Page 40 of A Scandalous Agreement with an Earl

“Careful, my darlings! Let’s not turn ourselves into little hurricanes,” Vivianne called out, her voice laced with laughter as she watched her twin children dash through the sitting room. Her son, William, with his shock of dark hair so like his father’s, chased his sister, Eliza, whose golden curls bounced with each spirited step. They giggled, the sound as sweet as music to Vivianne’s ears, yet she hoped they’d heed her gentle warning.

Her gaze fell to the delicate clock on the mantel, counting down the minutes until her sister Aurelia and her husband Jonathon were due to arrive. They had been happily married for three years now, and the joy in their lives was about to double—Aurelia was expecting their first child. Vivianne’s own heart swelled at the thought, her hand instinctively caressing her rounded belly where another life fluttered within. The baby kicked, as if in greeting to its incoming cousin, and Vivianne smiled, a hand soothingly patting the gentle swell.

Edward entered the room, his presence commanding yet tender. He couldn’t resist planting a kiss on her forehead, his lips lingering with a warmth that sent a familiar thrill down her spine. “How are my favorite people this morning?” he asked, his voice a soft rumble.

Vivianne laughed, turning to face him, her hands momentarily leaving the stack of letters she had been sorting through. “Chaotic as ever,” she admitted, gesturing to where William now pretended to be a dragon, much to Eliza’s delight and mock fear. “And your son seems to think he’s a mythical creature.”

Edward’s eyes twinkled with mischief and pride. “Well, he does have a rather imaginative teacher,” he said, winking at her. He leaned in to steal another kiss, but their playful moment was interrupted by Eliza’s sudden decision to launch a stuffed toy at her brother. With a laugh, Edward scooped up both children, one in each arm, holding them upside down. Their squeals of laughter filled the room, pure and infectious.

As Edward managed their little ‘hurricanes,’ Vivianne turned her attention back to the letters. Flipping through the envelopes, she found one from their dear friend Lady Harriet, who always kept them updated on the ton’s latest escapades. As she read, a burst of laughter escaped her, drawing Edward’s attention immediately.

“What’s got you so amused?” Edward asked, setting the twins down who, momentarily distracted by their play, began constructing a fort out of cushions.

“It’s Harriet,” Vivianne chuckled, waving the letter. “She’s detailing the absolute circus the season has become. Lord Mickleham tripped into the orchestra pit at the symphony, and Miss Danvers has eloped with a Scotsman!” She shook her head, still chuckling. “I can’t imagine the gossip swirling through the ballrooms.”

Edward leaned against the back of the couch, a broad smile playing on his lips. “I’d rather be here with you and our little circus than in any ballroom,” he said, his gaze softening as he watched their children play. He reached for her, his hands finding her waist, drawing her close.

“And I couldn’t agree more,” Vivianne murmured, leaning into his touch. Their life here, filled with the laughter of their children and the quiet moments they stole for themselves, was her perfect reality. The kiss they shared then was deep and spoke of years of love, a bond that had only strengthened with time.

Their moment, however, was cut short as Vivianne gasped, her hand flying to her belly. Edward’s brow furrowed with concern. “Viv? What is it?”

“It’s nothing,” she assured quickly, then hesitated, feeling another contraction ripple across her abdomen. “Well, perhaps something. It seems this little one is as eager as its father and siblings.”

Edward’s eyes widened, a mix of excitement and mock exasperation. “You mean to tell me our child is choosing now to make an entrance?” he groaned playfully, though his hands were gentle as they framed her face.

Vivianne laughed, the sound mingling with the mild pain of the contraction. “It appears so. And thankfully, Aurelia will be here to meet her newest niece or nephew.”

Their shared look was one of deep love and anticipation. Surrounded by the chaos of toys and laughter, they found a moment of profound connection. They had come full circle, their family growing once more, a testament to their enduring love and the life they had built together—a life full of laughter, challenges, and immense joy.

Edward’s kiss this time was gentle, filled with the promise of new beginnings as they awaited the arrival of not just their family but a new life altogether.

The contractions grew more frequent, though Vivianne managed each with a grace that Edward admired silently, his gaze never straying far from her. He adjusted the cushions behind her, making sure she was comfortable on the plush sofa in the drawing room, away from the playful chaos their twins had resumed creating. The scent of lavender from the vase on the mantle mingled with the faint hint of beeswax from the polished wood, grounding him in the moment.

“Just think, soon we’ll have another little one running about, adding to our delightful mayhem,” Vivianne mused, a hand resting on her belly, her face alight with a mix of joy and serene calm.

Edward chuckled, sitting beside her and taking her hand in his. “I wouldn’t have it any other way. Our home is exactly as I dreamed—full of life, love, and endless adventure with you and the children.”

Just then, the sound of a carriage rolling up the gravel drive caught their attention. Edward glanced out the window and smiled. “It seems Jonathon and Aurelia have arrived just in time.”

Vivianne’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “Wonderful! They’ll be so thrilled to be here for the birth.” Her expression shifted as another contraction came, this one stronger, causing her to inhale sharply. Edward’s expression tightened with concern, but she squeezed his hand reassuringly. “It’s alright, love. This is all part of the beautiful process.”

Edward, though accustomed to his wife’s strength, still felt the protective urge surge within him. “I’ll fetch the midwife from the village quickly,” he declared, rising to his feet.

“No rush, my love,” Vivianne breathed, managing a smile. “Let’s greet Aurelia and Jonathon first. I can manage for a little longer.”

As if on cue, laughter and light conversation sounded from the foyer as the front door opened and closed. Moments later, Aurelia, glowing with the radiance of impending motherhood, entered the drawing room followed by Jonathon, who carried a small pile of gifts.

“Aurelia, Jonathon, you’re just in time,” Vivianne greeted, her voice warm despite her discomfort.

Aurelia rushed to her sister’s side, her concern evident. “Vivianne, you look radiant, but are you alright? Shouldn’t you be resting more?”

Vivianne laughed lightly. “I am perfectly fine, dear sister. Just waiting on our newest arrival to decide it’s time to join us.”

Jonathon, setting down the gifts, clapped Edward on the back. “Seems like we’ve got impeccable timing. Is there anything we can do to help?”

“Just your presence is enough,” Edward replied, his tone grateful. “Though I suppose I should alert the midwife soon.”

As the adults conversed, William and Eliza noticed the new arrivals and ran over, excited. “Auntie Aurelia, Uncle Jonathon!” they chorused, tugging at Aurelia’s dress and Jonathon’s coat.

Jonathon laughed, bending down to lift Eliza into his arms. “And how are my favorite niece and nephew? Still ruling the roost, I see?”

“They’ve been angels,” Vivianne said, though her eyes twinkled with unspoken humor at the mild exaggeration. “They’re very excited about the new baby.”

Aurelia moved to sit beside Vivianne, her eyes scanning her sister’s face with a mix of admiration and slight worry. “And how are you really feeling, Viv? Honestly now.”

With a soft sigh, Vivianne leaned back against the cushions. “I’m ready, a bit tired, but excited. It feels different this time, knowing what to expect, yet the anticipation is just as strong.”

The conversation turned lighter, filled with playful banter and shared laughter, as Edward excused himself to fetch the midwife. Jonathon and Aurelia shared tales of their own preparations for their coming child, their excitement palpable in every word. The room filled with a sense of familial warmth and the strong bonds of love that tied them all together.

In these moments, Vivianne felt the true wealth of her life—not in material goods, but in the love and laughter that filled her home. She glanced at Aurelia, her heart swelling with happiness for her sister’s own growing family, and felt a profound sense of completeness. Despite the physical discomfort, the presence of her loved ones, their easy chatter and shared joy, soothed her spirit and reinforced the deep, enduring connections that made every challenge worthwhile.

As Edward hurried out to fetch the midwife, the atmosphere inside the drawing room buzzed with a gentle, familial chaos. Jonathon had set up a makeshift play area for the twins, engaging them in a quiet game of blocks, which, under his supervision, surprisingly did not involve any towers being dramatically knocked down.

Meanwhile, Aurelia, still seated next to Vivianne, continued their conversation, her voice a soothing melody in the hum of the busy room.

“Viv, I can hardly believe you’ll have three little ones soon,” Aurelia said, her hand resting affectionately on Vivianne’s arm. “You handle motherhood with such grace.”

Vivianne chuckled, watching Eliza carefully place a block on the tower. “Grace is hardly the word I’d use on most days, but thank you, love. How are you feeling about your own impending adventure?”

Aurelia’s face lit up, a mixture of nerves and excitement dancing in her eyes. “Terrified, mostly,” she confessed with a laugh. “But excited. Jonathon has been an angel, preparing everything, reading every book on childbirth he can find.”

Jonathon looked up, a mock defensive look on his face. “Hey, knowledge is power, right? I need to be prepared to support you in any way I can.”

Vivianne’s smile deepened at their interaction. It reminded her so much of her early days with Edward. “Jonathon is right, Aurelia. It’s wonderful to have such a supportive partner.”

Just then, Edward returned, a briskness in his step that spoke of the urgency of his errand, but his face softened the moment he stepped into the warm cocoon of his family. “The midwife will be here shortly,” he announced, crossing the room to drape an arm around Vivianne’s shoulders, planting a soft kiss on her temple.

“Thank goodness,” Aurelia murmured, her hand absently rubbing her own belly. “Though I must say, watching all this is the best possible preparation I could ask for.”

Edward laughed, his gaze flicking to Jonathon who was still deep in block-building diplomacy with the twins. “Jonathon, you might find that no amount of reading can truly prepare you for the reality of childbirth and what comes after.”

Jonathon nodded, a wry smile playing on his lips as he accepted the playful challenge. “I believe it. But I’ll take all the help I can get.”

The room filled with light laughter, easing some of the tension that always accompanied the waiting game of childbirth. Vivianne leaned into Edward, her eyes closing briefly in contentment.

Suddenly, her expression tightened, a small gasp escaping her lips as another contraction gripped her. Edward immediately became more attentive, his hand tightening on her shoulder. “Viv? Is it time?”

Vivianne nodded, breathing deeply. “I think it might be, yes.”

As if on cue, there was a knock at the door, and moments later, the midwife, a kindly woman with a calming presence, was ushered in. She was familiar to them, having helped deliver the twins.

“Mrs. Marwood, thank you for coming so quickly,” Edward greeted her as she set down her bag and immediately went to Vivianne’s side.

“Let’s see how you are doing, my dear,” Mrs. Marwood said in a soothing tone, her experienced hands gently guiding Vivianne to a more reclined position.

Jonathon, sensing the shift in activities, herded William and Eliza over to Aurelia. “Let’s give your mama some space,” he whispered, ushering them out of the room with promises of more games in the nursery.

Aurelia rose to follow them, squeezing Vivianne’s hand before she left. “Everything will be wonderful, Viv,” she said, a reassuring smile gracing her lips. “We’ll be just outside if you need anything.”

“Thank you, sister,” Vivianne replied, her voice steady despite the pain.

Edward stayed by Vivianne’s side, his presence a solid comfort as Mrs. Marwood conducted her initial examination. The midwife’s confident, gentle demeanor helped soothe the undercurrent of nerves.

“You’re doing beautifully, Vivianne,” Mrs. Marwood assured after a few moments. “I believe you’ll meet your new little one very soon.”

Edward kissed Vivianne’s forehead, his voice a low murmur meant only for her. “I’m here, my love. We’ll meet our baby soon.”

Vivianne, fortified by the support of her family and the skilled presence of Mrs. Marwood, felt a profound sense of readiness. Despite the pain, she knew she was surrounded by love, each face beyond the door rooting for her, waiting to welcome a new life into their expansive heart of family.

Outside the room, Jonathon kept the twins entertained with a quiet game of shadow puppets, much to their delight. Aurelia, though visibly anxious for her sister, found herself wrapped in the warmth of the family’s shared excitement and slight apprehension about the imminent arrival of the newest member.

Back in the drawing room, as Vivianne experienced another contraction, Edward held her hand tightly, whispering words of encouragement. “You’re incredibly strong, my love. I’m right here with you.”

Vivianne managed a weak smile between breaths, her eyes locked on his, drawing comfort from his steadfast gaze. “I couldn’t do this without you,” she breathed, the intensity of the moment binding them even closer together.

Mrs. Marwood nodded approvingly at their teamwork. “You’re both doing splendidly. We’re nearly there,” she announced after a quick check. The anticipation in the room grew palpable, a tangible buzz that seemed to echo even beyond the walls of the manor.

In the nursery, Aurelia listened for any signs of progress, her heart skipping whenever she caught snippets of conversation from the drawing room. Jonathon, sensing her growing nervousness, squeezed her hand reassuringly. “Vivianne is strong, and she has the best care. Our little niece or nephew couldn’t ask for a better welcome into the world.”

Aurelia nodded, her voice soft. “Yes, she is strong. And soon, we’ll have our little one too. It’s all rather overwhelming, isn’t it?”

“It is,” Jonathon agreed, his voice warm with empathy and love. “But it’s also wonderful. Our family is growing, love. And every addition is a blessing.”

Back in the drawing room, as another contraction came, Vivianne leaned on Edward’s support, her breathing measured and deep. With Mrs. Marwood’s guidance, she pushed with all her might, the strain evident but her resolve unwavering.

“You’re almost there, Vivianne,” Mrs. Marwood encouraged, her tone both gentle and firm. “Just a few more pushes.”

Edward, his heart swelling with pride and love for his wife, continued to whisper encouragement, his other hand gently stroking her hair. “I love you so much. You’re doing beautifully.”

With a final, determined push, the room was suddenly filled with the sound of a newborn’s cry, a sweet, potent sign of new life that immediately brought tears to both Vivianne’s and Edward’s eyes.

“It’s a girl,” Mrs. Marwood announced, swiftly wrapping the baby in a soft blanket before handing her to Vivianne.

Cradling their daughter in her arms, Vivianne’s exhaustion was replaced by a wave of indescribable joy. She looked up at Edward, her eyes shining with tears. “Look at what we’ve made,” she whispered.

Edward leaned down, kissing both Vivianne and the top of their newborn daughter’s head. “She’s perfect, just like her mother.”

Outside, hearing the baby’s cry, Aurelia and Jonathon exchanged excited glances. “Did you hear that?” Aurelia exclaimed, her face alight with joy.

Jonathon nodded, a broad smile spreading across his face. “I did. Let’s go meet our new niece.”

The couple entered the drawing room just as Edward was announcing the good news. “It’s a girl,” he said again, his voice thick with emotion as he looked up at them. “Another beautiful daughter.”

Aurelia rushed to Vivianne’s side, peering down at the newborn with awe. “She’s beautiful, Viv,” she whispered, tears of joy in her eyes. “Congratulations.”

Jonathon clapped Edward on the back, his happiness for his friends palpable. “Well done, both of you. She’s magnificent.”

As the family gathered around Vivianne and the baby, the room was filled with a sense of completeness and profound love. They all took turns holding the baby, each touch and look adding to the woven tapestry of their family’s legacy.

Later, as the sun began to set, casting a golden glow into the room, the family sat together, enjoying a quiet, celebratory tea. The children played quietly, occasionally glancing at their new sister with curiosity and wonder.

Vivianne, holding her newborn daughter and surrounded by her family, felt a deep, abiding peace. “This,” she said, looking around at all the faces she loved, “is everything. We are so blessed.”

Edward, sitting beside her with his arm around her shoulders, kissed her cheek softly. “Yes, we are. And this is just the beginning.”

Together, they looked out at their family, their hearts full, their future bright with promise and the enduring strength of their love. The room, filled with the gentle sounds of their children and the soft murmur of conversation, was a testament to their life’s joy—a perfect end to a perfect day, and the start of many more to come.

THE END