She gnashed her teeth against another spasm. Minutes of complete agony passed. Sweat drenched her nightgown. Each spasm rocked her harder.
Lawson came and went from the bedroom, talking with someone. Another maid appeared. Isabella might have seen the Dowager but couldn’t be sure. The whole household seemed to be up and about.
“Dr. Norris is here,” Lawson said, but Isabella couldn’t say anything.
Heavy footsteps approached. “My wife felt sick all of a sudden,” Anthony said.
“I’ll take care of her, Your Grace.”
Hearing Dr. Norris’s calm voice brought Isabella some comfort.
“I can help,” he said. “Let me stay.”
“Thank you, Your Grace, but Lawson will do.”
There were mutters and footfalls, Anthony said something else, then quiet. Except for her groans of pain.
Dr. Norris rushed to Isabella’s side. “What happened?”
“Cramps,” Lawson said, “and she’s bleeding.”
“Let me see.” The doctor pulled down the covers.
Isabella stifled a scream in the pillow.
Dr. Norris checked her pulse and touched her neck. “I know it hurts, but I need you to lie down and be still.”
Tears blurred her vision, but she did as she was told.
