Victoria Brandon's bedchamber

"I'm not suggesting you abandon her. If she ever feels like that, you could send her letters saying how much you love her." she starts to fiddle with her locket "Or you could ask her what you could do to make things better for her

"Charles nodded smiling weakly"

Yes...I think you're right. It's incredible! My daughter who gives me love's advices. It shouldbe the contrary...

"He added giggling a bit"

"It's the best I can do" she said with a smile "I really look forward to seeing her at the little family gathering."

"Charles nodded and put little Elizabeth in her arms again"

I hope so. I already have so many things t think about. And I already failed in my previous marriage. So...hope things will get better, this time...

"He said, still confused about what to do"

"I hope so too" she sighs as she puts Elizabeth on her lap "I hope things will be better once we have our little get together."

"Charles smiled weakly but hopefully"

I think she is just confused. Maybe she is not used being a Duchess. And I have a very busy life. So I imagine this is not easy for her...

"He added thoughtfully"

"I can imagine how nervous she must be when the eyes of the crowd are on her. she probably isn't used to living the grand life." she tucks a strand of hair behind Elizabeth's ear "Small easy steps is what I say to get used to become part of the court and being a duchess."

"Charles thought at her previous life for a moment and nodded"

Yes...I guess that your life in the country with your mother was very quiet and paceful. Until you came to court and you met this fool man who was supposed to be your father. It has been hard for both, at the beginning. But now we're together, like a true family should be...

"He said rubbing softly her arm"

"You're not a fool, you were only a young courtier who didn't think of his future properly ." she smiled at his touch"Now that you've grown into a proper gentleman and have thought of a better future with Lady Catherine, I have heard that she is with child.

"Charles smiled lowering a bit his eyes"

Ohh...so she told you. Well, I wanted to tell you later but...it seems she has been faster than me. Yes...she is! Another relative for you!

"He laughed"

"And someone to play with for my little hummingbird." she smiles at Elizabeth and back at him " I have been wanting Elizabeth to have someone to play with."

"Charles smiled looking at his cute grandchild"

She will have someone soon. The weird thing...is that she will be my baby's aunt...

"He said jokingly caressing her blonde hairs"

"I know but, at least Lizzie will have someone to play with." she sets the child on the floor to play "Did the physician say when the baby is due?"

"Charles shook his head"

No...not yet. I don't even know if Catherine saw a physician, recently. She is very nervous. I don't know if because of pregnancy...or because of me...

"He added raising his eyebrow with a disappointed sigh"

"Some women can feel like that. I too felt like that once." she takes his hand " It's not you. To cheer things up, I have spoken to Thomas and he said that he will come to the dinner party."

"Charles smiled"

Oh that's a good news. I haven't seen him since long time. How is Thomas?

"He is very well. I'm sure he is thrilled to see his father-in-law." she smiles teasingly "I'm thrilled that Lady Catherine is with child but, I am a bit worried about her. She is usually chipper and such but, this time she isn't."

"Charles took a breath. He looked at Elizabeth with a fatherly glance"

Telling the truth...I'm really worried about her, Victoria. She even said she wants to get rid of our child. I don't know how to do with her...

"He added with a deep sigh"

"Well, i'm sure she'll light up again when she has the child." she said as Elizabeth's s governess takes her for the day. "Some expectant mothers are like that."

"Charles nodded. Then he kissed Elizabeth's forehead before the governess took her away"

Maybe you're right. Did you feel like that too when you were pregnant, darling?

"He asked, smiling fatherly"

"I think so. I was quite sensitive." Victoria stroked her daughter's cheek as the governess took her away "I was crying for no reason at some moments because I felt I was not carrying a son that men sometimes want." she took a deep breath "After i had Elizabeth, I try to forget the thought of men feeling disappointed when a daughter has been born. Luckily Thomas is not one of them."

"Charles smiled. He extended his hand and caressed softly her cheek"

Of course...he is a man worthy of your love. Boy or girl...doesn't matter. The most important thing is that the child is healthy. I fear Catherine can lose the baby..

"He took a breath thinking at his young wife"

Victoria paused a moment "Can? Is she doing alright?" the thought of Catherine and the baby made her heart drop "This must be devastating for the both of you."

"Charles nodded. He clered his throat, before explaining"

She started bleeding. We found some blood on sheets and I called immediately the physician. I think it's my fault...

"He added, biting his lips"

" It's not your fault, you just didn't know." she touched his hand softly "If there is a next time, you'll know what to do."