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hrhduchessoflancaster · 6 years

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Chapter Seventy-Six: Old Sarum

Disclaimer: see Prologue ____________________________________

Boxing Day, in general, was the last day the entire Mountbatten-Windsor family spent together. The men and a few of the women left early in the morning for the shoot & hunt, while the remaining women and children stayed behind, having a late breakfast. As Elle watched Charlotte, George and Mia play, she smiled, feeling her own child kick her.

“ You know, soon enough my niece or nephew will be doing exactly the same thing.”, said Kate to her, as they sat side by side in the sofa.

“ I still can’t believe you and Harry will have a baby so soon…”, said Kate chuckling. Elle smiled and nodded her head.

“ I know… it’s so surreal sometimes.”, she replied the older woman. “ But knowing Harry, you’d have guessed that he’d want children quite soon after we got married. And I had no objections…”, continued Elle.

As the the afternoon approached, and the pheasant hunt on the grounds of the estate - in which the Duke of Edinburgh took charge - was over, they had a hearty lunch, full of different types of game, including one of her favourites, game pie.

When lunch ended, around two in the afternoon, the majority of them prepared to leave; William, Catherine and the children would be going to Bucklebury, to Kate’s parents home, while the Tindalls would be traveling to Australia.

As for Harry and Elle, their journey to Salisbury was highly expected. Her parents and brother all having spent Christmas at Woondenford Castle, were eager to see her and her husband for the New Year’s celebrations. And of course, the soon to be, new addition to the family. All packed, they said their goodbyes to the family and boarded the train to Wiltshire. Elle couldn’t help but grin as they approached the familiar sight of Salisbury Cathedral, which could be seen from afar.

“ Excited, aren’t we?”, said Harry smirking. Elle’s smiled grew and she nodded her head.

“ I haven’t been back to Woodenford since before our wedding. It’s been months!”, said Elle.

“ Oh poor Lionheart must be missing me just as much as I miss him…”, she wondered, sadly.

“ I’m sure someone rode him for you… they wouldn’t let him stuck on his stall during all that time.”, replied Harry.

“ I know… I’m just annoyed I can’t ride him…”, mumbled Elle, sighing. Harry nodded his head, understandably and pulled her closer to him.

“ Don’t worry. You’ll be able to be back on a saddle soon enough. Meanwhile, there are other things you can ride. One that is in front of you, I might add.”, he said, whispering the last sentence on her ear. Shaking her head, she slapped his arm.

“ Behave, Major.”, she said giggling while Harry smiled.

************

Her parents were overjoyed to see her and Harry. With tight hugs and warm smiles they led the couple inside the stony castle. The familiar smells and sounds rushed into her, overwhelming her senses. Sighing, she dashed to the Great Hall, where she was happy to see the tall Christmas tree still standing in all of its glory.

Harry, who she left behind with their luggage, soon catch up to her and smiled as he watched his wife bewitched by the lit Christmas tree.

“ You can be such a child, you know…”, joked Harry. Elle didn’t even bother to look at him. Her sole focus was the ornament in front of her.

“ You know how much I love the holidays…”, she commented, going around the tree. “ I hope our child share that with me…”

“ I’m sure Nugget will think of it as magical as you do.”, replied Harry, coming beside her, his arms around her waist. Smiling softly, Elle leaned into him and sighed contently.

“ I know I’ve said this hundreds of times, but I can’t wait to meet our baby. I’ve started imagining what he or she will be like, how will our personalities mold into its life… Will Nugget be more like you or more like me? Or maybe he or she will be completely different from everything we’ve imagined. I can already picture our first Christmas together with Nugget. And I can’t wait for it to happen…”, said Elle.

************

During the days they spent at the castle, the couple joined the McClaire’s in every activity: from helping decorating the main hall to hunting and charades after dinner. But it was on the third day, on New Year’s Eve that they had a serious job to do: visit the Duke and Duchess of Wiltshire Foundation’s hq for the end of year soup kitchen and bazaar.

Every year, her parents foundation organised on both Christmas and New Year’s a soup kitchen as a form of celebration and also as a way to help and care for the ones who had barely nothing or simply the one who had no family to spend the holidays with.

And so, Elle and Harry were recruited to help prepared then serve the soup, hot drinks, water and a cozy blanket to all of those who showed up at the HQ. They were more than happy to do so. When the people started to enter, most recognised Elle and were somewhat comfortable with her but most of them were shocked in seeing Harry.

Unfortunately, word got out and the media was alerted, resulting in a number of pictures circulating on social media. Luckily, Ingrid and Alfred were there and helped contain the crowd. But in the end, they laughed and enjoyed their time, talking to whomever came up to them.

“ This reminds me a lot of when my mum began taking Will and I to a few shelter homes in London. It’s the same atmosphere.”, said Harry and Elle smiled, nodding her head.

“ It is, right? Do you still visit them?”, she asked him.

“ Not as much as I used to. I wish I could, now that you’ve mentioned it.”, said Harry.

“ Well, in that case, let’s talk to Ronald and see when we can. I want to come along.”, said Elle.

“ Darling, are you sure it’s wise? Our agendas are packed for the start of the year and you’ll be on your final trimester. You should be resting.”, said Harry, slightly worried.

“ I know that… but I’ll be fine.”, said Elle. “ I’m determined to keep on working until the last month of my pregnancy. Even further if I can.”

“ No one will think less of you if you stop working to take care of you and the baby. You know that, right?”, said Harry, running his hands on her arms.

“ I do. But I want to. I want to do all that I can. And if Georgiana says I’m fit enough to do it, I will, Harry. I’m not sick or an invalid.”, she replied.

“ Yes… I’m well aware of the superwoman I married.”, said Harry smiling. “ But you can’t deny a husband’s concern for his wife an unborn child, can you?”

“ No… I suppose I can’t…”, Elle replied smiling. Leaning in closer to him, she gently placed her lips on his, a sweet kiss, laced with love and care.

************

After they returned from the HQ, they prepared themselves for the cocktail party in the main hall. It would start much later in the night and go into the early hours of the new year. Among the guests, a few family members like Mary’s and Valerie’s parents, though Elle wasn’t sure if she’d be seeing either of them. Probably not.

Dress in a red med sleeved, knee high dress, her hair up in a ponytail, Elle smiled admiring herself on the mirror in her room. Her stomach was round now and looked so beautiful the dress’ deep burgundy, Christmassy colour. Caressing her belly, she smiled as she felt the baby kick.

“ Not much longer now, my little Nugget.”, she said.

“ Talking to your bump again sis? People will think you’re crazy.”, said Ed opening the door of the bedroom, unceremoniously.

“ Edward Thomas! You could have given me a heart attack!”, said Elle angrier and her brother just brushed it off, taking a sit on her bed.

“ And just so you know, yes I was talking to my child again. And it’s perfectly normal. Even encouraged.”, replied Elle, irritated. Ed laughed as he watched her.

“ I was messing with you, little sister. Of course it’s perfectly normal. I would talk non-stop if I were in your place. By the way, how is my niece?”, he said.

“ What makes you think it’s a girl?”, she asked him, raising one eyebrow.

“ I just have a feeling.”, said Ed blinking at her.

“ Well… Nugget is doing great. He or she just has a nag for kicking me…”, she replied giggling.

“ That must be painful.. ouch…”, said Ed making a face.

“ But worth it… as mother will tell you.”, Elle told her brother smiling.

“ Anyway, what are you doing here? Is there something you need?”, Elle asked him as she put on her earrings. She decided on wearing the ones Harry had gotten her for Christmas.

“ Oh yeah… mum is calling you. She’s in the library. She told me to tell you to come as soon as you were able.”, said Ed.

“ Alright. Tell her I’ll be down in a few.”, replied Elle.

“ Do I look like the Royal Mail?”, retorted Ed. “ She’ll wait. I still have to get changed.”, he continued and left the room, after kissing her temple. Elle shook her head and smiled. What are we going to do with you, Edward?, she thought.

When she finished her makeup, Elle made her away down the stairs, noticing how there were already a few people there, mingling and sipping on their drinks. She briefly greeted them and quickly dashed to the library. She found her mother seating on one of the sofas, a book in her hand.

“ Mother?”, Elle said, announcing her presence.

“ Elle darling. Thank you for coming.”, Victoria said. “ Come. Take a seat by me.”. Elle walked over to her mother and sat beside her on the fluffy sofa.

“ My darling I asked you here because I wanted to give you this.”, said Victoria, handing Elle the book she was holding.

“ This is in between a diary and a scrapbook of the women in our family. In there, you’ll find thoughts, stories and tips of their lives as mothers.”, said Victoria and Elle’s eyes widened.

“ How long have you had this?”, she asked her mother.

“ Since your brother was born. You see, it’s handed down from mother to daughter when her first child is born. It started with your great grandmother and now I’m continuing the legacy and passing it on to you. The binding was changed several times and pages were added with the years but it remains, in its essence, the same book. I hope this helps and inspires you, my darling.”, said Victoria, teary-eyed.

Elle looked from the leather-bound book in her hands to her mother. Feeling a surge of emotion hit her like a ton of bricks, Elle put the book aside and in one quick motion, hugged her mother tightly, as much as her belly allowed.

“ This is so incredible, mum. Thank you for trusting me with it. I treasure it forever.”, she said.

************

The cocktail party was an incredible success. Harry had been introduced by Elle to a number of family friends and colleagues from her parents, all of whom were delighted to meet and talk to him. Many of them, shared the same ideals and interests he had and were eager not only to listen to what he had to say on the subject but were more than happy to help and invest in some of his ventures, namely the Invictus Games, whose second edition would soon be announced.

As midnight approached, the couple joined the other guests in the garden for the countdown and fireworks display.

“ Do you remember the first time we came here after we we’ve seen each other again?”, asked Harry.

“ How can I not? You crushed my gala and we came here after we had danced together. I was so nervous for having you here.”, said Elle.

“ Really? I was petrified of your reaction when I decided to come to the gala.”, he said and she chuckled.

“ I wanted to kiss you so bad that day. You looked so beautiful and all the feelings I would have for you were beginning to surface.”, said Harry, making Elle smile.

“ I have to confess that I wanted to stay in your arms for a longer time than I had that evening. I too, was starting to feel something for you. I didn’t know yet that it was but it scared me.”, said Elle.

“ I think it’s safe to say we both were scared that night.”, said Harry and the couple chuckled.

“ But look how far we’ve come from that night, hun?”, said Elle, one hand resting on her growing stomach. “ We fell in love, we got engaged, married and now we starting a family. Of course we knew this marriage would happen, but who would have thought we’d get so lucky?”, she continued.

“ We are indeed the lucky ones, my love.”, said Harry, leaning closer to her just as the countdown was coming to and end. Their kiss was slow, loving, caring. They held each other tightly, their bodies’ warmth engulfing one another.

“ Happy New Year, my love.”, said Elle as they pulled away, noses still touching.

“ Happy New Year, my love, my wife, mother of my child.”, said Harry smiling.

************

Two-thousand and seventeen began with a kick. Quite literally for Elle. As she entered her 26th week of pregnancy, she was beginning to feel the true weight of her body. Her movements were slower, her lower back was a little stiff and she felt she got progressively more tired as the day came to and end. Georgiana had advised her about the change in her centre of gravity as well as the strain in her muscles and joints due to the new weight she’d be carrying.

Harry, ever the attentive husband, was promptly ready to give her back rubs, foot massages and draw warm, soothing baths for her. As they prepared for Nugget’s arrival, the couple tried to enjoy their last moments alone. As soon as they’d returned from Wiltshire, they had resumed their date night, which was a great idea to begin with and now proved to be an even better one, as they had found a comfortable routine around it.

Following epiphany, Elle got in touch with the midwife who taught Kate the hypnobirth technique, Helen. She was, indeed, as her sister-in-law had told her, a very sweet woman. Well, at least on the phone. They had scheduled a meeting at Kensington Palace later that week so they could start on the basis of hypnobirth and all she would need for the delivery.

“ Are you sure you want to do this?”, asked Harry.

“ I am. I’ve done a little research and it seems as good as any birthing exercise or technique. And, from that Kate has told me, it helped her feel more relaxed and at one with her body when she delivered both George and Charlotte. I’ve heard great things about it.”, said Elle and Harry nodded his head.

“ Well, if you are sure love, then all I can do is support you. And that you have. Always.”, said Harry, kissing her temple, making Elle smiled at the gesture.

“ I’ll be entering my third trimester in two weeks, so I think it’s a good time to start preparing. And, Helen said to me that hypnobirth also helps prepare the mind for the pain and the stress that comes with labour. Trust me, I have full confidence this will work. It’ll be a mind over matter kind of thing.”, said Elle.

On the following week, Helen, a middle-aged, brown skinned and white haired woman came to apartment 1.

“ Nice to finally meet you, Your Royal Highness.”, said Helen to Elle.

“ The pleasure is mine. Kate has spoken highly of you.”, Elle said to the woman.

“ Well I thank her. I’ve worked with the Duchess of Cambridge in her last two pregnancies and I’m honoured now to be working with yours.”, said Helen. Harry, then stepped forward to greeted the woman with a handshake.

“ It’s very nice meeting you Helen. My wife and I are thrilled and excited about that you have to teach us.”, he said, receiving a smile from the older woman.

“ As I said, it’s an honour. So, shall we start?”, said Helen and the trio took their seats on the sofa.

“ Well, I want to know a little more about you and the pregnancy before we start with hypnobirth. So, I gather this is your first pregnancy?”, she asked them.

“ Well, actually, this is my second. Our second.”, said Elle and Helen was very polite to hide her surprise.

“ I had a pregnancy scare before our wedding but, obviously, the baby didn’t come to term.”, said Elle, while Harry hand’s were holding hers tightly.

“ I see. I’m so sorry for your loss, But I have to ask, I take that you had a miscarriage?”, asked Helen.

“ Yes. It was spontaneous. I had just found out I was pregnant.”, said Elle.

“ Alright. And after that, did you have any kind of hormonal trouble or sexual?”, she asked,

“ No. I had a treatment after the miscarriage to eliminate every possibility of further problems and since I got pregnant again I’ve had close and constant check-ups with my OB/GYN.”, said Elle and Helen nodded, taking a few notes.

“ Then everything is as it should be.”, said Helen smiling. “ Since you’ve had no trouble conceiving again, I believe your miscarriage was due to either stress or hormonal imbalance. It can happen and it’s not uncommon. But all is well now and we’ll deliver this baby to full-term, perfectly healthy.”,she continued, making the couple smile.

“ Well let me explain to you how hypnobirthing work. We’ll meet weekly for pre-natal classes on how to react and that to expect before, during and after birth, for both the mother and the father to be. Along with it, you’ll have a 16-hour program that you can listen to, telling you about the step by step of hypnobirthing, relaxation exercises, which we’ll practice, and a number of techniques that will ensure a stress-free, pain relief and natural birth.”, said Helen.

“ This seems heavenly.”, said Elle “ When can we begin?”, she said and both her husband and midwife chuckled.

“ Right away if you want to.”, replied Helen.

************

In the coming weeks, Elle and Harry had began to fully understand the nature and preparation for a birth due to Helen’s help and guidance. Hypnobirthing was proving to be more relaxing then Elle had first thought it to be and she felt a true improvement in her daily life because of the exercises and meditation she’d been practicing daily.

Once she reached her 28th week of pregnancy and finally entered her third and last trimestre, she began to think about the final details for the baby’s birth and the events she’d attend leading to April, when she’d take her leave from all of her public engagements. In the middle of the week she and Harry would have a joint engagement for the Henry van Straubenzee Memorial Fund. They’d attend a benefit in to raise funds for a new project in Uganda.

But before they could attend it, Elle had an appointment with Georgiana. Since she was beginning the last months of her pregnancy, she’d have a more thorough examination and weekly visits to the clinic.

“ So, how are you feeling? Any changes you want to tell me?”, asked Georgiana as Elle and Harry stepped into her office.

“ I’m just feeling more tired. But I know it’s normal.”, said Elle and the doctor nodded her head.

“ It is. Most women feel a little bloated as well. All normal reactions and consequences to the pregnancy.”, said Georgiana.

“ And how are the pre-natal classes going?”, she asked them.

“ Pretty well.”, replied Harry. “ Elle has started hypnobirthing exercises and I’m doing a few as well to help her relax and meditate.”, he continued.

“ Oh that’s good! It’s a quite popular technique nowadays and it’s very interesting to say the least. I think if you believe it, you can do it. And in the end, it’s a matter of mind over body.”, said Georgiana.

“ That’s exactly what’ve told Harry. I’m feeling calmer and more prepared for the birth since I started the exercises. Helen, my birthing coach and midwife is helping us. And it’s been illuminating.”, said Elle.

“ That’s good to hear, Elle. Well, keep doing whatever makes you feel good.”, said Georgiana smiling.

“ Now, let’s have a look at your vitals and this little one?”, she said and Elle popped into the bed for her check-up. She felt Georgiana hooking her to a few machines to take her blood pressure, temperature and blood-sugar, as well as her heartbeat.

“ Everything seems in order with you. Your blood pressure is a little low, but it’s well within the margins. I’m going to collect a little flask of blood to send to the lab to see if everything is normal, ok?”, said the doctor and Elle nodded in response. Then, she lied back into the bed and pulled her blouse up so that Georgiana could make an ultrasound.

“ Let’s see this little royal, now, shall we?”, she said, putting the cold gel in Elle’s belly. Soon enough, the machine began making weird sounds, which were the baby’s heart and both soon-to-be parents watched in wonder as their child appeared on the small screen.

“ Baby’s heartbeat is strong. We can see its hands and feet all completely formed. The baby is about the size of a large aubergine and weighs about 1 kilogram, which is 2 pounds. Everything seems perfectly alright with both mum and baby.”, said Georgiana. The couple smiled to each other as Elle was cleaned and was able to sit up on the bed.

“ At this stage, the baby will gain weight much quicker and will soon start turning in your womb to prepare for the birth. You’ll most likely feel more movement in your belly and I’m sorry to say, an incessant unrest in your legs. It’s common and part of the process , so don’t be alarmed.”, said Georgiana.

“ I’ll have your lab results tomorrow so I’ll just call you and tell you then. There’s no need for you to come in here. But other than waiting for the labs, all is well. I’ll see you next week, okay? And don’t forget to drink plenty of water and eat vegetables and red meat for the iron you need.”, advises Georgiana.

“ Thank you Georgiana.”, said Elle, hugging the woman. “ Until next week.”

************

Two days later, Harry and Elle, both dressed in elegant black-tie coded clothes, attended the fundraising gala for the Henry van Straubenzee Memorial Fund. Harry, as one of the patrons, would be giving a small speech on the work the foundation did in Uganda as well as talk about his own experience with both the charity and his own work in Africa, through Sentebale.

“ Are you sure you’re feeling alright to attend the gala? I know how during the night your body hits almost exhaustion levels.”, asked Harry, concerned.

“ I am. And I’ll be alright. So long as I remain seated during most of it, I’ll be golden.”, replied Elle. They were in the car with Ingrid and Leo, on their way to the National Gallery in London, where the fundraiser would take place.

As the got closer to the sumptuous building in Trafalgar Square, the royal couple noticed the amount of photographers and the red carpet that been lined up at the entrance of the building.

“ This looks almost like the Oscars. I feel like a superstar.”, joked Elle, making the people in the car laugh. “ If you don’t mind me saying, ma’am, you and your husband are as good as superstars in this country. Abroad as well.”, said Ingrid.

“ True…”, agreed Harry. “ The paparazzi certainly treat us like so.”, he continued in a more serious tone. Elle sighed and held onto his hand, caressing his wedding band on it.

“ We’ll be alright, darling. You’ll see.”, she said, reassuring him. Harry nodded his head and smiled at her, just as their car stopped at the base of the stairs leading to the National Gallery. The sounds of flashes and their blinding lights paved the way for Harry and Elle, who were holding hands as they greeted the two members of the fund’s board of directors.

“ A pleasure to welcome you both, Your Royal Highnesses.”, said one man, shaking Harry’s then Elle’s hands.

“ It’s our pleasure to be here.”, replied Elle, with a courteous smile. They were guided by the man and woman to the main area of the building and were soon bombarded by friends and acquaintances alike. Many, who had yet to congratulate them officially on the imminent birth of their first child.

Overall, the night run out without a hit. The couple mingled among the guests, Harry’s speech was filled with laughter and also meaning, specially when he pointed out the number of lives they’d be helping by funding the organisation. Elle was very proud and turned on by his passion and dedication to his causes.

At the end of the night, when they returned to Kensington Palace, Harry and Elle welcomed the new year as a couple, thoroughly enjoying themselves: as companions, as lovers, as soulmates. Tangled in the bedsheets, in each others arms, they calmly slept, as they waited the new challenges life would bring them in the weeks to come.

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