First multi-chapter story. Hope it goes alright. Thanks to pemonynen for reading over my chapter before I published.
It has come to my attention that "Where Late the Sweet Birds Sang" by EOlivet has a similar premise. I haven't read it and I am sorry if our ideas overlap.
Mary put on a smile, even thought it hurt her to do so. It was a familiar pain, the same she had felt when she had received Sybil's letter announcing her third pregnancy, the same pain she felt when soon after it became apparent Edith was expecting also. It was almost a constant, dull ache but looking down at the baby girl in her arms it seemed to engulf her.
"She's beautiful, Edith, does she have a name yet?"
Mary, who didn't look up from the little face, missed the look Edith gave her husband. "I can't quite convince him of my name choice." She smiled, "I want to name her Sarah."
"It's the name of my first wife," Edith's quiet husband spoke up, "I told Edith she doesn't have to do that, she is my wife now," turning to Edith, "you are my wife now."
"I know that and I am thankful for that but I don't think she needs to be forgotten either."
Quietly, Mary got up and placed the sleeping baby on the bed next to Edith. "I will let you two discuss this more in private," she teased as she left the room.
When Mary was ushered into his office Matthew could immediately tell something was wrong. As good at concealing her feelings around other people, after nearly four years of marriage Matthew could usually read his wife's emotions.
"What's the matter? Are Edith and the baby alright?" Matthew asked as he moved to pull his wife into an embrace.
She hastily wiped at her teary eyes. "Yes, it's nothing like that. The baby came this morning and everything went well. They have a beautiful little girl." Mary's voice cracked a little and it dawned on Matthew what was making Mary so emotional.
Matthew had told Mary over and over not to worry; they had a beautiful daughter already and plenty of time of time to produce an heir, but now that it was going on three years since they had Maggie he was starting to worry a little bit himself. He wrapped his arms tighter around his wife, understanding why seeing Edith's new baby would make Mary sad.
Standing straight again, Mary brushed at the wet spot on Matthew's shoulder. "I'm sorry; I got your shirt wet. I really shouldn't be so emotional; it's just been a long day."
"It's alright; the time will come for us too." He paused and licked his lips, unsure how to ask the question on his mind. "You don't think you could be now?" He asked hesitantly.
"Oh Matthew, what have I been telling you? Don't get your hopes up."
Matthew turned back to his desk, not surprised, but still a little disappointed in her answer. "I just have a few things to finish up here; if you want to wait we can go home together."
A few minutes later Mary and Matthew found themselves walking together in the early evening light, talking of lighter things.
I have another chapter written and will post it soon, but I'm trying to decide if this story-line is worth pursuing because I know where I want it to go but not 100% sure how to get there.