The Purple Thistle

[cumnchat]

Veronique's knowing smile confirmed it for him he was going to be a father again but learning that fact at this moment in time was rather weird, here he was about to fill his wife's hot little pussy and she had told him that he might just as well not have bothered as he had already planted his seed inside her but her pussy gripped him and her sheath massaged his shaft, wet and deliciously slippery.

'Fire away, my love, for your volley had already found its mark. He thinks that it could have happened as early as the night of the wedding.'

She might well be with child but she still needed to feel him him inside of her and filling her with his hot seed and she gave him permission. His face buried itself into her soft, white neck as he blew his payload into her, she moaned quietly, "Ooohhh" and her eyes rolled back so just the whites of her eyes were visible. His spendings were now coming in smaller spurts and he kept his cock in her sanctuary as she began to ramble.

'Maybe this time I carry only one child. Or twins again?

"Noo, not twins again,"

Hopefully not triplets.

"Please Lord, no!"

You know what I think? I think that we are going to need to make the nursery larger. Maybe knock down a wall between those two rooms and then turn Clair’s room into the next room over and then hire an assistant for Clair. Maybe hire someone expecting her own child, like, oh, maybe Jane? Put her in the next room over from where Clair’s room would be? What do you think? Papa Vernay?'

"OOHHH!" Alexander could only groan, he was otherwise speechless, nevertheless he kissed her and his sword began deflating as he placed his hand on her belly as if seeking confirmation.

'“Are you pleased?'

"I am unsure exactly how I feel at the moment, shocked, surprised, happy, but mostly happy, I think Carlton and Leander will be pleased to have a little sister to tease,,,,,,,,,,,, yes my love it will be a girl, of that I have no doubt."

With his cock now flaccid or as flaccid as it ever was in Veronique's presence he pulled out and pulled up his breeches and said,

"Please forgive me my love, I need a while alone to digest the news and work out what needs to be done"

He sat back down in his chair indicating with a wave of his hand that Veronique should leave.

 

[Opensesame54321]

The look on Alexander’s face surprised her. Surely it did not surprise him that she was again ‘with child’. After all, practically every night for the past two months they had made love. And she could count on one hand the number of times that he had pulled out before depositing his seed deep within her womb. Doctor Fredrick announced that more than likely Veronique had gotten pregnant that first night that they had sex.

Apparently either her or Alexander was very fertile. Or maybe together they made the perfect baby factory. Whatever the reason, she had suspected already that she was pregnant and when the doctor had announced that both she and sweet Jane were expecting, she had realized that the Vernay household was certainly growing.

I am unsure exactly how I feel at the moment, shocked, surprised, happy, but mostly happy, I think Carlton and Leander will be pleased to have a little sister to tease,,,,,,,,,,,, yes my love it will be a girl, of that I have no doubt.

Alexander definitely did not seem happy. Not at all! In fact, he seemed to have lost his passion and in no time he shot his seed into her and pulled out, tucking his sword away in his breeches before dismissing her.

Please forgive me my love, I need a while alone to digest the news and work out what needs to be done

And with a wave of his hand she was dismissed. Veronique stood, her petticoats and dress skirt dropping back down to hide her womanly charms. And with a flounce she left the room, slamming the door behind her.

The rest of the day she avoided her husband, sending one of the maids in with his meals. Meanwhile she spent time with the boys, helping Clair make sure that Carlton and Leander were given plenty of attention. Because of his cold, Carlton was not feeling very good and the baby was soon napping while Leander was on the floor playing with his alphabet blocks, building such words as ‘DFOA’ and ‘GARKP’ and ‘OSOZ’. Silly boy. He tried to build a block tower but it fell over and he cried and woke up his brother.

Later on she checked on Jane and found the girl crying in a linen cupboard. She revealed to the girl that she too was expecting and that if the young girl had any questions that she would answer the best that she could.

*****

“You’re expecting? Again?” Anna was quiet for a moment before she remembered her manners. “Congratulations, ma’am.” Anna looked so sad.

“You?” Veronique asked but was greeted by her maid’s depressed look. “I’m sorry, Anna. I know how much you and Claude are hoping for a child.”

“Perhaps I am barren. It cannot be for lack of trying. He has a high sex drive!”

“All men have a high sex drive, though not all of them are happy with the consequences.”

Anna knew her well enough that she did not question as to just what Veronique meant. Still, Veronique brought up a notion that had occurred to Anna herself.

“Perhaps it is not you who is unable to conceive...”

No more was said and instead Anna helped her mistress dress for supper.

 

[cumnchat]

Alexander regretted being so brusque with Veronique at the news but it had come as a real shock and he had not planned on another child until the twins were at least walking, he had the good grace to admit to himself that it was not completely Veronique's fault if there was a fault with it anyway. He had pressed and pressed for an early return to husbandly duties and had indulged himself without a care for possible consequences. He had given Veronique scarcely a moments peace, taking her whenever and wherever he felt the need. He laughed to himself as he remembered the time when he had asked Veronique to get a book from the top shelf in the library and just the sight of her pretty ankles had given him an ache that wouldn't go away and he had her knelt on the coffee table with her dress flipped up over her back, as he recalled Veronique hadn't tried to dissuade him so she was normally as eager as he was for him to sheath his meaty sword inside her.

Once he had gathered his thoughts he went in search of Veronique to offer his apologies but seemed to miss her by mere moments, the next time he saw her was at supper and even then she had a haughty air about her showing her displeasure with him by responding to him in monosyllables, yes, no . No matter how he tried until he lost patience with her and burst out,

"DAMMIT WOMAN!! I AM TRYING TO APOLOGISE, DO YOU WANT ME ON MY KNEES?"

As soon as he said it he apologised again,

"I am so very sorry for my outburst but I cannot stand being in your bad books when when we should be celebrating, what do you say to an early night?"

 

[Opensesame54321]

She was still mad at him come supper, and was not shy at letting him know it.

”Was not this good?”

“Yes.”

”Would she like more of that?”

“No.”

”Did she not think such and such?”

“I don’t know.”

Oh, he knew that she was mad at him, and finally he blew up at her.

DAMMIT WOMAN!! I AM TRYING TO APOLOGISE, DO YOU WANT ME ON MY KNEES?

She didn’t say a word but instead raised an eyebrow and looked down at the floor, imagining him doing just that.

I am so very sorry for my outburst but I cannot stand being in your bad books when when we should be celebrating, what do you say to an early night?

She paused, looking hard at her husband. He looked at her so apologetically that she did find it hard to stay mad at the man. Still... he was just as much at fault as was she.

“I seem to recall that an ‘early night’ may have been the cause of all of this.”

She knew that Alexander was aware of her hurt, and she could see that he was indeed sorry for how he had reacted to her news. Suffice to say that they now were expecting another child. Their family was definitely growing.

As they finished their meal, she broached the subject that she had been dreading. There were none of the servants around at the moment, and she talked in code hoping that he would understand exactly what she was speaking about.

“So, are you planning on writing to a certain cousin of yours and informing him as to why he is no longer welcomed to our house?”

 

[cumnchat]

Alexander was at a complete loss as to what to say to get his wife's forgiveness, he had apologised profusely without reservation and asked for an early night as a sign of forgiveness but it seemed all to no avail,

'I seem to recall that an ‘early night’ may have been the cause of all of this.'

"An early night which if I recall correctly you were only too happy to enjoy, so please do not put all the blame at my door, if in fact there is blame at all, it has happened there is no getting away from that so we either bicker about it or we embrace a new life coming into the world that we can shape according to our own standards."

Those few pearls of wisdom seemed to give Veronique food for thought as there were no more cutting remarks about blame, in fact Veronique said nothing until the meal was finished and when everything had been cleared away and the servants had left them Veronique broached the subject in a roundabout way that had them both worried and angry about.

'So, are you planning on writing to a certain cousin of yours and informing him as to why he is no longer welcomed to our house?'

"I have not written as yet, I have my thoughts as to what cousin Timothy should be told, most definitely he should be made aware that he is persona non grata in this house, however the reason should not give him the smallest crumb of satisfaction so the fact that he has made dear Jane pregnant should not be mentioned just that she came to us and confessed what happened, possibly due to her convent upbringing, we cannot condone one of my family assaulting one of my staff with false promises so we cast him adrift from our family. Does that meet with your approval? One more thing my love, you did not say yay or nay to my suggestion of an early night."

He gave her one of his special smiles that he knew she could scarcely resist.

 

[Opensesame54321]

She was glad to hear that he agreed with her thoughts on “Cousin Timothy”. She felt so sorry for Jane, the poor girl’s life was changed forever. And though she was not necessarily expecting to get pregnant so soon after the boy, somehow it had not surprised her completely.

“You are probably right. Any mention of an “issue” would probably make him feel that he had the right to come and gloat over his fertility. And would just embarrass the poor girl more than what she shall have to already endure.”

Now, Alexander was trying to make up for the way that he had reacted to her news. Somehow he had misunderstood her attempt at witty repartee so she just decided drop the subject. Then he Reminded her of his question.

...One more thing my love, you did not say yay or nay to my suggestion of an early night.

“Oh love, do you not know me well enough by now...?”

She smiled at him and held a hand out to her husband. Alexander took it and kissed her palm before helping her up, leading her up to their bedroom. Along the way they nodded and said good night to the various servants that they met.

They both stopped in the nursery, checking up on the boys. Carlton had pulled himself up and he stood in his crib, his little nose running as he cried. Clair meanwhile was busy changing Leander’s diaper and they could see that tonight the boys were running Clair ragged.

Alexander immediately took care of Carlton, wiping his nose and calming the boy down.

“Is it true what I heard, ma’am?”

“Yes, Clair. There is another little Vernay on the way.”

“Ma’am, if you don’t mind me saying...”

“Yes, Clair, we realize that you will need help and more room. My husband and I are already in the process of working out a solution to this.”

“Oh, thank you ma’am.”

Veronique held Leander for a bit, singing and rocking him while Alexander rocked Carlton until both babies were asleep.

Once in their room, Alexander took her in his arms, kissing her with such fervor that she thought that he would have taken her then and there, had there not been a knock at the door. They both knew it to be Anna, come to help Veronique prepare for bed.

However, Alexander held up a finger to her lips to stop her from calling out to the woman, and instead he crossed to the door. She heard him inform Anna that he would undress his wife tonight and that she would not be needed until much later in the morning.

He closed the door and strutted back over to his wife, taking her in his arms and kissing her once more as his fingers undid her bodice.

Soon he had her naked and he stopped. His hand felt the gentle swell that was just beginning where the new baby was growing.

“My poor body will never be the shape it was when we first married.”

 

[cumnchat]

The forgiveness from Veronique that Alexander longed for seemed to be on the cards as
she held her hand out to him,

'Oh love, do you not know me well enough by now...?'

It crossed his mind that she had forgiven him some time ago but he had been too blind to see it, he took her hand and kissed her palm and helped her to stand then hand in hand they started towards the bedroom. On the way they passed the nursery and could not resist looking in on the boys who were running poor Clair ragged with their antics and Carlton crying with his sniffly runny nose, Alexander stepped in and wiped Carlton's nose while Veronique helped Clair change Leander's diaper which was probably the cause of his fractious behaviour. Veronique calmed Clair's concern over another baby being on the way promising her an assistant and more room which seemed to mollify her somewhat.

It took them almost an hour to get the boys off to sleep and Alexander hustled Veronique out of the nursery and into their bedchamber where ALexander took Veronique in his arms and kissed her fiercely he would surely have had on the bed fully dressed had a knock not come at the door. Alexander silenced Veronique with his finger and spoke to Anna at the door.

"You will not be required tonight Anna, I can manage to undress her Ladyship,,,,,,,,,, OH, and leave us be in the morning we will come down when we are ready."

"Very good Sir, oi unnerstands purrfickly." she replied with a twinkle in her eye "Oi just 'opes Claud 'asn't fell asleep, if yer gets me meaning."

"I do, I do, believe me, goodnight Anna."

"Now where were we ?" he muttered as he began to loosen Veronique's bodice and very soon they lay side by side naked on the bed and he lay his hand on the swell of her belly, Veronique moaned and complained only half seriously,

'My poor body will never be the shape it was when we first married.'

"That would not matter a jot to me my precious, if you were like a barrel I would love you just as much, has it occurred to you that we are so fertile that perhaps we cannot help making you pregnant, I am not prepared to deny us our romps just to keep your belly empty of babies."

He slid easily inside her and felt her legs wrap around him as they moved as one.

 

[Opensesame54321]

For the next week, Alexander would daily hole himself up in his study trying to figure just how to expand the size of the nursery. He met with various builders discussing what would be the best way to accommodate Clair and an assistant nanny and all the babies, present and future.

Meanwhile, the news that poor Jane was pregnant seemed to spread like wildfire through the household, and it angered Veronique that several people decided to besmirch the poor girl’s reputation. Finally, Veronique asked Clair to keep the young Jane busy helping with the twins.

Taking the problem in her own hands, she had Anna inform the head butler that she wished to have the rest of the staff gathered down in the servant’s hall. When she entered, the senior staff was seated around the table while the junior and minor staff members stood around, a bit unsure of what this meeting was all about though a few suspected what was up.

All rose when she entered and some looked uncomfortable as they waited to see what was up.

“Good day, staff. I regret that today I need to talk to you. I have been made aware that everyone has knowledge that Jane Weatherly is in a family way. What I have also heard is that some of you have been making disparaging remarks about Jane and about her morals.”

She looked around the room noting that some sported a guilty look upon their faces.

“I will not have such. We are a family here, and as such, I expect everyone to help each other out. Support one another. Jane will need our help. Had it been one of you in her situation, I would expect the same courtesy.”

Some of the staff had the decency to look ashamed. “I know you to be basically good people. Please do not prove me wrong, for I know that there is not one among you who has not himself or herself made a decision that you later regretted. Everyone in a crowd has the power to throw dirt, proving that no one’s hands are totally clean. Remember, all gossip does is hurt the person you talk about, and belittle you in the process.”

The group was silent, though several of the women nodded their heads in agreement.

“Also, in case you had not heard, I am again expecting and will certainly rely upon your aid in the coming months. I am sure that Count Vernay will too be able to depend upon you. Are there any questions?”

The room was quiet and she nodded and dismissed everyone before she headed upstairs with Anna to check in with Clair and the babies.

 

[cumnchat]

Alexander found that he was spending more time with his builders and architect in the last week than he was with Veronique, trying to come up with a plan to extend the nursery and provide two nannies with their own accommodation. After a week of rejecting plan after plan as either impractical, too intrusive and in one case outrageously expensive it was decided subject to Veronique's approval the nursery would take both rooms at the end of the landing and the nannies would have a room each on either side of the landing next to the nursery, each with its own entrance directly from their room into the nursery. When he put it to Veronique she first told him what she had said to he staff regarding Jane, upon which he congratulated her for taking such firm decisive action.

"You were perfectly correct my love, we don't want this house to be full of gossip mongers, imagine how poor Jane must feel if everyone is talking about her. Cousin Timothy must never know that he is the father, he would take great pleasure in boasting to his cronies how he got one of our serving maids up the duff. I have been thinking about how she will manage on just her wage to clothe both herself and the child, I have a suggestion to make,"

He paused and cleared his throat,

" Doctor Fredrik on his last visit examined Anna at her request, she was concerned that she had not fell pregnant considering the number of times they have tried. You know as well as I do how much she would love to have a child to look after so I was wondering if..................."

His voice trailed off as he realised the impossibility of what he was about to propose.

 

[Opensesame54321]

Alexander brought up the problem that Jane would face trying to raise a baby alone on her salary. No husband. No family, like a mother or father or siblings since she was an orphan. And it was for sure that the sisters at the convent would be extremely disappointed in the girl.

Veronique was not disappointed in Jane. In a way, she felt responsible for what had happened to the girl. After all, Jane had been under her care. It was just that the girl was extremely naive and unwise when it came to being exposed to people like Sir Timothy.

Doctor Fredrik on his last visit examined Anna at her request, she was concerned that she had not fell pregnant considering the number of times they have tried. You know as well as I do how much she would love to have a child to look after so I was wondering if...................

“I know what you are suggesting. But all we can do is give Jane the information and let her decide. It has to be her decision. And Anna and Claude have to be willing to raise the baby as their own. Anna would be willing. I know her and know that she would be a good mother. Claude, on the other hand, may only be interested in a child from his own loins. And it could very well be that Claude himself is incapable of fathering children. After all, he never had a child with his first wife.”

She could see Alexander weighing her words. And then she brought up the other point.

“And, there is no way to keep secret the fact that the baby is not truly Anna and Claude’s. Too many people know the truth. I know that you would just as soon have your cousin ignorant of the fact that he has gotten Jane pregnant, but I would be surprised if he did not find out about it. All it would take would be for one of our servants to write to one of his servants and suddenly he hears about his recent conquest.”

She could see that Alexander was not happy with this thought. She was not happy with it either. She continued.

“I would like to offer the role of Second Nanny to Jane. Since she is expecting her own baby, it would be a good idea for her to know how to care for babies. And if it turns out that Anna and Claude raise the baby as theirs, during the day the baby would need to stay in the nursery while Anna and Claude perform their jobs.”

Thoughtfully she rubbed her belly where the baby grew. Her eyes appeared to be trying to peer down into his soul.

“Your life has drastically changed from what it once was. Your life of excitement is gone, standing side by side with Percy and battling the French guillotine...” she paused. “But are you really happy?”

 

[cumnchat]

Alexander listened to Veronique on the matter regarding Jane and her baby and what should be done after the child was born. It was clear that Veronique had put a lot of thought into it and it made complete sense although it did depend on the agreement of Anna, Claude and mostly on Jane. That Jane should become a nursemaid to the twins and her own child was a master stroke for it would ensure that Jane could bond with the child during the day although all decisions regarding the child's upbringing would be determined by Anna and Claude with Jane's agreement.

"Very well my sweet we shall do as you suggest we will speak to all three of them together."

It was then that he noticed that Veronique had something else to say,

"What is it my love? Is something not to your liking? You only need to tell me and I will put it right."

From the way she was rubbing her belly and looking searchingly at him he thought that perhaps he was putting too much of a strain on her with his sometimes vigorous lovemaking. What she said though shook him to his core,

'Your life has drastically changed from what it once was. Your life of excitement is gone, standing side by side with Percy and battling the French guillotine...But are you really happy?'

Had he really been that obvious? He was a man of action, excitement, danger, but now he was finding life managing the estate boring and tedious although he would never have said so to Veronique, she and the twins were his life although he craved some excitement in his life apart from the excitement of bedding Veronique, that would never change.

"Veronique, you know me so well, I cannot hide anything from you, yes I want some excitement," He held his hand up to stop her from speaking, "Let it be known that you do not bore me, the children do not bore me, 'Tis the humdrum life we lead that bores me, My blood needs to be stirred, but yes on the whole I am happy, what man would be unhappy with you for his wife."

He wrapped her in his arms and kissed her fervently, hoding her tightly against him.

 

[Opensesame54321]

She could see that her words had struck home and she bit her lip, somewhat afraid that perhaps he had found her lacking. He seemed to be weighing just how he should answer her.

Veronique, you know me so well, I cannot hide anything from you, yes I want some excitement. Let it be known that you do not bore me, the children do not bore me, 'Tis the humdrum life we lead that bores me, My blood needs to be stirred, but yes on the whole I am happy, what man would be unhappy with you for his wife.

She could understand his feelings and certainly could not begrudge them. From the very beginning he had been a man of action, someone for whom the dull, boring life that he now lived would leave him wanting more.

With his arms around her, she felt so attuned to her husband, and realized that it had been she that was selfish. Wanting him to stay home. To never roam. To never fight for his principles. To nevermore right wrongs. But she realized that now, she wanted him happy. That was more important.

With her hand against his cheek, she kissed him. It was a loving kiss, once more offering her heart to him.

“Then perhaps you should contact Percy to let him know that the Purple Thistle is once more available, that is, with Buttercup’s blessings. I would prefer that you be here during my 9th month. I don’t think that I could take many more of you arriving at the last minute. But let the Purple Thistle help to right the wrongs occurring over in France.”

“And I do, of course, expect you to be faithful to me whether you are here in England or over in France.” She smiled at him, though there was a devilish gleam in her eye. “For I am fairly certain that should I find out otherwise, do not forget that I know well how to use a foil, and I am sure that I could easily remove that which had offended me.”

She gave him a kiss and a light little laugh, as if t’were all a joke, but she noticed that Alexander looked a bit worried. That was alright. Let him worry enough to steer clear of any designing females.

“After all, you are mine and mine alone. Right?”

 

[cumnchat]

Veronique's replied to his confession that he was bored and needed to be more active, not necessarily putting himself in danger but doing something to help the poor souls in France who were in danger of losing their heads every single just because they had been born into the aristocracy. With a jolt he realised that because of geography he had been born into England's aristocracy and if he had been French, his life and that of his whole family would be in danger. If he did as Veronique said and took up with Percy again he would have to leave them and have them worried for him every moment he was away. All this flashed through his mind and in a moment he made up his mind.

He sat Veronique down and held her tiny delicate hands in his, he leaned in towards her and kissed the tip of her nose,

"I have been very remiss in not confiding in you my sweet, I need to do something but until now I didn't know what, I will not leave you and the boys to worry about me for days on end with no idea if I am dead or alive, I am going to contact Percy again and get him to tell me what he knows of the French spies here in England who attend our grand balls and drink our wine as our guests, all the while hoping to find out the identity of The Scarlet Pimpernel. I intend to find and root them out and confound their mission, it will possibly mean that we will be attending many Grand Balls together, do you think you could manage that?"

He looked adoringly into her eyes and said with a grin

"Let us go to bed and make love before you grow too big for me to climb over you."

 

[Opensesame54321]

I have been very remiss in not confiding in you my sweet, I need to do something but until now I didn't know what, I will not leave you and the boys to worry about me for days on end with no idea if I am dead or alive, I am going to contact Percy again and get him to tell me what he knows of the French spies here in England who attend our grand balls and drink our wine as our guests, all the while hoping to find out the identity of The Scarlet Pimpernel. I intend to find and root them out and confound their mission, it will possibly mean that we will be attending many Grand Balls together, do you think you could manage that?

At that moment, Veronique fell in love with her husband all over again. She could see that in his eyes, nothing was more important than his family, yet he still wished to aid others that were losing their lives all because they had been born aristocratic. There were good and bad in every class of society, and to behead children for any reason was pure barbaric, as far as she was concerned. Her memory turned to poor Bella and her baby, Marcel du Charpentier, and she wondered how the baby was doing. He should be about 18 months old and she hoped that the baby was happy and healthy. She would have to ask Percy the next time that she saw him how little Marcel was doing.

The look that he gave her spoke volumes and he smiled at her and gave her a kiss.

Let us go to bed and make love before you grow too big for me to climb over you.

They did not bother Anna as instead Alexander undressed her as if she were the best gift that he had ever received. She returned the thought and for the rest of the evening they made love as if it were the first time ever. She fell asleep in his arms and the whole things left her feeling special.

For the next few days life quietened down a bit. Alexander sent word to Percy that he wished to visit with him and discuss an idea that he had. On the afternoon when he set off for the man’s estate, Veronique sent her greetings to Lady Caroline and for Alexander to ask as to how Marcel was faring.

Meanwhile, Veronique had a difficult job ahead of her. She needed to talk to Anna about Jane and her baby. Between the twins and Jane’s baby and now her baby too, the House was becoming quite the busy place.

 

[cumnchat]

Alexander was thoughtful as he rode to Percy's country estate it had been some time since they had spoken, but Alexander was certain that the group that Percy had got together was still active and he would be welcomed back not as an active member going on missions but as an intelligence gatherer, spying on the spies and thwarting their efforts to discover the identity of the Scarlet Pimpernel. He was under no illusions about the danger he would be in, even here in England. The French had their own English sympathisers, mainly rough lower class peasants who could see no further than the ends of their noses and would sell their own mothers for a few guineas.

Just a couple of miles short of Percy's estate he found a cpse and changed into a coral pink silk suit to emphasise his act a feckless member of the aristocracy.

As he rode the last couple of miles he chuckled to himself,

"Just like old times Percy,"

Then he began to sing,

"They seek him here,
They seek him there,
Those damned Frenchies seek him everywhere,
Is he in heaven?
Is he in hell?
That damned elusive Pimpernel."

 

[Opensesame54321]

Watching the boys play with each other, she laughed at the pair. Leander seemed to be the quicker thinker of the two, though not by much. Clair was taking a well deserved afternoon off, with Jane on her own for the first time since she has been offered the position of working in the nursery. Just to be sure, she was in the nursery, offering support to the woman while watching how Jane handled the babies.

Like Veronique, Jane was starting to show her condition. As a courtesy to the woman, she had given her some of her own plainer maternity dresses. Anne meanwhile had become quiet over the sudden increase in expecting mothers, and with her being left out of the excitement.

Jane had been playing with Carlton, who seemed to find a fascination in offering kisses to the pretty Jane, who would giggle and tease the toddler.

“Have you thought much about what you are going to do after the baby is born?” She knew that eventually she would need to bring the subject up.

Jane paused, and seemed to weigh her words carefully.

“Oi’m not really sure, ma’am. Oi’m not tha smartest an Oi might make tha wrong decision.”

“As long as it works for you, it’s the right decision. You know, you do have options.”

“Oi dew?”

“Yes, you do. One option is to keep the baby after it is born, and raise it as your own. You would be responsible, for the most part, in the raising of your baby. There is always the chance that you might find a nice man to marry and be a father to your baby. We would help all that we could, of course.”

Jane’s eyes looked worried as she considered that option.

“Another option might be to find a couple that would like to perhaps adopt your baby.”

“Oi jest don’t want ‘im or ‘er ta end up at tha convent. Ta be an orfin. It’s not fun.”

“I’m sure that it’s not. We could always try to find someone that perhaps you know, and would approve of.”

She could see Jane thinking and considering her options.

“And we have several months before you would have to make a decision.”

She could see that Jane liked that idea. Now to talk to Anna and Claude.

 

[cumnchat]

"What gives Alexander you old bastard?" was the greeting from Percy as the two old friends embraced.

"Has the beautiful Veronique finally thrown you out?" Percy held his hand up by way of apology considering that he had tried to take Veronique away from Alexander, however that was water under the bridge now and best forgotten.

"No, surprisingly enough she hasn't, you are aware of course that we have the twins to keep us occupied"

"Yes, and?" Percy asked cautiously, aware that there was more to this visit than renewing old acquaintances.

"Well Percy the fact is I've done it again."

Percy looked puzzled,

"What do you mean done it again, done what again?" It suddenly became to Percy clear as day.

"Alexander you old rogue, Veronique with child,,,,,,,,,,,,,, AGAIN? Where's that vintage brandy, we must drink a toast."

Several brandies later Percy asked the question that had been bothering him.

"So Alexander, you have brought me the news in person but what are you doing here? You should be at home with your wife and children,"

"I can't settle at the moment Percy I need some excitement, danger in my life I am not asking to come to France with you but perhaps I can be of some use here, spying on the spies."

 

[Opensesame54321]

Eventually the boys ran out of steam and were ready for a nap. Once they were both curled up in their cribs sound asleep, Jane was left alone to clean up the nursery and take her well-deserved nap. Veronique had her own agenda to work on.

She found Anna in her bedroom sorting through the fresh laundry that had been hung out that morning. Looking up from her work, the woman smiled at Veronique but the smile seemed to be lacking in sincerity. She was well aware that the Claude and Anna were frustrated and unhappy at the lack of their own little bundle of joy on the way.

“Anna, is everything fine?”

“Yes ma’am. Is there something that you need? You look a bit tired.”

“Those boys shall wear me out. And now I wonder how I shall hold up with another on the way.”

“You realize that both you and Jane will be due at about the same time.”

Veronique nodded, thoughtful. After a moment, Anna paused and looked at her, puzzled. “Is there something wrong, ma’am?”

“I’m not sure that wrong is the correct word. It is more like an issue that needs to be addressed. You see, Jane is not sure as to what do do concerning her impending baby. She is smart enough to to realized that as an unmarried woman, supporting herself and a baby will be difficult. We have offered to aid all that we can, but she is wise enough to realize that the baby really needs a mother and a father to raise it. And she is adamant that the baby not wind up in orphanage.”

Anna slowed down her movements, with Veronique’s words starting to get through to her. Meanwhile, Veronique curled up on the bed, letting her words slowly sink into Anna’s brain. She was fairly certain that by the end of the week, Anna and Claude would be begging Jane to let them raise her child as their own.

 

[cumnchat]

'I can't settle at the moment Percy I need some excitement, danger in my life I am not asking to come to France with you but perhaps I can be of some use here, spying on the spies'

Alexander spilled out all his frustrations to Percy, all except his frustration at only making love to Veronique sporadically and the knowledge that those occasions would cease altogether in the not too distant future.

"So you want to become a spycatcher Alexander?"

"No I don't want to catch them, we do that and they will only send another one, what I want to do is find out what they are up to, their plans, so that we can foil them. I came to you first because I believe you know most of them and can point me in the right direction, and also because it will become necessary for me to become friends with them to gain their friendship, if you didn't know you might think I was a turncoat."

"HAH! A turncoat, you Alexander? I would sooner believe it of the King himself than you, however if your mind is made up I will give you a list of those that I know of, you must memorise it and destroy it, but let me warn you of one in particular, a Monsieur Chauvelin, he is very. very dangerous, treat him with great caution, he will suck you in and SNAP! you are caught in his trap."

The two old friends drank some wine together and drank to the success of Alexander's mission before they retired for the night.

 

[Opensesame54321]

She knew that Alexander would be spending the evening with Percy as the two worked out the details on his next phase of life’s adventure. It was the first time that they had really been apart for a night since right before the birth of the twins.

It was lonely in bed that night and she spent some extra time with the boys before finally heading for bed. Anna seemed preoccupied as she helped Veronique prepare for bed, and she suspected that their little talk earlier in the day was the cause of this. She knew better that to press the issue and instead held her tongue.

Laying in bed as she rubbed her slightly swollen belly, she read a book that she had been meaning to read but had just been too busy. Tam o’Shanter by Robert Burns was an imaginative poem and she fell asleep while reading, only to dream that she was standing outside the haunted church, hearing the cackle and wail of the witches inside.

When she suddenly awoke in the middle of the night in a cold sweat, she found herself filled with a feeling of dread. In the darkness of the bedroom, she wished that she had not read the stupid thing. She vowed that in the morning she was going to put it back on the bookshelf and try to forget what she had read of it.

 

[cumnchat]

For Alexander it felt strange sleeping alone having no one to snuggle up to and have them snuggle up to him. He lay awake for hours thinking of Veronique and wondering if she was thinking of him,

"Don't be so stupid Alexander, of course she is thinking of you and missing you as much as you miss her."

The thought comforted him and he rolled over and cuddled the spare pillow

In the morning Percy took him into his study and opened the secret drawer in his desk bureau and pulled out a sheaf of papers, each one had a name at the top and below was written everything that was known about them. There were a dozen in all,

"Here you are my good friend, everything I know about the French spies that plague us, if you are set upon spying on the spies I suggest you take those papers home and study them for a week or so, I am sure that Veronique will be pleased to see you. Have you thought about bringing her with you as it might seem odd that you frequent society without your wife although I suppose you could use her condition as an excuse?"

"I thank you for these dossiers they will prove most useful I am sure, As for Veronique coming with me, I fear not, she will not be separated from the twins and as you know society balls are so boring which is why people think us fools and laugh when we become fops for the night, who would suspect a fool to do what The Scarlet Pimpernel does. One more thing Percy do not tell me any of your plans unless you want the opposition to know for some reason, under normal circumstances I can keep my mouth shut but if I am caught and tortured I might sing like a canary, if I don't know I can't talk."

They talked some more then Alexander took his leave of Percy and Caroline and headed home.

He arrived quietly and crept into the library to find Veronique, she was sitting reading with her back to the door and had no idea he was there until his hand slid over her shoulder and into her bodice and he kissed her neck.before announcing,

"I am so pleased that your husband is away so we can be together my love."

Then he burst into laughter at Veronique's shocked expression.

 

[Opensesame54321]

Wrapping her legs around him, Alexander gently pumped deep into her, careful not to put any pressure on her slightly swelling tummy. Looking down at her with a devilish grin, he kissed her. She was so happy.

“You do realize that soon we shall have to revert to me in the power position? Are you enjoying this position while we are still able to?”

They spent a large portion of the afternoon in bed, with Alexander making love to her several times. He was gentle and caring and sweet, even playfully sucking on one of her tits and complaining that her milk had not started back up yet. Eventually it was time for him to prepare to go out.

Veronique watched as Alexander dressed for the ball. In a way, she was envious of her husband being able to head off to his first ball since the twins were born. Lord and Lady Astermain were known for their elaborate celebrations and incredibly rich food. Maybe that was why Lord Astermain’s corpulent body would have tipped the scales at around 23 stones. And Lady Astermain’s plump figure could not be helped by her constant attempts to lose weight, perhaps because she was usually stuffing a pastry or a sweet in her mouth.

“Now, be sure to let the Astermains know that I would be there if I could. But having to constantly look for a chamberpot to throw up into can be a bit off putting. Be sure to let them know that I am expecting.” She could tell that he was not really paying attention to what she said as he primped and posed in front of the mirror.

“And if you see Elizabeth and Samuel, be sure to give them the good news too.”

She might as well be talking to the moon as he pranced back and forth, practicing that irritating laugh that he affected when he played the part.

She smiled at him. He really was like a kid with a new whistle, so ready to take in the world. Before he left, she reminded him of what to watch out for. And she was curious as to just what disaster Lady Astermain would be wearing to her own party. The woman had a tendency to wear rather garish colors that did not suit Lady Constance Astermain’s complexion.

“And watch out for those traitors. They are dangerous, just like Percy said.”

With a passionate kiss, and a promise not to be too flirty to the ladies at the party, Alexander flounced out of the house, climbing into the carriage. He waved a lacy hanky at her, and blew her a kiss as the carriage headed off down the graveled drive.

She decided to eat in the nursery with Clair and the boys. Jane was not feeling very good and was spending the evening resting in her room.

The boys were excited to be eating with Mama, and with each bite had a desire to show her just what their food looked like all chewed up. Clair apologized.

“I try but they are at that age where those things tickle them. They should grow out of it.”

“Oh, let’s hope so. The thought of Alexander chewing up his food and showing it to the dinner guest is a rather scary thought.”

Whereupon she and Clair had a rather good giggle for the rest of the meal.

 

[cumnchat]

Alone in the carriage Alexander had time to reflect on the past week during which he spent as much time as possible with Veronique and the boys, knowing that he might not see them again for some time, he had also learned by heart all the information that Percy had provided him with on his adversaries. It was plain to see that they all reported to one man, CHAUVELIN. So Alexander decided to concentrate on him, after all the one sure way to kill a snake was to cut off its head
.

At the ball Alexander dressed in his usual dandyish manner and affected the privileged, empty headed fool that everyone thought him to be. He spotted Chauvelin talking to a group of men on the far side of the ballroom, men whom he recognised from the descriptions that Percy had given him. Anxious to hear what they were talking about he worked his way round the ballroom until he was just a few feet away.

He caught a few snippets of their conversation, hearing nothing of any consequence until one asked Chauvelin,

"Are we any nearer finding this damned Pimpernel?"

Chauvelin glowered at him,

"Be quiet you fool, he's here tonight somewhere, I can smell him or one of his followers, I am hoping to trap him tonight in the library at eleven o'clock."

Alexander couldn't hear any more as a pretty young woman felt safe enough to dance with him. The young girl said her name was Lillian, this was her first ball and she was so excited. Alexander had plans to use the young girl to thwart Chauvelin's plan to trap the pimpernel or one of his followers.

"My dearest, pretty Lillian 'twould break my heart to leave tonight without kissing you, can you wait for me in the library? Please do not leave until I arrive."

Lillian was so excited to have found romance at her very first ball,

"Oh yes Sir, I'll wait for you, all night if needs be and you can kiss me as much as you want."

Alexander hated using Lillian like this but if it would put a spoke in Chauvelin's plans it would be worth it.

 

[Opensesame54321]

“Oi’ve been finking ‘bout w’at yew talked ‘bout.” Jane spoke slowly and softly as they prepared the boys for bed.

“If Oi let Anna an’ Claude raise me baby, at least Oi knows t’at ‘e or she will ‘ave a movher and a father. An’ every day Oi can watch me baby grow up into a good boy or girl wifout knowin’ ‘bout ‘ow it’s movher wuz made a fool uv by Sir Timothy.”

“Jane, you were never the fool. Timothy is a rapscallion and ne’er-do-well that should never have been invited to the festivities. T’was a mistake. But it was not your fault.”

Still, Jane seemed to be seriously considering giving up her baby to Anna and Claude. To tell the truth, she really felt that this would be the best solution for all concerned, in particular for Jane’s baby.

“Well, you don’t have to rush to make your decision. If you wish, you might talk things over with Anna.”

Carlton gave her a big wet kiss before giggling and asking where his daddy was.

“Daddy has to go take care of business. But he will be home soon, sweetie. Now, go to sleep.”

Leander threw his little arms around her neck and hugged her tight. As they lay tucked tightly in their cribs, Veronique began to sing them to sleep.

Lavender's blue, dilly dilly,
Lavender's green
When you are King, dilly dilly,
I shall be Queen

Lavender’s green dilly, dilly
Lavender’s blue
You must love me, dilly, dilly
‘cause I love you.

Who told you so, dilly dilly,
Who told you so?
'Twas my own heart, dilly dilly,
That told me so

Call up your friends, dilly, dilly
Set them to work
Some to the plough, dilly dilly,
Some to the fork

Some to the hay, dilly dilly,
Some to thresh corn
Whilst you and I, dilly dilly,
Keep ourselves warm

Lavender's blue, dilly dilly,
Lavender's green
When you are King, dilly dilly,
I shall be Queen

 

[cumnchat]

At a quarter to eleven Alexander slipped into the library and hid behind one of the drapes covering the floor to ceiling windows, He heard Chauvelin's companions arriving one by one who stood around talking to each other in French, his grasp of the language wasn't too good so he had no idea what they were talking about until on the stroke of eleven o' clock Chauvelin arrived and began speaking in English.

"My friends, earlier I said that we would find the Scarlet Pimpernel here tonight, well as you can see he is not here."

Alexander breathed a silent breath of relief, he thought he had been discovered.

Chauvelin continued, a note of triumph in his voice,

"However there are many places that someone could hide and what possible excuse could an English nobleman have for hiding in the library if he was not hoping to eavesdrop on our conversation. Search the library, all the nooks and crannies and when you find him bring him to me."

Alexander realised that he would soon be discovered so he decided to brazen it out and stepped out from behind the curtain,

"La-di-dah, you good sirs have saved me from committing adultery tonight, I had arranged to meet a young lady here but alas I am a married man and I love my dear wife so I hid in the hope that she would leave when she saw I was not here."

Chauvelin laughed,

"Do you expect us to believe that story, a likely tale. NO Sir, you are the Scarlet Pimpernel, a thorn in the side of the French peasants who wish to rid our country of the privileged rich."

Chauvelin drew his word and threatened Alexander with it,

"They will find you outside a whorehouse, beaten to death by footpads, there will be nothing linking us with your disappearance."

One of the French spies used the butt of his pistol to knock Alexander out cold and they carried his limp body out through the windows.

They did not see Lillian watching from the doorway with tears in her eyes.