'ave the baby.'
Richard dropped a piece of glass that he was holding, causing it to shatter on the ground and he immediately left to see Margaret. When he arrived at the cottage, Geva and a neighbor woman, experienced in midwifery, were already with her.
''ello, me luv, I am 'ere,' said Richard, holding her hand. Margaret was already in pain and tried to give a weak smile.
'Oot of 'ere with you,' demanded the neighbor woman. She was clearly in charge and Richard wasn't going to question her, nor did he wish to do so. He didn't know anything about childbirth and it terrified him.
Once outside the cottage, Richard walked a few paces away, but it wasn't long before he could hear Margaret's cries, so he walked further still. He didn't know what else to do, so he walked to Saint Mary's to pray. After praying, he walked back to the cottage. He kept far enough away so as to not hear Margaret's cries, but close enough that he could keep an eye on the door.
The sun moved across the sky as the hours dragged on. Occasionally a neighbor would stop to chat with him to give him encouragement and to congratulate him. Then toward evening, Geva appeared at the doorway beckoning for him to come. Richard rushed to the cottage and to Margaret. She was holding a tiny, sweet baby to her breast. Margaret looked up when he walked into the room.
'Comb and meet your 'andsume lad,' she said encouragingly.
Richard thought that Margaret had never looked more lovely. He gave her a kiss and then looked at his fine son.
''e is so 'andsume,' he said to Margaret. 'I am grateful to you, me luv.'
Soon Ralf came by to check on Geva and he had their children with him. The children were so excited to meet their cousin. After a short visit, Geva left with her family.
The midwife gave Margaret and Richard instructions on the care of the baby and for the care of Margaret.
'I am next door boot one,' she said, 'do nay 'esitate to comb and fetch me shuld you need me.'
Richard had a concerned look on his face. 'And 'ow will I know if we need you?'
'Oh, you will know,' she said with a slight smile. 'Now you be certain that Margaret does nay get up. She must lay still.'
'Aye,' Richard promised.
'You did luvly, Margaret,' she assured her. 'You will be a fine mum. Now do nay forget, comb and get me anytime.'
Richard walked the woman to the door and thanked her graciously. Margaret was exhausted and fell asleep with the baby still sleeping on her chest. Richard was so happy. He had long hoped for a son and the day had finally arrived. Now he would be able to pass on his name. He looked at them both and a sweet peaceful feeling settled over him. Truly, he thought, he of all people were greatly blessed.
There was a slight chill in the air, so Richard started a fire in the fireplace and sat down near it. He didn't stay awake long. Early in the morning hours, with only the glow of the coals remaining, Richard slowly awoke when he recognized that his name was being called.
'Richard,' Margaret seemed to whisper quietly. At the recognition, Richard jumped to his feet and went to her side.
'I am 'ere, me luv,' he reassured her.
'I do nay feel gud,' she said quietly. 'I think that I am bleeding.'
Richard got a candle and lit it from the coals of the fire. When he turned back to Margaret his head spun and he nearly fainted when he saw the crimson bedding where Margaret lay.
'Margaret, you are bleeding,' he said urgently. 'Whot shuld I do?'
''urry and fetch me midwife,' Margaret strained to say and yet it was in a voice that was almost a whisper.
Richard rushed out the door and to the house next to their neighbor. Pounding on the door, he called out for the midwife to come. Soon he saw a candle in a window and then the door opened.
''urry,' he cried urgently,'it is Margaret. She is bleeding.'
He and the midwife rushed back to the cottage and to Margaret's side.
'Margaret,' the midwife said to her as she shook her gently. 'Margaret.' There was no reply. Richard paced the floor frantically, praying aloud as he did.
'Margaret.' Again there was no response. The midwife placed her ear very close to Margaret's mouth and listened.
'Richard, 'ush. I must listen for 'er breathing.' She kept her ear