Hunters

XXIV. Family

XXIV. Family

The Duke and Duchess of Cambria and Martisine had fallen in to a comfortable routine. An antechamber of the Lord's apartment had become an informal dining room where the couple would take meals; the Lady would retire to her own study to conduct business—and entertain the dog—while her husband finished his own work or met with associates. They had unwittingly turned visits to the forest sanctuary into a weekly affair, and, no matter the weather, neither would take supper without a hack around the park.

By October's end, though, summer had been entirely banished from memory. There were far too many days with rain accompanied by excessive chill, thus trekking through the woods for a picnic seemed irresponsible. Lecia insisted, however, that they continue to ride before sunset even if it meant she needed to wear three coats. Vaughan relented.

Regardless of change, the couple was contented. Ezekiel had visited once and brought his puppy at Lecia's request. She had settled for naming her dog Harry—homage to Herasymenko, though Vaughan often called him Harold—and the Marchioness had named her grandson's dog Pepper. Reunited, the pups were a riotous pair that had entertained the entire house before they collapsed into a pile of twitching dreams.

As it was, the present day was nearly over. Lecia had already had her post-riding bath and combed through her hair as well as dressed for bed. Vaughan, however, had last minute business, so while he sat at his desk fervently writing and calculating, his wife was draped over the chaise with a book in her hands and Harry tucked under her arm.

"You don't have to wait for me, you know. I'm not sure how much longer this will take," he said without even lifting his eyes from the page just as a knock came at the door.

Both Lecia and Vaughan glanced to identify Izzy as she curtsied respectfully and then rushed over to the Duchess while the Duke went back to work.

"This letter arrived for you, my Lady," said the maid.

"Thank you Izzy," Lecia smiled, noting that the missive was from Zora. "I should be set for the evening. Go on to bed."

Once the maid was gone, the Duchess discarded her novel and cracked open her letter. Harry was none too pleased to be jostled nor was he fond of the vociferous paper. The small dog groaned and let out a long sigh of hot air.

Her Grace, the Duchess of Cambria & Martisine

Martis Palace

27 October 1885

Madam,

I write you today so that you may hear from my own stationary that God has blessed Henry and me with a son, Henry Reuben Fenner II. The physician and midwife both agreed that he is much too small and should not have arrived this morning as he did, but also that he is quite healthy despite his size.

Mother sends her regards. She is beside herself with joy, which is a welcomed sight after so much grief. I hope that you are faring well, too. I have heard that your life at Martis is quite charmed and your husband is quite dear.

Anyhow, Henry and I would like to invite you to spend Christmas with us. We will be leaving Forneford in a fortnight to spend the holidays in London. My husband would prefer that we be safely positioned in town for any unexpected ailments that may befall me or my child—though you should not worry, as I am quite splendid.

We are aware that the Duke's London home is currently occupied, so nothing would make us happier than to receive you at the Earl's. Christmas should be spent with family, after all.