Page 87 of Silver Lining
There was no choice.
She drew a deep breath and placed a hand over her thundering heart. And then she threw herself down the staircase.
CHAPTER 19
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Wally and Howard Houser jumped out of Howard's carriage and rushed toward the door as Max and Louise followed Gilly's horse into the yard of the main house.
Livvy met everyone at the front door and ushered them into the parlor where she quickly related how she'd heard Philadelphia 's scream, followed by a horrifying racket. When she reached the foyer, she found Philadelphia sprawled unconscious at the foot of the staircase.
Howard started up out of his chair, but Livvy raised a hand. "She's in bed now, resting. She could have broken her neck, but she didn't. She has a cut on her forehead and a sprained wrist and ankle. She may get a black eye, and she'll certainly be bruised."
"And the baby?" Howard demanded.
"I'm guessing that's why she came to the stairs. To call me because her labor had begun." Livvy clasped her hands in front of her waist. "Frankly, I don't hold much hope for the baby," she informed them, speaking slowly. " Philadelphia 's contractions are weak and she's been bleeding since she fell." She stared hard at Howard and Wally. "If either of you can talk sense to her, I beg you to urge her to allow us to send for Dr. Pope or a midwife. She won't listen to me. Each time I mention outside assistance, she becomes hysterical."
"Where's my daughter?" Howard stood, a bloodless scowl clamping his expression.
"She's upstairs. I'll go with you." Wally and Houser hurried out of the parlor.
Every instinct urged Max to follow, but his mother's gaze pinned him and warned that he would not be welcome. Because he couldn't remain seated, he added wood to the parlor fire and knelt before the flames. Frustration rolled his stomach in knots, and he thought the top of his head would blow off.
He was to blame for whatever happened today. Philadelphia 's pain, the birth or loss of a child. His child. If Philadelphia died, he would never forgive himself. It was hard enough already. But if his lust had put her in a position where she died…
"I left Sunshine with Dave," Gilly said when the silence became oppressive. "I didn't think she should …"
"You made the right choice," Livvy agreed absently, her gaze on the staircase.
Louise studied Max, then turned to Livvy. "What can we do to help?"
"Gilly is no good in a medical situation. We'll put her to work in the kitchen. Gilly, you know where I stacked the diapers and blankets. Get them ready. Also, we'll need a supply of towels. And there'll be wash to do."
"I assume the 'we' you keep mentioning means you and me?" Louise inquired, raising an eyebrow.
"I'm guessing you've attended a birthing or two?"
"Several," Louise admitted. "Most of them sudden. Where there was no one to help but me." She glanced toward the hearth, concerned by the pain in Max's eyes. "But I doubt Philadelphia wants me to help with her delivery."
"If Mr. Houser and Wally can persuade her to allow a doctor, I'll assist him alone. If not, I need you no matter how she feels about it." Livvy dusted her hands together, the matter decided.
Twenty long minutes later Wally and Howard Houser returned to the parlor. Houser walked directly to the window and glared through the panes. "That is the most stubborn woman… She has some damned idiotic idea that no one will learn about the baby if she has it alone. But every person in Fort Houser will know if we send for Dr. Pope."
"Like you said, Ma, she gets hysterical about having a doctor present." Wally pushed both hands over his forehead and through his hair. "But she agreed that if something goes wrong and it looks as if she might die, then we can send for Doc Pope. But we had to promise not to do it until she gives the word."
Livvy blinked hard. " Philadelphia is in no fit state to make this decision. I implore you to send for Doc Pope right now!"
Howard answered without turning from the window. "This day will be hard enough without beginning it on a broken promise. This pregnancy began in betrayal, it isn't going to end that way. When my daughter tells me to fetch Dr. Pope, I will. But not before." When he faced into the room, his gaze hardened on Max. "Why is he here?"
"I sent for him," Livvy said sharply.
"I have a right to be present," Max insisted. But it was Wally he faced. They stared at each other. "After this baby is born, I'll step back and relinquish any claim, as I promised. But today, I need to be here as much as either of you."
"And I need Louise's help. She's assisted at birthings before. Oh. You haven't met Max's wife." Hastily Livvy introduced Louise to Howard Houser.
"Howdy do," Louise said solemnly. In her old life she would have stuck out her hand to shake. But she didn't have to strain to know what to do in this situation. Philadelphia 's father wore his superiority like a shield to ward off people like her.
Howard Houser looked her up and down, and his eyebrows soared as if he were surprised to discover that she was clean and tidy and modestly dressed.
