Page 12 of The Best Marquess

Heart pounding, and with clumsy fingers, Pippa took the note from her maid then flicked away the red sealing wax and unfolded it.

Dearest P

It’s time. I know you’ve read the books, and I need a friendly familiar face in the room. Will you attend me?

L

Shocked excitement bubbled within. She had indeed read—with horrified fascination—several heavy Latin tomes on midwifery, and also Culpeper’s The Complete Herbal. Yes, it would be scandalous to have a virgin spinster in the room, but she doubted a duchess in childbed cared overmuch about propriety. Also, Lilian had few choices in companions. Their mother had long passed, as had Gabriel’s. No one of sound mind would invite Grandmother into a birthing chamber, or Georgiana for that matter, and neither of Lilian’s closest friends were yet married. Indeed, a bluestocking younger sister who could talk for hours about romance novels, Latin phrases, or how most ton men were complete bacon-brains, was her best option.

Poor Lilian.

“I need a sturdy gown,” she said abruptly to Ruby. “Dark colored, brown perhaps. Cambric or calico. If anyone in this household asks once they wake up, you are fairly sure I went to the British Museum to view the curiosities with a friend. Is the messenger still downstairs?”

“No, my lady. I sent him on his way with a sixpence. And, er, an assurance that you would follow shortly.”

Pippa smiled. “You are the best of maids. Now, let’s get me dressed.”

After dashing off a note to Finn to apprise him of the situation, Pippa gulped down some tea and buttered toast with orange marmalade. Then she quickly donned a fresh chemise, stays, woolen stockings, kidskin half-boots, linen petticoat, dark brown calico gown, and fur-lined mittens and pelisse.

A quarter hour later, she practically hurled herself out of the hired hackney and stumbled up the front steps of Exton House to pound on the front door.

Surprisingly for the ungodly hour, Turnbull the butler opened it immediately.

“Ah, Lady Pippa,” he said, ushering her into the warm entrance hall and taking her pelisse and mittens as if it were unremarkable for a visitor to arrive on the doorstep before the sun had properly risen. “Her Grace will be delighted you are here. She has chosen the duchess’s chamber for her lying in and the physician is with her. His Grace is camped in the hallway outside. Mrs. Turnbull has been supervising provisions of hot water and clean linen, but from what I understand, matters are progressing slowly. May I add, we are all so excited. A baby in the household will be such a blessing.”

Pippa nodded. Her stomach churned with anticipation and anxiety; a little knowledge could be a dangerous thing when it came to childbirth. In these modern times it could still go dreadfully wrong, even in the most luxurious chamber with the best physician. However, she couldn’t dwell on that. Not when Lilian needed her to be strong and calm and encouraging. “I shall go upstairs at once. Oh, and Turnbull, it would be better if my presence here wasn’t widely known.”

The butler bowed. “I understand completely. Have you eaten? Would you care for tea and toast?”

“I have eaten, thank you. But if matters are progressing slowly, perhaps send up a tray in a few hours or so.”

“Of course.”

As fast as she dared, Pippa made her way up the stairs and down the thickly carpeted hallway. There were servants everywhere dusting and polishing and carrying items, but not a single one was concentrating on their task, judging from the glances and gestures. They were fond of their duke and duchess and eagerly awaited news.

When she turned left toward the main bedchambers, Pippa spotted her tall, broad-shouldered brother-in-law perched on a cushioned chaise. He was glaring at the closed door barring him from his beloved wife’s side; the portrait of a brooding romantic hero.

“Gabriel,” she said cheerfully, holding out her hands.

The Duke of Exton rose to his feet, grasping her hands and squeezing them affectionately. He might look fearsome with his dark hair, dark eyes, and the prominent facial scar that affected his speech, but in truth he was lovely. Good-hearted, generous, and not the least bit stuffy. His perfectly tailored clothing hid numerous other scars; the reason he didn’t like to be touched anywhere except his hands and arms. “Pippa. Thank God. It’s been hours. Each time I try to get information…that damned pompous physician…tells me nothing to report.”

“Well, there might not be. Birthing takes a long time, especially a first babe. When Lilian’s pains are close together and the water trickles, that is when you know the newest Jordan-Ives is serious about moving from womb to cradle. Also, the only way out is exceedingly small with no internal catapult. So, in conclusion, stop pondering charging at the door. It is oak; you would only dislocate your shoulder if you tried to act as a human battering ram.”

Gabriel’s jaw dropped, then he laughed. “Lili said you’d read books…but that was more information…than anyone has provided. I needed that. I’m reassured she’ll have you…to keep her spirits up.”

Pippa beamed. “On my honor, I swear to manage the physician. Perhaps you should fetch some brandy.”

“Not sure drinking will help.”

“For me, not you. Actually, one bottle won’t be enough for birthing chamber duties, so fetch two.”

“Your servant, ma’am,” he replied, his eyes glinting with amusement.

She curtsied, then turned and tapped on the bedchamber door. “Lilian? It’s Pippa. Can I come in?”

Moments later, the door opened to reveal Dawn, her sister’s maid. Pippa greeted her then swept past, eager to see Lilian. While she had no idea what to expect, it certainly wasn’t the physician and his assistant eating buttered toast and coddled eggs in front of the roaring fire, while the mother-to-be cradled her distended belly and paced the room at such speed her blonde braid swung about and her voluminous nightgown created a breeze.

“Good morning,” Pippa said cautiously, tossing her reticule onto the writing desk. While she very much wanted to provide comfort and reassurance, she needed to know what her sister’s current condition was first.