Chapter 2 - Baby Charles

Henry Branwell walked up the stairs from his laboratory, smiling as he did so. His invention had brightened his mood tenfold when proved successful. He strode to the study, where he knew Charlotte would be. Sure enough, there she was at her desk, writing avidly while her other arm held a baby with bright ginger hair. He smiled fondly at the scene, watching his son jiggle around on her knee, Charlotte gently rocking him up and down with his tiny fists bouncing around with him.

He stood leaning on the doorjamb for a few minutes, until Charlotte looked up from her work, noticing him there. She smiled, her eyes dark and radiant.

'Do you want some help?' He asked.

'You can take him if you'd like.' She said, offering Charles to him. He eagerly bounded over to take his son in his arms. He remembered how Charlotte had been nervous at him holding Charles when he was first born, because of his clumsiness. He had proved to be very gentle though. He placed his hand on the edge of Charlotte's chair. 'Are you alright?'

'Yes, just writing some letters.'

He knelt down next to her, Charles still cradled in his arms while watching Charlotte write.

'It's very hard being Consul, isn't it?'

'Yes, it is. Sometimes it's too much, but I do genuinely enjoy it. I plan to change a few things regarding the law and the Shadow world.'

'I'm sure you will. You're as important to the Shadowhunters as Queen Victoria is to the mundanes.'

'You're so sweet.' Charlotte laughed, kissing his cheek.

He grinned, loving every display of affection she directs towards him.

'I only speak the truth dear.'

He rocked his son, while Charlotte finished what she was doing.

'Done.' She sighed in relief, leaning back in her chair. Henry moved closer to his wife, holding Charles between them. He kissed her, slow and gentle, feeling Charlotte's hand on his chest and sliding his own round her waist, which was small enough for his long arm to encircle fully. He drew her in closer, relishing in these short moments together when they weren't busy. Charles made a loud noise, disrupting them for attention. They both turned to their son, watching his small mouth turn to a smile and smiling themselves at his laughter.

'He's so beautiful.' Charlotte murmured, stroking his hair.

'I know Lottie, he is. He has your lovely eyes.'

'Mmm. What have you been doing in the crypt?' She asked unexpectedly.

'Oh, just playing around with a few things. I've actually found another purpose for the Phosphor now I've changed it. I'm very nearly finished with it.'

'Why didn't you finish it?' She asked, a coy smile playing on her lips. He turned to her, his face inches from hers.

'Because I wanted to be with you. I'm sorry I have committed such a crime.' He said, leaning in to kiss her softly again.

When he had withdrew, he faced Charles, watching him gurgle nonsense.

'Here, let me take him, he probably needs feeding.' She reached across to release Charles from Henry.

'Speaking of, when's dinner?'

'In a few minutes, I guess.'

•••

Once dinner was cleared, they walked to Hyde park, knowing Charles loved outings.

They rolled him through the park in his pushchair, and he clapped his cute hands when he saw the ducks and swans in the lake. Henry smiled bemusedly at him, producing bread. Charlotte helped her son throw the animals the bread, and Charles clapped his hands faster with delight. It was a very peaceful evening, and they stayed out to watch the sunset just visible behind the fog, the cool breeze on their faces. Charlotte leant her head on his shoulder, watching the array of colours disappear around the horizon. They walked slowly back, their hands entwined.

'What's the matter Charlotte? You seem...quieter than usual.'

'Do I? I didn't realise-'

'Tell me, Lottie.'

'There's nothing to tell.'

'I know you well enough to know when you're down, and when you lie, and when you're deep in thought.'

She paused before answering. 'My father died today...exactly four years ago.' She said quietly.

Henry's arm went round Charlotte's shoulders, trying to provide comfort. 'He was a remarkable man. Although we know he stuck to the law like glue, he was kind, and clever and compassionate and caring. Just like you.'

'I miss him, even now.' She said, and he could see her fighting back tears.

'I know you do.' He said, stopping and embracing her, her head resting on his chest, as he had done the day of his funeral.

They walked home more or less in silence, and Henry reminded himself of all the things Granville Fairchild had did for the both of them, and how Charlotte resembled his personality traits uncannily.

They settled Charles into bed straight away, the walk having tired him out. Charlotte laid him down in his cot, with a loving smile on her face as Henry stood behind her.

They both slipped into bed, claiming an early night and held each other in the darkness. They fell asleep like that, wrapped in each other's arms haphazardly, legs intertwined and Henry's soft snores the only sound in the room.

••••••••••

With a start, he woke up, just as Charlotte did. The sound of baby cries filled the air, and he watched Charlotte sit up with an exasperated sigh, attempting to get out of bed.

'Its okay Charlotte, I'll get him.' he stopped her from getting up, swiftly clambering his way over Charlotte's body and off the bed to the cradle. Charles' little face was growing as red as his hair and he picked him up, rocking him against his chest, trying to cease his tears. He climbed back onto the bed and handed him to Charlotte, who fed him, sighing.

'He never cries during the day, only at night. I keep losing sleep, he seems to wake up earlier and earlier. It's 3 am! You know I won't be able to get back to sleep.'

'I know, just try.' He sidled up closer to him, stroking Charles' hair.

'He wakes up un purposefully. He cries in the middle of the night for no reason. I know babies wake up early, I didn't think they would at 3 am!'

'I know he is, I know he's a pain at night times but he'll eventually get better. Give it a little time.' He said softly.

'It's easier said than done Henry! You can go straight back to sleep, even sleep through it, but I can't. Every morning I am exhausted from lack of sleep!' She huffed, and Henry knew he shouldn't have said anything. Charlotte was very sensitive and angry when she was tired.

'I'm sorry, I know how tired you are. I shouldn't be talking about things I don't know about.'

'It's okay, it's not your fault.' She sighed.

He kissed her shoulder just to apologise once more, and set his son down in the cradle. He climbed back into bed, turning on his side and wrapping his arms round Charlotte, drawing her into him.

'Try and get some sleep.' He whispered in her ear, kissing it and watching her nod. He stayed up until certain she had gone back to sleep, then fell into his dreams too.