“Lady Beckham, your granddaughter is the spitting image of Amelia, isn’t she?”
Lady Beckham turned to take in the sight of Charlotte carrying a large bucket, one could only hope it contained water, towards her younger brother.
“In looks. However her temperament and tendency towards mischief comes from her father.”
“And none could mistake that blonde, curly hair on Rodger.”
Lady Beckham sighed. “He looks like an angel, and a more stubborn child I’ve not met since his mother.”
Lady Beckham and her companion smiled at each other. “Isn’t it a comfort to know that children grow up and get their comeuppance?” They chuckled.
Jameson rounded the corner of the barn carrying a large bucket in each hand and Lady Beckham sighed at the mischievous grin that matched the one on his daughter’s face.
“Then again, some comeuppances aren’t as readily grasped as others.”
Amelia rounded the barn with a squealing, kicking baby in her arms. “That’s far enough, Charlotte. Right there by Rodger. Jameson, you’re sloshing yours all over.”
Lady Beckham called, “Let me take the baby, Amelia. Whatever your brood has planned won’t be good for him.”
Amelia changed course to kiss her mother’s cheek, but shook her head. “He’ll never forgive us if he’s the only one not soaked at the end of the day.”
Lady Beckham looked to her companion and they nodded in agreement.
“I believe I’ll watch from the observatory.”
“A fine idea. I’ll help you in.”
Amelia laughed and headed for Jameson. He scowled at her, nodding at the retreating ladies. “I had plans for an accidental dousing. Lady Beckham’s companion told me I was starting to gain weight in my middle.”
“My dear, you are still quite dashing despite the spread.”
He gasped, then shot her a look. “Charlotte, your mother is in dire need of a splashing.”
Amelia eyed her daughter, then glanced at her son. “Rodger, attack!”
Lady Beckham smiled through the window as she watched her grandchildren flinging water everywhere, and when Jameson grabbed his wife and bent her backwards to kiss her, Lady Beckham distracted her companion with a game of piquet.