Victoria was many things and observant was one of them. She was certain that Rebecca was trying to hide something from her. Her daughter's behavior....Victoria had been mother since she turned twenty, she had seen this type of behavior before from her older children. She might not be the best mother in the world, Eugenia Dawson, her children's nanny, was far more qualified then her to handle many things when it came to children, but Victoria had a mother's intuition. Especially when it came to her children trying to hide something from her. Victoria would find out what it was, she always did, and no doubt something terrible would happen as a result. She finished helping Rebecca get ready and told her.<br/><br/>"Come, daughter, we need to get your father and younger brothers."<br/><br/>"Yes, Mother."<br/><br/>Rebecca replied, following into line behind Victoria. It was the first day of the New Year and it was customary to present the king and his queen with a present. Her older children were all married and they would be giving King Theodore and Queen Beatrice gifts with their own spouses. Rebecca, David, and George would only be expected to be present when their parents presented a gift. This would likely be Rebecca's last year presenting a gift with her parents. If Victoria had her way, next year or at the latest, the year after, Rebecca would be married to her intended. She had no idea, of course. Victoria told Henry they would tell their daughter the wonderful news later in the day. David was twelve and George was seven and were sharing a room. Eugenia was getting them ready. Victoria heard George asking Eugenia as she opened the door.<br/><br/>"I do not get it, why do we have to present the king and queen another gift?"<br/><br/>The family had given the monarchs a gift at Christmas, why did they need another one? George had liked Christmas, he had loved receiving presents. He wanted more but Eugenia informed him he mostly likely would not be getting anymore today. Thus, it did not make sense to him that other people would still be getting presents.<br/><br/>"You are guests in their home, George, it is the proper thing to do."<br/><br/>Eugenia, a middle age woman with gray hair, replied as she tried to get the young boy to stand still as she buttoned his shirt. George was an active boy and standing still was never one of his strong points.<br/><br/>"But cannot the king just buy whatever he wants? He is rich."<br/><br/>Victoria's blue eyes narrowed as she heard what her youngest child said. To most people, it was an innocent question. After all, he was right. King Theodore was rich and he could surely buy whatever he desired or if he was a crueler king, take it by force. Victoria grabbed George painfully by his ear and told him in a stern voice.<br/><br/>"Enough, George. This tradition is always done and you will not disrespect it by questioning it. You will present the gift with your father and I and will not question it anymore. Do I make myself clear?"<br/><br/>Victoria rarely rose her voice but her children were usually still terrified of her when she was angry. She had a cold anger and all would only admit to themselves that they much preferred Henry's company to Victoria's any day. Henry was a lot nicer then her. George swallowed hard and nodded his head. His blue eyes, the same shade as his mother's, were filled with fear.<br/><br/>"Yes, Mother....I am sorry, Mother."<br/><br/>Eugenia's jaw tightened as Victoria 'corrected' her youngest son. She had no children of her own, she was barren, but she did love the Montgomery children, as much as if she had given birth to them instead of Victoria. She had been hired when Alexander, the oldest, was born and been with the family ever since. She knew the children better then Victoria did and she knew George meant no disrespect but she would never dare to tell the Duchess that. David and Rebecca were both looking down at the floor, both too afraid of their mother to say anything either. George's answer seemed to please Victoria, however, and she released his ear. It was red from how hard she had been holding it.<br/><br/>"Good, I am glad we have reached an understanding. Finish getting ready. You too, David."<br/><br/>She told her other son, who just nodded his head.