December 14th, 1894 — Crouch Residence

His wife had given him quite the square a couple of weeks ago, having collapsed right there in High Street. She was far along in her pregnancy now and he was relieved that both mother and developing baby seemed to be fine. He was quite insistent that his wife let her feet up now. She had reliable staff, both in their home and in her shop, some handpicked by the woman of the house herself. The ones who weren't were people who had been working for Roman and proved themselves just as loyal to his wife as they were to him.

He was home from work and planned to spend the weekend with his wife barring some Ministry emergency. "I brought you some flowers," he said after he had his coat and work attache put away. "Are you doing all right?"

  

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set by Bee

Benevolence reclined on the chaise, her feet propped up on a cushion as per Roman’s insistence—not that she was in much position to argue. The past few weeks had left her shaken; she had always been sensible, pragmatic, in control. Yet, collapsing in the middle of High Street had been a stark reminder that even she had limits.

She turned her head as she heard her husband’s voice, her lips curving into a soft smile. “Flowers?” she echoed, amused. “I do hope you didn’t steal them from my shop.” she gave him a look of faux outrage before adding "Or my garden!" breaking into a smile.

Reaching out, she took his hand and gave it a squeeze before accepting the bouquet. The fragrance was sweet, a gentle reminder of everything she loved. “They’re lovely, thank you.” She brought them to her nose, inhaling deeply, before lowering them to her lap.

His question lingered in the air for a moment before she answered. “I’m... as well as can be expected,” she admitted. “Tired. Restless. I don’t know which is worse.” Her free hand drifted to her abdomen, where the baby had begun another series of small, rhythmic movements. “Your child is particularly energetic this evening.”

She exhaled a quiet laugh, her gaze searching his. “I suppose you’re here to make sure I stay off my feet?”

  

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Lady is a wonder

"I shall never divulge my sources," Roman said in return with a chuckle as she took the bouquet from him. He smiled as she smelled the flowers and put them in her lap. He summoned a vase for her flowers, settling it on the side table he'd had arranged near the chaise for her use.

"Indeed I am. You gave me quite a scare. But we can go for a turn in the garden if you are feeling the need to stretch your legs," he suggested as he gently rubbed her swollen stomach.

  

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set by Bee

Benevolence watched as Roman summoned a vase, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “Mysterious as ever,” she murmured in response to his teasing, her fingers absently smoothing over the petals in her lap. She had spent so much of her life around flowers, yet she never tired of them. Perhaps it was because they always carried meaning, especially when given by someone she loved.

Her expression softened as he settled beside her, his hand warm and steady against the curve of her belly. The baby responded to his touch with a firm kick, and Benevolence huffed out a quiet laugh. “There. I do believe they recognize their father,” she mused, covering his hand with her own. “Or they’re protesting your intrusion.” she smiled, not believing that bit at all.

At his offer, she tilted her head thoughtfully. “A turn in the garden sounds rather nice,” she admitted. “If only to keep from feeling entirely like a hothouse flower myself.” Her gaze flickered up to meet his, a glimmer of wry amusement in her blue eyes. “But you must promise not to fuss.” she smirked, offering her hand to her husband to help her stand.

  

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Lady is a wonder