ULTIMATE DECADES CHALLENGE -1309 - FRI - ISABELLE'S NEEDLEWORK - WEEK 6 - DAY 41 - UPDATED DEC 7
THE CHALLENGE: https://i.postimg.cc/m2kK8RBn/morbids-ultimate-decades-challenge.png This challenge is based on Morbid's Ultimate Decades Challenge. It is a very involved challenge, and there...
Since the weather was good, William had planned a yard sale for today. His parents were coming to the Fletcher Farm to help, and would be bringing some items from Colette and Isabelle, too. A few needlework hoops and bottles of milk were laid out for sale.
After doing the farm chores, Francesca took the first shift.
King Edward: "Ian Fletcher of Old New Henford, it has been a long time since we spoke. I understand from Matchmaker Agatha Crumplebottom that your three sons are now wed."
Ian: "Yes, your Majesty, and with three sisters at that. Their wives are all expecting again."
King Edward: "Such good news. May they be fruitful and prosper..."
Ian: "Thank you, Your majesty. It would be an honor if you would rest and partake in some nourishment at our humble abode. My son, William and his wife, Francesca, now reside here, and would make you and your royal court most welcome."
King Edward: "Thank you, Ian, I will let them know. Now, tell me about this needlework you have for sale. I have never seen such fine stitching."
Ian: "Ah yes, that is Isabelle's work, my son Thaddeus' wife. They now reside at the Thatcher farm next door. She is quite talented, your Majesty..."
King Edward: "Yes, she is. I will send one of my servants to bring her to the castle. Some tapestries are in need of repair, and her needlework skills would be much needed. Of course, she would be compensated for her time..."
Ian bowed slightly, "Thank you, your Majesty. She will be most pleased."
Oh my! And it looks like Queen Marguerite is coming to the yard sale, too. And there is Isabelle following behind her. Ian figured that he should let Gwendolyn and Francesca know that the King and Queen were here and to make some food.
Well, too late for that, as some of the knights and neighbors have already gone inside, and Gwendolyn has her hands full making food for everyone. And it appears that Reginald has stopped by too, probably to chat with his friend, Sir Lancelittle.
Thaddeus joined them as well, after Reginald walked over to the Thatcher Farm and told him that some of the knights were interested in procuring new swords from him. The family was united again, and it was indeed a very profitable day for everyone.
After a rather tiring, but exciting day, everyone headed home. Francesca hadn't been feeling well that afternoon and decided to head to bed for a nap, when suddenly, she felt the first pain...and she knew...she was in labor!
When William came inside, he saw Francesca clutching her stomach in pain.
Francesca: "William...is your mother still here? My...my water broke...the baby is coming...!"
William shook his head. His mother had left awhile ago, and by the looks of things, it would be too late to send a messenger to fetch her. And then William had a panic attack.
Oh my! What happened to that calm, cool William from the first birth? Maybe he was calm because his mother had been there, but now...he was on his own!
William shouted, "Don't worry...I remember...boil water...get clean cloths...it will be fine, Francesca...just...just don't push yet...!" he said as he ran into the kitchen knocking over some pots and stubbing his toe on the kitchen bench. Oh gosh! And Francesca's water wasn't the only thing that broke! The kitchen sink just broke, too!
William looked at her stunned, "You want me to give Amelia a bath while you are in labor?"
Francesca: "Yes, she needs one, and then she needs to be put down to sleep. But I...I can do it myself if...if it's too much for you. I know you have been working hard all day..."
William: "Heavens no! I will do it...but come into the bathroom with us so I can keep an eye on you..."
Francesca decided that she didn't want to be inside, "I...I haven't finished my chores. I...I need to harvest some prairie grass for Buttercup..."
With Amelia still in the bath, William couldn't just run after her, plus it's best not to argue with a woman in labor. Apparently, Francesca felt she just had to do this.
But soon, it was all over. And she gave birth to twin boys, Benedict and Bryan Fletcher. If all goes well, Benedict will be the next heir. Francesca and William held their new bundles of joy, and William was thankful that Francesca, and Benedict and Bryan were all fine. (See Death Rolls below).
