"Mistress, I bring you news from the Leclair cottage." Medlock spoke as Lilias sat at her tapestry loom in her sitting room.
"The time has come for Aisling. It has begun. The baby will be born today."
Lilias's face expressed both happiness and nervousness for her ladiesmaid and friend.
"Oh. Has she everything she needs? Have they made her comfortable? You must let Aisling and Mr. Leclair know that if there is anything they need, they need only ask Lord Craven and me."
"It is my understanding that Susan Sowerby, a local village woman, is a midwife. She is there now offering her assistance."
Lilias had prepared a list of provisions needed for Aisling during this time. She was a most devoted employer.
"Well, I must have you send for Dr. Gibson as well. I'd feel much better knowing he was on standby in case anything were to...as a safety precaution, of course."
...
Many hours later, Lilias entered Archie's study.
"Aisling's had her baby, Archie."
He stood from his seat at his desk.
"Is she well? She and the child? What have you heard?" He reacted.
"I am told mother and child are doing famously. It's a girl-Aurelie Vivienne."
"Beautiful."
Lilias was eager to visit once she'd given her a little time to rest.
...
"How wonderful of you to visit us, Mistress." Aisling happily greeted Lilias as Lilias slowly opened the door to the cottage bedroom. Aisling lay in bed with a pretty, round-faced, bald cherub of a baby in her arms. Gregory was seated upon the bed at her side ever the doting husband and now father.
Lilias cooed at the sweetness, smiling at the infant.
"Would you like to hold her?" Aisling asked.
"Oh, may I?" Lilias responded musically.
"But, of course." Aisling smiled. She sat on the opposite side of the bed as Aisling placed the baby gently in her arms.
"Congratulations. She's so pretty." Lilias continued to coo as she gently and lovingly held the child.
"Hello, there," Lilias spoke to the baby musically.
The baby's eyes were alert to Lilias's kind face and voice. It lay its head and face against Lilias's breast.
"She's very comfortable." Aisling couldn't help but giggle sweetly. "Aw She loves you."
"Perfect angel,". Lilias replied.
Aisling became a little emotional and teary-eyed knowing the Mistress and Master so longed for a child and witnessing Lilias's nurturing tenderness towards this baby that was not even hers.
...
Lilias lay snuggled against Archie in bed. She breathed in the clean, woodsy and spiced fragrance of the soap he bathed with that lingered upon his skin.
She loved him so much! 'Please God," she prayed silently. "Give us a child."