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

Chapter 16

Finding Clarity

Buckingham House, London

The room had grown still, save for the soft sound of the fireplace crackling and the low murmur of the Princes and Princesses of the United Kingdom. They were scattered about the room, a stark contrast to their usual regal composure. George sat by her bedside, his posture stiff as his eyes flickered to her face every few seconds. Edward and William leaned against the far wall, speaking in hushed tones. Ernest stood near the window, his hand resting on the sill as he stared out at the gardens, his furrowed brow betraying his thoughts.

Augustus paced the length of the room, unable to stay still, while Frederick, Adolphus, and Elizabeth huddled closer, their eyes trained on Charlotte's face. Mary and Sophia sat at her bedside, their hands occasionally brushing hers, as though afraid she might vanish if they didn't anchor her somehow. Augusta hovered by the foot of the bed, her gaze flitting between her sister and the door, as though willing a miracle to happen.

"She looks better," Mary whispered, her voice thick with hope.

"Better isn't good enough," George muttered, running a hand through his hair.

"She will wake," Augusta said firmly, her chin lifting as if daring anyone to doubt her. "She is strong."

"She has to," Elizabeth added, her voice quieter but no less resolute. "She wouldn't leave her children."

"Besides," Augustus stopped pacing long enough to throw in a jest, his tone half-hearted. "She wouldn't want me calling her lazy for eternity."

"You know, if our sister were awake, she'd scold us for hovering like this," Adolphus added too.

"Let her scold all she wants," Edward muttered. "I'd rather hear her voice again than sit here in silence."

Then it happened—a faint twitch of Charlotte's fingers, followed by the barest shift of her head. Everyone froze, their eyes locked on her.

"Did you see that?" Sophia whispered, clutching Mary's arm.

Another movement—this time her eyelids fluttered before slowly opening. For a moment, her gaze was unfocused, as though trying to piece together where she was.

"Sister!" Augusta gasped, her hands flying to her mouth as tears spilled over.

"Get a doctor! She's awake!" George sprang from his chair, rushing to the door. "Get the doctor! Make haste!"

Mary and Sophia leaned over her, their tears flowing freely as they hugged her gently, careful not to overwhelm her fragile form.

"Welcome back, sloth," Augustus said with a watery smile, his voice cracking as he broke the silence.

"Sloth?" Charlotte croaked, her voice weak but unmistakably hers.

"You've been asleep for quite a while," he teased, his tone light but his eyes shimmering with relief.

"I think you've set a royal record," Adolphus added, his smirk a welcome contrast to the tension that had gripped the room.

"Enough," George said, trying to sound stern but failing as his own voice trembled. He stepped closer to Charlotte and placed a steadying hand on her shoulder. "Do not overwhelm her. Sister, can you hear me? Do you remember what happened?"

She closed her eyes briefly, her brows furrowing as she tried to recall. "I... I was riding in the park," she began, her voice halting. "And then...the fall." Her face paled as the memory became clearer. "Oh, I am so sorry."