The pain subsiding, Ruth took a deep gasp and smiled. “That is true enough. I awoke in a puddle and sharp pain. I tried not to awaken everyone.”
“It will not be long,” Martha said.
Ruth’s smile shifted to a grimace as she tightened up again. “Sorry about the scream.” It came out in a whoosh.
“You could have just called us, though.” Martha smiled at her own cleverness.
Brighit took Ruth’s hand that was fisting into the straw mattress beneath her. “You can squeeze my hand. That is my usual role in a birthing.”
She bobbed her head and started panting.
“Now, don’t be panting so hard. We don’t need you weakened.”
“It hurts.”
Martha gave her a do-you-actually-plan-on-arguing-with-me-now look. Brighit ducked to hide her smile.
“I’ll try not to.”
“Oh, dear, this babe wants out.”
“All is well?” Brighit asked.
Martha looked up and smiled. “We just need some blankets to swaddle the babe in.”
“Where are they?”
“Behind the altar.”
Brighit nodded. When Ruth finally released her hand, Brighit ran through the curtained doorway and stopped. Peter stood rigid, his back to her, a few feet away.
“Peter, we need blankets.” Brighit could barely breathe in her excitement. “Quickly.”
He didn’t respond. She moved to take his arm. He grabbed it out of her hand. Turning toward her, he looked livid.
“What?” he barked the question at her as if she were some lackey bothering him.
She frowned. “Why are you yelling at me?”
Peter’s features softened. “You startled me.” His eyes darted about the hall before piercing her though. “Is the woman dying?”
Brighit gasped. “No! She is having a baby. ’Tis all.”
“Brighit? The blankets,” Martha called from within sounding a little desperate.
“Maybe I should ju—” Brighit said.
Peter grabbed her arm then loosened his hold. “Please, what do you need me to get? Blankets? Where will I find them.”
He sounded more himself but Brighit was suddenly frightened of this man. His strength. His size. His determination. His rounded eyes begged for... for what? She couldn’t name it but backed away before she answered.
“They are behind the altar in the chapel.”
Peter trotted down toward the open doors.
“Argh.” Ruth sounded exhausted. Poor thing. It may be happening with great speed but it was still difficult work.
Brighit smiled and ran into the room. The little round head was just poking its way out. Tears sprang to her eyes and she went to clasp Ruth’s sweat drenched hand.
