I waited in the hall for Edward to return when I heard a voice say, "Father?"
I turned to see Braden standing further down the hall, a confused and concerned look on his face.
"Father why are you not decently dressed? Where is mother?"
Before I could reply, a piercing scream issued from inside the spare room. Braden's eyes widened in terror. He rushed over to me, grabbed my hand and demanded, "What is happening Father! What is happening to Mother!"
"Braden…"
"What is happening to her!"
"She is not well Braden."
"Why is she not well!"
"Braden I cannot tell you!" I replied, beginning to get irate.
"Tell me! Now!" He demanded, pounding my leg with his fists.
I bent down and grabbed my son, holding him fast until he ceased to struggle against me.
"That is unacceptable behaviour, Braden." I said softly but firmly in his ear once he had calmed. "You do not under any circumstances, hit me or raise your voice to me, or anyone else for that matter. Is that understood?"
Braden nodded slowly.
"I understand that you're worried about your mother. I am as well. But there's nothing to be done about it except to wait and see what happens."
"But Mother is hurting! I can hear her!" Braden sobbed.
"Yes Braden, she is hurting. Very much so. But there's nothing I can do about it."
"Why Father?"
"Because Braden, I just can't. You're uncle is in there with her though, so hopefully it won't be long before she's alright."
I picked Braden up and carried him into the sitting room where Brielle sat in Cristabel's lap while Cristabel brushed and braided her nearly waist length hair.
Settling myself wordlessly into a chair with Braden, I waited quietly until Edward came into the room.
"Will, I need to speak with you."
"Very well…"
Edward and I left the sitting room and went down the hall to his study.
"So, how is she?"
"Tired, sore, but she'll be fine. You still have your child. However, because Mary's size seems larger than six and a half months, I wouldn't be surprised if she's carrying twins; because of her small build, it could complicate her labour."
How much?"
"I'm not sure Will. But let's discuss what needs to be done until then."
I nodded.
"Enlighten me."
"Your wife is in extremely fragile condition. The most trivial of activities could send her into labour. It is critical that she stays in bed for the next two and a half months; her meals are to be brought to her in bed and she is not allowed out of bed except to bathe, get dressed, or to relieve herself. Even then, someone needs to be nearby."
I sighed swallowing hard.
"Does she know this then?"
"Yes."
"May I see her?"
"Yes, but first, I have one more thing to tell you."
"Go on.."
"She seems stable now, but I think it would be best f she stayed here overnight, just incase. You're welcome to stay as well."
"The children"
"It's alright, Will. Cristabel doesn't mind watching them. And if you want to spend time alone with Mary, my wife can watch your children at your house. If there's anything you need in town, I can get it for you"
"Thank you. And yes, I need you to pick up Braden's clothes from the tailor."
"As you wish. Now, you may go see Mary."
