About five minutes later, Braden and Brielle, Wilkins and I arrived at Edward's; I tethered the horses to a nearby tree and then walked down the entranceway to Edward's house and knocked on the door.
A tired looking Edward answered the door and said, "What may I do for you Will? Is something the matter with Mary?"
"Well, she's at home with a headache and nausea, but the real matter is Wilkins' wife. She's in labour."
"Oh, alright then; let me get my things and I'll be on my way."
"Uncle Edward, I'm hungry." Said Brielle.
"Well come in and Cristabel well get you something to eat. Braden, are you hungry as well? And how about you Will?"
"I'm sure Braden is and though I would like to, I don't believe I can stay; I left Mary at home in bed. Is it alright if they stay here and I'll collect them in a little while?"
"Yes that's fine."
"Thank you." I said, ushering Braden and Brielle into the house and into the dining room, where Cristabel was just setting food on the table.
"Good morning Colonel." She said with a smile.
"Good morning." I replied with a nod.
"What brings you here so early?" She asked.
"James Wilkins' wife is in labour; he didn't know Edward very well so he decided to come to me to ask me to come with him to tell Edward. And Braden and Brielle hadn't even eaten yet."
"Well there's plenty of food you two. Have a seat." She said.
"Thank you Aunt Cristabel!" They replied.
"Colonel…"
"I'm sorry, I must decline. I left Mary at home."
"How is she?" Cristabel asked.
"Very tired. She woke up this morning with a headache and morning sickness."
Cristabel nodded and asked, "How has her pregnancy been?"
"Not easy. Apart from her pregnancy with Braden, this seems like the most difficult one. At least when it comes to her energy. She exhausts very easily, and cannot sleep at night. Not to mention, her diet has become limited; no meat and nothing too spicy; she can't keep them down."
"Poor girl." Said Cristabel with a sigh. "Do send her my regards."
"I shall." I replied. "Thank you for taking care of my children."
I said a quick good-bye to Braden and Brielle, turned on heel, and walked out of the house.
Once at home, I fixed a quick breakfast to eat, as well as some for Mary, and took it upstairs to her. When I entered our bedchamber, I walked over to the side of the four-poster and peeked through the curtains. Mary was still asleep.
"Wake up my love. I've food for you."
Mary stirred but didn't wake. I leaned down and gently brushed a kiss across her soft luscious lips. Her eyes fluttered open and she moaned softly.
"I've food for you." I said, handing her a tray.
"Thank you William…" She replied with a sigh.
"How long did you sleep?"
"Only for about fifteen minutes. And even at that it wasn't restful."
"I apologise for waking you then.."
"It's alright William, you needn't apologise."
After she finished eating, Mary set the tray on the nightstand and then lay back down.
"Thank you for looking after Braden and Brielle."
"Mary are you sure you're alright?" I asked in a concerned tone, lying down next to her.
"I don't know.." She replied, her voice suddenly shaky, as tears began forming in her eyes.
"Mary what is the matter?"
"I'm tired William; exhausted. It has been weeks since I have last slept even somewhat soundly. Even during the times when I was pregnant with Braden and Brielle, I still received more sleep than this! And it doesn't help that my entire body feels achy, and I can barely keep any of my food down…"
I pulled Mary to me, gently caressing the side of her tear-streaked face.
"Hush, Mary; every thing will be all right. Meanwhile, why don't I help you get cleaned up and dressed for the day?"
Mary nodded and I rose from the four-poster and drew a bath for her in the washroom. Then I went back to our bedchamber to fetch her for her bath.
"Thank you William." She said as she undressed and slid into the warm water.
I smiled and kissed her cheek tenderly.
"Feeling any better?" I asked, soaking her long, thick, ebony curls with water just before washing.
"Yes I do.." She replied with a smile. "By the way, where are Braden and Brielle?"
"They are at Edwards; Wilkins' wife went into labour and because he didn't know my brother very well, he asked me to come with him to fetch Edward. Neither the children nor I had eaten, so I was not in the best of moods when Wilkins arrived. Needless to say, I went with him and took Braden and Brielle with me; thankfully, Cristabel had cooked breakfast, so she allowed for Braden and Brielle to eat. I was invited to eat as well, but declined because you were here alone; I told her that I would be b y later to bring them home. She told me to send you her regards."
"Thank you again, William." Mary replied. "And thank you for everything else you do for me."
"You're welcome." I said, dipping my arms into the water and resting my hands at her sides, gently rubbing them so that her body began to relax beneath my touch.
"Am I tense?" Mary asked.
"A little yes; now just close your eyes, don't speak, and don't move; enjoy yourself, and let me do the work."
