Sophie offered a sympathetic smile, but she was still confused, knowing little about the intricacies of the situation. "You are not sure about having children with your husband?"
"I am not sure about having them now. He is usually showering me in affection and I fear this will cause us to drift apart rather than bring us together."
Sophie's understanding grew the more her friend spoke.
"You are not fond of sharing the Earl's attention?"
"Oh, never." Adeline answered jokingly. Although knowing how obsessed the two were with each other, Sophie doubted it was anything but the most serious truth.
She pondered on what to say. Adeline's worries were valid. Children were a heavy responsibility. They would be placing a lot on the line to be parents. However, if that was what Adeline's heart seeked…
"Well, if you are asking for my advice." Sophie said, uncertain about the quality of her insight.
"I am." Adeline's determination fueled hers, however.
Sophie's next words were no longer fruits of her mind. Her thoughts were silent, her heart full. "You are as bright and lovely as a field of yellow carnations, Ady. I am sure your children will love you as much as your husband does and you will have double the affection when you need it."
Adeline's smile was small, but it was true. "That is an awfully optimistic way of viewing it."
"It is my sincere way of viewing it. You are a joy to be around, Adeline. Everyone who gets to know you loves you, but I'm sure you are aware of these things already." Sophie admitted, the love in her voice overflowing like a river. Adeline was dear to her, important in ways no man or logic could comprehend.
So when the blonde jumped into her arms, wrapping hers around Sophie's back in a tight hug, the tears that left her eyes were warranted. They were right. For her friend, they were nothing, not when she was ready to give her the world.
"Thank you, Sophie." Adeline whispered into her shoulder, the fabric there growing damp.
"Anything for one of the most delightful people I know." Sophie answered, returning Adeline's hug with her own eagerness. It was tight but reminiscent of the nature of their friendship.
When they finally pulled away, Adeline's face was wet with tears and notably full of curiosity. "Do you and the Duke plan to have your own daughters and sons soon?"
Sophie was uncertain. She hadn't had a conversation about having children since her and Luke's wedding night. He was still uncertain at that time. Briefly, she wondered if Luke had grown to want them as much as she did.
"It is a dream of mine, but I am not sure if the Duke is ready for that kind of responsibility yet. He has a lot on his shoulders, being one of the royal family's closest companions." Sophie said. "He has been more darling lately, so maybe this is a sign."
It was true. He had grown to be more affectionate the last few days, always smiling and playful around Sophie. He'd showered her with gifts and kisses constantly. It was almost overwhelming at times.
Perhaps he was ready to take the next step.
"That would be wondrous to witness. You have always been the motherly type." Adeline commented, her smile wide.
"Oh? You think so?"
"Yes, well, you never fail to take care of me and Maude. It made me feel so incredibly guilty when I wasn't able to visit you in your recovery."
Sophie shook her head. Although a big part of her had missed her friends during her recovery, she was glad for the one-on-one time she spent with her husband. It was somewhat like a honeymoon period with all the cuddling and swooning. The only difference was that Sophie wasn't allowed to perform any of her nightly duties.
"There is no need to burden yourself with guilt, Adeline. I appreciate you nonetheless." She smiled to highlight her point. For a moment, Adeline looked starstruck.
"Yeah." The blonde nodded enthusiastically. "You would make a wonderful mother, Sophie."
"You are having children, Sophie?" Maude's voice cut through their conversation.
Momentarily, both of them were silenced. Adeline looked to Sophie and then answered for her, "Planning to."
"You did not want to share these plans with me? Is that why you two moved away?" The betrayal on Maude's face was heartbreaking. Although they held no ill will, they'd still kept the discussions to themselves, knowing Maude would never be interested in having children with the old Marquess.
"Ah, Maude. It is not like that." Sophie explained. Her guilt doubled when Maude stepped away.
"No. I understand." She observed her friends' faces with critical blue eyes. Sophie was sure their guilt was clear as day. "Do not pity me. I understand your reasons."
An awkward silence filled the room.
"So have you chosen your dress yet?"