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Said lady smiled back. “Last year, Clarence was born in Italy.” Her classic features melted at the mention of their son’s name.
“A better climate to give birth, I would say,” Joshua commented in a strong baritone voice.
“He has brought so much joy to us.” Bridget, a mousey slip of a woman, interposed.
The Earl paid close attention to the way the four spoke of the child.
“We have another on the way, I should reveal.” Oliver bore a content expression.
“Such auspicious news.” The Countess celebrated before sipping her tea.
“It has not been so easy for the four of us, you see.” The Viscount opened.
“The reality of having children can generate a certain discomfort to our partners.” Celia blushed a little.
Partners? Edmund’s head worked fast.
“It is difficult not to feel, well, betrayed,” Bridget admitted.
“But we will love all our children,” Joshua said determinedly.
Our children? Carlton was… Carlton and the West-Indian fellow…?
Celia and…
Goddamn it!
They were special! It dawned on Edmund.
He needed never be so jealous of the Viscount.
“Lucky ones. Two fathers and two mothers,” his wife was saying. “As an orphaned child, I know the value of it.”
Four pairs of understanding eyes turned to her.
Edmund took her hand in his. “You grew to be an extraordinary woman, my love.”
Their four friends cast an admiring look at the Earl and Countess.
“Thank you, my darling,” she answered with a modest smile and a blush.
Edmund did not resist kissing her delicate fingers. Otilia lowered her bashful eyes. He would always adore her cool exterior that hid fathomless passion.
Oliver shot an ‘I am happy if you are happy’ look at Otilia which she reciprocated.
“How fares Master Daniel, Lady Thornton?” Celia asked.
Edmund relished hearing his wife’s title being uttered. He was especially smug when he and Otilia met Darlington soon after marrying. He made Darlington bow the lowest to his wife in front of the whole ton. The man became ashen with humiliation.
“We celebrated his first birthday last month.” His son and heir brought even more elation to his home. “Coal never tires of watching over him,” she said proudly.
“Let’s all go to Thornton Manor next summer. Our children can play together.” The Earl invited the other family.
“That would be lovely, my lord,” Bridget said for all of them.
Both couples held this wondrous air about them for not being shunned for their choices.
Much later that evening, Lord and Lady Thornton walked to the nursery to say goodnight to Daniel.
