UN: RowenaRavenclaw
LN: Bonfils
DH: Louis François Philippe Henri Bonfils, Prince Louis,
le Grand Dauphin of France (29)
DW: Adelheid Sophia Margarete Maria (née Kaarmann) Bonfils, Princess Adelaïde, Dauphine of France (19)
-DD: Catherine Louise Élisabeth Charlotte
’Käthelëin’ Bonfils, Princess Catherine (3)
-DS: Louis Gautier François Guillaume ‘Lutz’ Bonfils, Prince Louis, le Petit Dauphin of France (1)
-DD: Adélaïde Madeleine Joséphine Edwige ‘Alida’ Bonfils, Princess Adélaïde (nb)Rank: Princess and Prince (sister and brother-in-law to the King)
Adelheid was well into her third pregnancy (how she prayed for a boy, so she might be left alone by her odious husband) when a letter from her sister arrived. The letter brought news of an avalanche – a minor one by Bial’s usual standards, but still devastating – and the news of their eldest brother and a certain Lady B. When Walter arrived a few weeks later, Adelheid was rather surprised.
“Have I grown so missed?” she joked when her brother joined her on one of her regular walks (Adelheid was once more restricted in her outdoor activities). They were without any of Adelheid’s usual company, so she felt free to speak candidly. “With Magdalena’s visit, and now yours, I feel I should be expecting Joseph and Mother anyday, now!”
When Walter didn’t respond, Adelheid decided to bring up Lady Bergfalk and little Friedrich. This got a response, but not the one Adelheid was expecting: Walter apologized! He told Adelheid how sorry he was for sending her away when she’d only been a child.
Adelheid interrupted him almost immediately. “I was not without a choice in the matter, Walter. I could have chosen to ask you and Mother to arrange a different marriage for me. Whilst I have no illusions that I am as close to you or Mother as our sister is, I know you would have felt it your brotherly duty to allow me to marry the man I wanted,
if I had asked. I did not ask, and in not asking, I did the best thing for Bial. Am I happy in all things? No, but I have a beautiful daughter and a son who – God help him – will probably end up looking like his father, and they love me. Hopefully, this baby will be a boy – a more handsome boy – and someday, I will be Queen of France. I am…content.”
Later, at a party that King Louis held in his guests’ honor, all talk was of court and the birth of a princess. King Louis spoke to Walter about a possible marriage contract between Princess Hannelore and the Petit Dauphin. The only one who spoke of the avalanche was Prince Charles, who inquired of King Walter’s plans to restore the village. When the subject was brushed away, Prince Charles repeatedly brought up the subject, subtly hinting that France would be willing to help their new allies.
Because the visiting monarchs were still there when she went into labor, because Prince Louis was eager to show his brother-in-law how pleasant the Dauphine’s life was at the French court, and because the baby was another girl, Adelheid was allowed to christen her newest daughter. She named the baby Adélaïde (for herself) Madeleine (for Magdalena) Joséphine (for Joseph, the baby’s godfather) Edwige (for Hedwig).
This message was edited 1/21/2011, 8:11 PM