Page 47 of Forbidden: Claude

“My lord,” said a female servant, running from the keep. “Lady Rose is asking for her father and husband. She is slipping in and out of consciousness. Lady Isobel sent me to ask if you have seen her husband arrive.”

“Claude,” said Evelina. “I am honored by your proposal, but before I give you my answer, we need to talk. It will have to wait because, right now, Lady Rose’s life is at stake.”

“Of course,” he said, getting to his feet. “I apologize, I am not thinking clearly.”

“Why don’t you ride to the docks and see if any ships have arrived with Lord Conlin and Sir Toft?” she suggested, seeing that the events of the past few days weighed heavy on Claude’s mind.

“I need to be with Lady Rose,” he protested.

“I will be there, and so will your mother and Lady Isobel. There is nothing you can do for Lady Rose but find her father and husband. It is her request.”

“Then I will go anon. Squire,” he called out. “Fetch me a horse. We are riding to the docks. When we return, I swear we will have Baron Conlin and Sir Toft with us. This is Lady Rose’s request, and I will not let her down.”

Evelina was glad Claude left for the docks because she couldn’t give him an answer before having a long talk with him. But right now, she needed to be with Rose. If Rose died, there would be a lot of people, especially Claude, who would never be the same again.

She hurried into Rose’s chamber, stopping at the door when she saw her nearly lifeless body on the bed. Rose cried and writhed in pain.

“Lady Rose. I am here.” Evelina hurried forward, but the midwife stopped her.

“You are filthy. Do not come near Lady Rose like that,” warned the woman.

“Nay, I want her here.” Rose lifted her hand and reached into the air. Evelina ran to her and cradled her head in her arms, trying not to get her dirty.

“Evelina - your gown,” said Rose, looking up with tearstained cheeks.

“I bought the gown of a lady, just like you suggested.”

“I don’t think that dirty gown will attract any man, let alone Claude.”

“It wasn’t dirty when I got it.” Evelina forced a smile, hoping it would help ease Rose’s pain. “How are you, Rose?”

“I am dying,” she responded.

“You are not dying,” Celestine told her, coming to the other side of the bed. “I had a vision of you and Toft with your healthy baby. My visions are never wrong.”

“I hope you’re right,” said Rose, screaming out in pain once again. “I can’t do this,” she cried. “I am finished.”

The women all looked at one another, and the midwife shook her head.

“Do not talk that way,” scolded Evelina, trying not to let her fear show in her voice. “Do you want the last thing that Toft remembers of you is that you gave up? He loves you, Rose. Don’t let him down. If you won’t keep trying for yourself or for the baby, then do it for your husband.”

“I will,” said Rose. “I can’t let Toft down. And if I die, my father will blame himself for the rest of his life because he wasn’t here, just like he wasn’t here when my mother died.”

“Don’t do that to him, Rose,” Evelina urged her. “You are stronger than this. Now gather up that strength and all the love you have for Toft and for your father, and help your baby be born.”

“Her daughter,” said Celestine. “I saw in my vision that she is going to have a girl.”

“Evelina, I’m scared,” Rose cried out.

Isobel rushed over and grabbed one of Rose’s hands while Evelina took the other.

“Ye can do this, Rose,” Isobel assured her. “Ye have always been strong and a survivor. Now listen to Evelina, and do no’ let yer faither or yer husband down.”

“I will. I can do this,” said Rose, gathering her composure.

“Try again,” said the midwife. “Take a deep breath and this time push with all your might.”

“Your daughter needs your help to come into this world,” said Evelina. “You have all the strength you need, Rose, because we are all here to help you.”