Isabelle
Isabelle was on her feet at the same time as her daughter. It pained her deeply to know the chances of her ever conceiving another child was near impossible. Her beloved Alfred assuring her daily that she and Agatha were all he needed in this world. Isabelle knew a man needed an heir, someone to pass their name and fortune on to. She fretted about it day and night as she lay in her sick bed unable to move. She was concerned he might try to find another woman, one who could bear him a son. One who would bear him a son. Then where would she be?
She and Agatha walked to the room Alfred used as an office. His tan was fading from staying indoors taking care of her and their child. He was reading over a sheet of paper, underneath it sat a stack to the base of his hand.
Alfred dropped the paper back to the top of the stack upon hearing their arrival. He stood up from the desk and watched Agatha smile up at him. He walked over and scooped her up into his left arm, then offered Isabelle his right.
The three walked to the peach sofa and sat facing the fireplace. In three months time there would be a roaring fire, and the smell of cinnamon and spice would fill the house.
Alfred looked into his daughter’s eyes and smiled at her happy face. “What brings my darling angels so close to earth?”
“I’m starting to feel better now.” Isabelle smiled at him, though he avoided her gaze. “I thought perhaps maybe…”
“No, now.” Alfred soothed. He reached over and set his hand on her leg, “It is far too soon for that.”
“But I grow old!” Isabelle felt an urgency. She was filled with anxiety and fear. She knew the way the world worked. She understood what it meant to have an heir. “A brother would protect her from the worries of this world.” she began to plead her case.
“Then we shall leave this world, and go to the New World.” Alfred tried to calm her. “America, I think they call it.”
Isabelle fought back tears.
Alfred moved closer to her and put his arm around her. “It is enough for me to have you and Agatha. I dare not risk another. My love for you is too great, Isabelle.” He kissed her hair lightly, “I can not bear to part with you.”
Isabelle fell quiet to his words. His strong arm around her pulling her close made her feel secure. The voice deep inside her continued to chide, “He wanted a son. He has no heir”. She tried hard to quiet the thoughts, tried to tell herself they were wrong. But she knew that was not the way the world worked.