Ewan couldn’t have looked more pleased if he, himself, were part of their family. Little did Henry and Alexander know that in actuality, he was – from a certain point of view.<br/><br/>“Lady Gwendolyn, your blessed condition suits you very well. You look radiant. I assume you are feeling well?” he asked with his usual charm and apparent sincerity. “And you, Lord Alexander, you must be quite proud. It is too early for congratulations, so I instead offer you both my very best wishes for the future.” Ewan’s words were carefully chosen so as to not invoke even a hint of a jinx. Many people of the time were exceedingly superstitious, especially in regards to the dangers and potential complications that surrounded childbirth.<br/><br/>Upon overhearing the conversation Timothy’s father Charles – the current Duke of Hereford – smiled broadly and stood up, raising his wine goblet in the process. By that time everyone’s cup had been filled with some of the finest vintage in the Duchy.<br/><br/>“Join me in a toast – to our growing family,” he said simply before nodding at both Katherine and Gwendolyn.<br/><br/>“Here here,” many of the guests said in unison, including Price Ewan. Ewan then took a long sip from his glass and smiled broadly. “My compliments to the household. The wine is superb, Duke Charles,” he said with apparent satisfaction.<br/><br/>By that time the initial course of soup had entered the chamber in a large silver pot. As it slowly made its way around the T-shaped table a number of small conversations broke out.<br/><br/>“I understand the rains have been kind to you, Duke Henry,” Ewan asked. “It may be another banner harvest for your lands. Also, I am curious, have the burgers been keeping their place? From what I hear they have been making all sorts of demands in the southern towns.”<br/><br/>“I’m sorry to boor you with such topics, Duchess,” he later apologized to Victoria for speaking to her husband around her. “Tell me about your other children. How are they all getting along?”<br/><br/>Ewan sipped his soup with practiced etiquette as he listed to the responses to his smalltalk. While the conversation sounded inconsequential, though, to him it was actually very important. Ewan hoping to learn more about crop yields in Henry’s demesne as well as the well-being of the children who were – in actuality – his.