After a sleepless night, one that was self-inflicted, Simon started to stir from his limited slumber. Simon had spent the first quarter of the night between Daphne's legs, first with his mouth, then his length. It was exactly what the doctor had ordered, according to her. Daphne fell asleep first, no doubt a result from their activities, their days with the children, and their roles in society. Even though the Clyvedon fair had ended, Daphne's plate was full once more, along with Simon's. This is what kept Simon awake in the darkness, the only light flooding the room was a silver streak from the moon, right over Daphne. As if Simon needed more confirmation that she was exactly what he needed, that they were supposed to be together. His light in the darkness.
Daphne was everything to him, and that is why he could not stop thinking of her, specifically her health with their third child. Belinda had come into this world sooner than anticipated, Simon had to deliver her himself, which was a memory he will never forget and cherish in some ways, but ultimately does not wish to experience again. Had anything gone wrong, they would have been in serious trouble. Either Daphne or the baby, or both.
These thoughts raced in his mind, panic seeping its way into the thickness of his skin, sending shivers of sheer worry throughout him. Yes, it was an accident the last time, Adam had kneed her in the belly, but pregnancy never guarantees an easy delivery. Just look at his mother. Simon tried to ignore his incessant worries, because he had told Daphne he knew they would get through it together, as they always did. But alone in the depth of his scrambling mind, he was led to believe the worst would happen. Which is how he came to the conclusion in the darkness that Daphne should omit her duties as Duchess, and her activities within the house, so that she can be rested and well to deliver their baby.
Simon kept his eyes closed and stretched his arm out to the side of the bed, trying to awaken his limbs. Rolling to the other side, he instinctively reached for Daphne, but his hand fell to the sheets of their bed. His heart stammered a beat as his eyes shot open in search of her. As he dug his hand into the sheets, he felt that her spot on their bed was cold, meaning she had been up for quite some time now. Simon sat upright, and sprung out of bed, feeling guilty for sleeping in when his pregnant wife was already up and about. He quickly dressed then headed in search of his wife, hoping to find her at ease and rest.
Simon checked the children's room, and found they were not there either. He then went downstairs, to the drawing room, and then to the dining hall when he finally ran into Mrs. Coulson.
"Good morning, your grace," she said, bowing her head lightly.
"Good morning, might you be aware of my wife and children's whereabouts?" he asked, sounding a bit more direct then he meant to.
"The Duchess took the children out to the gardens this morning, she was pulling weeds out of the flower beds the last I saw," she admitted, clutching her book to her side.
Simon groaned inwardly, muttering "Thank you Mrs. Coulson," as he took off in the direction of the gardens. Mrs. Coulson could sense he was not happy about this bit of information, but she dismissed her inquiry and went in the opposite direction to continue her morning rounds.
As Simon approached the gardens, he could hear from afar the purity of his children's laughter, chipping away at the irritation he currently felt. But the chipping did not last long, as he rounded the corner into the gardens to see Daphne on her hands and knees, sweat pooling on her forehead as she worked away at the rose bed. Before he could let his worry ignite further, Belinda was screaming his name.
"Daddy!" she squealed, taking off from her spot on the blanket and running right into his open arms. Simon lifted her up on to his chest, even though she was 3, he cherished every moment he could still have her in his arms, his little girl. She was every inch her Mama, the same piercing green-blue eyes, determined, sweet and loving, the only difference being her skin that matched his own and the dark curls that swung past her shoulders. Whereas Adam was all Simon, the only difference being his hair and skin which was a bit lighter than his own. It made him curious as to who their third child will resemble.
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The Duke and I - Post Episode 8 stories
FanfictionThis first chapter takes place at the ball during the last episode, after Daphne gives her speech in the rain. I felt like I was left hanging as Simon never said 'I love you' in return, so I created this with some drama that leads to a proper love c...