Page 32 of Loving a Dowager
His celebratory statement was punctuated by the first of Theo’s screams. “’Tis all Archbroke’s bloody fault!”
Archbroke gulped down the contents of his glass and set it upon the side table. “I’m sure she’ll remember how much I love her… won’t she?”
Walter shrugged. “Perhaps, but I suggest we remain here…”
“I should be with her.” Archbroke marched to the door. “Theo’s absolutely correct. Her agony is all my doing.” He tugged on the door latch, but it did not budge. “Damn it, they’ve locked us in.”
To watch the respected Home Secretary brought to his knees by a woman was eye opening. Having witnessed Archbroke and Theo’s interactions at various social events, theirs was not an obvious love match. Yet as he watched Archbroke pace erratically about the room and deciphered the man’s mutterings, it was clear that Archbroke’s union with Theo was founded on love and trust. He had masked his feeling for Henrietta for years. Could he, like Archbroke, love unconditionally before family and refrain from exhibiting such feelings in the company of the ton?
Chapter Eighteen
Sweat dripped from Theo’s temple. “Why would any woman subject herself to such pain multiple times?”
Henrietta rubbed her niece’s back as they paced back and forth in front of the gargantuan bed in the chamber that traditionally was occupied by only the master of the house but was unconventionally shared by both Theo and her husband. “How long have you been experiencing pain?”
Theo stalled and wiped her brow with the washcloth that had been cool to the touch when Henrietta had given it to her before they began pacing. “Lucy said the birthing pains could begin days before my body is truly ready…”
“Your best friend was pregnant with twins. Lucy’s situation was entirely different, and in fact no two births are the exact same.” Henrietta took the damp cloth Theo was hiding behind and asked again, “When did they begin?”
“Well, it might have been when I was saying goodbye to Lord Weathersbee in front of Mr. Collins’s shop.”
“Good gracious, why did you not inform me earlier?”
“There was no need.” Theo took a tentative step forward but halted to inhale deeply before continuing, “Lucy was rather descriptive of the signs I should watch for.”
The midwife squeezed through the doorway, hauling with her a birthing chair. A line of maids followed; some had arms full of linens and others carried pails of water.
Theo padded over to lean against the bed. “Why the glare, Aunt Henri?”
She pulled back the bed linens. “You should allow your husband to be in here with you if he wishes to be.”
“Was Uncle George present during the births of your boys?”
Henrietta smiled. “Aye. He was present in the creation of those children, and he was there when they joined us upon this earth. You know your uncle never thought much about traditions.”
Rubbing the small of her back, Theo answered, “I am well aware, Aunt Henri, of how untraditional our family can be.”
The midwife approached. “My lady, I need to examine ye to see how far along ye are. Please lie upon the bed for a moment.”
Theo crawled up onto the bed. “I am a tad scared. Would you mind…” Theo paused.
Her niece was extremely proud. It was rare for Theo to admit to fear. Henrietta smiled and said, “I shall fetch your husband.”
“Thank you, Aunt Henri. For everything.”
Henrietta left the room, lifted her skirts, and ran as fast as she could down the stairs to the drawing room. She nodded to the poor footman standing guard. He removed the chair that was barricading the entrance and opened the door for her. Stiffening her spine and raising her chin, she marched in to face Archbroke. He was a wonderful, loving husband to Theo despite his natural overbearing tendency to take charge of every situation.
“Archbroke. It is time you joined Theo.”
“Am I a papa already?”
“Not that I am aware. However, Theo needs…”
Archbroke was already racing out the door.
Wide eyed, Walter turned and said, “I should take my leave now.”
“I’d prefer you stay and pour me a drink.”
