A/N: Strong T-rating for medical content
Different Path Chapter 2:
They were stranded two more days until the snow cleared up enough for Neil to think Adelaide could safely travel home given her condition. Unfortunately for them, between Ben Pentland getting through and Ruby Mae's incessant gossiping, the whole Cove knew about it. Neil was getting flack for it and for as much as he insisted that nothing happened, the Cove also saw how he looked at Adelaide. Uncle Bogg pronounced that it was a right fine idea for them to marry anyway, as a way of restoring Miz Addie's good name, but also to take care of the Doc being a widower for so long.
"You'll just come home" Julia said, "I don't see what the issue is"
"I don't want to come home" Adelaide said, "I'm doing something good here and Neil needs me"
"Nobody would know that you spent the night with Doctor MacNeill" William added, "you would still have prospects in Asheville"
"With this?" Adelaide patted her belly. She was now quite swollen with child, the babe being incredibly stubborn about entering the world. "I'm a widow with money. They will just want to marry me for Simon's money, not for me or this little one."
"You'll have to marry when you return to Asheville" Julia said, "after the appropriate mourning period. You can't be a widow forever. You need to marry while you are still young"
At her mother's words, even though she knew them to be true, she felt an enormous burden. "Anything I do now, I've lost my independence" she responded, forlorn.
David cleared his throat, "Even if Adelaide does leave, Doc will get flack for not doing right by her. The people of the Cove take that seriously"
"Do you really think they will stop letting Doctor MacNeill treat them?" William asked, quietly.
"I do" David said, "they have stopped for less. It took years for Doctor MacNeill to earn the trust of these people. Ask Alice when she gets back"
Adelaide felt sick. "I think I need to go lay down" she stood suddenly, but then swayed and pitched forward, hitting her stomach hard against the corner of the kitchen table, before falling to the ground.
She was only out for a few minutes, her opening her eyes to see her sister's concerned face.
"Adelaide" Christy put a washcloth on her forehead. "Maybe we should call Neil. Mother and Father are in the kitchen arguing whether they should or not"
She struggled to sit up. "No, I'm fine" she stood. "Alice will be back in a few hours. Go tell them not to" She winced as her hand went to her stomach. "Ouch" she gasped.
"What is it?" Christy reached for her hand.
"I think it is a contraction"
"Now, they really will insist"
"Tell them no" Adelaide said, her eyes wide. She stood up, another contraction hitting. "Oh, this is not good"
"Mother" Christy called and Julia came rushing in.
"What is it?"
"Adelaide is having contractions" she told her.
"Traitor, sissy" Addie said, "Mother, I'm fine. Alice will be home in a few hours"
"We are calling Doctor MacNeill" she said, with finality. "He can decide whether or not you need medical care at the moment"
Adelaide turned to David, while William used the phone, "David, can you please go find Opal? Tell her I think I might be in labor and Alice is away for a few hours. Tell her we are sending for Neil, but I would be infinitely grateful to her if she comes"
He nodded, "I'll go right away. She'll want to come"
"David, wait" Adelaide said, quickly, "Ask them to keep that information quiet"
"I will"
She turned to Christy. "I don't want Granny to get offended I'm not calling her with Alice away. She had been giving me loads of advice on the birthing"
She nodded. "That makes sense"
"I hope Alice gets home and soon" she sighed, clutching her belly.
She took to her room, walking around- the contractions about 5 minutes apart.
Opal knocked on her door, "I came as soon as I heard. Doc is downstairs- he is on his way up. He told me to give ye a warnin"
"He's sweet"
"I wouldn't characterize the Doc as sweet, but it was right thoughtful of him to prepare ye" she said, amused.
"Oh, he's sweet underneath all that gruffness" Adelaide said, "just don't tell him I said so"
"I reckon I won't" she laughed.
"Thank you so much for coming Opal" she responded. She twisted her ponytail.
"I'm glad to. How close be your pains?" she asked.
"Five minutes apart" she said. "I didn't realize it would hurt this badly. I hit my stomach when I passed out earlier- you don't think that is making it worse, do you?"
"I'm sure not" Opal began to help her walk around the room. "The baby is well cushioned in your womb. Walking is good to keep things goin though" she told her as she put her arm around her waist, guiding her around the room.
"Opal, could you please stay until Miss Alice gets here? I can't take Neil and my mother without you. Neil makes me so nervous at times and my mother...well" she shook her head, wearily, "we tend to not see eye to eye a lot of times. She's my mother and I love her, but this could be a disaster...her helping me to labor"
"Surely, I can stay" Opal smiled, "I can be here through the babe, if ye like. Tom said he would watch out for the young'uns"
"Thank you- you are such a good friend" Adelaide said, gratefully.
There was a knock on the door. "Adelaide" Neil came in the room, "How are ye doin, lass?"
"I'm fine" Adelaide said, "I really don't know why they called you" she grumbled. "I'm just having contractions. Alice will be back soon"
"I wanted to be here anyway, remember?" Neil asked, calmly.
"I do" she said, "I need you to keep my mother away from me. I will say something that will ruin our relationship forever"
"Hum, let's not fret about that right now" Neil looked briefly at Opal and then back at Adelaide, "I heard you fainted"
"Oh for God's sake" Adelaide let out her breath "Who told you that?"
"Your parents" Neil countered, "Did you?"
"Only for a few minutes" she said, "They are being dramatic"
He looked at her sternly and she returned his gaze, evenly, "honestly, I just rose too quickly, Doctor MacNeill"
"Since when has that caused you to faint?" he asked.
"Since this babe has taken its sweet time in coming" she answered, her hand on her hip. "my parents are overprotective and it's completely unlike you to tolerate that"
"I happen to agree with the need, especially when I heard you also hit your stomach" Neil retorted. "If there is ever a reason to call me, it would be then and when it comes to you, I'd rather be cautious than not. Now, stop being annoyed at your parents and arguing with me and tell me how far apart your contractions are"
"About five minutes" she answered. "but I've had a few really close together"
"How close?"
"Maybe two minutes apart"
"How do they feel?" he asked.
"Are you asking if they hurt?" Adelaide squeaked.
Opal fought laughing, "Ye better duck, Doc. She has a look about her" she advised.
Neil rolled his eyes, "Adelaide, I'm not asking if they hurt, I'm asking how badly they hurt" he clarified.
"Oh, they hurt, Neil" she said, "There is this searing pressure with them too, it's quite miserable"
"That's normal, Miz Addie" Opal offered and she nodded.
"Are they lasting longer?" he inquired.
"Unfortunately" she said, forlorn.
"Cheer up, lass" Neil patted her shoulder, "The babe has to come out some time- sounds like today might be it" He put his bag on the bed. "Let's check you over now"
"No" Adelaide shook her head. "We can wait. Alice will be back soon"
"Actually, we don't know when she will return" Neil said, "she can take over when she returns"
She hesitated and he continued,
"Adelaide" he titled his head, "I'm your doctor and you promised me on several occasions that you would be cooperative if the time came for me to doctor you"
"I remember" she said, rubbing her belly. "I also told you that you may expect a little argument when that time did come"
"Naturally, woman" Neil chuckled, "Are ye done with that part of our deal?"
"I suppose" she sighed and Opal chuckled.
"I don't believe anybody talks back to the Doc like ye do" Opal said.
"The Doc tolerates me" Adelaide smiled at him.
"There is no stopping her until she gets it out of her, Opal" Neil replied, easily, "Now, I want to check the position of the baby and how far along you are. I don't want surprises and Alice is away. She'll probably be back in time, but until she is..." he paused, and looked at her evenly, "I don't want you pushin a babe out feet first, do you want to?"
"No, of course I don't" she responded, "And that's fine, but I don't have to like it"
"Good girl and I'm pretty sure you won't, but think of this way, by the time this is all said and done, you won't remember this part one bit" Neil reached out to grip her elbow and lead her to the bed.
"I highly doubt that is true" Adelaide grimaced as she got in bed.
"I told your father to keep your mother occupied for a few minutes" Neil said, quietly as he pulled the sheet over her. "I figured you want privacy for this"
"You know me well" she said, softly. "Thank you. Mother makes me nervous"
"I remember you mentioning that" He turned to Opal. "Christy is bringing towels and water. We are going to need it"
Christy knocked on the door and slipped in. "Towels and water" she said. "How are you doing sissy?"
Adelaide made a face at her sister and Christy laughed.
"How's mother?"
"Busy boiling water and preparing things for the baby" Christy answered, "Father made a whole list of suggestions but she is hankering to get back in here and check on you"
"I'm just about to look her over" Neil said.
"Maybe Christy shouldn't stay either" Adelaide looked at Neil. "She'll never want to have a baby after all of this" She winced as she moved the sheet and quickly turned to sit on the edge of the bed leaning over as the pain built, "Oh dear, this is a terrible one...Opal, please help"
"I'm here" Opal reached for her hand, "Breathe, Adelaide" She breathed with her, "There you go. You can't fight against it so much- the pain is going to be there" She squeezed her hand, "Ye be doin great" she encouraged as Adelaide continued to breathe.
She groaned, "This is not fair. None of this" she cried as the pain intensified.
"Addie, don't panic" Neil moved around to the side of the bed and put his hands on her head as she began to cry. "keep breathing. That's it" his voice was low. "There you go, better?"
She nodded and looked at up him- Opal had discreetly moved out of the way.
"It's not fair" Neil said, squeezing her shoulder, "but you can get through this and we'll meet Simon's child at the end of all of it. Focus on that"
"He didn't even know about the baby" She whimpered.
"Don't ye believe that he does know?" Neil asked, his voice tender as he rubbed her head.
"I suppose I do" she replied. "Thank you"
"You're welcome" He replied, easily. "Now let me examine you in between contractions" his voice took a professional tone as he reached for a few towels and laid them down before reaching back for her. "Let's lay you down. Heartbeat first and then we'll check your cervix" He looked to Christy, "Are ye okay staying, Christy?"
She nodded, "I'm married. I think I can handle it. Adelaide can't protect me from the ways of the world forever"
"You're right. I'm sorry. You should definitely stay" Addie murmured as Neil helped her lay down and move the sheet back. He washed his hands and moved to sit next to her on the bed, she moving over towards the middle to accommodate him.
He arranged the sheet so he could see her belly, but made sure that she was well covered otherwise, mindful of her modesty. He felt her belly.
"Your hands are cold, doctor" Adelaide teased, mildly.
"Are ye trying to distract me, Nurse Addie?" he looked over at her.
"Distract myself, maybe" she retorted.
"Where did you hit your stomach?" he asked and she moved her hand to show him.
"There is a definite red mark" he remarked.
"Is that a problem?"
"Probably not. The babe should be well protected, but let's make sure the wee one's heartbeat is as strong as it usually is" He reached for his stethoscope. He warmed it and then placed it on her belly, moving it around. "There we are" Neil listened for a bit and then unraveled his stethoscope laying it back on the bed, "Nice and strong, Adelaide. That's good"
"Good" She sighed, relieved.
He continued to feel, trying to assess the position. "I think this babe might be on the big side of things"
"What?" Adelaide's eyes grew wide as she tried to sit up.
"No, no, don't panic" Neil rushed to reassure her. "You'll be fine. Women have big babies all the time"
"For the record, I could have gone without knowing that piece of information" Adelaide said, frowning, "It's not twins, is it?" she asked, for the millionth time.
"No" Neil responded, patiently. "My answer still remains firm on that. Don't worry"
He adjusted her nightgown down and covered her belly again. He patted her arm, reassuringly, and rose off the bed. "Let's scoot you down to the end" he suggested, "that will be a bit easier for me to examine you"
"Okay"
He helped her get settled and moved the pillow for her. "Good?"
She nodded. "As good as I can be at the moment all things considering. Are you sure we have to?"
"I would be unprofessional not to. It's going to be over quickly" he told her, "I know this is unpleasant for you"
"Thank you for acknowledging that" she said, "so many doctors that I worked with were completely insensitive to how this felt"
He nodded, "Has your water broken?" He asked. "I forgot to ask"
"No"
He patted her leg and she moved it to the side for him. "When it does, you'll probably get some relief from the pressure you were describing" he told her. "Right, Opal?"
"That's right, Doc" Opal said.
"Opal, can you hold my hand?" Adelaide asked, her voice undeniably nervous.
"Sure, Miz Addie" Opal responded and she moved to sit next to Adelaide and reached for her hand as he moved the sheet up, trying to still give her privacy.
"Can you take a deep breath for me, Adelaide?" he asked, his voice calm and professional. "I can already tell you are not relaxing and I'm not doing anything yet. The more you relax the easier this is for both of us"
"I'm know" she said, "but you do know that nurses and doctors make the worst patients"
"I'm aware of that" Neil chuckled and she took a breath. "I think if I am ever ill, there is only one person I want to be my nurse"
"Miss Alice?" Adelaide asked, grimacing.
"Nah" he shook his head, "there's only one person that can handle my sorry self when I'm cranky and a bear and be so sweet and charming while bossing me around. Stop holding your breath. It tenses you up. Breathe again"
She took another breath.
"That's much better" he said, "Good"
"I know you don't mean me...I'm none of those things"
"You are all of those things...sweet, charming and bossy" he retorted evenly.
She winced, "That's two thirds of a compliment, Neil"
"It was meant to be a whole one" Neil told her, his voice light, "You are about 5 centimeters"
"That's real good, Miz Addie, for ye first babe" Opal told her, Addie clutching her hand.
"Yes, I know, I'm thankful. Neil?" she looked at him, her tone strained.
"I'm trying to determine the station. Give me another minute. You are doing great" he said as he pushed down her stomach, causing Adelaide to wince. "Sorry, I know, just one more minute" he murmured, his brow furrowed.
Adelaide turned to Christy, "still want to have a baby?" she asked, wryly.
"Not sure" she frowned.
"It gets better, sissy" she said, forlorn. "Much, much better..."
"Hush, lass, don't scare her" Neil admonished, lightly.
"Once ye hold your baby, ye forget until the next one" Opal said, "You'll see"
"Head down, but the babe is still high, Addie" he said, finishing up. "All done, lass"
"Good" she sighed, "Are you sure everything looks okay?"
He nodded. "You are doing well, Adelaide. No fretting" he said as he helped her move back. "Are you cold?"
"A little" she said and he pulled the cover from the end of the bed up.
"There you go, lass" he said.
"Thank you, Neil"
"You're welcome" he went over to the basin to wash his hands, in the methodical manner that he usually did. Adelaide watched him.
"Doctor MacNeill?" she asked as he was drying his hands.
"Aye?"
"That was ridiculously miserable" she told him, honestly.
"Adelaide" Christy laughed at her bluntness.
"I'm not saying it was his fault, I'm saying this whole process is just miserable" she looked at her and then back to Neil.
"I'm not offended, Christy" Neil told her. "I knew what she meant and I don't blame her a bit for feeling that way"
"But only Miz Addie would be so bold as to tell the Doc that" Opal laughed.
"My sister doesn't hold back at times" Christy retorted.
"Nah" Neil shook his head, "But I prefer it that way from her. Think of it this way Nurse Adde: now ye can be sympathetic to all the patients you need to assist in childbearing"
"No" Adelaide shook her head, adamantly, "I'm never assisting with childbirth again now that I know how all this feels or if I am, I'm never ever checking before"
"Well, that's not very responsible of you, medically speaking" Neil told her, biting back his laughter.
"I don't care, but really I hate this whole process and I don't care if Alice is in Antarctica..."
"Antarctica?" Neil threw back his head and laughed.
"It's not funny" she glared at him.
"I'm just picturing it, lass" he told her, "Let's get you through this and then you can decide when your head isn't muddled by the pain"
"Oh my head is quite fine, thank you" she said, tossing it. "Oh, not again" she groaned as the pain began to intensify. Neil waited and through the contraction and then went over to reach out and squeeze her hand.
"Doing well, Adelaide" he told her. "I'll be downstairs. Holler if you need me"
"Thank you for coming and waiting here" she said, softly, "Sorry if I was a little argumentative"
"Nah" he responded, his voice amused, "I'm used to your ways, lass"
She grinned, "and that is why I am here and not in Asheville"
"Lucky me"
"Lucky you"
He left and Christy looked at her, suspiciously.
"What, sissy?" Adelaide asked, curiously.
"Adelaide" she inclined her head.
"Come, Miz Christy" Opal said, quickly. "Let's make sure we have what we need for the birthin. We'll be right back"
"She likes him" Christy whispered to Opal in the hallway. "She actually likes him"
"Don't ye be confusin her" Opal said, "She doesn't know that she does and this is not the time or place to get into it with her, while she be about ready to have that young'un"
Christy crossed her arms, "There are a whole host of problems with that"
"They may not have the choice but to marry if Miz Addie wants to stay in the cove. There are a whole bunch of people hoppin to see them wed, especially with Miz Addie stayin with the Doc durin the storm"
"Nothing would have happened" Christy said.
"I know that...and the whole Cove practically knows that..." Opal whispered, "It's the look of the matter and it be what we just saw, but this ain't the time for Miz Addie to concern herself about that. She need to think on her young'un and how to get through this birthin"
"You're right, of course, Opal" Christy murmured. "I won't say anything to either of them"
"Miss Alice" Adelaide groaned as the pain became hard to handle. Alice had returned two hours later and Adelaide had been laboring for another five. She was exhausted and the contractions now were not given her any relief. She was at the end of her tolerance and decided to take matters into her own hands. "Is Neil still here?"
"He is" Alice nodded, "he went out for a while, but returned a few minutes ago"
"Good" Adelaide said, "Could you maybe ask him to come in here for a minute? I have a question for him"
"Adelaide" Julia looked at her, her mouth pursed in disapproval.
"He's a doctor, mother" Adelaide glared at her, "You insisted on calling him. Now you have a problem with him coming in here?"
"No of course not" Julia said, quickly.
"It's a medical question" she clarified.
"Is it not something Miss Alice could help you with?"
"If it was" Adelaide huffed through another contraction, "Do you think I would be asking for him? I have some pride" she cried and took another breath, "and sense of propriety. Honestly, mother"
She let out her breath and breathed in again, "Oh my Lord" She groaned. "Miss Alice, please?" She let out her breath again.
"If you'd like" Alice said, when the contraction subsided. "I'll be back" She left Julia and Opal with Adelaide.
"Help me up, please" Adelaide tugged on Opal's arm and she helped her up.
"What are ye up to, Miz Addie?" She asked, suspiciously.
Adelaide went over to the drawer and pulled out Simon's medical bag, snapping it open and rummaging through it.
"I want morphine" she said.
Julia's eyes grew wide. "Adelaide Huddleston Napier, stop that right now. You aren't a doctor. You can't just decide to give yourself morphine"
"Oh, don't get me started with that one, mother" she glared as she pulled out a vial and syringe. "I know what I'm doing. I just have to ask Neil about how much to give"
Neil knocked on the door as another contraction hit and Adelaide bent over, the syringe in her hand.
"Adelaide, what are ye doing, woman?" he rushed over to her taking it away from her and she collapsed against him, crying out in pain. He put the syringe and the vial on the dresser.
"I got you" his arms went around her, stabilizing her, "lean against me"
"God, this hurts" she moaned, clutching his shirt. "I'm going to die. This has to be what it feels like"
"Shh, don't talk like that. Breathe. You are doing great"
She bit her lip hard from screaming out as the contraction built to unfathomable heights, tasting blood.
"Go ahead and scream" he whispered and she cried out against him. "Okay, I have you"
He continued to murmur comforting words to her until the pain subsided and then he pulled her away. "What were you doing with that?" he demanded, sternly. He picked it up and read the label. "Morphine, Adelaide? What the hell are ye thinking, woman?"
"I need to know the correct dosage" Adelaide's eyes were bright with pain. "I can give it to myself"
"Not without my permission" Neil told her, firmly, "You don't medicate yourself, Adelaide, that's dangerous and foolish"
"I'm a nurse, I know things"
"Aye, I'm aware of that" Neil let out a breath, "but you may not be in the best state of mind to use that knowledge"
"Please, I'm not strong enough for this. I need you to do like they do in Asheville and drug me into a stupor. I don't care the consequences. Look at me" Adelaide's voice turned equally stern with him and Neil's temper abated instantly, replaced by ill-concealed humor. "I'm done with this. I want morphine and you are going to give it to me, Neil MacNeill"
"Am I?" his eyes twinkled.
"Oh, yes, you are"
"Adelaide, honestly" Julia shook her head, wearily. "You are being so inappropriate"
"I don't care" Adelaide told her, "would it be too much to ask for you just to be supportive just this once? I want morphine, darn it."
"Adelaide!" Julia squeaked, "really"
"What?" Adelaide shrugged, "the doctor drugged you when you had me and Christy...so, don't look at me so disapprovingly- you would be tempted to curse too"
"Adelaide, that's enough" Neil told her, before her mother could respond further. "Let's all calm down" he stood up and bent down to pull her up and lead her back to bed. "Alice, how far along is she?"
"Last time I checked she was almost 9 and that was about 10 minutes ago"
"Adelaide" Neil put his hands on her shoulders, "You are almost there. The intensity is a good thing, lass. Let your body do what it was made to do"
She groaned, "But it's been forever...8 hours" she said, looking up at him, pathetically.
"Some woman labor days" Neil told her.
Her eyes widened, "Not helping!" she squeaked.
"At 9 centimeters, it shouldn't be much longer" he quickly reassured her.
"I need Simon to get through this last part" her lip trembled.
"Don't cry" Neil said, adamantly, "that's going to make you getting through the contractions worse"
"Do you think I want to cry?" She asked, her lip quivering more, "I want my husband and if I can't have him, morphine will do"
"Simon wouldn't have been here anyway" Julia tried to soothe, but it was entirely the wrong thing to say to Adelaide.
"If I wanted him, he would have been here. He wouldn't have left me to do this on my own. He wouldn't...Neil, tell her"
"Of course, if you needed him, he would have been here" he responded.
"It would have been highly improper" Julia huffed.
"Mother" Adelaide groaned, "It doesn't matter anyway because he isn't here. He'll never be here again" she began to sob. "I want Simon and since, I can't have him, I want morphine" She told them, swatting at her eyes, her voice turning adamant, "now, Doctor MacNeill. I want morphine now. Just tell me the dosage and I'll inject myself. I know how...or where are Simon's medical books? If you won't tell me, I'll look it up myself" She tried to stand, but Neil's hands were still on her shoulders, keeping her sitting on the bed. "But my head is all muddled and what if I calculate it wrong? I could die"
"Adelaide, honestly" Julia chided.
"Mother, you causing undue stress" Adelaide snapped at her and then another contraction seized her, which intensified her sobbing.
"Alice" Neil met her eyes and she nodded.
"Let's go make sure the water is boiling" Alice gently took Julia's elbow and led her out of the room, while Opal stayed and Neil bent down next to her.
"Adelaide, lass, you need to try to stop crying. It's not going to help you get through these contractions. Take a breath. That's a good girl. Now another. Good. One more" He encouraged her, but she cried out again the contraction peaking and then subsided. When it was over, Adelaide leaned against him. "Pull yourself together, Adelaide"
"I can't" she sobbed against him, wracking sobs.
"Yes you can" he told her, firmly, "stop crying now. You are going to hyperventilate and then we are going to have real problems when another contraction comes and given your lag time, that might be real soon"
She struggled to stop crying.
"Good girl" he praised, "crying is not going to help right now and neither is you insisting on what you know you shouldn't have"
"But they do it in Asheville" she said.
"You wanted to do it this way" Neil reminded her. "to prevent unnecessary complications"
"I changed my mind" she retorted, "Please"
"No, lass, I'm taking the bag downstairs in case you are tempted again" he told her. "You can do this. It's not much longer"
She sighed, composing herself. "It really hurts" she said, "do you know how much it hurts?"
"No, I can only imagine" Neil replied.
"What if you just cut it out already?" she asked. "If not morphine, let's do that, then. I think that is a splendid idea" She tried to stand again, but he held her down, "I can go sterilize your instruments for you. All you will have to do is the cutting. It shouldn't be too much of an imposition for you"
"They are already sterilized- hours ago. And this is a birthin, not a negotiation, woman" He shook his head, his eyes dancing.
"You find me funny" she pouted. "I'm in horrific amounts of pain and you find me funny"
"You would find yourself funny at this moment with the way you are talkin and the look you are giving me" he told her. "No cutting out the babe unless absolutely necessary, no administering morphine yourself" he told her sternly as he shook his finger at her, "ye will be a good lassie"
"Yes, Doctor MacNeill" Adelaide answered, contritely, much to Opal's everlasting amusement at the two of them.
He reached to squeeze her hand, stood and retrieved Simon's medical bag. "Not too much longer, Addie. I know you can do this"
She nodded, "Neil?"
He turned, "Aye?"
"Thank you for being here"
"You're welcome" he said with a smile. He left the room and Adelaide turned to Opal.
"Ye and the Doc are awfully close Miz Addie"
"He's a good friend" she murmured. "Opal, please don't tell anybody"
"The Cove already knows that he looks on ye differently than anybody else" Opal said.
"I'm not so sure about that" Adelaide said, quietly. "I know he must still care for Christy a great deal. He was heartbroken over her choosing David. That doesn't heal overnight...and" she paused, frowning, "I see the way he still looks at her"
"Ye need to get your eyes checked, Miz Addie" Opal told her, not mincing words.
"What does that mean?" she asked, but before Opal could answer, Adelaide was consumed with another contraction and they never revisited the topic, too distracted by the pain of childbirth.
Neil made his way back downstairs to where William was sitting.
"Is Addie alright?" he asked, looking up immediately.
"Your daughter is a handful" Neil shook his head.
William chuckled, "What could she possibly do when she is in the middle of having a baby?"
"Well, to begin with, she tried to give herself morphine" Neil sat down across from him.
William raised an eyebrow, "Does that surprise you?"
Neil frowned, "Now that you mention it, maybe it shouldn't" he looked to him, "you should have seen her"
"Did she try her best to bully you into it?"
"Aye" Neil chuckled at the memory.
"She has more sass than is good for her at times" William chuckled with him, "I can only imagine what Julia said"
"Oh, Mrs. Huddleston was quite indignant, which just fueled Adelaide on" Neil shook his head, "I don't know how you control them, no offense"
William laughed heartedly, "None taken. Did you get the situation under control?"
"Aye" Neil nodded, "Adelaide just need a moment to regroup without her mother's presence"
"Do you think it will be much longer?" William asked.
"No" Neil shook his head, "Shouldn't be"
They fell silent, before William spoke, "I never told you what caused Addie to faint before"
He looked over at him, "What was that?"
"Earlier" William said, quietly, "she was distressed"
"About what?" he asked, curiously.
"All the trouble she is causing for you"
Neil sighed, "She shouldn't take it so at heart"
"I know my daughter" William looked at him, evenly, "she cares about you more than she realizes. She would never want to do anything to hurt you, but she is afraid she is. David told her that he doesn't think it will blow over even if she does leave"
"I don't want her to leave" Neil said, quickly.
"Addie's impulsiveness put you in this situation" William said, quietly, "but you do have a choice. She is going to look to your lead on this...and believe me, she does need to be led as much as she fights it" he looked him squarely, "you do what you feel his right"
"And if that includes marrying Adelaide?"
"All, I want to say to that" William responded, "is that she doesn't need a pity marriage"
"It wouldn't be that" Neil said, quickly, "Far from it in fact"
"Good" William nodded, "But then again, Neil" he rose, "Adelaide doesn't need a marriage in name only which would be what she is destined for in Asheville"
"Do you think?"
"Unfortunately" William said, "and with the baby, it would be hard to marry for love either way. Love can come from a well made match"
"I doubt I would be considered a well made match" Neil said.
"To society maybe" William shrugged, "but in terms of being suited for my daughter, she admires and respects you and you clearly have a strong friendship with her. I believe love could come from that, but again, I'm not going to be the one to force you to marry anyone"
Neil nodded and William left him with much to ponder.
"What's wrong?" Adelaide cried, a while later. She had pushed a few times, but Alice suddenly stopped her, whispered frantically to Julia who rushed out of the room and Adelaide knew something must be terribly wrong.
"Thee needs to stay calm, Adelaide" Alice said, calmly.
"Why did you send Mother to get Neil?" Adelaide pressed, "Just tell me. You have to tell me"
"Take another breath"
"That's not helping" Adelaide said, "I know something is seriously wrong. I have to push"
"No, Adelaide, thee can't"
"But, you don't understand I have to"
"Hello, Adelaide" Neil stepped into the room.
"Neil, she won't tell me what's going on" she whimpered. "Please tell me"
"In a minute. We have to act fast. Alice" he beckoned to her. They talked in hushed tones while Neil quickly washed his hands.
"Neil, I have to push" she cried. "It's too much"
"You have to try not to" he said, his tone soothing. "Let's see what's happening"
"But, this really hurts..."
"Adelaide" his voice was calm, "I need you to try your best to stay calm. I'll talk you through everything just like I promised, remember?" he said as he moved the sheet out of the way, not bothering with her modesty and at this point, Adelaide could care less.
"Yes" she let out her breath. "Okay"
He gently examined her. "I'm trying to figure out what position the baby's face is in"
"What's the problem?" she nearly panicked at his grave expression.
"Cord is wrapped around the neck and the babe's face is turned. We have to get the babe out now"
"What?" she groaned. "No, no, No! You said the baby was in a good position"
"You know there was no way to tell this" he told her, "the head is down, which is good, Adelaide"
"But the cord" Adelaide gasped, "Is it suffocating him? Neil, my God..."
"Stay calm. Let's get the child out" He reached for the forceps that were one the table next to the bed. "I'm going to use the forceps and help you get him out"
"NO!" Adelaide's eyes widened. "Oh, God, don't use those on me! Those should be outlawed"
"Adelaide, calm down" Julia reached for her hand to try to soothe her, but Adelaide tugged it away.
"Neil, you have to do a caesarean" her voice was panicked. "I'd rather have that"
"Don't argue with me, Adelaide, not now" his voice was strained, "the risk of infection is too great. This is the safest for both of you"
"I've seen the damage. Find another way, please. I can't handle this"
"At this point, Adelaide, it's your child's life"
"Are you sure?" she asked, shaking.
"Aye, with the babe face turned and the cord wrapped, we can't wait. I'm concerned the child won't survive the amount of time it will take you to deliver this baby without interventions. You have to trust my judgment, lass" he told her, firmly.
"I'm afraid" she whimpered. "This is all my fears coming to pass"
"I know, which is why I am making the decisions here. I'm going to take care of both of you" he responded.
"You've done this before, right?" she said, hesitating again.
"Yes"
"How many times?"
"Enough, woman" Neil retorted, firmly, "we are wasting valuable time, you arguing with me. Tell me to go ahead- I won't do this without you giving me permission"
She swallowed hard. "Of course"
"Good girl" There was a whirlwind of activity, Neil's stalwart demeanor and quiet reassurance as he talked her through everything, prevented her from drowning her panic, until finally she heard the cry of her baby.
Alice took the baby from him, quickly.
"Neil?" her voice was weak.
"Everything is fine, lass" Neil said.
"I don't feel good" she told him, "it hurts and my head feels all funny"
"I know, you are losing a lot of blood" he said, quietly, "try to stay conscious" he quickly reached into his bag for the syringe and dosed out medication, injecting her leg with it. "Adelaide" his voice was strained.
"I want to hold my baby" she said, but the last thing she remembered was Alice showing her the baby before the world became dark.