Page 23 of Beneath the Harvest Moon

His stomach rumbled at the delicious scents emanating from the large pot hanging over the fire. “One can only admire your resilience, Mrs Dixon, but I offered to examine her on John’s behalf.”

“You had better go up.” Mrs Dixon tipped her head towards the door. “She’s in her bedchamber, even though she’s been resting all day.”

Upstairs in a rocking chair, the younger Mrs Dixon knitted while Blythe rubbed her stockinged feet.

Blythe stood and set Jane’s feet on the stool she had vacated. “Doctor Sharpe.”

“Mrs Simmonds, Mrs Dixon.”

“You did not have to make a call, Doctor Sharpe.” The expectant mother set aside her knitting. “I’m well now. I’ve had some rest and will be back to work tomorrow.”

“John has requested that I examine you and the baby, as a matter of precaution.”

“Mother Dixon thinks I’m being lazy.” Jane pushed herself to rise.

Blythe nudged Jane back into the seat. “Stop placing so much importance on her opinions. You will never please her.”

Gabriel tamped down the urge to declare that Blythe was one to talk. Instead, he said, “Mrs Simmonds, do you mind fetching me some hot water so I can wash my hands?”

Blythe dashed from the room with a hint of pink on her cheeks.

“How do you truly fare, Jane?”

“I don’t recall being this tired with the others.”

“This is your fifth child, and from the look of you, the baby is quite large. It puts a lot of pressure on your spine and organs.”

“I’ve been having the same twinges I got towards the end with the others, but it’s not labour pains yet.”

“Is the baby still moving?”

Jane ran a hand over her stomach. “All the time, and it’s worse at night when I’m trying to sleep. It gave me one in the ribs t’other day. I had to sit down and catch my breath.”

Blythe returned with a pitcher of steaming water and drying cloths and set them on the table next to the washstand.

“Thank you.” He nodded to the carved four-poster bed. “Do you mind helping Jane onto the bed and loosening her clothes?”

Blythe’s mother hollered. “Shall I come up and see that all is well?”

Jane shook her head once settled on the mattress.

Blythe poked her head out the door. “I am with her, Mama, and I am sure you have plenty of other things that need to be done.” Without waiting for a reply, she closed the door and turned the key.

Gabriel rolled up his sleeves, filled the porcelain basin and lathered his hands with soap.

“It’s so nice to have you home, Blythe.” Jane said, “I have someone on my side this time, for John does little to stand up to mother dear.”

“He is still attached to Mama’s apron strings.” The lilt of Blythe’s voice suggested a gentle teasing. “Besides, it seems fitting that I was here for your firstborn, and I will be here for this one.”

Gabriel dried his hands and brushed aside his memories of the birth of Jane’s first child.

Jane said, “I’m sure things will be easier this time now we’ve all had more practice.”

He snorted inwardly at the reminder that Blythe had given birth to two children by another man rather than the children they had once planned to have together. Concentrate on the task ahead. He approached the bed. “May I examine your stomach? It will require you to lift your gown and petticoats.”

Jane nodded.

“Allow me.” Blythe folded Jane’s clothing above her protruding stomach.