Chapter 17

"You know, Christopher," Frances suggested one morning when they had a quiet moment together.

The children were playing in the distance, and they had just finished having breakfast. However, Frances had not started on her duties for the day, and she had a rare moment alone with her husband.

The Duke turned to face her, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "What is the suspense?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

Frances folder her arms over her chest. She had not quite decided how she was going to broach the subject, nor had she put that much thought into it.

"It was just something I thought about this morning…"

Christopher took a few steps closer to her. "Well, do you intend to tell me? Or shall I have to guess?"

She cracked a smile. "No, no. I do not wish to make you guess."

"Are you sure?" Christopher teased.

She could see him looking at her closely now, and it made her blush. She bit her bottom lip gently.

"Yesterday, I was re-reading some letters from Lydia, just to remember what other things she used to tell me about the twins. You know, my memory is not perfect, and I just think that the letters are the closest thing we have to knowing what she and Peter would have wanted for the children…"

Christopher straightened his back, his expression suddenly attentive. "Go on, then. What did you discover?"

"Lydia would talk constantly about how much the children loved being outdoors. It was one of the best things about living in the countryside, she used to say."

Christopher pondered her words for a moment. "Well, we do that already, do we not? You always make sure that the twins spend plenty of time in the garden."

Frances took a deep breath. "Yes, but… I was just wondering…"

Her words got lodged in her throat again. Somehow, she just could not articulate what she wanted to say.

Christopher was beginning to grow concerned now. She could see it in the way he gently furrowed his brow.

"Frances, I believe your silence is making my mind wander even more…"

"I just think that…" Frances hesitated, and Christopher reached out and squeezed her hand softly. "I just think we do not do enough things together as a family!" she blurted out, her heart racing.

Christopher's expression changed at once from curiosity to understanding. "Is that it? Why was it so difficult for you to say that?"

"I do not know. I suppose I feel a bit…" She fumbled for the right words. "Well, perhaps I feel a bit shy when it comes to referring to us as a family."

A teasing smile tugged at Christopher's lips. It was like he did not waste a moment when it came to teasing her gently.

"Oh, is that the case? I have the papers to prove it, you know. This little thing known as a marriage agreement…"

She glared at him. "You know what I mean."

"Do you? Because I am beginning to think that you might have a little bit of memory loss. Remember, we are married. You were there for it."

"Christopher." She shook her head lightly. "I am not saying that I have somehow forgotten conveniently that we are married. Just that… well, you know what the circumstances and terms of our marriage were."

Christopher shifted his weight slightly. "Yes, and then you made it very clear to me as well that you wanted an active role in the children's life, and that you were not a governess, but my wife."

Her blush deepened at his reminder. "Of course, I do."

"Then pray tell, Frances, what is it that you would like for us to do, as a family?"

Frances could feel the weight of his gaze as he eagerly awaited an answer. But somehow, it did not make her nervous. His words were reassuring, and it was just what she had needed to build her confidence.

"I believe that we should go to the park."

Christopher burst out laughing at that, and she glared at him again.

"What is so funny?"

He shook his head, wiping the corner of his eye lightly. "Is that it? Is that what you have been having so much trouble telling me?"

"You cannot blame me. I was not sure what your reaction would be."

"Oh, Frances. What am I going to do with you?" he teased in a singing voice. "Yes, of course, we can go to the park."

She lit up immediately. "Today?"

"Yes. We can go today."

She wanted to jump into his arms and hug him tightly. Thank him. But she knew that being close to him was always more trouble than it was worth, so she controlled herself.

"Thank you."

Later in the day, Christopher made good on this promise to visit the park. The sun was out, a great change from the usual gray weather that they had had all week.

Frances guided the twins down the front steps of Huntington Manor. Edwin and Ernest, dressed in matching navy jackets and polished boots, clutched her hands tightly.

Their excitement about the outing was palpable, but their little faces betrayed a hint of nervousness. It would be their first time leaving the estate since arriving.

"Look how beautiful the sky is today," Frances said softly, pointing towards the horizon. She squeezed their hands gently. "We're going to have a wonderful adventure."

Christopher leaned down, his deep blue eyes twinkling with reassurance. "And we're all here together as a family. There's nothing to worry about."

It sent a shiver down Frances's spine when he said that. Did he know how much it meant to her whenever he referred to them as his family?

The twins exchanged tentative glances before nodding, their grip on Frances's hands easing slightly.

"We're ready," Ernest, the bolder of the two, declared, his voice tinged with determination and curiosity.

They all climbed into the carriage.

"You know, I have a little surprise for you waiting at the park," Christopher whispered to Frances, making sure that the twins did not hear him.

Her eyes lit up. "What is it?"

"Well, it won't be much of a surprise if I just told you, would it?"

"Yes, but now my mind will race, and I will think of all the possibilities," she pressed.

She did not like surprises much and instead preferred to know about things beforehand.

He grinned, seeming amused by her reaction. "How about you take a guess?"

"Christopher," she warned, narrowing her eyes slightly.

"Yes, that is my name."

He seemed to be getting a kick out of annoying her.

"You must tell me what it is."

"And why is that? Must you know everything in advance?"

"Yes," she insisted, her tone betraying the frustration that she was feeling.

He laughed gently. "Well, alright then. If you are really so insistent on knowing, then I should tell you that I sent out an urgent message to the Trowbridges this morning, asking them for their company at the park."

"Oh." Her lips curled into a smile. That was great news. "Is Esther going to be there?"

"And the children, as well. If all goes well. I was thinking how the twins have not met them formally, and this is a good opportunity for them to do so."

Frances was impressed by his thoughtfulness. After all, he cared to make sure that the twins were integrated amongst the people that they cared about most. It was something that a father would have done for his children.

"That was quite the foresight. I cannot believe I did not think of it myself."

"Well, you must start giving me more credit, Frances Grant." Christopher winked.

Frances blushed and turned to look out the window. Meeting his gaze when he had just called her that would only make her more flustered.

When they finally arrived at the park, the twins were more excited than ever.

As they started their walk, Esther and Phillip joined them, adding a cheerful energy to the group.

"Finally! You are here," Esther greeted with her radiant smile. She waved at the twins, causing them to shyly hide behind Frances. "Good morning, everyone!" She turned her attention to the twins. "Are we ready for a day of fun?"

"Yes, Aunty Esther," Frances responded with a playful tone, winking at the twins, who were peeking from behind her with curiosity. "We're just getting started."

"Oh, you make me feel so old when you call me that." Esther giggled.

"I suggest that you get used to it." Frances nodded.

If she was the godmother to the twins, then her sister was the honorary aunt.

They began their walk in the park. Christopher and Phillip were already deep in conversation. Edwin, the quieter twin, looked up at the trees in awe, while Ernest kept a watchful eye on every passerby.

It was their first day out of the manor after a long time, after all. Their curiosity was natural.

"Here we are," Christopher announced, finally turning to the twins, his voice filled with enthusiasm. "What do you think, boys?"

Ernest's eyes widened as he took in the scene. "It's… big," he murmured, awestruck.

Edwin nodded, clutching Frances's dress but smiling shyly. "Very big."

Frances knelt beside them. "It's just like a storybook, isn't it? Full of wonderful things to see and do."

"Well, your cousin Theodosia is going to show you a wonderful time today." Esther smiled.

Theodosia, with her bright eyes and curls bouncing around her shoulders, greeted the twins with excitement. "Oh, I have been waiting to meet you for a long time."

The twins stared in wide-eyed fascination as she stopped in front of them, a friendly grin on her face. She was slightly older than them and seemed every bit the older sister.

"I'm Theodosia. And this is my little brother." She gestured towards the tiny boy clinging to her skirt, who peered curiously at the twins.

"Good day," Edwin said softly, his shyness momentarily forgotten as he eyed the smaller child.

Ernest, ever the more adventurous twin, pointed to Theodosia's dress. "How can you run in that?" he asked with genuine curiosity, his brow furrowing as he looked at the intricate, lace-trimmed fabric.

Theodosia giggled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Oh, I can run just fine!" she declared, hiking up her skirts slightly to reveal her practical, sturdy boots beneath. "Watch this!"

With that, she dashed off towards the fountain, her laughter ringing in the air. The twins hesitated for a moment, looking at each other.

"Go on. She only wants to play with you," Frances encouraged softly.

They nodded, and then burst into a run, chasing after Theodosia.

Frances and Christopher watched with a mix of amusement and relief.

"They're getting along wonderfully," Esther observed, her voice filled with warmth as she watched her daughter lead the twins in a game of tag around the fountain.

"Indeed," Phillip agreed, smiling. "Theodosia seems to have taken quite a liking to your nephews, Christopher."

Christopher nodded, a soft smile playing on his lips. "She's a natural leader, just like her father."

Frances looked up at him, relief written all over her face. "It's good for them to have friends," she said softly. "This is what I had wanted all this time."

Christopher gently squeezed her hand. "You've made all this possible, Frances. I should have thought to do this sooner. But as always, you thought ahead of me."

Frances blushed at his words, her heart swelling with warmth. "No, it was your idea to invite Esther and Phillip. I believe this makes the situation even better."

Esther and Frances stuck together, keeping a close eye on the children playing in the distance.

"You truly look like a family," Esther commented, smiling warmly at her sister. "I am more proud of you than you know, how you have risen to the occasion and taken the twins in. I can see how much they are attached to you."

Frances returned her smile. "It has not all been smooth sailing, but I believe we are in a good place right now, as a family."

The park, vibrant with the hum of life, stretched out around them as they finally settled on a grassy spot under a large oak tree. Frances spread out a blanket, and the twins, now out of breath after running around for so long, eagerly sat down next to her.

"Are you enjoying yourself?" She turned to face them. "You should think of Theodosia as your older sister."

"Mhm-hmm," Edwin was the first to answer. "She is very friendly."

"Well, you are friends now."

"Shall we play another game of tag?" Theodosia interjected, small beads of sweat glistening on her forehead.

"Yes!" the twins answered immediately.

The children ran off in the distance again.

"Well, off they go again," Frances muttered under her breath, watching their figures grow smaller as they ventured further away.

"You must get used to it." Esther snorted. "It is what children do—play."

Frances began to lay out the food in front of them while Christopher cracked open a bottle of wine for the adults to share. When Frances offered Esther a glass, her sister simply shook her head.

"Why not? It will help us relax and enjoy the moment."

Esther bit her lip and reached out and took her sister's hand. "Well, I suppose I have some news to share with you," she began.

Frances leaned in, her curiosity piqued. "What is it, Esther?"

Esther glanced at Phillip, who was busy unpacking a basket of treats. Catching her gaze, he smiled and nodded, giving her the go-ahead.

"We're expecting another baby!" she announced, her face glowing with happiness.

Frances gasped, her eyes lighting up. "Oh, Esther, that's wonderful news!" She threw her arms around her sister but remained careful not to jostle her too much. "I'm so happy for you!"

"That's fantastic, Esther. Another little one to join the family," Christopher chimed in, having overheard the news.

Phillip took out a small bottle of lemonade from the basket which he had packed for his wife, and poured her a glass.

"You can toast with us with this, love," he offered.

"Oh, thank you for making me feel included." Esther laughed, and the four of them clinked their glasses together.

"Theodosia is over the moon about having a new sibling. She's already planning on teaching them everything she knows," Phillip admitted to the group, seeming like a proud father.

Esther chuckled, rubbing her belly affectionately. "We'll see how she handles having another baby around. It'll be an adventure, that's for sure."

Frances squeezed Esther's hand again. "Oh, this is such great news. Have you told Mother yet?"

"Not yet. Though I do not know what her reaction will be like. Isn't it funny how the tides have turned? First, she was the one urging me to have children, and now I seem to not stop."

The sisters had a laugh over that.

"If anything, I believe Harriet is going to be quite grateful to you. It will help take Mother's attention off her, at least for another nine months."

"Do not underestimate Mother's ability to do several things at once." Esther grinned. "I am sure that she will continue to bother Harriet just the same."

They got lost in the conversation. Esther's joy was infectious, and Frances was really beginning to enjoy herself.

But it was short-lived. Christopher's expression slowly shifted from one of happiness to concern. He glanced around the park, his brow furrowing slightly.

"I don't hear the children," he murmured, his voice tinged with unease.