[A bastard is an illegitimate child, and the word is also used as a derogatory term for an unpleasant person.]
Bastard is a perfectly descriptive word as used here. And from A Lee Marvin movie when called a bastard, he responded, “in my case and accident of birth, but YOU, sir, are a salf made man!”
So the use fits Edwards as well.
Gotta learn to proof read. Should read “...an accident...”...are a self made...”
I’m not sure if “love” child is a better description. Having said that, she’s a cute little bastard.