Posted on Wednesday, 27 October 2004
Fitzwilliam sat at his desk going over the accounts. It was hard to focus on anything what with missing his wife dreadfully. Elizabeth had gone to her sister Jane who was having a difficult pregnancy. There was no danger to the child however a sister's love and encouragement during the last days of labor did much he assumed. After all, who was more loving than his wife? Jane was in excellent hands.
While reflecting on that pair of "fine eyes" his daughter approached his desk. His little angel who was the exact replica of Elizabeth knocked him out of his doldrums. She was definitely her mother's daughter unafraid and fearless when it came to asking questions. It was he who often had a sense of dread when her little mouth opened and words poured forth and this time, she would certainly not disappoint.
"Excuse me Papa, I know you are busy."
"That is all right my precious, I needed a break from my work."
Beth climbed into her father's lap. "I miss Mama and Edmond."
"I miss them as well. They are to return tomorrow and we will all be a happier lot." Where is your brother?"
"He and cooks son Wynn had their fishing poles and were heading towards the fish pond" said Beth.
"Are you feeling left out asked her father?"
"No, fish are smelly and I don't like to see them out of the water. I don't like when they die."
"Then it is best that you not watch dearest" said her father.
"Papa, where do babies come from"? asked Beth.
Boom! She had done it again! "Er ... Ahh ... Ehh..." stuttered Fitzwilliam.
"What's the matter with your eyebrows Papa, is there something in your eye?
"No precious, I ehh ... er ... was just thinking."
"I asked Jamie but I think there is more to it than that. He said to ask Mama and since she isn't here I thought I would ask you. Don't you know Papa?
"Er ... Ahh ... What did your brother say?"
"He said babies came from God. That when you get married you have to learn how to share something together so God gives you a baby and you both share taking care of the baby. If you do a good job, he said you get more and more babies. Is that true Papa?"
I am going to buy that boy a pony thought Fitzwilliam to himself. Thank you for the lead in son, I did not have a clue. "Why yes, that is true and I know that your mother would just love to tell you the rest, you would not want me to deny her that privilege would you precious daughter?"
"Oh no Papa, Jamie also told me that you would say to ask Mama!" Beth kissed her fathers cheek and ran off towards the kitchen.
Thank you LORD for my children thought Fitzwilliam and for my wife whom I adore. Thank you for reminding me that children are a gift from you and for the innocent wisdom you give them.
"Fitzwilliam!" said Elizabeth as she stood in the doorway.
"Elizabeth!" said Fitzwilliam as he bolted from his chair to hug and kiss his wife and son.
"Dah, dah, dah, dah, dah" gurgled Edmond as he squirmed and smiled at his father.
"Mama! Mama!" shouted the children as they ran from different directions to their parents.
"Oh Mama we missed you!" shouted Beth.
"Yes" shouted James, "Mama I caught four fish."
"I can smell," as Elizabeth laughed and rolled her eyes.
It was so good to be home again surrounded by her family.
"And Mama, Papa said you would tell me where babies came from!" shouted Beth excitedly.
Two sets of eyebrows immediately shot skyward. Fitzwilliam looked sheepishly at his wife and then down at his boots.
"Bethie, let Mama take a breath before your start asking so many questions," said James.
"Look Mama, I caught two butterflies that were stuck together and put them in this jar. You can have them and put them on your night table in your room if you want," said James.
Elizabeth and William's brows seemed to remain in a perpetual state of shock and awe.
"Thank you son and Papa and I both will talk about ehh things later all right?"
I hope it's much later thought Fitzwilliam.
"Yes Mama," said Beth.
"Why don't you children get washed up for lunch and I'll put this big boy down for a nap," said Elizabeth.
"Yes Mama," the children said as they left the room.
"I'll be back to talk to you sir," said Elizabeth as she kissed him.
"That madam, I have no doubt," said Fitzwilliam.
As his wife left the room Fitzwilliam glanced at the jar left on the table with the two butterflies stuck together. There's a message in this jar somewhere and I have not a clue how to find it. Thank heaven for wives, Thank heaven for Elizabeth.