Chapter Text
May, 1822
Summer in Berlin was always pleasant. The tulips and marigolds were in full bloom, everything was always much brighter as spring had felt like a continuation of winter.
Edwina sat at her desk in the study in the house, penning a letter to Charlotte in Russia. She often wondered how the dearly departed Charlotte would be proud of how well her niece was doing, just as fierce as the Queen of England had been.
“Do we have a schedule for the Russian visit?” Edwina asked aloud, looking up at Friedrich, “It is still for October, yes?”
Friedrich, in the other side of the room that was separated by French doors that were nearly always open. They had converted one of the drawing rooms into a joint study three years ago.
“Yes, but no schedule, I believe Charlotte enjoys making her brothers' lives difficult. But she may send it to me.” Friedrich hummed.
Edwina made her way over to her husband's study, standing in front of his desk, “We cannot receive it before the King.”
“We do not have to tell the King.” Friedrich said, “There are many things I do not tell him such as his daughter's increasing frustration with him.”
“Only hers?” Edwina quipped, raising her eyebrows.
She bent down and kissed him on the lips, “Try not to be imprisoned for treason when you visit the palace next week. I shall not forgive you if you are late for dinner.” She whispered.
Friedrich sighed, kissing her again. “I make no promises.”
They were interrupted by the signature pitter patter of little feet running into the office. The young girl, a loose pink ribbon in her dark hair
“Alexandra?" Edwina questioned, amused. She crouched down and heard her giggles, "Alexandra."
Friedrich chuckled, joining Edwina by her desk but he went around and stared down a their daughter who was sitting under the desk, trying to contain her giggles.
“Papa, I am hiding!” Alexandra whispered and Edwina could not help but huff a laugh. Their six year old was hiding from her governess, likely not wanting to change after playing outside all morning.
Friedrich decided to join in, the best way to convince her, “Well, if you continue to hide, you will not see your aunt and grandmother.”
The child pouted, as any six year old would.
“Your father is quite right." Edwina put on a serious face, "Your grandmother does not like mess!"
Alexandra stood, coming out of hiding and Friedrich lifted her in his arms for a kiss to her cheek.
Frau Lindstrom entered the study, amusement on
“Pardon, your Highnesses, Fräulein Lerchenfeld is..." She had begun, but then paused seeing the three of them, "Ah, yes. Young madam is here." She looked at the child with a mix of fondness and weariness.
“Do tell Fräulein Lerchenfeld that Alexandra shall be going to change.” Edwina gently shifted her towards the housekeeper who held out her hand for the young princess to take.
This was not the first time and not the last governess, they feared.
Edwina went to the nursery, glad to see Francis awake from his nap. If Alexandra has been a dramatic infant and now rambunctious child, Francis was quiet, reserved, the two year old content with his toys or to hear his father read to him. Edwina was happy to cuddle with him, pressing a kiss to his forehead.
"Good afternoon, sweet boy." Edwina cooed, "Are you ready to see nani and auntie Kate?"
"Yes." He replied after a yawn.
The excitement inside could only be matched by the giddiness inside the carriage carrying Countess Sheffield and Viscountess Bridgerton, as well as the young Bridgerton heir.
This would been Kate's second visit, always glad to see Edwina and Friedrich when they would visit England but there was an excitement of getting to see Edwina in her home.
At the steps, Edwina and Friedrich waited for them, little Francis in his father's arms and Alexandra ready to run - which she did.
Mary, wrapped in a deep pink travelling coat was prepared for her granddaughter's excited greeting. A few gray streaks in her hair were the only sign she had aged as she picked up the child.
“Nani!” Alexandra exclaimed, "You're here!"
"Hello, my love. Wie geht es dir?"
"Gut! I have a new dollhouse, can you come?"
"Alexandra," Friedrich said, slightly scolding but it was the harshest he would ever get, "Why don't you say hello to your aunt and cousin before kidnapping your grandmother, hmm?"
Mary chuckled, putting her down so that Alexandra could give Neddy a hug which he returned enthusiastically.
"She is faster with each year." Kate joked to Edwina who hugged her tightly.
"Yes and on her third governess." Edwina said lowly but there was a smile on her face.
Kate turned her attention to Francis whom she had not seen since his birth and coped at how big he was whilst Edwina hugged Neddy tightly, her nephew glad to see one of his favourite aunts - she gave the best presents, he believed.
“Oh, you are beautiful." Kate cooed as Friedrich handed Francis over to her.
“Franz likes to sleep.” Alexandra told her seriously and Kate nodded, amused by her by her niece.
“How was the journey?” Friedrich asked his sister in law, "Not too trying, I hope?"
“Not too bad. I'm sorry I could not bring Mikesh." Kate said
Neddy saluted Friedrich, something he would do ever since he learned of his uncle's army rank. Friedrich seriously saluted him in return, before breaking out into a grin.
“Good man! Shall we see him in the ranks of the British army any time soon?” Friedrich asked, ruffling his hair.
“Cease your work to recruit my sons!” Kate admonishes playfully.
“Young boys enjoy toy soldiers!” Friedrich defended. He had sent over another set when she gave birth to her second son.
They moved the party inside. The children were playing in the garden, under Mary and Friedrich's watchful eyes - as watchful two could be with a seven and six year old.
Edwina and Kate, however, sat inside to speak to one another, drinking chai and eating from a range of bites - rose cakes, cucumber sandwiches and saffron buns.
Edwina smiled, “How fares Lord Bridgerton? Taking good care of Mikesh?"
“He had the same cold! The man refused to accept he may be ill for just a moment." Kate lamented with a fond eye roll.
“Sounds rather like someone else I know.” Edwina remarked, "Not you; my husband. He insists he is never ill."
"It is a male habit." Kate said, "The thought of three children who do the same as their father."
Edwina smiled knowingly, “Are you with child again?” she asked
“How did you know?” Kate gasped, resting her hands on her stomach.
"Your appetite is quite unrestrained, for one." Edwina pointed out teasingly, "And you misspoke. You currently have two children. Though, I do think you may have a girl."
Kate ran a hand on her stomach, “Is that what you would wish for. Another girl?”
“I think but I also hope for a boy, perhaps to help Franz come out of his shell. He is a shy thing.” Edwina told her.
“Or perhaps many sisters shall bring him out.”
“For a woman who has had two sons, you are quite keen on the idea of daughters. Usually, it is the other way around." Edwina had experienced all sorts of calls for her uterus to produce another son now that she had one of each.
“Exactly. I have two sons! I adore them dearly but there is something when I see you and Alexandra and Daphne with Belinda and Caroline.” Kate smiled, a hint of longing in her eyes, "I remember mama brushing and oiling my hair and singing me to sleep."
Edwina shared her smile, reaching out and taking her hand. “Well, I shall pray for your next child to be a girl so that you too may experience a little girl who runs from her governess to endless frustration!”
They both laughed heartily.
“I hope you have a little girl. Truly.” Edwina said sincerely, reaching over and rubbing her stomach tenderly. She could only feel a slight bump, then frowned, "When are you due?"
"The doctors believes September."
“Then you will not hunt in the time you are here!” Edwina said, ignoring the pout that came upon her face. They may only be here the month but she would not risk it, “No, you are not to endanger my niece out of boredom. I shall not have your husband write a letter threatening anything. Our spies take those threats seriously.”
“You have become less fun as a princess.” Kate said, playfully turning her head away.
“I shall allow you two slaps for Albert at dinner.”
“...Three and I'll make Gulab Juman.”
Edwina grinned, "A fair price. Though Heinrich shall be between you. He and Emilia are bringing their children tomorrow, it sall be wonderful!" She told her.
"That does sound wonderful." Kate agreed, "Speaking of Albert, I look forward to seeing Sofia again. She has come out of her shell. I imagine that is your influence?"
Edwina huffed, shaking her head, "I learned from Aunt Charlotte that it is truly a kindness to help a friend find their voice. It is already there; some just need encouragement to find it."
Kate smiled gently
"After your baby is born, we must schedule your next visit. And you should bring Lord Bridgerton. I doubt he gets to do much travelling these days." Edwina stated, pouring herself another cup of tea.
Kate looked mildly surprised. Things had cooled between her husband and sister in the years, distance helping with that and they were cordial on the few occasions they saw one another.
"No, he does not. Colin tell him how wonderful Prussia is, as have I," Kate said, "I think he would enjoy Berlin."
"We would be pleased to have him here. And with three children, I believe Friedrich shall need extra care whilst you and I have all the fun." Edwina said with a wink.
Kate smiled, touched, "I look forward to making the arrangements."
They went out to the garden where Friedrich and Mary were engaged in a lively chess game at a table with their own refreshing raspberry lemonade.
"Lieben, help me." Friedrich said, pulling her to sit on his lap, "Mama is quite ruthless."
Mary was laughing, "I am not! He is letting me win!"
Friedrich gasped, feigning offence, "I would not dare. On my honour!"
"A duel on your honour?" Kate joked.
"You are with child, Kate. No duelling." Mary said, and looked at Friedrich who was smiling, "No duels for you either."
"I had no intention of a duel only a rematch. My wife on side to keep me honest." Friedrich said.
"I am always on your side." Edwina said and he kissed her arm, "Except in this game. You could have had checkmate in three but you moved a bishop."
Mary exclaimed as Friedrich playfully poked Edwina's side for giving him away and Kate decided a rematch was perhaps needed immediately.
As they set up the chess board again, Edwina looked over at the two children playing, running around in circles and they would perhaps do that until they were dizzy and Friedrich would lift them both inside for their naps. They would fine that evening with friends and family, new and old and enjoy good food and wine and Edwina would start planning what to give her sister for her birthday and how to convince their mother to bring her gentleman called to Prussia.
It would be a wonderful, maddeningly happy day.
A squeeze on her side and a kiss to her arm brought her back and she looked at Friedrich smiled gently at her.
"Are you alright?" He asked.
Edwina smiled, wrapping his arms around her further and nodded, "I believe I am quite content. All is wonderful." And there was no doubt that it would continue to be.