It was a lovely day at the manor.

The sky stretched above them, cottony clouds floating lazily high above. Under the bright rays of the sun, the garden radiated as the light caught the flowers, the beautiful petals bursting into a kaleidoscope of brilliant colours. A gentle breeze blew leaves into languid sways, while Jasper and little Henry ran around the flowers, laughing gaily as father chased son. Two servants stood a short distance away, watching the pair, ready should they be needed.

Adelaide watched from the patio beside her mother-in-law. There was a pot of tea and half-filled cups on a small table between them. In happy silence, they watched the cavorting pair, Adelaide with restful anticipation and Emma with wistful wonder. Henry smiled at his father, stumbling a bit as he turned to run again. Before he could fall Jasper reached him, caught him and swooped him up and around in the air. Henry’s tiny laughter carried towards the women and Emma reciprocated with a chuckle. Jasper dropped Henry and the little boy scampered away, left again among the flowers.

“Those two,” Emma began, dabbing at the sides of her eyes with a kerchief. “I could die happy watching them.”

“Happy indeed, and yet it can never be enough. We have so much to live for, and much more to be happy for.” Adelaide said, placing a hand surreptitiously on her stomach.

“It warms my heart seeing Jasper like this. It seems like forever ago since it was him running around the garden with his father. Life was simpler then.”

“Jasper speaks fondly of his father. They must have played so a lot.”

“Oh, they did.” Emma shook her head in fond remembrance. “I cannot begin to remember how many vases they broke as they chased each other inside the house.” She picked up her cup of tea and sipped, as she seemed to look out past the garden, into the past. “Jasper was so happy then until Eric began working longer at the office, with his deals, and vices.”

“It continued for some time.” Emma was silent for a moment. “He was always away, and he would return when Jasper was already asleep. He was a lonely boy,” She turned and smiled at Adelaide, “That is until he met you.”

Adelaide smiled behind her cup. She could remember when they met. Their fathers had begun working together and were often wont to visit each other. Adelaide often went with her father and on one such occasion, she met Jasper. They had become friends since. Looking back, she almost felt as though they had been destined for each other.

Emma spoke. “For him, I always wished I had another child. I believe he must have wished for a sibling to play with.”

Adelaide felt her stomach again. She smiled at Emma. “I can assure you then, that Henry will not face the same problem.”

“What,” The other began, and then squealed in delight. “You are pregnant.”

Adelaide nodded.

There were tears in Emma’s eyes. “Does Jasper know?”

“Does Jasper know what?” he asked from a few feet away. Apparently, the squeal had brought him closer. Henry stood beside him, his hand in his father’s. Jasper released him as Emma beckoned him to her.

Adelaide took a deep breath; she had been expecting this since she found out. She watched as his face, flustered from all the running, brightened even more when she told him of her condition. He rushed forward, scooped her up, and twirled her around once. Then he kissed her passionately. Henry ran in circles around them, squealing when Emma picked him up.

They sat back together. The day had aged; the sun was lower and with the setting colours the shadows grew longer. Jasper sat beside Adelaide, holding her hand in his. They were both laughing at the spectacle that was Emma and Henry.

Henry sat on the garden ground beside Emma, happily stuffing his face with a buttered roll she had given him. His lower face was covered in butter smears while Emma tried unsuccessfully to wipe them off with her kerchief. Henry seemed not to want the interruption and added more smears as he ate.

Finally, she gave up and patted Henry’s cheek. “How would you like a sibling?” She asked him.

“A sibling?”

“Yes.” She smiled. “A little sister, perhaps?”

“Like a butterfly?” he asked, looking skeptical.

The others burst out laughing. Henry giggled as well and resumed his eating.

Adelaide felt giddy joy race through her. The idea of a daughter sounded wonderful. However, the more she thought about it, the more she believed she would want another son.     “Well, I would not mind another boy.”

“Oh?” Jasper said. “You are right I suppose. Maybe we should have our own little army running around the house.”

He chuckled at her look of horror. “And how do you propose we make this army of ours?” she stared at him inquiringly.

“I have an idea or two. We will just have to work harder than we already do.”

“You will wear me out, sir.”

“Are you protesting?”

Adelaide pretended to think. “Not at all. I rather like being worn out.”

Jasper rubbed her nose. “Insatiable woman,” he teased.

“It takes one to know the other,” she replied with a wink.

“In that case, I suggest we begin in earnest. One little baby every year and in a couple of years we will have the number we need.” He looked thoughtful.

“I do not mind that,” Emma interjected, “so long as you hide the glassware.”

They burst into laughter again.

Henry came to join them, his round cheeks and eyes were reminiscent of a young Jasper, with her eyes and hair. Drawing him close, she asked, “Which would you prefer, Sir?” she asked Jasper with a tinge of amusement. “Do you want another little boy or a beautiful little girl?”

“Both!” he said.

Adelaide gasped in mock horror.

“Why squabble about either when you can have both.”

Adelaide shook her head in exasperation. The prospect though felt daunting. It was a possibility; one she was half sure she would not manage.

Emma stood up, extending her hand to Henry. “It is getting late already. Perhaps we had better go inside.” To Henry, she said, “I have another roll inside. Would you like to have it?”

He nodded and Adelaide let him go. He raced past Emma and a servant picked him up before he could go very far, while Emma followed behind.

The evening had grown a little chilly and Adelaide shivered.

“Are you cold?” Jasper asked, wrapping his arms around her.

“Only a little.”

Sighing in satisfaction as she snuggled into his embrace, she felt his breath on her cheek. Here, with this man who was part of her heart, of her life, and her soul, she felt safe and relaxed.

“I wish we could be like this forever,” she murmured.

Jasper nodded, his head pressed close to hers. “Always and forever, my love,” he whispered.

And they remained that way, watching the moon appear, the lunar sphere casting a silvery essence down upon the estate as it climbed in a lofty arch across the heavenly firmaments. The stars winked at them, the brilliance illuminated against the blackness of the night sky.

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