black_wolf (black_wolf) wrote in shadowlands_ic, @ 2018-03-18 22:32:00 |
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Entry tags: | lucien swinton, maggie swinton |
Who: The Swintons
What: Good news
Where: Black Park
When: March 1st 1889
Ratings/warnings: None
Maggie had been all but bursting to tell Luce her news ever since she’d seen Zipporah and had her suspicions confirmed. The young witch had experience in the healing arts in general and medical needs of women in particular, and had readily agreed to examine her when she’d asked.
But Lucien had been away for days on Parliamentary business away from the City, and she’d had to wait. It was the first time they'd been separated for more than a night since they'd been married and she'd missed him terribly, now more than ever. But at last he was finally home.
Lucien had likewise been missing his bride to an uncommon degree -- Ian Foster, his aide, was not above teasing him about it as they’d gone around on their tour of factories up North. As their carriage came closer and closer to the London home, he felt his heart grow lighter and lighter -- the sort of feeling of peace and happiness that he tended to associate with coming home to Black Park, and seeing those familiar, beloved rolling hills through his window.
He stepped from the carriage eagerly, a small wrapped box of chocolates under his arm, leaving Ian and Roberts to deal with the luggage as he went into the entrance hall.
“Maggie, my darling,” he called out as he walked down the hall to the study, where he presumed she’d be likely to be if she were at home and not out making social calls, “I’m home.”
“Luce!” Maggie put down the book she’d been trying to read without success and jumped to her feet, meeting him at the door to the study. Propriety could go hang, she needed to see, smell, and touch her mate. “Welcome home darling!”
Lucien let loose with what could best be described as an ungentlemanly yip as he promptly dropped the box of chocolates on the carpet and swung Maggie around before kissing her and burying his face in her neck, inhaling deeply.
“This is ridiculous,” he said, a little muffled. “Next time I tour, I’m bringing you with. It is so good to be back.”
Maggie laughed at the comment. “I’d agree with you dearest but I’m afraid that probably won’t be possible from now on.” He’d given her the perfect opening to tell him the good news, though a bit earlier than she’d planned. “Come. sit.” She led him into the room and sat down on the couch.
“You know I hadn’t been feeling well lately. While you were gone I consulted a physician I trust, a mutual friend of mine and Lady Una’s. She confirmed my suspicion and I’ve been desperately waiting to tell you before anyone else found out.” She beamed at him. “You’re going to be a papa, Lucien. Sometime toward the end of September.”
It took a moment for him to process -- her talking about her not feeling well and seeing a physician with suspicions was in contrast to her beaming expression, but when it hit, it hit like a bolt of lightning.
“You…” he stammered. “You’re… we’re… truly?” He asked.
They’d talked a few months previous about the expectations she was under to produce an heir balanced with their wanting to have some time to themselves (and wanting to wait until things were safer) before bringing a pup into the world, and had settled on a ‘let’s see what happens’ approach.
It looked like Divine Providence had spoken.
He kissed her hands, and then leaned over to kiss her cheek. “Mags,” he exhaled, “oh, Lord, I’m going to be a father.” A grin bloomed across his face. “You’ll be brilliant, of course,” he added, “as you are at everything.”
Maggie kissed him back and wrapped her arms around him. “You’re going to be a father.” She agreed with a matching grin. “I’ve been wanting to tell people for days now, but it wouldn’t be right for anyone else to know before you did.” Mrs. Edwards would be among the very first she’d tell when they returned to Black Park, she knew the old she-wolf would tell her cronies and the news would be throughout the pack before the sun went down that day.
“I know we’d talked about waiting but it seems fate had other plans.” It wasn’t the best time in the world to have a child but Maggie suspected it might be quite some time before things ‘felt right’ for such an event. If the worst happened and she lost Lucien (a thought she tried very hard not to have, but still cropped up time to time) she’d still have their child and the pack would have an heir to take his place when they came of age.
“One thing I know is I won’t be my mother. This little one will get to make up their own mind on things.”
Lucien laughed, feeling more than a little giddy. “Ah, but you turned out beautifully regardless,” he said. “I’ve a feeling whoever this is…” he rested his hand gently on her belly at that, “will be just as stubborn and insistent about making their own future as you were, regardless of what we do.”
“...I’ll admit,” he added, “I’m both utterly, ridiculously happy, and more than a little terrified.”
“You’re not alone in that.” Maggie responded, leaning in for a kiss. “Our lives are no longer our own and it scares me, almost more than when I found I was a werewolf. But I’m thrilled, and I know the pack will be as well.”
It was also a relief to know that she could still conceive a child, something she’d wondered about ever since she’d changed. If she’d been unable to give Lucien an heir it would have weighed on her, even if he’d never said a word about it. Of course it was still very early days yet, but she’d do everything she could to make certain the little one made it into the world in perfect health.
“You’ll be quite the centre of attention,” Lucien replied with a bit of a tease. “I expect George will be an even bigger bother once he finds out you’re in your confinement, and Mrs Edwards will be simply beside herself.” He knew the lines were blurry -- that whoever was to come along would not only be their child, but the Pack’s, Black Park’s heir, and he knew full well the responsibilities that came with, although God willing, whoever it was would have a bit more time than he did, and guidance too.
“And you say you have a physician already? That’s marvelous. Especially if he’s recommended by Lady Una. She would certainly know.”
“She certainly would, but I’d already met Zipporah once before and I would have considered her even before I met her again at Lady Una’s tea last month.” Maggie couldn’t have hid the satisfied smile on her face even if she’d wanted to. A female physician, even one who didn’t hold an official medical degree but who was experienced, was far more preferable to her than a male doctor who couldn’t possibly understand what she was going through. “She’s a delightful woman and I’m sure you’ll like her just as much as I do once you meet her.”
Maggie decided it was probably for the best that Lucien not know all the details of exactly how Zipporah had gained her experience.
Lucien paused, and blinked. “Ah,” he said, before he managed to make a few different leaps in quick succession, due in part to the rather unusual first name. “Miss Bakst?” He added. “I know her by reputation -- from what I’ve heard, she is a very talented healer. I have yet to meet her, but I should like to.” He gave Maggie’s hand a squeeze. “I believe she was in that party who came to Black Park, to help sort out what happened to father. Matthew spoke quite highly of her, and Mr Eden rather regularly sings her praises.”
“Oh really?” Maggie hadn’t realized there was already a connection between the young witch and the Black Pack. “Well then, that’s two more points in her favor isn’t it? If Matthew, Mr. Eden, and Lady Una all agree then she must be special indeed. I’ll make sure you get a chance to make her acquaintance soon.” Perhaps she’d have Zipporah out to the estate in the spring when everything was in bloom and Lucien could meet her then, it was only a month away, two at most.
“If she’s your physician, I should certainly hope so,” Lucien replied stoutly. “...And if it’s a purely social call,” he added, “I should enjoy that as well.”
“Of course darling, of course.” Maggie assured him with a smile.
Talk of friends and social calls made him frown a hair. “Did you ever catch up with your Mrs Linden about that damnably odd business with Bertie?” He asked, tipping his head. “He was fairly tight-lipped about it, only that they have a bit of a history, and Lord knows, he certainly has a full plate otherwise, but it did strike me at the time.”
“I spoke with her about it that evening. They do have a history and she’s quite concerned about him and his, er, abilities.” Her own frown matched his. She still remembered Biddie all but threatening murder to the poor Inspector, and the confusing apology and explanation her friend had given afterwards. “It might be helpful for him to find someone more experienced he could learn from.”
Lucien made a bit of a face. “There’s the rub,” he replied. “I know the lady in question is the most experienced person at hand, as it were.” He frowned. “I offered to turn him,” he added, taking Maggie’s hand. “It’s not something taken on lightly, but it could resolve the issues he’s currently having, and would be done with consent, which would make it a great sight easier than your own experience.”
A shudder ran through her as she remembered her change, and the cause of it. ‘It certainly couldn't be much harder!” She probably would have died if not for Lucien.
“Have you discussed the idea with Matthew?” Lucien’s oldest friend was a good judge of people and probably had as good a sense of how the pack thought or better than he did. “It was relatively easy for me to join, I think the pack would have accepted me no matter what because they were so happy that you'd found a mate at last. Would they accept him as one of us?”
“I think they would,” Lucien replied, “and we’d want to make sure it was carefully done. I’ve no doubt Matthew’s acceptance would be key, and he’s most certainly prepared to help the lad, as am I.”
He looked over at her soberly. “Would you accept him, do you think?” He asked. “Or, rather, would you, given the chance to get to know him better, as a possible addition,” he amended.
Maggie was quiet as she thought it over, pondering the question in her head. She liked Bertie, Inspector Eden. The man was kind, brave, and appeared to be utterly loyal to the pack even when it had denied him his dream. Sure he was something of a social bumbler, but when was that such a concern as to deny him a chance at happiness and a better life?
She turned to look up at her husband. “Does he understand? Truly understand what he’d be doing if he was turned? What he’d gain, but also what he’d lose?” She was still pained by the thought that one day she’d have to give up seeing her friends and family who didn’t know her secret and couldn’t be told. She would look too young and people would ask the wrong sort of questions. And then one day they’d be gone, while she’d live on for centuries.
She loved Lucien, truly, and she loved being a part of the pack. But there were moments she looked back and mourned what might have been. A normal life, lived in ignorance of the supernatural. Charles hadn’t been the love of her life, but he’d been a dear friend and she honestly hadn’t thought more could be possible at her level of society. How wrong she’d been, but his absence was still felt.
Lucien looked over at her quietly, before reaching for her hand and squeezing it. “He is so very young,” he said, “and it is a difficult choice to make -- and I’ll admit, as I was born into it, I might have less awareness as to what it might cost.” He frowned lightly. “Would you…” he paused. “If it came to it, would you talk to him, so that he might have your insights in hand, and could better make an informed choice?” He raised her fingers to kiss at them. “It is a change,” he said, “an irreversible shift, and you’re right, there would be things he’d lose that he might not have weighed fully yet.”
“He’s probably older than I am.” She let a small laugh escape as Lucien made his affections clear.
His words made quite a bit of sense and Maggie nodded her agreement. “I would, if it comes to that. He needs to understand the benefits and the losses. I didn’t have a choice: he does, and it ought to be an informed one.”
Lucien laughed by way of reply. “He does seem younger by comparison,” he replied, teasing a little, “if only because you carry yourself with far more grace, and are endlessly wise, but then again, I am significantly biased in that regard.” He kissed her lightly on the nose. “I would appreciate it, if needed,” he added.
He looked down again at her abdomen, resting his hand briefly on it. “This little soul will come into the world already having shifted with you, and will never know anything else.” He looked up at her again, meeting her eyes. “The bond between mothers and pups is all the stronger for it -- to be so tied, in such synchronicity, it’s a wonderful thing.”
“I'm excited too.” Her eyes were focused on him and her hand rested over his. “I honestly wasn't sure if I'd be able to have this wonderful gift or not, but it’s happened.”
Lucien grinned, and kissed her on the cheek, and then held up a warning finger. “Fair warning,” he said, “I know we were planning on getting an automobile, but I’m reconsidering, or at least hoping you’ll steer clear until you’re through your confinement.”
A roll of her eyes was his wife’s response. “You’ll have to have George hogtie me then, because now I not only want to ride in one, I want to drive.” It was all teasing of course, she honestly didn’t care much for automobiles even if it was clearly the way of the future. Horse and buggy and locomotive were fine with her, airships too for longer distances. Automobiles? Noisy and smelly beasts, especially for one with enhanced senses.
That earned her a laugh. “Oh, my darling Mrs Swinton,” Lucien replied, “I have no doubt you’ll do precisely what you want, even if it’ll give me the vapours.”