Page 74 of Debating with the Duke (Second Sons of London 2)

“This is James,” she told the pair. “Named after his father.”

The midwife clucked her tongue as she looked on. “Ah, a fine boy for you, Mrs. Haggert. Let me see to you.” She glanced at Adalyn. “The afterbirth?”

“It is still coming out,” she said, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face.

“I can see to things now, Your Grace,” the midwife said.

“Very well.” Adalyn stood. “Congratulations again to you, Mrs. Haggert.”

The new mother smiled. “It is thanks to you, Your Grace, that James is alive. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

“I am going to London in the morning and will be gone for a while but I will come to visit you and James upon my return.”

Mrs. Parker walked outside with her and said, “Thank you, Your Grace.”

“Thank you for listening to Sarah. Is she still at your cottage?”

The woman nodded. “She is. With my two. They’re five and seven.”

“I hated to send her alone but I was loath to leave Mrs. Haggert with things happening so quickly.”

“You did the right thing, Your Grace,” Mrs. Parker said. “We won’t forget it. None of us.”

“I am just glad that Mrs. Haggert and little James seem to be doing well.”

Adalyn said goodbye and slowly walked back to Cliffside. She entered the house through the kitchens.

Cook spied her and immediately came to her. “Whatever happened to you, Your Grace? Are you all right?”

She glanced down and saw the blood smeared on the front of her wrinkled gown. “I am fine, Cook, but in need of a hot bath and cup of tea. I helped deliver Mrs. Haggert’s babe.”

Mrs. Arthur was summoned and helped get Adalyn up the stairs. Bridget stripped off the bloody gown as Adalyn briefly told the two servants what had occurred.

“I don’t feel like going to dinner after my bath,” she said. “Mrs. Arthur, would you please have a tray sent to my room and tell my husband I will be eating here instead?”

“Of course, Your Grace,” the housekeeper assured her.

Bridget washed her hair and bathed her gently and dressed Adalyn in her night clothes and dressing gown. The maid combed through the wet hair and left it down in order for it to dry. The tray arrived and Adalyn picked at it, so tired she only ate a few bites. Knowing, though, that Ev would visit her as he did every night, she fought to stay awake as she sat in the chair by the window.

When she awoke, she found herself in bed. Darkness surrounded her. She didn’t remember Ev coming but he must have. Sleepily, she burrowed her face into the pillow and closed her eyes.

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