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“It’s just the afterbirth, my lady,” Elspeth said. “Not to worry.”
Haley’s eyebrows shot up. “But Mum, the afterbirth isn’t supposed to—”
“Shhh!” Elspeth said to her daughter.
Haley finished cleaning baby Maureen and handed her to Ally, who was propped up by pillows.
“Hold her to your breast, my lady,” Haley said. “Keep her warm.”
“Yes, of course. Oh, she’s so beautiful—” And still another gut-wrenching scream.
“Goodness, what is the matter? Can you help her?” Sophie shuddered, her heart still galloping. Ally had endured so much pain in her short lifetime. If only Sophie could bear this for her.
“I’m trying,” Elspeth said. “The afterbirth—it doesn’t seem to be coming… Oh!”
“What is it?” Sophie demanded.
“It’s… It’s… Oh, my lady… It’s another baby!”
Another baby? Sophie clasped her hand to her mouth. “Ally, the most amazing thing! It’s twins! You and Evan…you’re having twins!”
Ally’s breath was coming in rapid pants. Haley grabbed baby Maureen from her and wrapped her in warm blankets.
“That’s it, my lady… It’s coming…”
Sophie watched, mesmerized, as another baby appeared, this one with light-brown hair.
“One more big push,” Elspeth said.
Ally let out a deep roar.
Another niece!
“It’s another baby girl!” Sophie said.
Ally fell backward, her eyes rolling to the back of her head.
“Oh my goodness, is she all right?” Sophie asked.
“She’s most likely fine, my lady,” Elspeth said, handing the new baby girl off to Haley for cleaning. “The poor thing’s just exhausted.”
Sophie hurried to Ally’s side and clasped her hand. Ally’s eyes were closed and her breathing rapid. Frigid claws of fear crept along the back of Sophie’s neck. She had a bad feeling, but Elspeth had assisted many births and probably knew what she was talking about.
Sophie lowered her head and kissed her sister’s cheek, whispering, “That was the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen, Ally. Thank you for making me watch so I could tell you all about it. You have two beautiful daughters, and I have two beautiful nieces. Thank you for this phenomenal gift.”
Ally, unconscious, didn’t respond.
“Let’s get these babies to the nursery right away, Haley,” Elspeth said. “Lady Alexandra will not be able to nurse them for a few hours. She needs some rest. Is there a wet nurse available on the premises?”
“I’m not sure, Mum,” Haley said. “One of the stablemen’s wives had a baby a few months back, but I don’t know if she’s still giving milk.”
“Then go
to the kitchen and prepare some bottles with watered-down cow’s milk. It will do until her ladyship is able to feed them.”
Haley handed the new baby girl to Millicent, who was already holding little Maureen. Millicent cuddled the two babies close to her, keeping them warm.
Elspeth was still cleaning up the mess between Ally’s legs. “This afterbirth is messier than any I’ve seen,” she said.
