“I wasn’t going to give you false assurances,Violet,” said Felicity, giving the name a gentle emphasis. “Have you considered that you cannot change them and that constantly trying to do so is the source of your discontent? Whilst I will say I cannot imagine treating my children thusly and it saddens me that it has hurt you, your pain comes from fixating on the aspects of your relationships you wish were different, rather than reveling in all the good. They are who they are, and you cannot claim youcare for your family whilst growing angry every time they do not behave as you desire.”
“I wouldn’t say I have done that,” said Violet, shifting in her seat.
“You have said again and again that they are kind and loving, and from what you’ve shared, I would hazard a guess that if not for the preferential treatment they granted your brother and sister, you would have no complaints about how your parents treated you?”
Violet’s shoulders tightened. “That is true.”
“Again, I am sorry that they have hurt you, but why are you allowing it to damage what is otherwise a happy relationship? I do not always enjoy my husband’s family, but I realized my misery came from focusing on their flaws at the expense of all the things I adore about them. They are not bad people, nor are they purposefully cruel. They are imperfect and obtuse—as we all can be—and I was too busy wishing they would behave a certain way to fully appreciate the joy they can be.”
Hand still clasping Violet’s, Felicity gave her a squeeze and a faint smile. “I am glad that they do not live in Oakham, I doubt I will ever count them amongst my closest friends, and I will always defend my husband from being the object of their jests, but I look forward to exchanging letters with Annette and to annual visits. And I do not want to see your feelings for your family sour because you are doing what I have done.”
“I know,” whispered Violet, her eyes downturned. “In my heart of hearts, I know that I ought to leave things be. It is not as though I am unloved. I just wish—”
A knock on the door had Violet straightening and turning her eyes away from the intruder, though there were no true outward signs of her distress. Drawing in a deep breath, she gathered her strength as Felicity called for Dr. Vaughn to enter.
“I am certain that Miss Templeton is managing everything perfectly, but your fretful husband would feel better if I checked as well.” Glancing between the ladies as he stepped toward thebirthing cot, Dr. Vaughn paused and frowned. “Miss Templeton? Is something the matter?”
With the discussion still lingering in her thoughts, that question made Violet’s heart burn, and she struggled to force air into her lungs as she held fast to her composure. How had he known? Violet knew how to school her features, and she would’ve staked her reputation that none of her troubles peeked through.
Giving him an inviting smile and nodding for him to go about his work, she said, “We were discussing something serious. That is all.”
Dr. Vaughn didn’t move as he studied her for a moment longer before reluctantly going to Felicity’s bedside. Without bidding, Violet shifted the blankets so he could reach Felicity’s belly. Placing his hands on the womb, he furrowed his brow as he felt about before reaching for her wrist and feeling her pulse.
Turning his eyes to Violet, he asked, “How often?”
“I do not have a clock on hand, so I cannot say for certain,” replied Violet. “Though I would estimate every three minutes or so. The contractions last for around fifty seconds.”
Dr. Vaughn turned his gaze to Felicity. “And the pain?”
“Bearable,” she replied. “Though I fear my dear nurse is taking the brunt, as I have been ruthlessly crushing her hand.”
A faint smile took hold as Violet huffed. “Nonsense.”
Glancing between the pair, Dr. Vaughn nodded. “With the assistance of a rather brilliant apothecary, I have a few tinctures and lineaments that should provide some relief if needed. I would prefer trying those rather than cupping. It may help with the pain, though I have my doubts that it will do much good in these circumstances.”
“I would prefer not to as well,” said Felicity with a vehement shake of her head.
“As you wish,” said Dr. Vaughn with a nod. “The child is in the proper position, and your pains are coming at regular intervals. Everything is proceeding as it should, and I fear it is merely a matter of waiting now.”
Digging into his waistcoat, he retrieved a pocket watch and handed it to Violet. “To help you keep time.”
“Yes, of course. Thank you,” she replied, laying it carefully on her lap.
Dr. Vaughn remained there for a moment, his eyes still watching her carefully enough that Violet found herself shifting in her seat—though she couldn’t say if she was more pleased or discomforted by the attention.
The gentleman nodded and turned back to the door. “I will go reassure Mr. Finch, and I will check from time to time, but with Miss Templeton at your side, you are in good hands, Mrs. Finch.”
And with that, he slipped out of the room.
Chapter 36
Violet fiddled with the pocket watch, which bore Dr. Vaughn’s initials engraved on the cover. Shifting through her thoughts, she tried to think of something to say that might divert Felicity’s attention away from the previous conversation.
But the lady acted quicker.
“I understand your feelings, I do,” said Felicity while squeezing Violet’s hand. “But I wish you would stop slaving away to save your brother from himself.”
“It’s not for his sake. The consequences of his actions will not fall only on his head.”
