Page 77 of To Ruin a Rake

“What is all of this?” Harriett asked as she watched the woman pull out great quantities of bed linens, blankets, and what looked like plain cotton shifts.

“They are for her lying in, m’lady.”

“A bit soon for it, wouldn’t you say?”

The woman gave her a sidelong look. “Best to be prepared, m’lady. The young lady has been restless of late, and the babe has already turned. Sure signs of an early arrival.”

Harriett had her doubts, but kept them to herself. “Early” was a possibility, but it was more likely things were progressing right on time. “I’ve attended several births and will be happy to assist you when it is time,” she replied, keeping her voice low.

Mrs. Whipple nodded briskly and returned to her task.

“She has been a good companion,” said Arabella with affection, earning a quick smile from the woman. “As have Katie and Mrs. Jenkins. Even so, I have longed to be back in London with you and Cat and all of our friends. I’ve missed so much! I’ll have a great deal of catching up to do when I return. I shall have to pay everyone a visit.”

“I’m sure you’ll be current in no time at all,” Harriett told her. Privately, she wondered whether her sister would be permitted to set foot in London until a full year had passed, maybe even two.

The day progressed pleasantly enough. Harriett stayed with Arabella, taking the afternoon meal and then tea with her. When sundown approached, she said goodbye for the evening and returned to the manor with Katie, helping her carry the dishes from their evening meal. The walk back was refreshing after having sat so long. She’d hated to leave, but knew she could not spend the night there.

After eating supper, she stayed behind with Mrs. Jenkins for a moment. “I want Arabella moved here tomorrow,” she told her after the others had left. “I’ll need Jeremy and one of the other men to help carry her.”

The older woman’s face tightened with concern. “But m’lady, the master said she’s not to be here, lest someone come to call and learn of her shame.”

“I shall fend off any callers. My sister shouldn’t be so far away. I know the midwife is there, but what if Arabella goes into labor in the night? Mrs. Whipple has no one there with her to send for us, and I would not have my sister left alone while she comes to fetch us. She will be moved first thing in the morning. If Papa learns of it and objects, I promise you it will be on my head.”

“Yes, m’lady,” replied Mrs. Jenkins, her relief clear. “ ‘Tis glad I am to hear you say it, for I’ve not liked her being so far away myself.”

The next morning, Harriett ordered Arabella’s rooms prepared then took her sister breakfast. On arriving, she saw Arabella was outside walking beside the stream that fed the lake beyond.

“What are you doing out of bed?” Harriett scolded. As she approached, she spied her sister’s swollen white feet amid the dewy grass. “And barefoot out here in the chill air like an ignorant peasant, too! Have you no sense at all?”

“I couldn’t bear being inside another moment,” explained Arabella, unrepentant. “Mrs. Whipple snored half the night. I simply couldn’t stand it anymore. She’s made it as hot as a furnace in there. I’m surprised she hasn’t burned the house down.”

“Well, you’ll not have to worry more about any of that,” Harriett told her. “I’m moving you back to the house today. Jeremy will come to fetch you in a chair.”

“I know I’m enormous but my legs will, as you can see, bear my weight,” laughed her sister. “I can save him a trip and walk myself.” She put a hand to the small of her back and stretched. “Walking seems to be the only way to stop the cramping.”

Harriett stilled. “You’ve cramping in your back?”

“Heavens, yes. Just there,” said her sister, rubbing it.

“Has it always hurt there?”

“No, just for the past day or so. Mrs. Whipple says it’s perfectly normal. The only way to relieve it is to walk.”

“You are in labor,” Harriett told her, proud of how calm she sounded.

Her sister’s face went white.

Looking in the direction of the manor, Harriett was relieved to see Jeremy and another man approaching. “Here, quickly!” she shouted, waving. The moment they arrived, she began issuing orders. “Carry Lady Arabella back to the manor and tell Mrs. Jenkins to begin boiling water.”

Mrs. Whipple came out of the cottage looking bleary-eyed and confused. “What is all of this commotion?”

“Mrs. Whipple, I’m afraid we’re going to need you at the manor at once,” Harriett told her as the men formed a chair with their arms and hoisted her sister. “I’m moving Arabella there now. Her labor has begun.”

The woman’s brows shot up. “You’ve moving her? But Lord Dunhaven—”

“Is not here,” Harriett snapped. “Until such time as he arrives, I am the only authority to whom you need answer. You will gather what you require for the birthing and come to the house immediately.”

“Yes, m’lady.” The midwife scurried back inside.

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