The Shortcoming (Unexpected Circumstances 4)

“You may be right,” Ida said. She was unable to hide her smile though I knew she tried to keep it subdued around me. Truly, I was ecstatic for her and for Parnell. Though their child would be a child of Sawyer, I knew Sunniva felt joy when she thought of her impending grandchild. I hoped it kept her mind from worrying about Camden’s health. “I have felt pains for the past day now.”

“I cannot wait to see your child,” I said.

Ida’s smile faltered when she saw my things near the bed and realized I was in the room for more than just a visit. She came to wrap her arms around me, and I heard myself sigh against her.

“How is Branford taking it?” she asked.

“In his usual manner.”

“Has an alert been issued?” she said, trying to smile again though it did not show in her eyes.

“I believe Janet has warned everyone, yes.” I shook my head. “His temper has improved. Unfortunately, that means he is more melancholy. I believe that frightens the soldiers more than his shouting.”

Ida lowered herself into the chair beside me and leaned back as she tried to find a comfortable position in which to sit. She placed her hands across her huge belly as she tried to lean toward me and speak softly.

“I’ve heard if you come together every night for a month, you are bound to be with child soon.”

“Just every night?” I scoffed and placed my sewing on the table beside me. I saw no reason for discretion with my husband’s sister, and I leaned toward her as well so our heads were nearly touching. “Ida, your brother is…well, he’s nearly insatiable. Unless I am staying in the Women’s Room, he takes me as much as three times a day, sometimes more. Every night and every morning when we are sharing a bed, he is inside of me.”

Ida looked down and her cheeks flushed.

“What will you do?” she asked quietly.

I lifted my shoulders only to drop them again.

“I will pray,” I said. “What else can I do?”

*****

The day after I left the confines of the Women’s Room, all the nobles were called to court for the usual discussions of state. King Edgar and his entourage entered the grand hall and strutted through the room to take their seats at the front of the court. Princess Whitney was there, as usual. Her only real purpose seemed to be to annoy Branford. But with Whitney came Hadley, so I could not be disappointed.

Having my lifelong friend here in Silverhelm with me every fortnight was wonderful. We had always been close, and it seemed nothing had changed between the time I left Hadebrand and the time she started visiting Castle Silverhelm as part of King Edgar’s procession. She was not allowed in the grand hall with the court, but soon after the court adjourned, Hadley was given leave of Whitney for a short time, and she would join me in the gardens.

“It is so good to see you again,” she said as we embraced. “I know these meetings are hard on you and Silverhelm, but I am glad to be in your company again.”

“As am I,” I agreed. “How are you faring?”

“Well,” Hadley said with a nod. “Though I’m not sure exactly what Princess Whitney has in mind. She seems to be hinting at the possibility of marrying me to someone though I know not who it could be. I am well past marrying age though, and I’m worried who it may be. At least I have never been given to a man, so I hope it will be someone of good station.”

“Would you welcome this?” I asked.

“I’m not entirely sure,” Hadley said. “The idea of leaving her employ and being bound to a man is not distasteful. However, there are some men who are distasteful themselves. As long as he is not cruel, even if I am a second wife, at least I will have a chance at a family.”

“Indeed.” I had to agree with my friend. “I was lucky that Branford chose me though I was not so sure at first. If it does happen, I hope you will be with a man who is as kind to you as Branford is to me.”

“If you had told me that after I first met him, I would not have believed you!” Hadley giggled and covered her mouth with her hand. I smiled in return.

“He has his moments,” I replied.

“Recently?” Hadley’s voice quieted, and I knew of which she spoke.

“In the past few days, actually,” I admitted. I held nothing back from her. “It is another month I am not with child, and he is understandably concerned.”

“But you…I mean…you are with him…”

“He takes me often, yes,” I said with a sigh and a smile. “It is not for lack of effort on his part, of that you may be certain.”

“Then it must only be a matter of time,” my friend said with conviction. She sounded so sure of her words, and I only wished I could feel as certain as she.