A few hours past dawn on Saturday morning, Nottingham was entering the private chamber to check on his lady. She was feeling quite unwell earlier and he promised he would return to her soon. She was dressed now in a rust coloured, tartan wool gown, but she lay supine upon the bed with her forearm resting against her forehead. She looked rather pallid of complexion again.
"My lady Rhiannon? Are you alright?" The Sheriff asked with a look of concern upon his face as he swiftly went to her.
"It's just the usual, my love." Rhiannon replied. "At least, I think so." She muttered.
When he neared the bed his eyes widened as he took in the sight of her. He shook his head. There were beads of perspiration on her face and her décolleté. Her hair was damp, and he thought her lips appeared to be quite pale as well. She almost looked like death! He shook his head again and closed his eyes. As far as Nottingham was concerned it was a bleeding miracle that he was even here. It was a miracle that any maiden lived through carrying and delivering a child! He was surprised that it wasn't he who killed his mother – when he was birthed from her! I swear she shall drive me mad until that child of ours if safely delivered from her!
Lady Rhiannon was very perceptive. She looked up at him and rolled her eyes. He appeared white again! Why, he almost looked worse than she did – last she checked in the mirror.
"Don't worry, George. I'm not dying. I am only with child. It's supposed to be as natural to a lady as breathing – I shouldn't be surprised it's not coming naturally to me." She sighed.
The Sheriff narrowed his eyes and shook his head. "What are you saying, my angel?" He asked in confusion. He sat upon the bed beside her.
"I don't know, my love. It's just… I think there's something wrong." Lady Rhiannon said slowly. She hesitated to say it because saying the words to her was like an admission that there really was something wrong.
"My lady?" The Sheriff asked with his eyes widened in fear. And it was then he realized he already loved this child he did not know yet.
"It's just this feeling I have, George. I'm frightened for this child but I do not know why?" Rhiannon exclaimed. She sat up slowly and began breathing at a faster rate than normal.
The Sheriff placed his left arm around her and held her to him. She buried her face into his shoulder and took deep breaths – this time to stay the nausea, which occurred the moment she became upright.
"I'm sending for Lady Margaret today, my love. I would feel better if she examined you, but in the meantime Thomas will see you." The Sheriff announced matter of factly.
"No." Rhiannon said.
"My love, forgive me, but you look terrible!" The Sheriff exclaimed. He turned to face her and placed his hands gently upon her face. "Rhiannon, you cannot go on like this! There must be something he can recommend? If you keep on like this you shall have no strength left in your body to –" He stopped himself then. The Sheriff shook his head. I'm making this worse! Damn it! I'm going to scare her!
"To deliver the child, you mean?" Rhiannon asked.
"Yes." The Sheriff said softly, his eyes downcast. Slowly he lifted his eyes to meet her gaze. "I don't want to lose you, beautiful lady. You know, my own mother died this way." Nottingham sighed.
"You've never told me of your mother?" Lady Rhiannon smiled.
"I never knew her, my angel, though I wish I had. I heard stories of my parents through their friends. My physician was a close friend to my father. It is people like him who keep my parents alive with their tales. Unfortunately however, I have nothing to say." The Sheriff said quietly.
"How old were you when she died?" Rhiannon asked. "When you told me your story a few months ago when we were on our way back here, you kind of skipped over all of that." She added with a knowing smirk.
"Yes, well, there wasn't much to say. I hate talking about that part of my life, truth be told." The Sheriff said with a sigh. He cleared his throat and continued. "My mother died in childbirth when I was a year old. My brother died too. I have absolutely no memory of her whatsoever. Not even as just a presence around me. I'm told she was very loving to my father and I. She was a great lady, and apparently a great mother. Thomas tells me she doted on me." He smiled wistfully.
"I'm sure she did." Rhiannon smiled.
"Sometimes I wish I could talk to her." The Sheriff admitted. This was the first time in his life he ever admitted this fact about him to anyone.
"Why don't you?" Rhiannon asked nonchalantly.
The Sheriff's eyebrow shot north as he looked at her strangely. "Well, I would, but the lady is dead." He remarked dryly.
"I do believe my brother had a point on Thursday night when he was speaking of Eddie. Sometimes I used to visit father's grave and… talk to him." Rhiannon said, her eyes downcast.
"About what?" The Sheriff asked pointedly.
"Anything. Usually matters requiring guidance. Sometimes it would make me feel better." She said.
"I went to my parents' graves once." The Sheriff said.
"Oh? When was that?" Lady Rhiannon asked.
"It was awhile ago. I was ten." The Sheriff smiled impishly.
"I see. Well, it can never hurt." She smiled.
"Right. Well, do not digress, my love – any further than you just did." He said with his eyebrow quirked. "This is not about my mother – or any of the other dead people we know. We were discussing you and our child." The Sheriff said.
"Yes." She murmured as she gazed deeply into his amber hazel eyes.
"If I must keep you locked in here until our child is safely delivered from you, and I'm assured both of you are well – I will if it will mean no harm shall come to you. I'm sure Thomas will agree with me – you should be resting as much as possible." He said firmly.
"I don't feel like doing much of anything else just now." Lady Rhiannon frowned.
"Now I am loathed to tell you what I came here to tell you." The Sheriff sighed.
"What is that?" She asked.
"Gis and I and one of my knights were going to head to Portsmouth tomorrow. We need to make an arrest of someone there. I'm going to talk to Guy about it and tell him we'll leave on Monday instead. I cannot leave you like this." The Sheriff explained.
"My love, I shall be fine. If it's important, you must go." Rhiannon smiled weakly. She reached up and caressed his cheek and let her fingertips trail to his jaw, touching his soft black beard, and then she lightly touched his lips.
Nottingham sighed and took her hand. He kissed her fingertip and then continued. "My dearest heart – there is nothing in the world to me as important as you." The Sheriff smiled softly. And our son…and the other little one coming. He caressed her cheek. Her skin was very damp to touch. He managed to conceal his alarm.
"Oh, George!" She whispered as she held unto him fast.
"Do not worry, my angel. I will see to it that you and our little one coming get the best of care and attention." He smiled as he smoothed her silky, sable tresses.
"You are happy about the baby." She sighed happily as she looked up at him, her cheek still nestled against his shoulder.
"Of course I am, my angel! It is our little baby. It shall be perfect. Look at us! Could he or she ask for better parents?" The Sheriff winked at her. "I shall spoil our child rotten!"
Lady Rhiannon began to giggle. "Don't make me laugh too much, George. That doublet of yours is quite magnificent. I would hate to ruin it." Rhiannon sighed.
"My lady?" He asked, bewildered.
"The nausea is gone for now, but it will return." She said as she rolled her eyes.
The Sheriff shook his head and sighed. He wished he could do something to help her through this.
Just then there was a tapping on the door of the den.
"Wait here, my angel. I shall see what this is about." The Sheriff said. He leaned down and kissed her forehead. She looked up at him and smiled then he went to answer the door.
He was somewhat surprised when he opened it to see Lady Gisborne standing there before him along with Lady Wordsworth. Both were dressed as if they were heading out, each had their capes on over their gowns.
"Good day, brother in law!" Lady Meridwyn smiled gaily. "Don't you look dashing? Too bad we're not here to see you!" She giggled.
"Yes." The Sheriff muttered as his eyebrow shot north.
"Yes, soon to be brother in law!" Isabelle smiled. She looked over his shoulder into the den behind him, standing up on her toes. "Where are you hiding my sister in law? We are here to relieve you of her, milord Sheriff." She said with a curtsy.
"Oh, for God's sake, Isabelle! No need to be so formal with him!" Lady Meridwyn rolled her eyes. "He just looks menacing." She added. She looked up to the Sheriff just then. "Forgive me." She said absently to him before she continued speaking with Isabelle. "Inside all of that leather lies a real pussycat!" She grinned.
The Sheriff quirked his eyebrow again at her. Lady Meridwyn pushed him aside nonchalantly and kept her gaze upon Isabelle as they let themselves into the chamber. The Sheriff shook his head and closed the door.
"Make yourselves at home." He commented dryly.
They continued to ignore him.
"Guy is like that too. Must be some familial trait. They like to act tough and scare everyone in the village half to death, but they're just regular, ordinary men." Meridwyn laughed. "It's all about opportunity. They could have easily ended up peasants if not for what was handed to them as a birthright."
"Hey!" The Sheriff admonished.
"Relax, milord. I'm just teasing. My, my, my. Aren't you jumpy this day? You better get used to all of us women, George. For all you know, Rhiannon might give you a daughter!" Meridwyn laughed.
"I'm quite prepared for that since there's a fifty percent chance of it." The Sheriff sighed, although he was starting to feel a cursed, pounding headache coming on. "And Rhiannon doesn't know that her sister in law knows this, by the way." He added sternly.
Lady Meridwyn sighed and rolled her eyes. "Why you must keep it a secret that you told them is beyond me." She commented.
Lady Isabelle looked up and blushed. "I uh… let it slip, but it was alright because Lady Meridwyn knew of your child coming too." She said innocently.
"Right." The Sheriff sighed.
"You know, if you two talked every once in a awhile, instead of what you're obviously doing instead, you may quarrel less." Lady Meridwyn added, rolling her eyes.
"My lady and I do several things together, and we speak of a great many things!" The Sheriff huffed. "Just heed my words, Lady Meridwyn – Rhiannon does not know I told her brother and Lady Isabelle of our child on the way."
"Very well, milord." Lady Meridwyn nodded.
The doors of the private chamber opened just then and Rhiannon stood there before them.
"There you are!" Lady Meridwyn smiled. She nodded to Isabelle then and the two ladies walked toward her. "We're going into the village, my dear. I thought we could show Isabelle around since she'll be living in Nottingham. Come, let's – " Meridwyn stopped suddenly when she advanced closer and took in the grave appearance of her friend.
"Rhiannon!" Meridwyn gasped.
Isabelle went to the other side of her and put her arm around her sister in law. "Oh, my! Rhiannon, you're as pale as a ghost, my dear!" Isabelle cried.
"I'm alright, my dear sisters. Do not worry." Rhiannon smiled up at them. "I do not feel up to it this day, however. Do you mind showing Isabelle around without me, Meridwyn?" She asked of her friend.
"Of course not, dearest!" Meridwyn smiled as she leaned in and kissed Rhiannon's forehead.
"Maybe we shouldn't, Meridwyn." Isabelle said with a frown. "Perhaps we could assist in some way?" She mused as she looked to the Sheriff.
"I'm sending for my physician, and the midwife, Lady Margaret." The Sheriff said.
"Might I have some brandy, my lord? Perhaps it shall make me feel better?" Rhiannon asked.
"Of course, my angel. Anything you desire." The Sheriff smiled. He looked to his guests. "Might I offer you lovely ladies some too?" He asked them.
"No, milord. I prefer to stay away from spirits until this child of mine is born." Meridwyn said.
Isabelle shook her head. "It's too early for me, milord Sheriff." She smiled.
The Sheriff nodded and went to the table where the decanter of the tincture of rapture was. He began to pour a measure into a shiny golden goblet for his lady.
"Forgive me, ladies. Perhaps I shall feel better later and we can visit then? Perhaps over a cup of tea?" Lady Rhiannon said.
"Do not think of it, Rhiannon. We shall have plenty of time to visit." Lady Isabelle smiled as she pushed a golden tendril from her bonny blue eyes.
The Sheriff went to his lady and gave her the goblet. She took it from him and began to sip the brandy. It warmed her for a moment – and then she felt it. Her eyes widened and she held her breath. She reached behind her and put her hand on the mantle of the fireplace to steady her.
"My lady?" The Sheriff said as he narrowed his eyes upon her curiously.
Ladies Isabelle and Meridwyn regarded her with looks of alarm on both of their faces.
"I'm fine, it's just – " Rhiannon stopped when the sudden, sharp pain occurred again deep in her belly. "Oh!" She cried out as she grabbed onto her abdomen and held it and gasped. The goblet of brandy fell from her hand and landed on the floor.
"Rhiannon! What is it?" The Sheriff asked as he went to her and put his hands upon her shoulders.
Rhiannon looked downcast. "I do not know." Rhiannon said shaking her head, tears streaming down her face. And then the pain happened again. It was sudden, white hot, and sharp. It took her breath away. She bent over holding her abdomen and gasped. She looked up at the Sheriff, her eyes widened in horror. "The baby! George! It's too soon! No!" She shrieked, suddenly oblivious to her sister in law standing there who did not yet know she was with child… or so she thought.
"My angel, do not worry." The Sheriff soothed as he held her to him. He looked to Meridwyn. "Go outside of the door and tell the sentry to summon my physician, then go and get me Gisborne!" He ordered.
"Very well, milord." Meridwyn nodded and she went to the door to carry out the task.
The Sheriff looked to Lady Isabelle. He pointed to the heavy oak door on the far side of the den. "Lady Isabelle, go through that door and down the winding steps. You will find an old crone down there. Her name is Mortianna. You are to tell her that her master requests her presence in my bedchamber at once!" The Sheriff stated firmly.
Lady Isabelle nodded. "Of course, milord." She said and went on her way.
"George! I'm frightened!" Rhiannon gasped and then she held her breath again as another sharp pain occurred.
"Breathe, Rhiannon." The Sheriff said.
He lifted her into his arms and swiftly carried her through the double doors into his bedchamber. She leaned her head into his shoulder and stifled her tears in between pains. He laid her gently upon the bed. Rhiannon went immediately to her side and curled into a fetal position, her knees drawn up to her guarding her. She stared vacantly toward the door, focusing on her breathing and trying to hold onto her baby.
The Sheriff sat on the bed beside her and leaned down to her, stroking her hair, a great look of concern spreading across his face.
"George?" Rhiannon looked up at him, tears streaming down her face.
"What is it, my angel?" He asked softly.
"Forgive me!" She gasped as she drew her knees up further when another sharp pain took her breath away.
"Shh. Don't speak, my love. It will be alright." He soothed, though he had no idea if it would be alright or not. He was fearful as well, but determined not to let her know it.
"No. There's something wrong! I mustn't lose this baby! George!" She cried. She leaned up on her elbow and grabbed his doublet with her free hand and pulled him to her, and began to weep upon his chest.
"Oh, my lady, do not cry." The Sheriff whispered softly as he held her close to him.
"Oh, George. I love you, and I love our child! This cannot be happening!" Rhiannon exclaimed in fear.
"I know, beautiful. Do not think on this a moment longer. You must stay focused, my angel." The Sheriff encouraged her. He pulled away from her and held her face in his hands.
She closed her eyes and grimaced when another sharp pain took a hold of her and stole her breath.
"Breathe, my Lady Nottingham. Come on, breathe!" He ordered her.
She opened her eyes and looked deeply into his eyes, and she held her breath no more.
"Stay with me, lady. Stay focused." The Sheriff commanded her.
"Oh, my love, do not leave me!" Lady Rhiannon implored him.
"Never!" He said firmly.
Just then Lady Isabelle returned to the chamber with Mortianna.
"My lord, what is the matter with the lady?" Mortianna asked as she glided into the chamber, her black and silver robes rustling along the marble floor.
"Ahh!" Lady Rhiannon cried out as she grabbed onto the Sheriff's knee and practically separated his kneecap when she felt a stabbing pain.
The Sheriff grimaced and held his breath just then. "My lady…" He breathed. "That was my knee!" He gasped. No wonder men don't stick around when their ladies give birth. There's too much risk of injury!
Mortianna quirked her eyebrow curiously. The Sheriff looked up at her. "My lady is with child, Mortianna, but there is something wrong." The Sheriff announced.
Mortianna nodded and gestured for him to move from the bed. He arose and went to stand beside Lady Isabelle. Mortianna went to the bedside and leaned down to Lady Rhiannon.
"My child, when did this pain commence?" Mortianna asked the Sheriff's lady.
"Just a few moments ago. Just before you were summoned." She answered weakly.
"Is there bleeding present?" The witch asked matter of factly, not caring that the Sheriff was standing in their presence.
"No. There is no blood." Rhiannon stated breathlessly as she squeezed her eyes tightly shut and gasped again.
"That is good, my child. A very good sign indeed. Now, do not fret." Mortianna said calmly.
"How can I not fret? Just because I'm not bleeding now doesn't mean I won't? Pain like this cannot be normal, Mortianna!" Lady Rhiannon exclaimed.
"Women have been doing it for centuries, my child. You shall not be the first." The witch stated.
"Not now! It cannot be now! The child is not due until the spring!" Rhiannon cried. "George!" She cried as she looked to her betrothed.
"My lady..." The Sheriff murmured. He knew not what to say. He stood frozen a moment, then started to move toward her. Lady Isabelle put a hand on his arm to stay him and nodded. He smiled weakly at her and his eyes moved downcast.
"Not every lady can have an easy time of it, my dear. It doesn't mean you shall lose this child today. Not if you follow instructions." Mortianna said vaguely.
Rhiannon was puzzled but unable to respond when another pain took her breath away.
The Sheriff looked over at Lady Isabelle, a grave look of concern upon his face. Isabelle smiled reassuringly at him, then she moved forward to speak with the witch.
"What can I do to help her, Mortianna?" Isabelle asked.
"Go down to my apothecary. There's a small cauldron brewing on the fire. You shall find a ladle and a stoneware cup near to it. Ladle some of the liquid I have brewing in the cauldron into the cup and bring it here." Mortianna said.
"Very well." Isabelle replied and went on her way.
There were footsteps coming from the den. The Sheriff turned to the door. Lady Meridwyn had returned with her husband, Sir Guy of Gisborne.
"George? What's going on?" Gisborne asked as he stood in the doorway with his arms folded, looking curiously upon the Sheriff's lady being tended to by Mortianna.
The Sheriff went toward him and Lady Meridwyn walked to the bedside to assist Mortianna. The Sheriff led Gisborne out into the den so they could speak privately.
"We're not leaving tomorrow after all." The Sheriff suddenly announced. "Perhaps Monday, but now I cannot be certain. I cannot leave Rhiannon now." He said gravely.
"What's wrong with her, cousin?" Guy asked.
"I do not know. She thinks there's something wrong with the baby. I'm inclined to believe her. She looks like death and she's having intermittent pain now. It's coming a little too often for my liking." The Sheriff said, shaking his head. Then his jaw flew agape and his eyes widened. "Dear Zeus, Gis! She's behaving almost as if she were in labour! I'm guessing that's how they act when they're about to deliver a child? She nearly ripped my knee apart with her bare hand!" He exclaimed, incredulous.
"Oh, my!" Gisborne shuddered. "Where is Thomas?" He asked pointedly.
"You know him – he's always slow to arrive." The Sheriff huffed. "And that is the reason I summoned for you. I need you to go to your manor and summon Lady Margaret for me." The Sheriff said.
"But – who shall take care of your son?" Guy asked.
The Sheriff thought about it a moment as he looked downcast. Luke? No. The child needs a woman's touch. But whom? And then it came to him.
"Take Lady Isabelle with you. She cared for my son for three months and it seems my son did alright by his aunt and uncle. Yes. Take her with you. It will be good for my son and probably good for her as well." The Sheriff suggested.
"Alright. Shall I send word to Robert?" Guy asked.
"Yes. Send the page to the armoury to tell him." The Sheriff said. "I'm sure he won't mind. He cares for Rhiannon, and his nephew it turns out."
"Very well. It shall be done." Gisborne nodded. "Tell my lovely wife I shall return soon." He added.
The Sheriff nodded. Just then Lady Isabelle came from the door that led into Mortianna's lair. The Sheriff went to her and took the cup of batwing tea from her. She eyed him curiously as he did so.
"I have a task for you, milady Isabelle." The Sheriff said to her.
"What is that, milord? Do you wish me to summon Robert?" She asked.
"My page is going to speak with him. I am requesting you accompany my cousin to his manor. As you know, that's where my son is staying until I… tell my lady about him." The Sheriff sighed. He cleared his throat. "My son is in the care of a midwife. She's the only one I trust with the responsibility, but I need her here to see to my lovely bride to be. I'm asking you to care for my son in her absence. Would you be so kind, milady?" The Sheriff implored her.
"Yes, milord Sheriff. I shall be pleased to care for him in the interim." Isabelle smiled.
"I am grateful." The Sheriff nodded.
"Come, milady Isabelle." Gisborne said in his raw, gravelly voice as he offered Lady Isabelle his arm. "We must make haste so I can bring the midwife here quickly." He said.
She took his arm willingly and they went on their way.
Three hours later the Sheriff was speaking with Thomas Crumwell in the den. The tall, silver haired physician had just spent the last hour with Lady Rhiannon, examining her and beginning her treatment. Lady Meridwyn and Mortianna were still tending to Lady Rhiannon in the bedchamber.
"I need you to be frank with me, milord. Is this Lady Rhiannon's first child?" Thomas asked as he squinted his blue eyes.
The Sheriff sighed and looked downcast. His jaw was clenched.
"George?" Thomas said sharply. He rarely used the Sheriff's given name but he decided this was one of those moments that deemed it necessary.
"No. We have a son who is five months old." The Sheriff said quietly.
Thomas eyed him curiously.
"There is a long drawn out tale to go with it, Thomas, and I cannot explain why she knows not of her own child, but she doesn't. I shall deal with it! Now, why is this very personal information necessary for you to know?" The Sheriff demanded with his eyebrow raised suspiciously.
"Because whatever happened then could affect what happens now." Thomas answered without hesitation.
"I don't understand?" The Sheriff asked, shaking his head.
"Did she have any difficulties with her labour?" Thomas asked.
The Sheriff exhaled an audible sigh. He hated having to explain this to anyone. "My lady was held captive by the killer who murdered twenty nine maidens in all, in this and two other counties. She was the only one spared – because of my son. Thus, she was alone when she delivered my son. No one was witness to it, though I can tell you she had a time afterward." The Sheriff said. He only went to the bother of explaining this in hopes this information would serve his lady and his child well.
"What happened afterward?" Thomas pressed.
"I found her in the place she was held captive in hours later. She was bleeding profusely – I knew not why then, and it continued for days." The Sheriff explained. He shuddered as he recalled the horrible sight of his lovely lady, as white as the driven snow, her lips were lavender in colour, laying on that ghastly blood soaked bed – near death!
"Were you told the cause of it?" Thomas asked.
"Lady Margaret offered an explanation for it – something to do with the afterbirth, whatever that is. I don't remember exactly what she said now." The Sheriff said. He shuddered. "I'd rather not remember it, to be quite frank." He added as his eyebrow shot north.
"Good. Then I shall speak with her when she arrives." Thomas nodded.
"What shall we do for my lady in the meantime?" The Sheriff asked.
"Her labour has stopped." Thomas said reassuringly.
"What! Labour?" The Sheriff exclaimed, his jaw flew agape and he felt the colour leave him.
Just then Guy of Gisborne opened the door and entered the room with Lady Margaret.
"My lord Sheriff, Sir Gisborne tells me the lady is in trouble." Lady Margaret said as she came toward them.
"Yes, Lady Margaret. My Rhiannon is two months into carrying our second child – a rather unexpected turn of events." The Sheriff sighed. "She appeared in danger of losing… our –" He stopped and looked downcast. He couldn't say the words.
"I stopped her labour." Thomas said to the midwife.
"How?" Lady Margaret asked, her eyebrow quirked curiously.
"She is having a goblet of wine administered every three to four hours until such time as I'm satisfied to discontinue the treatment. I have found that spirits can do much to slow the process when it's too soon for a child's delivery. Wine seems to work best for most of my charges." The physician explained.
"Interesting." Lady Margaret mused.
Gisborne stood staring into the fire, trying desperately to ignore them. He felt sick just then.
"She was… in labour." The Sheriff whispered. He looked up at Thomas in awe. "Yet, you stopped it?" He asked, incredulous.
"I have tricks up my sleeve to induce labour too, milord." Thomas smiled.
The Sheriff's eyebrow shot north as he regarded the medicus curiously.
"Bah! Pepper! I know all about it! I always ask my charges to sniff of it every few hours, a week or two past due. Don't want those infants left too long, Master Crumwell. 'Tis a danger to both mother and child if the wee ones be left in too long!" Lady Margaret stated firmly, folding her arms.
"Oh, you're absolutely right, milady Margaret!" Thomas agreed, nodding affirmatively.
The Sheriff realized then that every time he was witness to their banter – he always felt nausea come over him. He suddenly took note of his cousin who was leaning against the wall with his arms folded. His eyes were closed and he looked ashen.
"Gis?" The Sheriff asked, as his eyebrow shot north.
Guy opened his eyes and looked to the physician and the midwife. "Alright, well, that was a little too much information." Gisborne sighed.
"Don't think you'll be getting out of it when your child comes if I have anything to say about it!" Lady Margaret admonished.
"My job shall be to leave for the tavern until I am summoned." Guy stated.
The Sheriff smiled weakly. If he weren't so worried for his lady he would have laughed at that.
"If I am in attendance to Lady Meridwyn, you shall stay nearby in case you're needed!" Lady Margaret said. "Don't worry, you won't be in the chamber. God help me – you'd get on my nerves!" She rolled her eyes.
"Lady Margaret, his lordship tells me you examined the lady after the delivery of her first child." Thomas began.
"That is correct. She was unconscious for days and days, and there was quite an unusual amount of bleeding. She developed fever and I bled her, which was successful. I believed that her afterbirth came away too soon. I'm sure that is what caused the great amount of bleeding." Lady Margaret explained.
Guy dropped his head down and put his hand to his forehead and closed his eyes. He wished his beautiful wife was not with child at the moment. He was going to worry too much of the dangers for her now.
"If you're right in your diagnosis then that would support why she went into labour today." Thomas said as he rubbed his chin thoughtfully. He looked to the Sheriff. "Had she been doing anything strenuous?" He asked.
The Sheriff froze a moment when he thought of ravishing her the night before. He swallowed. Dear Zeus! Did I do this?
"No." The Sheriff said, unblinking. "She woke up feeling very weak, and she was standing in this room speaking with me, Lady Isabelle, and my cousin's wife when she suddenly became ill." The Sheriff said.
"Hmm. Well that's even more concerning. She was doing nothing? She must stay in bed a few days until we're certain she won't have another episode." Thomas said firmly, folding his arms.
"I best stay with her. She'll never agree to that!" The Sheriff huffed.
"Oh, she will, milord. Do not fear. She told me her greatest concern at the moment is losing this child. She will follow any advice I give to her, I believe." The physician smiled.
The Sheriff sighed. "I must go to her. What are they doing to her?" He asked as he looked back toward the doorway leading into his bedchamber. Once again he ordered the doors be left open whenever possible.
"Mortianna is offering the wine and I believe your sister in law is sponging her brow." Thomas said.
"They're going to drive her mad! She loathes being fussed over!" The Sheriff stated emphatically.
"It is for her own good, milord." Thomas explained.
"What do you need from me?" Lady Margaret asked.
"Can you stay nearby in case I need you?" The Sheriff asked. "I know it would make Rhiannon feel better. She keeps asking for you." He said.
"I will, milord Sheriff, but what of your son?" Lady Margaret asked.
"I shall ask Lady Isabelle to do it. I can grant Robert leave from the armoury for a day or two if she'd feel more comfortable having him there with her. I don't see any other way around this." The Sheriff explained. "You and Lady Isabelle are the only ladies I know of who know of my child's existence, except for the witch - who doesn't count because she must stay here." He added as his eyebrow shot north knowingly.
Lady Margaret quirked her eyebrow, curiously.
"My future sister in law has already proven herself capable of caring for my child." The Sheriff stated.
"Alright, I will stay. Can you assign my James to guard my chamber some of the time? Perhaps that way I might see him?" The midwife asked with a knowing look on her face.
"Alright, point taken!" The Sheriff huffed. He shook his head and sighed. "Bear with me, madam. This will not continue for much longer."
"Let us hope." Lady Margaret sighed. "Your son has started teething now, milord Sheriff. A few weeks ago he rolled over by himself, and that was when he started to be able to lift his head. Your lady is missing out on all of his milestones. So are you, it would seem!"
"My son – he can lift his head now?" The Sheriff asked as a smile spread across his face.
"He's growing teeth too apparently, cousin! How marvelous!" Gisborne chuckled.
"You're right, milady Margaret. I shall tell my lady, but now is not the time. Just go and look at her! My God, she looks like death warmed over!" Nottingham exclaimed. "I am pleased you are sharing my son's important firsts with me, but I need you to cease meddling!" The Sheriff huffed.
"As you wish, milord." Lady Margaret nodded. She went toward the private chamber carrying her bag of implements with her.
"I agree that waiting a time is best, milord. If you tell her of your son now, the worry of it may cause her to go into labour again." Thomas explained.
"She must know sometime. Do not tell me to wait until spring!" The Sheriff snapped. "My son needs his mother!"
"You're right, milord, but I would advise waiting a few more days to tell her." Thomas said firmly.
"If you think it is best." The Sheriff sighed. "I wasn't thinking of it just now anyway." He nodded to the physician and his Lieutenant and proceeded into the bedchamber.
He dismissed Lady Meridwyn and Mortianna from the room. Lady Margaret was there at the bedside.
"So that's it then? I should just rest?" Lady Rhiannon asked the midwife. She was resting now in her white gauzy shift, nestled in the Sheriff's silk linens, reclined against several overstuffed, down pillows.
The Sheriff caught his breath. She was still as white as the driven snow, yet she looked a vision to him.
"Indeed milady. Just for a few days. The physician will decide when you can gradually increase your activities." Lady Margaret said.
The Sheriff went over to the far side of the bed to give the midwife her space, and sat beside his lady upon the bed. Lady Rhiannon looked to her left and smiled at him. She grasped his hand and squeezed it tightly. She looked back to the midwife.
"So, you cannot be in charge of my care?" Lady Rhiannon asked.
"As long as you get through this period without complications, I can attend the birth in the spring. Until that time, I shall work with him as a team." Lady Margaret explained. "Ye have already proven there is risk to you and your child. The matter dictates we both manage you at the moment."
"I see." Lady Rhiannon said.
"How long ago was your last pain?" Lady Margaret asked.
"At least an hour now, maybe more." Lady Rhiannon replied.
"That is good, milady. I shall leave you with your betrothed but I won't be gone long. And if you should feel another pain or experience bleeding - god forbid, you are to summon for me or Master Crumwell at once!" Lady Margaret said firmly. She nodded to the Sheriff and turned to take her leave.
Lady Rhiannon looked up to her lover after the midwife left.
"I'm sorry I frightened you, my prince." Lady Rhiannon said.
"My love, you did not cause this!" The Sheriff said. No. I think I caused this! Curses! I should have known our child might come to harm!
"I will do everything to hold onto this child, my lord." Rhiannon said. "I will do everything they tell me, I promise you." She vowed.
"I know, beautiful." The Sheriff smiled then kissed her softly. "My angel, if something should happen it will not be your fault. I will not blame you for it. Do not start holding yourself responsible. Right now you and our baby are safe." The Sheriff soothed.
"Oh, George, I kept thinking in the beginning I did not want this child. Maybe I did cause this to happen? I shall not forgive myself if I lose our child!" She exclaimed as she ran her hand over her belly, absently protecting her infant.
The Sheriff placed his left hand over her hand there and smiled warmly at her. "Rhiannon, do not think of it, my love. The child is safe just now." He said soothingly, though he was trying to reassure himself as well.
"Oh, my love, why is everything so difficult for us?" Rhiannon asked as she leaned into him and held onto him tightly.
"I do not know, my love." The Sheriff sighed. "But we will get through it together – whatever comes." He said as he stroked her hair.
"Stay with me, George." Rhiannon whispered.
"Always, my Rhiannon." He breathed.
"George?" She said as she looked into his eyes.
"What is it, my angel?" The Sheriff asked.
"It seems my sister in law knows of our child. I was in too much distress to care she was present. I wanted to tell Robert myself, but now I am not up to it. Could you speak with my brother, my lord? Or perhaps ask Isabelle to? Tell him it was my wish to tell him myself, and explain what is happening. I think my brother has a right to know if something should...happen to me." Lady Rhiannon whispered as she stared over his shoulder vacantly.
"Of course, Rhiannon. I will speak to him later, but I will not leave you now." The Sheriff said. "And nothing shall happen to you, my love. Do not talk like that, Rhiannon! You're a survivor. You've cheated death thrice already in the short time we've been together! You are my lady, my Lady Nottingham. You are wilful. You are resilient! I shall always protect you, and have only the best assigned to care for you." The Sheriff smiled.
"My love, I keep thinking this could have happened when I was alone at my manor! Only a few days ago we were barely speaking! Oh, George – I don't know what I'd do without you now!" Rhiannon exclaimed.
"Oh, my angel, do not give me something more to mull over." The Sheriff sighed. "That's a frightening thought, Rhiannon. There's no use in us thinking on that. We are together now, we always will be. You are never alone, my beautiful lady." The Sheriff whispered.
"You have given me so much, my sweet prince. And now I realize how much I want your child. We can have a family, George. It shall be foreign to us, but we can have it – if I do not fail you!" Rhiannon cried.
"My lady, you have never failed me – ever! I doubt you ever could." The Sheriff said softly as he leaned down and kissed her cheek. "Hush, my angel. You're beginning to speak nonsense. Close your eyes and lean against me. I will not leave you." Nottingham promised her.
"I'm the luckiest lady in all of England." Rhiannon sighed happily as she held his face in her hands and gazed into his amber hazel eyes.
"My love, I am truly blessed to have you." The Sheriff said. "Now, listen to me, my soon to be wife! It is time for you to be quiet and rest." The Sheriff smirked.
"Very well, but only because you're dangerously attractive when you scorn me for any reason." Lady Rhiannon smiled knowingly, as she threaded her fingers through his silky, tousled, raven locks.
The Sheriff tugged at his collar and sighed. He was suddenly feeling rather warm.
Lady Rhiannon leaned into the Sheriff and laid her head against his black leather doublet. She took in his perfect, intoxicating, masculine scent of musk and leather and sighed happily. Even though she was frightened for her child, she felt comforted that the Sheriff was there holding her. She could get through anything if he were there to see her through it. She was certain of it.