Frary Family

Guess

"Before you were born I carried you under my heart. From the moment you arrived in this world until the moment I leave it, I will always carry you in my heart."
- Mandy Harrison

Mary woke up quite early than usual lately. She couldn't sleep very much with the baby kicking without stop. She needed a walk while she still can. Her husband was still in bed, looking peacefully in his sleep. They had number of nights with intimacy lately, in secrets. She enjoyed it even though she grew bigger and heavier, but still with full of energy. She could sense his love and satisfaction. It made her smiled. She gave a peck of kiss on his forehead softly before she left, went to the pot chamber, and she changed her silk night gown.

The laughter of the kitchen staffs caught Mary's attention when she passed by the kitchen. Must be some interesting conversation, Mary thought. She entered without knocking the door that made everyone stopped talking abruptly. They just smiled to each other nervously. One couldn't stop giggling.

She stopped walking at the entrance and she was smiling before addressing the chief for some of her desert orders. It wasn't unusual she came occasionally in early morning for special orders. She couldn't stop her cravings for sweet tooth. She wanted Apple tart tartin and orangettes for breakfast and lunch, creme au caramel for teatime, lemon tart for dinner, and her favorite chocolate mousse for supper.

The royal chief nodded and smiled. He couldn't resist her orders. He understood well. He was asking her anything else she would love to have.

"That will be enough for today. Otherwise I'll be getting bigger," Mary giggled nervously and carresing her growing belly. The royal chief nodded.

She was about to exit the kitchen when one of the cook approached her and gave her a basket full of Sable Breton (French butter cookies).

"Your Grace, I hope you will love this biscuits. I bake this from my mother original recipe," the plump friendly lady with red cheeks bowed at her. Mary was surprised. She always love tid bits. When she was young, she would sneak into the royal French kitchen to get some fresh baked biscuits.

"Thank you very much. Must be very delicious. This baby will love it too. I didn't get your name....?" Mary smiled at her.

"Madam Noelle, Your Grace..... Is it going to be a boy?" the cook asked without hesitation.

"Well Madam Noelle,.... I have no idea, really. Even the royal physician couldn't guess," Mary touched the top of her belly and suddenly she felt the baby gave a strong kick. She was already in the end of 8 months pregnancy.

"We were just guessing just now, with your crave for sweet dessert, probably Your Majesty will have a baby girl," She said nervously. Some of the girls in the back, giggled. Mary looked interested. Madam Noelle added quickly, "My late mother was one of the midwives of Queen Mother.... oh we are sorry, we shouldn't guess, Your Grace. Pardon us."

"Hrmm... That's quite new from what I heard so far. Thanks for sharing.... You just said your late mother was one of the midwives for Queen Catherine?" Mary asked.

"Yes. She was. I'd say she was very good. She helped to bring King Francis and a number of his siblings," the lady proudly explained.

"Oh..," Mary surprised. She added, "I wished someone can help me like your mother in my coming childbirth. She must be quite close to the Royal Physician."

"She is... She worked number of years with previous Royal Physician, taking care of Queen Catherine's pregnancies and her children. She even trained her younger cousin as well, my aunt, not many know her but they worked together very well. She was almost like a mother to me."

"Can I meet her? Your aunt," Mary suddenly came with an idea.

"Err... Your Grace, she hasn't never come to the French Court before. And she only help the village people. I'm sorry for brought up this conversation," The lady apologized herself repeatedly. She felt she shouldn't mention that to Queen Mary.

"That's alright. I really need someone other than the Royal Physician and Queen Mother. Bring her to see me... What's her name?"

"Madam Bette. I'll bring her as soon as possible, Your Grace. She lives in Anjou."

"Take your time Madam Noelle. This baby can wait, and I can't wait to try your delicious biscuits." Mary felt another strong kick from the baby, almost hurting her ribs. She knew the baby, either she or he was getting bigger and stronger. She needed more information for preparation of the childbirth. She wanted to overcome her anxiety. She must share this with Francis.

To be continued.