Page 46 of Beneath the Harvest Moon

She stopped before the kitchen door. “What is there to discuss? I lied to you; I broke my promise to you and your mother. I abandoned you to marry a rich man and concealed the conception of your child. We cannot be friends, and we would be better off not being acquaintances, but until I leave, we will have to tolerate each other.”

His heart skipped a beat. “But you said you planned to stay.”

“That was while I was still under the delusion that I would—” she scoffed “—it does not matter what I believed. I was wrong. And I do not blame you for hating me. It is no less than I deserve.”

He followed her inside. “Do not say that.”

Over her shoulder she said, “Gabriel, I cannot forgive myself, so why should I allow anyone else to? Now please go back to the barn while I check on Jane.”

“Is something wrong?”

Blythe spun. “She says not, but I suspect the baby will arrive before morning.”

“Why did you not send for me or my mother?”

“Jane thinks she should not intrude on people’s celebrations.”

“Let me examine her to be certain.”

“Very well.” Blythe sighed.

He followed her up the creaking staircase and down the hall to the last room on the left. After a quick rap, Jane’s muffled voice granted them entrance.

Blythe opened the door. “Doctor Sharpe insists on examining you.”

From the rocking chair, Jane said, “There is no need. Go back to the festivities. I do not wish to be a nuisance.”

He shrugged off his coat and hung it on the nail on the back of the door. “If you are about to give birth, you should not do so alone.”

“I’ve had four babies. I know what I’m doing.”

“For once, stop playing the martyr and let the doctor examine you.” Blythe’s sharp tone brooked no argument.

“Very well.” Jane sighed when Blythe held out her hand to help her from the rocking chair. Before she was upright, Jane groaned. “Oh, no!”

“What is the matter?” Blythe asked.

“My waters have broken.”

Gabriel looked down. A dark stain spread across Jane’s shift.

Jane lurched forward and hissed.

Blythe said, “We need to get you into the birthing chair.”

Gabriel took Jane’s arm while Blythe retrieved the chair with an opening carved out of the seat. “This may be a quick birth. How long have the pains been coming?”

“Since midday.”

“Midday!” Blythe slammed the birthing chair on top of a sheet on the floor.

“Shall I fetch my mother?” Gabriel asked.

“No need. You and Blythe are more than capable of delivering the baby. Let the others enjoy the supper.”

Jane grimaced when he assisted her into the birthing chair.

Blythe kissed the top of Jane’s head. “I shall be back in a moment.”