“Hello, Duchess.” Ella ran into the room and hugged her old friend.
Ruby hung back in the doorway after shooting Forrest a nervous look. He wanted to go to her and tell her it was all right. That he knew what she’d done and why. That he wanted to help her. Take care of her, and ensure she never stole or broke the law again.
“Ouch!” Dimity whispered loudly.
“Are you all right, my lady?” Ruby moved to her side.
Beth whispered something to her, clearly not wanting Ella to overhear.
“Come along, Dimity,” Beth said, taking her arm and starting for the door.
Forrest rose and followed Gabe simply to be there to remove him from Dimity’s side when the time came, as it would.
“I don’t think we can leave for home now,” Dimity gritted out. “My waters—” Her words fell away on a moan.
“Fairfax!” Gabe bellowed. The butler appeared.
“Go with Dimity. I shall sort this,” Forrest said. “Have the earl’s old room prepared, and call for Lady Raine’s doctor, Fairfax, as she is clearly getting ready to have her baby.”
Fairfax didn’t blink, just swung into action like the military commander he was. They made their way slowly up the stairs after Fairfax, who had nipped ahead. When they arrived, the bedding was stripped back and clean sheets were being laid on the bed.
Clearly a maid had been lurking about the place.
“I will leave you now,” Ruby said as they settled the countess on the bed.
“Have you attended a birth, Ruby?” The words were gritted out by Dimity.
“Yes, I have, my lady.”
“What? Whose baby?” Forrest asked.
“One of the residents of Nobby Lane,” Ruby said. “I was there when she went into labor, and as she was alone, I stayed.”
For a young innocent woman that must have been terrifying.
“Then you will stay. Have you attended a birth, Beth?”
“I have not but helped deliver a foal.”
“Good enough. You may stay. Gabe, come here and kiss me, then Forrest will look after you.”
The earl looked stricken. “I can’t leave you like this.”
“Forrest, deal with this man,” Dimity snapped as pain gripped her once more.
“Gabe. Give your wife a kiss and tell her you love her,” Forrest said, nudging him forward. Gabe got on the bed and whispered something to his countess, then kissed her softly. Placing a hand on her head, he then simply looked at her.
“I will be well, my love,” she said through her teeth, so it came out as a growl.
Forrest tugged his cousin off the bed.
“I know all will go well, Dimity.” He blew her a kiss, and then he and the distraught earl left the room after a final glance at Ruby, who now appeared all business. Was there nothing that woman could not do?
“Christ, Forrest.”
“I know, but you must allow her to do what is right for her in this moment. She does not want to worry for you while she is giving birth. And you are pale and shaking, Gabe. Come, we will drink brandy.”
“How long did it take for Ella to be born?”
