3,288Morning, all! I had a nice and relaxing weekend, for a change!
15th June 1844
Master Edward Cullen
"I am so nervous, Edward," Isabella murmured as we approached our destination.
"There is no need, my love." I chuckled as I looked at her and then her belly.
"But we were supposed to remarry two months ago, and now I am like this and attending court, it seems very improper," she whispered a little harshly, and then blushed.
Yes, my poor cousin had been outwitted by our unexpected, but welcomed news. It would hardly seem right for an already pregnant woman marrying in such a high esteemed place, regardless of whether we were married or not before the pregnancy occurred.
"We are married, and Alexandrina understands that it would be too much to cope with in such a state, that is why we have to spend our summer in Brighton with her this year. It is a little payback for missing out," I laughed, letting my hand rub over her small bump.
We had guessed that she conceived our next beloved child at the end of January, and I could not be happier to see Isabella glowing the way she was. To see her body change, adapting to our growing child, was the most heart-warming thing I had ever witnessed.
Alice was in a similar situation, and we were overjoyed with the news of their own baby.
Charles, of course, was happy to play the big uncle card whenever he could, claiming their child as his niece or nephew, but it was our child that he was so excited for.
He could not wait to be the older one, and to get to show the new baby how things worked around the land.
Not everything had been so perfect between us all, though.
The children had a habit of fighting to a point where they had to be separated, and Isabella and I had some moments, too.
The farm had been very busy since it was given the Royal Warrant. On top of that, Isabella refused to employ a governess or wet nurse when the baby was born, citing that she was a good enough mother not to need them, but I thought it would be beneficial to have them because of the work pressures we were both under.
Isabella won of course, and I was reminded by Father not to fiddle with a woman's job.
Mother also bent my ear about it, too, so I fell silent on that matter.
"We're here. Oh heavens, what if they do not like me? What if I trip and make a fool of myself?" She was beginning to panic.
"I like and love you enough for everyone, and I will make sure that if you fall, I will be there to catch you, my love," I whispered and leant forward to kiss her quickly.
"He certainly takes after you, my dear," Mother laughed from her seat as she patted my father's knee, causing him to chuckle.
"He does indeed," Father replied as the carriage came to a stop and we prepared to disembark.
We were escorted into the building, and I made a point of politely nodding to a few men and women, but ignoring some others, especially the sneers from some women from our class.
Class indeed.
"Breathe, Isabella." I smiled at her as she placed her hand on my arm.
I knew that she was beyond nervous about how she would be received in court, but I had no concerns.
Since the hunting party at the end of winter, rumors had been rife over Isabella being my mystery woman, and today would be the day that all rumors were put aside – I could not wait. I wanted for people to see Isabella as my equal and the love of my life, it was as simple as that.
"I am trying but stuck in this God-awful contraption they call a corset with your child pushing up into my lungs, I am finding it hard," she whispered shortly in reply, but her smile gave it away.
She had gone so long without wearing a corset, and to be honest, I did not blame her one bit, but she refused to leave without wearing one because she was going to be in front of the Queen.
I laughed.
They had been writing to each other weekly since our stay at the palace in Brighton and they were fast becoming great friends.
"You look beautiful," I whispered.
The double doors opened, and my parents were announced before us, as etiquette dictated.
And then it was us.
"Your Royal Highness, may I present: Master Edward Cullen and his wife, Isabella Cullen," the gentleman called out and we walked in, our heads held high, toward my cousin, Queen Victoria.
I gave a quick glance to Isabella and grinned like a fool.
She had been born for a higher life and here she was.
Isabella Marie Cullen, my true love, the mother of my children, and future Lady to the Crown.
Farm girl indeed.
…
Isabella Cullen
"I have never been so nervous in my life," I muttered, taking a glass of orange juice from Alexandrina.
It had been a good afternoon and I had met with so many people, but I was now wishing to go home, be with my children, and then go to sleep.
"You have nothing to be nervous about, Isabella. While I will admit that some of these people bore me senseless, they are all pretty harmless. Some of the younger ladies have come here with a mind to meet and marry straight away; they will soon learn that it does not always work that way and can be a little testy." She laughed before continuing.
"I had a little laugh to myself earlier today when I overheard a group of girls fawn over the possibility of marrying Edward. As much as I wanted to break the news to them that he was taken, I held my tongue and just watched their faces when you were announced as his wife." Alexandrina laughed a little, and then corrected herself before people began to stare at us.
We soon said a quick goodbye as she had to meet with some other people, and I went to find Edward, who was standing with a few men on the other side of the room.
As soon as I was by his side, he wrapped an arm around me and introduced me to everyone.
Some, I admit, were kind and welcoming, but others were not.
Edward later explained to me that some of the men found it too hard to accept a woman in the business world, but Edward just ignored them.
We finally made it back to the town house when it was dark outside, and I was quick to kiss the children's heads as they slept and made our way to bed.
I had done it.
I had managed to go through a day at court without making a spectacle of myself or of Edward and the family.
I went to bed that night with a small smile on my face. I could do this.
I can't believe tonight's chapter is the final one!
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