"My husband and I will have children when it is ti for us. Prince Tyrion does not sit at this table, so I see no need to speak of children. I am happy that your daughter is so fortunate to have a child and think of another already," Penelope said.
Hazel settled herself before her anger ruined the mont. She invited these ladies so Penelope could have a proper introduction to ladies who would be of use to her and Tyrion.
They insulted Hazel by speaking of children when it was still a sensitive topic for her.
Luckily, Penelope carried herself with grace and knew how to speak with these ladies.
"We have been in your position decades ago. We only wish to offer you advice which will help your marriage. The sooner you have a child, the better. Have the children now so you can spend your later years raising them and then enjoy ti with your husband," Agnes suggested.
"You an during the ti that you bore children and raised them, you didn’t enjoy ti with your husband? Must I think only of children now and have my husband’s ti when the children are old?" Penelope asked, finding it to be nonsense.
"No, of course not," Mabel laughed. "Your focus should be on both your children and husband. Should my dear mother still be alive, she would tell you of the tis she struck my hand when I looked elsewhere other than my family."
Penelope didn’t think it was a matter worth laughing about. While Penelope loved Tyrion, there were other things she wished to focus on. Things she adored well before they were married, and she would adore after.
Penelope already gave up gambling for Tyrion. Wasn’t that enough?
"I was a married woman then, but my mother was not afraid to hit if I lost sight of what I had been taught. It might be overwhelming for you to hear, but it is best for you to think of children now and let your mind be at ease in a few years," Mabel said, patting Penelope’s hand.
Agnes nodded her head in agreent. "Our husband’s families tend to-"
"Tend to do what?" Hazel spoke up. "Tend to add the pressure? Surely you have not forgotten that it is my son the princess has married. Will you sit here and worry her about things I will not do?"
Agnes laughed, her voice shaky. "Forgive , Queen Hazel. I was not going to say that you would pressure the princess to have a child."
"The prince only has one mother, so who else would Penelope worry about if she listens to you? I think we should keep the talk of a child between husband and wife. We don’t have any part in their act of love and what blossoms from it," said Hazel.
Mabel remained silent. She thought she was helping Hazel by encouraging Penelope to think of children.
"As for your daughter," Hazel said, turning to Mabel. "If I am not mistaken, she was weak during her pregnancy. So weak that she stayed the last three months resting in her bed with a fever, and the doctor placed it as a miracle she had not passed during the birth."
"You rember it correctly, Your Majesty. I am lucky to still have my daughter here with ," said Mabel.
"How wonderful. If you wish for your daughter to raise your grandchild, then I suggest you let her rest instead of wanting to have another child so quickly. n don’t know our bodies as well as they claim to. Your grandchild is still a baby who suckles at her mother’s breast," Hazel said, worried the child might not know its mother.
Hazel continued, "Have her rest before you put her to rest, and the child only knows of her through your stories."
Mabel’s eyes widened at the ntion of her daughter possibly passing.
"It is cruel to say, but you must have her rest. She might not find the sa strength as before to help her survive the second birth. There have been growing reports of won not opening their eyes after childbirth. It is far too much pressure," Hazel said, shaking her head.
Rather than planning to have the next child right away, a woman’s body needed to heal and find strength.
Penelope looked around the table and noticed how the ladies no longer smiled at the ntion of children.
"The young ladies should think of children to carry the nas of their husbands, but we must also care for the ladies. No one knows better than us how painful it is to bring life into this world. How it can cost us our lives," said Hazel.
Nothing was more upsetting than to hear of how n spoke of childbirth as though it were easy.
"I have invited you all today because of what you faced since your debut until now. I hope you would offer the princess advice that would be of so use to her. It was evident that she did not wish to speak of children, and I don’t want to hear about it," Hazel said, looking around the table.
"Forgive us, Princess Penelope. We spoke out of turn," Agnes apologised.
"You are forgiven. I know that you ant well," said Penelope.
Penelope knew from their tone that they were only trying to help. It was common for older ladies to encourage the younger ladies to have children quickly because of the battles they faced.
For many of the ladies around the town who were getting married this season, they needed to provide children. The higher the status of the n they wed, the more important it was to beco with child soon.
Penelope was no exception. All eyes were on her because she married a prince.
"I have heard of your troubles with so of the ladies around the town. Word travels far," Agnes said, hoping Penelope didn’t think she was prying. "I, too, had my fair share with ladies wishing to oust , but here I sit with the queen. I can offer you advice."
"So can I," Mabel offered. "We must all stand tall and band together."
"Thank you. I wish for you to offer Julie advice as well. It is also her first season, and she seeks to find a husband. If you would be so kind as to offer her advice, then I will greatly appreciate it," said Penelope.
Penelope felt Julie give her hand a squeeze under the table.
"Of course. I am more than happy to share my knowledge with any young lady. If only my nephew were a little more well-behaved, then I would introduce you two. I cannot burden a lady with such a man. I see him and wish to have a drink. Oh!" Mabel gasped, her hand covering her mouth.
"All is well, Lady Mabel. Your secret is safe with us," Hazel promised.
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