“They’ve heard it before from their idiot fathers!”
Evi gives Tessa the ‘stern mum’ look. “Enough of that. They tease you because they love you. That's how brothers are."
Tessa shakes her head. "Not true, Mother. Look at how Arthur is with Arabella. Always kind, always respectful."
"Yes, but that's just because he's a prince. He wasbornwith good manners."
"Bollocks! He was taught them. Unlike the boysyouraised,” she says, plucking the tray out of her mother’s hand and storming off to the corner of the room to eat the teenie weenies alone. I’d never say this out loud, but she really does resemble a pregnant Gollum at the moment, they way she’s holding that tray, her furious eyes shifting around the room. I can almost hear her hissing, “My precious,” as she gobbles up those weenies.
I stand awkwardly by the bar, feeling a little more than terrified and not knowing whether to follow her or not. When I glance over at her again, I realize the answer is ‘not.’ She is very clearly not in the need of company at the moment. Mr. Whiskers wanders over to her, flicking his tail, then winding himself through her ankles. To my shock, Tessa says, “Get lost, cat. I still haven’t forgotten what you did to my dress.”
Note to self: As soon as you have a moment alone, make sure to Google how to induce labour and/or calm raging pregnant woman.
***
WE SIT DOWN TO A LOVELYdinner that Evi has spent the afternoon preparing, or more accurately, micromanaging the kitchen staff (bringing me another group of people who will now require bonuses for pain and suffering on top of their Christmas bonuses).
Isa smiles at Tessa. "Have you finished the nursery yet?"
"Not yet," Tessa says, taking a sip of her juice. "Although, the cribs arrived today and Arthur's said he’ll put them together this weekend, so that’ll be a huge relief because I could go into labour any moment now."
Ruben, who's still chewing some potato, says, "Artie, I didn't know you could build furniture."
"Yes, well I can read, so I imagine I should be able to follow some simple instructions."
Ruben laughs even though I wasn't joking, then says, “I'll be around in case you need help. I built my fair share of cribs in my day."
"That's a very kind offer, but I'm sure I can handle it."
Irene, who has somehow managed to squeeze herself into a spot to my left, touches my forearm. "I'm more than sure you can handle it."
Yikes. How does Bram not see that his fiancée is hitting on his brother-in-law? And if he does see it, why the hell hasn’t he dumped her yet?
