Jenna seemed to be in the midst of a new contraction and didn’t answer.
“Jenna, remember to breathe,” Ashley said. “Like this.” She stood next to her friend and Jenna tried to focus on what Ashley was showing her.
The two women were breathing in sync when Dr. Ferguson arrived. “How often are the contractions coming, Jenna?”
“I don’t know. I haven’t been timing them. I just know they hurt.” She clutched Ashley’s hand in hers, causing Ashley to wince.
“Where’s Cormac?” Jenna asked.
“I sent Helene to get him. He’ll be along soon,” Dr. Ferguson said. “Can you make it up the stairs, or are we going to have the baby here in the hall?”
Jenna let loose with a howl of pain as another contraction hit.
“Alright. We’ll set things up in here. Irene, you know what to do. Is Heather, the midwife, here somewhere?”
“I can send someone to get her,” Irene said, bustling from the room and yelling orders to the servants as she went.
“This is it, Jenna. You’re going to have your baby today,” Ashley said as she and Dr. Ferguson guided Jenna to a nearby bench.
Servants rushed into the room bringing fresh bedding to cover one of the tables. Cormac arrived just in time to help Dr. Ferguson get Jenna up onto the table. Heather was found and came running to help.
“Cormac, I’m afraid,” Jenna whispered.
“I’m here, love. Dr. Ferguson will take good care of ye.”
Brenna had never seen any of the women at Castle Treun give birth and she had to admit it frightened her. Helene, holding Andrew, stood next to her. “Brenna, I believe we should take the wee ones outside.”
Brenna nodded agreement and the two women left the great hall for the courtyard. Not knowing what else to do with themselves, they wandered towards the practice field. The men were just finishing for the day as they approached.
“How is Jenna?” Cailin asked, sheathing his sword as he neared.
“Cormac is with her, as is the good doctor and Heather,” Helene said.
“Ashley’s with her as well?” he asked.
“Aye. We thought the little one’s would be better off away from the noises and activity in the hall.”
“She’s to give birth in the hall?” He seemed surprised by this.
“She couldnae make it upstairs,” Helene said.
Zeke came up behind Cailin. “Is everything alright?” he asked. Eyeing the two women, Emma and Andrew.
“Jenna’s having her bairn,” Brenna said, speaking for the first time since leaving the great hall. “We thought to take Emma and Andrew for a walk.”
Zeke could see the fear in Brenna’s eyes. Childbirth in medieval times was a dangerous thing for a woman. He hoped everything would be alright. “Don’t worry, Brenna. Dr. Ferguson knows what he’s doing.” That seemed like the least helpful thing to say, but it was true. He wrapped an arm around her shouldersto comfort her, but she pulled away. He looked to Helene for some sort of explanation, but she had none.
“Let me get cleaned up and I’ll take Emma from you, Helene.” Cailin headed for the well and a bucket of water.
“We’ll be walking about the courtyard.” Helene replied.
“Well, I guess I’ll head back with Logan then,” Zeke said.
He received no reply from Brenna.
“Tell Sara we’ll send word when the bairn has arrived,” Helene said.
“I will.” Zeke walked away, unsure of the cold reception he had received from Brenna. Was she angry with him for some reason? If so, he was unaware of what he’d done.
