Page 135 of Merely a Marriage
“They have no connection to me,” Ariana protested.
“Do they not?”
She smiled at him. “Perhaps they do. Perhaps they do.”
They celebrated Christmas 1818 at Delacorte.
Ariana’s mother also attended, as Ariana’s time was due, along with her amiable and doting husband. She was positively glowing with new energy and joy.
“Though why you and Phyllis must expect your babies at the same time... I know, I know. Comes of marrying on the same day, but it doesn’t always work just so. Her mother wanted to be with her, which only seems right, so here I am, though my experience is limited and Anabelle has borne seven!”
As it was, no experience was necessary. Ariana began her labor on December 30, but the midwife told her to carry on as normal as long as she could. That calmed Kynaston a little, though when she took to her bed in the evening, he insisted on being with her at every moment. “My love, it’s far worse to be somewhere else, waiting and wondering!”
Ariana tried to stay quiet, but the midwife said, “Just let it out, my lady. Don’t you worry about him. The babe’s in a fine position, so there’s no need to worry. But it’s work, see, and it’s only normal to make noise as we work hard.”
So Ariana worked, and soon the baby slithered out and squawked.
“A fine boy!” the midwife declared, wrapping him up and showing him to his father. “All’s well, my lord, but you can’t have him yet. He’s to go to the breast to help his mother.”
Ariana was unprepared, but as soon as the tiny baby was put near a nipple, he took it and sucked. The sensation startled, but the midwife grunted in satisfaction.
“That’s it. Good for him and grand for you, my lady. Stops any bleeding, that does, and bleeding’s the danger at this point. Ah, there it is.”
Ariana looked down to see she’d delivered a lump of liver.
The midwife massaged her lower belly, grinning. “All’s well now! Congratulations!”
Kynaston staggered to the bedside. “It’s over? They’re both well?”
“Perfect, my lord. Lady Kynaston could get up now and be about her duties, but we’ll keep her in bed and look after her. Ah, the little one’s asleep. Here, my lord,you take him. But no wandering around to show him off. I’ll have no drafts on him.”
A nursery governess, Mrs. Within, had been hired and she now bustled over to claim the baby, wash him, and clothe him in silk ready for his fine cradle by the fire. Ariana watched, with a contented smile, as Kynaston hovered, trying not to claim his right to his son and heir.
When Mrs. Within moved to put the baby into the cradle, Ariana said, “My lord, bring the baby to me, please.”
He obeyed, and she took the swaddled child. “Perhaps you could climb on the bed beside me?”
He did and took them both in his arms. “Thank you. For the child and for dragging me this far, my love.”
She smiled at him. “It’s been my delight, my lord, every step of theway.”
