Fountain

I clear my throat a little,"She is not trained yet. Forgive me if I disturbed, Your Grace."

"There is every need, Your Grace. You are a Duchess now,"I reply and gather Luna into my arms. As ever she has taken to lavishing a thousand kisses upon me enthusiastically when I pick her up, so I met her adorable face in mine almost immediately as she arrived in my arms.

I suddenly feel a little worried-does she know of this gift?

I nod,"And I have said it that I have given you full and free forgiveness."

As she speaks I notice a difference in her appearance. Her face looks almost bloated and there is a streak of pink across her cheeks which was never so present before.

I laugh sarcastically,"You fear you have caused great sadness upon me? In troth, yes you have. I mourn a marriage, a husband and a love I will never have. Of course I am sad, for I invested a year of my life in His Grace-I fostered a love for him."

I shrug simply and whisper to myself,"Dishonour will have it's downfall."

I then glance up and smile weakly,"His Grace is in the country-how does he fare?"

I glance at how she rubs her stomach,"Are you in pain, Your Grace?"

I stare wide eyed. She has got a child on him already, how quickly she has worked. Content is she not simply to break mans law by marrying my fiance but now she flaunts her fertility in front of me.
"You are with child,"I say flatly.

Do not cry Mary, I warn myself.

I sigh deeply with a heavy heart,"I will take my leave, Your Grace."

I pat Luna as I walk away and finally let the crystal tears stem from my eyes.

I was taking my usual afternoon walk until droplets of rain began to threaten. I skipped through the gardens to avoid being drench but I saw Jane Bassett.
My Lady! What are you doing out in this foul weather?

I giggle and walk over to her, I hope you are well, my lady

I chuckled,It will a pleasure getting pretty new fabrics though-will it not? And I am very well thank you.

I clutch my slender waist and smile, You are lucky. I cannot bear the restraints of all these layers. When you are in confinement you could spend all day in your nightgown and robe!

I should think not, I say to her, Why? Does it frighten you? It does for many women but it is never as bad as they think