“Ah. Well the bunny suit is certainly a change from his regular clothes.” Thomas wondered how that submissive of his was dealing with the rabbit suit. He was supposed to be some fashion guru, right? Was he even here? Thomas wasn’t sure. “I haven’t had a chance to mock him for it, yet.”
At her question, he considered before leaving it at, “I’m alive. It’s not the service, though. I thought I had a least another couple of years.” Thomas didn’t want to venture any further than that, unwilling to burden Bea with anything. She was so rarely here, and he hadn’t even really seen her in ages, given that he’d been overseas for so long. He gave a small grin before glancing to the baby. “Can I hold her?” He asked, the idea of it picking him up in so many ways. Thomas was a sucker for babies. It was impossible to remember one’s problems when holding them. “I promise I won’t wake her up.”
“Oh I highly recommend taking the time to mock him, it’s very enjoyable,” Beatrice laughed. “I mean it’s not going to happen often and he can’t really be mad at anyone while dressed as a bunny.”
Nodding in understanding Beatrice laid her hand gently on his arm for a moment, “And we are all grateful that you made it back to us safely.” She noted his walking stick and nodded to the bench by the side, “Shall we sit?” Once she sat down Beatrice unclipped the carrier and careful lifted out the little girl, “Here you go.” Handing her over with a practised ease she smiled at the sight, “You look like a natural. Is it something you want in the future?”
“Make sure Pan see’s her and documents the blessed occasion for you and her both,” Mia smiled. “It’s so lovely to see you and this beautiful little girl. What a happy Easter indeed.”
“That is a very good idea Mia, I might even see if I can round the other two children up as well and try to get some family snaps....possibly even Uncle Ty in his bunny suit in the back,” Beatrice chuckled as she thought what a great photo that would make. “It’s lovely to be back for a visit though. How have you and Pan been?”
“I wish I’d had some idea you were coming up,” Cade said with a smile as he came upon the former head of the Capulet household and her new baby. “You are both looking well; the new city, new job, new baby suits you.” The Dominant’s heart clenched slightly looking at the child in the carrier. She was precious.
“I only really let Tybalt know, you know how things have a habit of unravelling when you plan too much, especially with this little one,” Beatrice explained. “Thank you though, we feel really settled despite the amount of changes in the last year. How are you and Drew though? Is he here?”
At the mention of the other children, Lucio’s eyes searched the group of young ones looking for eggs to see if he could spot them. “Ah yes, I’m sure they’d be rather outspoken about it,” he replied. He was surprised she came right out and indirectly mentioned his relationship with Tybalt, but was not fazed by it either. “And no. Your brother has power over many things, but he knows that my wardrobe will never be one of them. I look far more dashing in a suit.”
Beatrice laughed at how plain talking Lucio was about Tybalt. “You do look very dashing in a suit...but so does Tybalt and I am sure together you look incredibly elegant.” With a smirk she glanced in her brother’s direction for a minute before turning back, “How is the magazine going?”
“It’s going well, thanks! We’re working on a potential study that aims to isolate certain mutations of cells in the blood, which could be monumental for blood cancers and other blood diseases.” He was proud of the work they were doing and hopeful that it would succeed. “How have you and Matt been? Well, I hope.”
“That sounds incredible, do you think you will be able to cure it or is this something to slow the development?” Beatrice asked with interest. While she didn’t have the indepth knowledge of the medical members of the family she was immensely proud of the impact they had on the citizens of Verona and by what Alexander was saying, global impact. “We are both well thank you. Matthew is still at home most of the time looking after this little cherub to let me get the gallery up and running again though he does a few pieces of accountancy work just to keep his hand in. And Rachele and Matt are around somewhere, no doubt covered in chocolate by now.”
“Well in any event, it’s lovely to see you Lady Beatrice.” He looked down at the young Louisa with a smile. “And it’s equally as lovely to see this little one.”
“It’s lovely to see you as well Alexander and such a nice opportunity to introduce Louisa to the rest of the family. How is your work going?”
Thomas ad very nearly not come to the egg hunt. However, the call of baby Capulets and the possible charade of family closeness was enough to entice him out of duty. He hadn’t had time to mock Tybalt yet, but Bea was here so little that Thomas would rather see her and her children. What was more, with him being away so long in the army, he didn’t think he had seen her for… was it over a year? “And the chance to see Tybalt dressed like a rabbit.” He gave a grin. “How have you been, Bee?”
“Oh I never pass on the chance to see Tybalt dressed as a bunny, especially with his niece and nephew and however many other children chasing him around the gardens,” Beatrice laughed, the image very vivid from the previous year. “I’m very well Thomas. This little lady is sleeping longer at night and that is the key to my happiness, getting enough sleep. What about you? How is life back in Verona treating you?”
Lucio peered over at the child. It was unusual for him to be around children, especially little, tiny babies like this. “Of course…that would be a travesty,” he said, though he doubted the baby really knew what was going on. They’d see pictures of the event later on in their life surely without any memory of it ever happening.
“Well Louisa might not have minded but Rachele and Matt would certainly have let their feelings known if they missed out on the chocolate eggs,” Beatrice chuckled. “So Ty didn’t manage to persuade you to wear a matching bunny competition today?” Beatrice added, figuring she might as well cut any pretence that she didn’t know about Lucio and Ty’s relationship.
“No we drove up last night and are heading home on Monday. I couldn’t possibly let this little one miss out on her first Capulet Easter Egg Hunt,” Beatrice smiled lovingly as she stroked Louisa’s cheek as the baby slept in her carrier.
Mia was not exactly shocked that the past year had been rough on Lady Bea, how could it not when it had been so rough on all of them, but that she would step down was not even something the other Domme would have considered. The pregnancy was another surprise and she applauded Bea for making the choice to take this time for herself and her family. The thought of them going as far away as Milan though, especially at this time though, was hard to swallow.
“Congratulations on your new addition my Lady and the job at the Museum in Millan,” Mia smiled. “You’ll have to tell me what sorts of works and mediums they specialize in. Who knows maybe Pan’s photographs could end up in a museum like yours one day.”
“Thank you Mia. It has been the hardest decision I think I have ever had to make because it has been an honor to be head of the family but each time the doctor has warned me my blood pressure is raised and it is not good for the baby it pushed me closer to the decision.” Beatrice grinned at the mention of her new project, “It’s modern Italian so there is every chance Pan could exhibit there. At the moment it is mainly paintings but the owner is keen to expand so it’s exciting to see where it will go.”
You may not consider me your family anymore, but just the same I still wish you all the best in your life. I’m sure Rachele and Matt will be thrilled to have a new little baby brother or sister, and you deserve the chance to decompress and rest and to live your life with your claim and your children peacefully. I’m sorry for any additional stress I put on your life, and I fully understand if you don’t even reply back to me. I just needed you to know that I never meant to hurt you or for you to feel I betrayed you, just as I life to think you never meant to hurt me. I just hope one day you’ll find it in yourself to forgive me…but again, I’d understand if you felt what I did was unforgivable.
Again, I wish you the absolute best, Lady Beatrice. I really do.
Respectfully,
Alice Montague.
“Too soon. My earlier words stand,” she murmured to herself as she folded the letter and placed it in the box that she was currently packing.
Private Message: I’m proud of you, Bea. And will miss you even more so.
PM: Thank you Henri. I swear it has been the hardest decision but ultimately Matthew and my three children must come first. I will miss you terribly but hope you will find time to visit me in Milan.
Beatrice looked around the huge dining room fondly. Her family old and new sitting in front of her and Matthew on one side and Tybalt and Evie on the other. She knew speculation was rife as to why she had called this dinner and as the dessert course wound up she reached for Matthew’s hand, her ever steadying force by her side.
Rising to her feet, a warm smile on her lips the room soon grew quiet and she waited, taking another glance round. Plenty of smiles met her own, a few less impressed but she didn’t expect warmth from everyone. Taking a quick sip of water she began, “My dear family, thank you so much for your attendance here this evening and thank you to those of you who are not Capulets for allowing my relatives to attend and in some cases agreeing to indulge me just out of friendship.” Her eyes settled on Henrietta for a moment, pleased that she had put any discomfort at not strictly being family to the side to be there.
“I am sure you are wondering why I have asked you all to come this evening. While the dinner has been delightful as always the reason has nothing to do with food. The conclusion of the decree, our permission to remain in Verona and continue to build our families and lives in the city we love is, of course, a wonderful reason to celebrate too and while I do rejoice in that news it is not the only reason for our gathering.
The decree cast a dark shadow over our lives for a year. It was a year of immense stress but also great joy as couples found each other and made the decision to spend their lives together.” Looking around Beatrice gave a nod and a smile to each of the couples in attendance. “On a more personal note the decree....the decree posed a large number of challenges, many frustrations and honestly more stress than I have ever experienced.” Her hand reached for Matthew’s and she squeezed it briefly before taking another drink of water.
“Two years ago my life changed immensely when I lost my beloved sister,” Beatrice remarked as she looked towards Evie, slight tears in her eyes. “We had a turbulent relationship at times but we cared deeply for each other. Then of course the worst possible thing happened and only a few months later I lost my beloved father. To grieve two close family members within the space of six months is something I would wish on nobody. The pain I felt was unimaginable but then of course the reality that I was next in line to lead the family was in so many ways a blessing. I have been hugely proud to be head of the Capulet family. The love and support I have had from all areas of the family has brought me major joy and allowed me to turn my grief into a positive energy and focus on building my knowledge of the family business’, and promoting the Capulet name. However this grief mixed with stress of the decree and finding time for my own family has come at a price.”
She looked around the room at the sea of faces, not a word was spoken and all eyes were trained on her. “Matthew has been my rock throughout everything and I know my children have been well loved and cared for.” With a pause she looked lovingly at the tall man whose gaze never left her, “But now it is time for me to turn my attention back to my immediate family. My health has suffered in the last few months and I do not have a taste for politics and games. I did what I felt was necessary for the Capulet family to survive the decree but it brought me no pleasure to see members of our family, some only in their first year of designation asking for an arranged claim so they could help the family. I detested hearing the conversations which increased in panic as the deadline drew closer even as much as it warmed my heart to see everyone band together.”
Pausing for a moment to let her words settle tears welled along her lashes again. “The main purpose of tonight is to announce that I am stepping down as head of the Capulet family. Tybalt will be taking over and from tomorrow when the paperwork is done he becomes Lord Capulet. I am certain you will show him the same loyalty and devotion that you offered to me.” Beatrice’s hand moved to pull the front of her dress tight over her stomach, the definite swell clear to see now. “Matthew and I are also delighted to announce that we are expecting our third child in January. We are leaving Verona shortly to move to Milan where I have accepted a new job as a curator of an art gallery.” She let out a breath as relief of having said it all was clear on her face, though slow tears began to trickle down her cheeks as her emotions finally broke the bank. “I....I have loved being your lady for these eighteen months but I cannot give the family the attention and leadership it needs at the moment and I believe Tybalt, now he has finally grown up a bit, will do a fabulous job.” Beatrice smirked at her brother for a moment before she lifted her glass and held it up, “My love and thanks to you all and I will miss you and Verona more than I can ever put into words. To the Capulet family.” Lifting her glass in a toast she took a sip before sitting down again and gratefully accepting the napkin offered by Matthew to wipe her tears.
“It was never about time,” Mia said with a shake of her head. In the end it made her crazy because she couldn’t stand the thought of Pan being forced away from his family and the farm, over this stupid feud, pride, and whatever else has been going on. She wished she shared Lady Beatrice’s thoughts but she felt that Capulet Dominants would always continue to wear a scarlet letter where Lord Montague was concerned. “A good lemon and gin sounds like a perfect way to end a night.”
“I know it wasn’t but you also wouldn’t have wanted to feel like you rushed things and didn’t do it the way you both wanted just to satisfy the decree. Now you can wait, especially when it comes to getting the approval that Pan desires.” She nodded her head, the thought very pleasant by the time she got home and the children got to bed. “I shall leave you to finish your exploring for today Mia. I look forward to seeing you again soon.”
