Front Garden

Cristophe and I have only recently arrived in Marseille much to my relief. My belly has swelled up even more making me look quite large as if carrying twins. On this most beautiful of days, I walk alone out in the front gardens with my hands resting softly upon my belly, my child kicking them.

I look up and see the Royal Carriage approaching and I am quite startled by its appearance. I walk over to a more open area of the garden and await The King and Queen to approach me.

I step out of the carriage and take Claude's petite hand, assisting her down the step. our detail of personal guard on horseback stand down as we approach a startled La Baronne de Nemours. I had not been to the chateau in years and admire it's vivid gardens, well manicured grounds and le chateau itself.

Tall and imposing. Surrounded on three sides by the clear waters of the bay, it's large block main building is fronted by two great towers on either side of it, each ending in peaks. As Claude and I reach La Baronne, we are greeted warmly. "Bonjour Le Baronne... I must say le Chateau is quite formidable looking." I say lowering my gaze and reaching out my hands to her. "So Angelique, how are you feeling?"

I curtsy as deeply as I can as His Majesty approaches me. I take a deep breath, Ahhh yes thank you. I am still thankful that your predecessor Louis XII gave this castle to my family and I have tried my hardest to keep it up the way it should be. My body posture begins to relax slightly as he take hold of my hands in a sweet gesture. I must admit that this is the most serene I have seen him since our last meeting. I look down to my belly then look back to him, I feel as well as I can be. Hopefully soon I shall be giving my Barony the male heir it needs. I take another deep breath and smile.

Seeing her condition so pronounced, I begin to feel a bit anxious but refuse to let it show. "I am sure Angelique, he shall be un enfant fort , strong and healthy like his father." I look over at Claude and back at La Baronne.

"Perchance it would be better if we all went inside and you may sit down, oui?"

I shake my head sweetly, No, I would rather be standing right now. My husband has me sitting down so much that I swear my bum has become permanently numb. I scrunch up my face, trying not to laugh. Slowly I begin to snort then suddenly into full on loud laughter. I take a few deep breaths and manage to regain some of my composure. Unless her Majesty wishes to go in and speak, we can. In fact, I wish to speak to her about children and childbearing, questions of the sort since this is my first time around.

I bow to both of the hosts for having us here in this beautiful palace "Nous sommes heureux d'être ici" .

After Angelique telling the joke, I couldn't stop laughing, I closed my eyes and I held François hand so so that I keep my balance and I won't fell. "My dear Baroness that is exactly what happened with me and François when we had our first child, you brought some of my memories back" and I look at François, squeezing his had I smile at him playfully.

Then I turn at Angelique "I will gladly talk about children, they are the best things that can ever happen to a mother"

"You are most welcome monsieur Sinclair, I am quite pleased by your gracious hospitality, you and La Baronne."... I say, and feel that I have chosen well the man for the task I have in mind for him. Claude has assured me he is every bit as brave, loyal and intelligent as he looks.

Now, I only wish that La Baronne shall be amenable to my proposition!

I look to Claude and back to Monsieur Sinclair "Merci monsieur, that would be delightful... perchance we may have the opportunity to speak in private, oui? I pride myself on familiarizing myself with my subjects when I can... I fear I have failed miserably when it comes to the husband of mon cher Baronne Angelique and the soon to be father of her child." I say and give him an assuring look.

I bow to the King and smile sweetly at Christophe as they walk away. I look at The Queen and hold out my arm to her, Shall we walk Your Majesty? I am most eager to hear about childbearing. We walk amongst the flowers as their scents intoxicate our noses.

I held Angelique hand and started to walk, "It is such e beautiful place here, so peaceful" taking some fresh air I continued her question "What do you want to know my dear"

Yes I love it here. King Louis XII gave it to my father for his service in the French Military. I am thankful to have grown up in such a beautiful place. I look about the garden when there is a twinge of pain that rips through my stomach, making my eyes grow wide. I look to the Queen with a look of terror. I think its time.... I scream out and my ladies surround me and take me to my chambers.