The child Elizabeth is wrapped tightly in layers, her fists hidden: just as well, she looks as if she would strike you. Ginger bristles poke from beneath her cap, and her eyes are vigilant; he has never seen an infant in the crib look so ready to take offense. Lady Bryan says, Do you think she looks like the king? He hesitates, trying to be fair to both parties. As much as a little maid ought.
In this passage, Elizabeth, a child, is portrayed as being tightly bundled, suggesting both protection and a readiness to confront the world. Her hidden fists and vigilant eyes convey an intense sense of awareness and potential aggression, creating an image of a girl who seems prepared to defend herself defensively. The description hints at a spirited personality even in infancy.
Lady Bryan’s question about whether Elizabeth resembles the king prompts a moment of reflection in the observer. He strives to remain impartial, weighing the characteristics of the child against the expectations placed on her due to her lineage. It highlights the tensions inherent in royal expectations and the innocence of childhood, showcasing how a child's appearance can evoke complex feelings and judgments.
