She will be well!

Alice was an experienced midwife and had seen many things in her career. Even though Lady Crowe was a petite lady Alice could see that she was a strong woman. Under the watchful eyes of Lord Crowe and Lady Crowe's mother she took her time to examine her. Alice was not used to having a husband present but was impressed with Lord Crowe's devotion to his wife.

After she had finished her examination she turned to speak with Henry and Grace...

Lord Crowe... Mrs Heywood... your wife and daughter is sleeping as her body is having to work harder than normal. Mrs Heywood... is there history of twins in your family?

Grace... nodded and laughed...she should have known...

"There is no sign of fever or other illness or in a coma... clearly she needed a good rest... you will need to wake her up every couple of hours and give her some clear soup. I expect once her body has recharged Lady Crowe will be back on her feet. She just needs to be careful from now on."

Henry who had been in shock pulled Charlotte into his arm and kiss her forehead... they were going to be parents of twins... now she had to wake up so he could tell her. Tears spilled in relief and he looked at Grace who was also crying.

"I will go to the kitchen to give instructions for the soup and I will be back to stay until Lady Crowe is awake. I will not be leaving until I am satisfied with her progress." firmly stated Alice... leaving Henry and Grace alone with Charlotte.

"I should have know... when I checked one must have been hiding behind the other..." Grace going over to give her daughter a kiss and then brushed away her tears.

Grace leaving to go and tell those downstairs the good news.

Henry pushed away hair from her face as he glazed at his beautiful wife. The effort a woman went through to have a child made her a warrior in Henry's eyes. His wife had always been the stronger of the two of them and she was proving her strength even more. He bent down and gave her a tender kiss and was surprised when it was returned. He pulled away and saw Charlotte watching him... her eyes were open...

"Oh... my love... I am so happy you have finally decided to wake up... it has been a very long day!" Henry spoke and his voice had become rough as he was feeling very emotional.

"Henry... what do you mean?"

"You have been sleeping all day and everyone was worried... but everything is well now...but I have to tell you something..."

Downstairs Grace had arrived in the morning room and was instantly the focus of everyone who had remained. She blew out a deep breath and smiled. Everyone instantly relaxed as they could see it was going to be positive news.

"Thank you... Esther and Charles for bringing Alice who has been a god send for us... nothing is wrong with Charlotte except she is carrying twins!

"Twins!" everyone getting up and embracing each other in relief and joy.

"But what about the sleeping?" Susan asked still with a concerned tone

"It appears she has been overdoing it and it caught up with her... her body went into hibernation to focus on the babies. She is sleeping normally and we just need to make sure to keep watch on her" Grace shared

A servant appeared and spoke with Grace who smiled more... "Charlotte has woken up... I need to go and see her" Grace leaving everyone to celebrate the good news.

Grace entered the bedroom and smiled at her daughter who smiled back at her. "So I see you are to continue the Heywood tradition of carrying multiple babies!" she laughed and it felt good.

Charlotte was now sitting up with Henry being her backboard and pillow.

"I should have know... but there has been so many things happening that I just assumed I was tired and that the babe was very energetic" honestly shared Charlotte

"No wonder you were struggling to sleep... you have two acrobats performing in your womb" Henry realised.

Alice walking in the room... smiled at her patient "Well, Lady Crowe...have you been given the news. You are going to have to take it easy when you are tired... no wonder you slept the day away"

"Thank you Alice.. I feel safe knowing you will be keeping an eye on the three of us!" Charlotte trying out that and turned to see her husband's broad smile.

"Good... a special soup and tea will be arriving soon and you must have it... you must follow all my instructions... understand?" she firmly spoke and Charlotte nodded.

The good news spreading through the house and everything was going back to normal ... taking turns everyone was allowed to go and visit Charlotte. Lydia and Johanna went together and lay on either side of their sister and gave her a hug sandwich.

"Well... at least you have practise with your twin sisters... just remember when there is two they work together... they will keep you on your toes" laughs Grace.

There was much joy and laughter in the house as Charlotte and Henry were going to have twins!