today we are acknowledging Georgiana Sinclaire becoming of learning age,” said Ernest with a small grin. “You will begin your formal education on how to run the house and ladylike activities.”

“And in honor of beginning your education, we have a new dress for you,” said Clara going over to a room divider and helping her change. She had on her training corset sort to speak and then added a new layer of petticoats. Then the new blue dress that she had been working on. It had white embroidery and a matching fan to go with it.

Together they left behind the divider to show off the dress. Ernest smiling widely as Georgiana curtsied to him.

“Why don’t you play the song we’ve been practicing and then we get a special dinner,” said Clara. The boys stood up and got off the bench to listen to her play.

Off to the side Clara had laced her fingers through Ernest’s. Resting her head on his shoulder they listened to her play. Ernest kissing the top of her head tenderly squeezing her hand.

“This was a good idea,” said Ernest whispering to her as the piano clanked slightly on the song. “It’s hard to believe that she’s ready to start learning all this stuff.” A small frown on his face thinking about her already running something by herself at this age!  

“Oh Ernest, are you worried that you’ll lose her?” she asked back sweetly.

A little surprised he shook his head no. “Not at all I have a good twenty years before that happens,” he said as the piano clanked out of key again.

Clara’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Ernest she’d be a little too old to get married in twenty years,” she said reminding him whispering. Wrapping an arm around his waist she giggled softly. “Don’t worry too much it’ll just be the basics. Just like how you didn’t start the boys off with guns.” 

“I think we should do this again for Mabel,” he said. “I think she’d like it too.” 

“It’d be our special family tradition.” 

Nodding he laughed a little too knowing her reaction exactly to that. Clara had gone to the nursemaid and took the infant from her and passed him to Ernest. He was sweet with him as Ernest held him close. He was still so small as they watched him for a minute. Andrew squirmed before settling down in his father’s arms.

“He looks so much like you,” said Clara pulling the blanket he was swaddled in a little tighter. They watched Georgiana finish her song before older boys held out a present. “Did you get them to give her a present?”

Ever so proper and holding an infant Ernest straightened out. “They wouldn’t be good brothers if they didn’t.”

Vincent had handed her a book on botany. So she could learn how to make medicines. Then Ernie had given her a guitar from the local town. Wow, now that was impressive.

“How did I do?” asked Georgiana peering at her parents.

“You did great, with more practice you’ll get better and better,” said Ernest smoothly.

“Now let’s have dinner, it’s your favorite pork.”

The kids ran ahead leaving their parents behind to follow them. Not that Clara and Ernest minded. Still holding Andrew and hands they made their way to the dining room. This was their own little slice of domestic bliss and they wouldn’t change anything about it.

Ernest got up from his bed and slide outside the door intending to just check on his sons. Sons, that just made him smile to have such boisterous boys running around Ledford. Vincent was four, his eldest and heir made him prouder then anything. Ernie had just turned two was his namesake and made his heart swell. About five years ago he and Clara took in Percival and he slept soundly in his own room. After seeing the three were okay, he went to check on his daughter.

Georgiana Sinclaire was perfect at only a few months old. She had her mother’s dark hair and his bright blue eyes. Not a big baby but not a small one either. Dark lashes batted against her cheeks as her eyes fluttered. Reaching into the cot he rubbed her stomach softly easing her back to sleep.

“I love you,” he said softly not to startle her awake. “So so much.”

He just like to watch her sleep her tiny chest moving up and down. Her tiny hand holding his finger with a rather strong grip.

“Ernest,” said a voice from the door. He turned and looked to see Percival in the door. “Is the baby okay?”

“Yes, yes, very much so,” said Ernest looking at him. “What are you doing up?”

“I like seeing that she’s still here,” he said simply looking over at Georgiana. “She’s like my sister right?”

Ernest thought about that and nodded. While Vincent, Ernie, and Georgiana would call him Father, Percival would call him by his name, he was still very much his son. The younger boy stared at the girl too, unaware that they were watching her keeping her safe. It was silent until the baby started crying wanting milk from Clara.

Her hair disheveled and eyes bleary Clara stumbled into the room before they could even react, and did a double take seeing them there.

“Oh, was I interrupting something?” she teased before picking Georgiana up out of her cot. She adjusted to feed her and faced the two of them. “Is everything okay?”

Percival watched her feed Georgiana curiously. “Yes, I was just checking on her.”

“Well she’s lucky to have you,” said Clara while Ernest tucked a stray hair behind her ear and kissed his wife deeply. “Are you sure everything is okay?”

“Yes Clara, I’ll put Percival back to bed,” he said going to take him back to the room.

Reluctantly he followed out of the room before turning to Clara. “Can I hear the song before I go to sleep?”

“My mother’s?” asked Clara making sure that he wanted the right song. Mary Mills was from Cordonia and would sing to her a traditional lullaby to help her sleep. Now she sang it to her children. Percival nodded while she started to hum a tune before the song about a nightingale at twilight. Her angelic voice had them hypnotized.  

She let her voice fade while the infant had stopped sucking content with being fed. Ernest and Percival gave her a small applause. She pretended to bow and put Georgiana back in her cot. “Now let’s put you to sleep.”

“Thank you for the song.”

“You’re welcome, now, I’ll race you to your room.”

With that the two were off as Ernest just peeked at his daughter again. Never more did he feel lucky then any time before. Kissing her small head he softly walked out of the room with a smile on his lips.

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Ernest Sinclaire held his daughter close to him watching Bishop Monroe blew out the candles. The small girl sleeping his arms. Clara had taken the quill and signed the name in the christening book. Their parish had kept track of all local births. Including their own children.

“Georgiana Sinclaire,” said Bishop Monroe smiling at the babe. “What a beautiful name.”

Standing up straight Ernest and Clara smiled at their newest child. In the pews behind them Vincent and Ernie sat next to Percival. Dominique dabbed her eyes emotional at the baptism. Harry and Theresa just smiled at them. Briar and Edmund trying to wrangle their youngest from running up to join them.

With the mass finally over did they leave to head back for the day. The party would come next before they had left to prepare. Instead of Edgewater, they would be at Ledford, just like they had done with Ernie and Vincent.

“Congratulations you two,” said Edmund as they passed him and Briar.

“Thank you,” said Clara holding the candle that Bishop Monroe had given them.

They were finally alone with their family did Ernest lean in and press a tender kiss to her head. She had taken their daughter and entered the carriage first. Then the children before Ernest pulled in through the back.

Once back at home did Ernest kiss his daughter’s head and then each of the kids as they got out of the carriage together. People would be here soon or at least the people of their social circle would be in about an hour.

His head snapped when he heard Percival saying his name.

The young boy was about 9 now and he was just happy to have him here.

“Ernest Clara, there’s something that I’ve been meaning to ask you about,” he said clearly. Clara shared a look with him and to continue. “I… I don’t know if it would be possible, but I want to meet my father.”

Ernest felt his heart speed up as Clara’s eyes was just wide. Oh. They knew that this day would come especially since they knew that Mr. Richards wasn’t dead yet. In fact, he was still in the tower with Gideon as far as he knew.

“I’m sorry,” said Ernest confused.

“I love being with you and I really like how supportive you are, but I wonder if I’d be able to have that relationship with my father,” he said. “I’d like to know what he’s like at least or what traits I get from him. Aunt tells me about my mother.”

Oh no. Ernest and Clara shared a look as they weren’t sure how to go about it. He knew exactly how he felt. He would protect his family from Mr. Richards. What if he wanted some kind of revenge? Or what if he was already dead before he could even get to know his only son.

Not only that but neither he or Clara had told him about what Mr. Richards was like. Or even where he was. It was kind of hard to turn their love story into a bedtime story. Not only that but by the time the family would figure out, time would have passed. Maybe he would tell him on Percival’s wedding day.

Before rationing out a good response his words weren’t the greatest. “No,” he said. “Your father is…”

He looked to Clara for help as she shook her head.

“The story is complicated Percival. I wouldn’t mind telling you about him, but I can’t bring you to him,” she said carefully.

“Oh,” said Percival but looked to Ernest. “So, can I learn about him?”

Ernest just stared at Clara surprised at her answer. She had given him a knowing look before he looked at Percival. “Can you leave me and Clara alone for a minute? This is something that we must discuss together.”

The nine-year-old looked defeated before nodding and leaving them alone. The boys would be the in nursey and Percival would join them. Georgiana with her nurse for right now. Ernest had taken Clara’s hand and started down the steps. Maybe the walk would help clear his head. Although that wouldn’t exactly help solve all their problems.

Clara stumbled into him before they were walking out down the worn path. It was about half way down the path did he take a long breath. They had made a vow when they were married that they wouldn’t fight at Ledford. They would go outside or Edgewater, where Clara once joked all the drama happened.

Staring at her he gripped her wrist.

“What were you thinking?” he asked harshly. “We can’t tell him about Mr. Richards. I can’t, I won’t let him know about his father. You shouldn’t tell him either.”

Staring at him Clara just pulled her wrist away from his hand. “And why not? I mean we told a half way story as a bedtime story.”

“That’s different that’s a fairytale, this is reality. What if Richards is dead? What if telling him the truth scars him? I’d rather not fight or even talk about this on Georgiana’s baptism of all days.”

She stomped her foot down but her voice calm. “Maybe that’s why he brought he brought it up? Percival pretty much said that he wanted to know if his dad would be good to him like we are with him and our children. You may be his father now, but he deserves to know so he doesn’t turn out like his biological father. Would you rather have him be ignorant and eventually turn out like him anyway?”

Ernest looked startled at the mere thought of that.

“You know that we helped raise him better then that. I trust his aunt to do better and be just as good as a mother that Roselyn might have been.”

Truthfully, he didn’t know what Roselyn would be like as a mother. For all he knew she would have dropped any child she would have off with a nanny. Despite fighting with Clara, he knew that she wouldn’t hold a candle to her. Clara was the perfect mother and more.

“I still think he deserves to know,” said Clara her green eyes hard. “As much as I hate the idea of telling him the truth, we can’t shield all the evils of the world away from him. In about two years he’ll be starting boarding school. I’ve seen how they boys were treated at the day school, they’re not all going to be kind to him.”

That was where he had his own two cents. “The masters are willing to whip anyone into shape. Yes, he’d be seeing and witnessing it for the first time. However, I’d rather him learn from his own mistakes rather than have the sins of his father on his mind.”

Now it appeared that they were at a standstill. Clara hoped that he had a point and could see his point of view. Just as he could see hers and understand it at the same time. His breathing hard watching her. Clara had stepped back and huffed before getting closer to him.

“We both agree that Percival should never see his dad, right?” she asked softly brushing a stray hair from his face.

Surprised at the gentle touch he nodded knowing that much. “Clara, please. I have my reasons, I want to protect him just like I want to protect our own children. What kind of father would I be if I can’t do that?”

He had pulled her close to him leaving a small smile on Clara’s lips. “You’re a good father for wanting to protect them. I just want… I think… I don’t want Percival to be like his dad. I don’t know if telling him would make it any better but not telling him might doom him to repeat his mistakes. I know I’ve said that already and I can’t imagine him being like that…”

Pulling her close they leaned against a large tree trunk. He kissed her lips softly holding her chin to look at him.

“I don’t think that there is a right answer for this,” he whispered. “We just have to make sure that he turns into a good and honorable man. I want him to be a great Duke with a long line of descendants to pass on.”

“As do I.”

She pressed her lips to his and stayed like that for a a moment taking in her touch and lips. An epiphany ran across his mind in a moment. She was right, of course she was right, Clara had a point during their rather difficult conversation.

He pulled apart and rested his forehead against hers.

“You know I think you’re right. When I was at school, I saw the fights and everyone at any school around here is going to know who his dad is and what happened to him. He can’t go into there ignorant. It’s up to his uncle to decide where he goes but if it’s in England…”

She took his hand and interlaced her fingers with his. “If anything, this will bring us together and stronger. You’re right too though, where he is now isn’t a good time. He’s not even ten and school doesn’t even start for a year or two. I think he could be innocent for a little while longer. It’s not like people knows who he is by looking at him.”

Clara threw her arms around her husband laughing softly to herself.

“I can’t believe we’re arguing about this today, it’s beautiful today. Let’s go and celebrate Georgiana’s christening,” said Ernest ready to put this conversation aside for now. They would tell him that they would wait for another year or so.

Still holding his hand she pulled him to follow her, beckoning back to Ledford. “Ahh yes, for you see you have a daughter that I can only imagine you doting on so much.”

“Maybe not more then my wife, Mrs. Sinclaire.”

Blushing they started to head back to Ledford arm and arm together. “Well you know how much I love to dote on you. I believe Mrs. Bell had made your favorite dessert for the party.”

Laughing himself he pulled her back into his arms and kissed her a bit harder then usual. His arms around her waist not daring to let go. Their kisses becoming deeper with the spring air dancing around them. 

“I love you so much my Clara.”

“And I you my darling husband.”

With that they headed off back to Ledford. After promising Percival that they would tell him later, he understood. Then their guests started to come with Annabelle on the piano. Clara insisting on holding Georgiana the entire time except to a certain few people.

Clara held their daughter close as he could only watch them together. Georgiana already had his blue eyes and her dark hair despite being only a few weeks old. Unable to stop smiling he could picture their family just growing more and more, all their daughters just as beautiful as their mother. The future and what could happen would just have to wait. They had this moment together right now.

Edgewater felt packed, or least Clara felt that way even though they had plenty of rooms to go around. She and Ernest would frequently switch between Edgewater and Ledford every other month. Perhaps it just felt like there was a lot with three babies now sitting at the table with them. She had to assure Theresa that being more hands on with their children was more accepted these days. It was 1826 for crying out loud.

Her brother Edmund was already talking her ear off as they headed inside. It had been a rather fun day and it was going to be even better with her family.

As soon as she opened the door, she could hear the pianoforte being played. Jane Foredale and Katherine Marlcaster learning a new piece. Her own daughter, Georgiana, and Julia Marlcaster were playing with their dolls making them talk to each other.

Georgiana saw her and ran over to her and into her skirt hugging her around the waist. “Mama!”  

She leaned down and got in her knees to hug her before sending her back to play. They would catch up later tonight. Georgiana always had fun stories to tell.

“Clara,” said Briar holding another daughter, as she saw her friend and rushed over to her. “The cook was wondering what you’d like for dinner. The children want pork, but I keep arguing that we should have turkey.”

“Let’s the children pick the pork, we had turkey only two days ago,” she said. “Now I must check on Mabel.”

She stepped back when the boys sped past her. Henry was totally Briar’s son, they had the same energy. She didn’t know where Timothy got it from between Theresa and Harry, but he was fast. Vincent trying to catch up to them with the others following behind. Shaking her head Clara hurried up the steps. Her visit to Lady Cordelia Harper’s home took a little longer then expected. Right now, she just wanted to hold her baby.

At the top of the steps waiting for her was Ernest. She felt a blush run through her veins and took a deep breath. Perhaps kissing him would make her feel better too. Plus, she had some special news.

“Clara,” said Ernest as she reached him and pulled her in for a kiss. “How was Cordelia?”

“She is great, and the twins are even better,” she said giggling and pressed her body against his. “They are very adorable you know. Almost as cute as our children.”

“As long as almost was in that sentence,” said Ernest teasingly pulling her into his office. To think, about a decade ago, this used to be her father’s office. There was a slightly twinge her stomach thinking about it and then just smiled. She thought of her father often and honored their first son with his name.

They were going to be alone for only a short amount of time before they were caught. She brushed her lips against his. Ernest catching on kissed her back pulling her even closer backing up to the desk. He sat her safely on the top adjusting, so she didn’t sit on anything. Her arms pulled him tightly against her while he broke the kiss and down her jaw line. A flutter light up her stomach as she adjusted to touch the bare skin of his waist.

Knock. Knock.

A bit frustrated she turned from her husband and sighed.

“Come in,” said Ernest as he straightened his shirt.

From the door peered in Harry as he coughed some seeing the two together. “You two were kissing, weren’t you?” he asked and flushed. “Never mind I don’t think I want to know. After all you don’t ask when Theresa and I are doing it. Ernest, I have Mr. Peterman’s notes about his farm’s land boundaries. I thought to just drop them off.”

Clara could only giggle at how he awkwardly stood in the door. He wasn’t looking anywhere at them and scratched behind his ear. Then stepped in to drop off the paperwork needed.

“I’m just going to go now,” he said leaving them alone.

Seeing the door firmly shut behind him, Clara laughed and pulled Ernest by his cravat close. As silly as it was, she looked forward to the day men no longer wore cravats. She wouldn’t mind kissing down his neck occasionally.

Until they heard a baby cry.

“Don’t go yet, this might be only time alone together,” whispered Ernest tickling her ear some. “It might not be our daughter. “Perhaps it’s Briar’s Rebecca? Or Theresa’s Lucy?”

“Or Clara’s Mabel,” she teased. “We can pick up this after dinner, later tonight. I want to hold our daughter.”

“Very well I will hold you to that Mrs. Sinclaire.”

With that she cast him a sly smile before walking back out into the hall. Waiting for her was Dominique who just looked very amused.  

“Your hair is out of place my dear,” she said fixing it for her. “Now I have been wondering if another portrait will be done soon?”

Oh she hadn’t thought of that. Um, perhaps it was high time again. Especially since there was a new baby. By now she had her fifth, Briar on fourth, and Theresa on her fourth. There was 20 people living in the house this month.

“Perhaps soon if you’d like to set it up,” she said brightly making her way to Mabel’s room. She was relieved to hear that it wasn’t her daughter crying that meant.

Geez, that was Lucy, as Theresa was bouncing her daughter in her arms walking by the room. “Clara,” she said seeing her. “Can you b…”

“No, I want to spend time with my daughter. I’ve been waiting all day since Cordelia can only see call upon a person one at a time.”

Theresa Foredale just laughed some as Lucy mimicked her. “I wasn’t going to keep you from Mabel. It’s just that I saw them mumbling along something this afternoon in the nursery. I think they’re learning how to talk to each other already.”

Now that was exciting as Clara went into the room and picked Mabel up from her crib. The one year old clapped her hands when she saw her. This is what was hoping to see. Her blond curls bounced as she rolled back and forth on her heel.

She lifted her arms to be picked up as Clara squeezed her and kissed her cheek. “Mama,” she said and tugged at her hair. Then pointed to Theresa and Lucy. “Loo.”

“Yea that’s Lucy.”

This was what she was waiting for while they headed down check on dinner. It was a packed house but very worth it to have everyone around her. Her very special news was going to come along with dessert. Turns out Percival was going to get here a day early, add that to one more person at the dinner table.