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

Chapter 14

Unspoken Desires

Buckingham House, London

The soft patter of the Queen Mother of Württemberg's heels echoed through the hallway as she approached her mother's private sitting room. She paused for a moment at the door, smoothing her dress and steadying her breath, before stepping inside. The Queen of England sat by the large window, bathed in the soft glow of the early morning sun, a book resting in her lap.

"Your Majesty!" She gasped playfully. "Are you reading a book?"

"I do on occasion, in the privacy of my chambers, of course. I enjoyed reading before I married your father," her mother said with a small nod, her tone neutral. "And you are uncharacteristically early for a visit. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Mama, I was hoping you might join me at the Bridgerton Ball this evening," Charlotte smiled faintly and moved to sit in the chair opposite her.

"Another ball?" The Queen questioned, her tone tinged with disinterest. "I see no reason to endure another long evening of forced civility."

"I understand your preference for solitude, but this is more than a social obligation," her daughter leaned forward slightly, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. "It's an opportunity for us to spend time together before I leave for Württemberg."

"You've been remarkably distant since your return from the Bridgertons' country estate," the Queen arched a brow, her gaze sharp. "Tell me, Daughter, what happened there? You seem...unsettled."

"Nothing happened, Mama," Charlotte's composed mask slipped for just a moment. "I have simply not been feeling myself lately. But I'd rather not talk about it."

"I know when my children are withholding the truth from me. But I won't pry—not yet," her mother tilted her head, her sharp eyes narrowing. "Still, your demeanor tells me this ball means more to you than a chance to parade before the ton."

"It does," Charlotte's lips parted as she searched for the right words. "Because I need you by my side tonight, Mama. I need your strength. I feel as though I'm losing mine."

"You're asking for something I rarely give these days, Daughter," the Queen sighed. "But if my presence matters so much to you, I will attend. On one condition."

"Anything," she met her mother's gaze.

"You must tell me why you feel this way," the Queen said firmly. "You've always been resilient. What has caused this...doubt?"

The Queen Mother of Württemberg lowered her eyes, her fingers twisting the fabric of her gown. She couldn't bear to speak openly of the Viscount Bridgerton and her feelings, not right now. Certainly not when they just basically destroyed the nuptials her mother had planned for her diamond of the season.

"I've been thinking about the future," she began carefully. "Mine, and my children's. Anton and Amalia will grow up without their father. Without Friedrich to guide and protect them as he would have done. It weighs heavily on me."

"It is a burden we must all bear at some point," the Queen said softly. "Sometimes, a mother must take on the roles of both parents. It is a woman's duty to be her child's strength, their guide, and if necessary, their shield."

"But do you think..." Her daughter's composure cracked further. "Would it be so wrong of me to want to find love again, Mama?"

"Wrong? No. In fact, I would say it is expected. The mourning period for Friedrich is over, and you are still young, Charlotte. You could remarry, perhaps even bear more children," Charlotte stiffened further and felt her chest tighten as her mother's words settled heavily between them. "But let me be clear, Daughter—should you remarry, it must be to a man of equal or greater stature. A King, or at the very least, a future King. That is the only union befitting your status."