[2] The Queen Mother of Württemberg | A. Bridgerton

Chapter 7

Memories

Aubrey Hall, Kent

The Duchess of Hastings entered one of the drawing rooms, Augie nestled in her arms. The sound of children's laughter filled the room, and as she stepped inside, she saw a heartwarming scene unfold before her. The Queen Mother of Württemberg was on the floor with her children, Anton and Amalia, playing a lively game with Gregory and Hyacinth. The room was filled with a sense of warmth and joy as the children laughed and played together.

"Good afternoon, Your Majesty," Daphne couldn't help but smile as she approached Charlotte, shifting Augie slightly in her arms. "You seem to be having fun with the little ones."

"Always," she stood up and reached out to touch Augie's cheek gently. "How adorable he is, Your Grace."

"He is," she agreed, her eyes softening as she looked at her son. "I was hoping we could catch up for a bit, but I'm not sure Augie will be too pleased to sit still."

"Why don't you let Olivia or Evelyn look after him while we talk?" The Queen Mother glanced at Olivia and Evelyn, the Duchess followed her gaze, who were keeping a close eye on the children as they played. "They're wonderful with children, and I'm sure they'd be happy to help."

"Are you sure? I don't want to impose," Daphne hesitated, glancing at Augie.

"Of course, I'm sure," Charlotte smiled reassuringly. "Olivia, would you mind?"

"Absolutely not, Your Majesty," Olivia, who had been watching the exchange, stepped forward eagerly. "I'd be honored to look after him, Your Grace."

"Thank you, Olivia. I appreciate your help," Daphne carefully handed Augie over to Olivia, who cradled him gently in her arms.

As Olivia moved to join the other children, the Duchess of Hastings turned back to the Queen Mother of Württemberg. The two women made their way to the opposite side of the room, where they settled onto a comfortable settee, away from the noise of the children's games.

"Your Majesty—"

"No, my dear. Don't do that. We are way past formalities," she smiled, her expression warm and welcoming. "Tell me, Daph, how are you and Simon? I feel like we haven't had a proper chat in ages. I miss him."

"Simon is doing wonderfully, Char. And I know he misses you too. Told me about your stories growing up," she said with a smile, her face lit up at the mention of her husband. "He's an amazing husband, and even better as a father. Though his role as Duke keeps him busy, when he's with us, he's fully present. I couldn't ask for anything more."

"I'm so glad to hear that," she replied sincerely. "You deserve every bit of happiness."

"And you, Char?" Daphne's smile softened as she glanced at her, a note of concern in her eyes. "How have you been with the loss of your husband?"

"It's been... I don't know. I've had my highs and my lows. It depends," she admitted softly. Charlotte's expression faltered slightly, and she looked down at her hands, which were resting in her lap. "I think about him every day. My Fritz. I miss my older children as well, very much. Every time I look at Anton and Amalia, I see parts of him in them. I tell them stories about their father so they never forget him."

"It sounds like you loved him very much," the Duchess reached out and took the Queen Mother's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.

"I did," Charlotte whispered, a small sad smile on her face. "Our marriage was arranged, but over time, I grew to love him deeply. He treated me as an equal, as someone who could help him make Württemberg better. I'll always be grateful for that. The first few months after he was gone were the hardest. I was so used to having him by my side, and going to bed alone, to that cold and empty space... It was unbearable."