We are so thankful for your help
Charles had been completing business when Esther rushed into the study looking flustered.
"What is wrong ? Is James ok? Are your well?" he got up and took his wife in his arms
It was all it took... Esther who normally was so good at controlling her emotions burst into tears. He had to calm her before he could get an answer from her.
"It is Charlotte.. there is something wrong. The doctor has been but he has no idea why she is not waking up... " cried Esther
Charles taking on an alarmed look... thought about Henry and what he was going through.
"Could you give me the message you received?" He had noticed she was holding the letter in her hand.
"Let us go and find Alice our midwife and we can personally take her to Charlotte... this is the best course of action to help our friends".
They gathered little James and traveled to the home of their midwife. Thankfully Alice Campbell was home and after being told of Charlotte's condition willingly came with them instantly. Alice was also happy to see how much little Lord James Babbington had grown and be of assistance for Lord and Lady Crowe.
They arrived in no time and Alice was taken directly to Charlotte ... the look of relief on Grace's face was evident. She embraced both Charles and Esther thanking them for their assistance. It had been been a long day and they were truly worried. Charlotte had stirred only briefly but had remained asleep for the whole time. Alice started asking key questions ... confirming to Grace this woman was an experienced midwife.
Tension in the room decreased as Alice took control of the situation...
"What was the name of the doctor who visited you?" Alice asked
"Hmmm... he is a good doctor but he has no idea about female conditions" she commented
"He suggested tonics!" an angry Grace commented while stroking Charlotte's cheek with her hand. She had barred the doctor from touching Charlotte after he suggested bleeding her.
While the women were speaking Henry just watched Charlotte and turned to see what the midwife thought was wrong?.
Charles looked at his friend seeing fear in his eyes and placed his hand on Henry's shoulder to support him.
Everyone was asked to leave except Henry and Grace!
By this time Victoria and Alex had been brought back home by Alexandra Eastbourne and Lord Castle. Victoria seeing everyone waiting in the morning room and noticed her mother was missing.
"What is happening? she asked anxiously... her face reflecting everyone else's. Stanley hovering close to her which was not missed by the others in the room.
Alison taking her sister aside "Esther and Charles were able to bring a trusted midwife who is currently examining Charlotte. She has only woken once and gained a little colour since you left this morning."
Mary had arranged tea and gently forced everyone to sit down. Everyone gravitating to their favoured individual... Victoria choosing to sit on the same chase as Stanley Castle. Susan wondering what had happened while Victoria had visited the Eastbourne's... decided to sit with the duchess.
"Alexandra... what occurred from the time I sent Victoria to your home and now? She and your son seem to have grown closer?" she questioned her friend
She explained what had occurred and how her son was able to show his care for Victoria... this event had certainly moved things along much quicker. Not that she wished it... she was well aware of the dangers for women carrying children. She prayed that it was not too serious and that Charlotte would recover.
Mary suggested a walk in the park while they waited for news. She also didn't want Grace to walk into a room full of people if the news was not positive. It was proposed Alison, Edward, Victoria, Stanley and all the children go on an excursion. Susan seeing the wisdom in Mary's suggestion told Alison the purpose. Alison understanding helped the children get ready and the group left for the park. Mary taking on the directing of the staff as Susan's mind was occupied.
In the end it was Mary... Esther... Charles...Susan and Alexandra waiting for news!
