Thread: A Mother's Trials (Tesora & Greeneyed23)

Aye...I'll sing to you, she whispered and then kissed his forehead before singing one of the Gaelic ballads her Irish mother had taught her when she'd been as small as Nathan. All the while hoping that this attempt at trying to soothe him would help in the long run. ----- I can't wait to get married, Catherine said with a romantic sigh as she collapsed into the chair close to the fire. Elizabeth looked up at her, raising a brow at that particular statement. Catherine of course, was nearly nine years old, her birthday merely a month away now that Christmastime had come and she and her brother were the same age. Nathan had been earlier than she'd expected him to be. A frail babe, more than once they had feared for his life in the wee hours of his life but he'd survived. A tough boy was her son and it made them both the same age for nearly two months which Catherine did not like. Oh...? Elizabeth prompted her daughter, knowing that she should already be in a betrothal contract by now. George's words echoed in her head and she brushed the thought away, continuing to mend away at one of Nathan's shirts. And what makes you so impatient to enter into matrimony...? she asked of her and Catherine smiled. Uncle was telling me how married ladies get to go to court and wear fancy dresses and dance all night and I just think how wonderful it would be to be married. Elizabeth looked at her and shook her head. Marriage is hardly an endless forray of dancing and fancy dresses my darling... she told her and Catherine frowned. How would you know mother? You weren't married very long before father died. I don't even remember him... she said. I was married long enough. Your father and I were together for a year and some odd months before he left for the wars in the East. We had to learn to live together and learn about each other. Courting doesn't allow for very much familiarity but I did love him. And I do much the same now as I did when he resided here with me. I oversee the house, the servants, and play a good hostess for those that visit. And I take care of you and of Nathan...but I also have the responsibility of a man in caring for the people of this land, holding court, keeping the peace with our subjects. You speak of fancy dresses and dancing but a wife's duty is to her husband and that means doing as he wishes. I was lucky to have a husband that respected my opinion and didn't hit me if I displeased him. Such things are not always so common. Marriage can be very difficult and it is not so fun as you think it is... Catherine sighed and then grabbed up her needlework. You make it sound terribly dull... Elizabeth smiled and then lifted her head as a servant entered and bowed. My Lady. His majesty has come to pay a visit... the servant spoke and Elizabeth sighed. It had only been a week since Christmas. The trouble with living so close to London was that the king could come to her home in a day's journey and pester her with the idea of marriage. Lord she hoped Nathan didn't cause a scene this time, she thought and then set aside the shirt before walking from the room and leaving Catherine to her devices as she went downstairs to the great hall to greet the King. She walked to him and gave her finest curtsey. Your Majesty, your presence is quite a surprise, she said simply, not at all surprised but putting on a brave front. What brings you here on this rather cold and blustery day? she asked simply.