The next morning, Jasmine had just finished feeding all five babies when Penelope informed her Sir Richard had come by. He planned to take her somewhere as though he was courting her, not betrothed to her. Jasmine was most unhappy to hear this, as she wanted to play the role of excited bride-to-be as little as possible. But luckily, she now had an easy out. She dressed in one of the gowns the Countess had given her, then went downstairs to greet her gentleman caller.
"Richard, alas I cannot spend much time with you. The orphanage has requested my help with two new arrivals. Newborn twin girls. As such, I am caring for five infants now," she informed her betrothed. Richard raised his eyebrows in surprise.
"Well, surely you can find the time for a short walk? I would like to get to know you, my love." Jasmine knew there was no getting out of it.
"Yes," she said reluctantly. Richard held out his arm. Jasmine took it. The two then exited the house and began to walk about the streets. Jasmine couldn't deny that she was enjoying some fresh air. The babies were incredibly demanding. Even with the cream that soothed Bry's teething pain, it was a lot of work to keep them all happy.
"You are most kind to help with orphaned babes," Richard commented. "And you produce enough milk for all five?" Jasmine nodded silently. She had been surprised by this as well. "That is quite good to hear. Not only will you nurse our sons to be hale and hearty, but you will also instill in them good morals. To be generous to the less fortunate." Jasmine bit her tongue, stopping herself from saying she had no intention to bear any children for Richard. Instead, she changed the topic.
"So, tell me about yourself," she said. Richard's eyes lit up in delight. He immediately began to regale her with his life's story. Much of it, Jasmine already knew. When it came to his time as a rebel soldier, however, he was incredibly vague.
"I do not wish to upset your delicate female constitution with war stories," he said. Jasmine could no more bite her tongue.
"Multiple men have tried to take advantage of me since the Capitol fell, and some of the guard even tore my clothes to reveal my breasts. They wanted proof I was nursing Bry," she snapped. "I am not as delicate as you seem to think."
"I am most sorry to hear you have been through that," Richard said softly. He kissed Jasmine's cheek. "But even knowing what you have experienced, I cannot subject you to the horrors of war. Now, tell me of yourself. Your family, your deceased husband, Bry." Jasmine had a moment of internal panic. She didn't know what to say! To her surprise and relief, however, the enchantment that had first cause her to name herself Jasmine took control.
"My father was a grocer and my mother helped him. I have eight siblings, though the only one I am still in touch with is my sister in Wind's Grove, Anya."
"Eight siblings? That is quite good for me to hear. With such a prodigious pedigree, I am sure you will bear us many children," Richard said, sounding delighted. Jasmine cringed slightly, but the enchantment continued to speak through her.
"Yes, I hope so." She played with her necklace. "My husband, Samuel, he was a silversmith. Alas, he passed before Bry was born."
"A tragedy," Richard agreed. "Did he make the necklace you are never without?" Jasmine nodded. "I see. And tell me of Bry. How old is the wee lass?"
"As you know, those of us from poorer origins have difficulty keeping precise records of birth," Jasmine said. Richard nodded. "But I believe she will be a year in a few months."
"I look forward to celebrating that milestone," Richard said with a smile. Jasmine's breasts began to ache. She was filling with milk again. Honestly, she felt a cow more than a woman some days. Anya's magic was truly a force to be reckoned with.
"I must return home to the babies," she informed Richard. Richard nodded, though he looked disappointed. The two walked back to the Muscat residence, chatting of the weather and other things of no merit. Just as they reached the door, a question came to Jasmine. "Richard, when you were on the front lines, did you venture to Wind's Grove?" She was curious of the state of the town.
"No, I did not. The first time I visit there will be with you, and we shall set foot in our new home as a wedded couple," Richard said passionately. Jasmine's blood ran cold. The way Richard had phrased it made it sound like they were to be wed before arriving at Wind's Grove, perhaps even before departing for their journey there. But surely she misunderstood. ...Right?