“Yes. I am certain of it now.” She smiled at him. “It never seems to take long in our family.”
Eleanor gazed at Montagu. “I am as well. We all just wanted to make sure. It is still a bit risky for another month.”
“Harry,” Alice said. “First thing in the morning, send to the apothecary for ginger root.”
“I will. Thank you.”
Giff worried Alice would suffer. “Are you all right?”
“Eleanor and I are healthy as horses. Neither our mother nor any of our sisters had more than a day of morning sickness if that.”
“Naturally, you will tell your family, but please ask them not to tell mine. I will send a message to my mother.” His beloved stared at him as if he were mad. “My grandfather Dewar wants our first child born in Scotland. My father wants our child born in Cleveland Castle. I will not have months of fighting between them.”
Alice raised an imperious brow. “I will tell you right now where we will have this baby. Whippoorwill Manor. Grace will travel to Eleanor first; that is a long day from Worthington Place. Madeline will have hers at Stern Manor, near Stanwood Place. Whippoorwill Manor is only about a five hour drive from there. I shall not have my sister traveling to either Scotland or near Scotland, and I will have my sister with me.”
“It shall be as you wish, my love. And it is the reason neither my father nor grandfather need know about the baby until just before it’s due.”
“The servants?” Montagu asked Giff.
“If any one of them contact either gentleman before I give them leave, they will be dismissed.”
“As much as I love it here,” Madeline said. “I think I want to go home.”
“I will arrange it immediately,” Stern assured her.
* * *
They arrived back in London in August. Madeline and Harry traveled to Stern Manor while Eleanor and Montagu journeyed to his main estate. Giff and Alice went first to what they had decided to call St. Albans in Cleveland House to see the changes wrought while they were away.
Once they had refreshed themselves, they climbed the stairs to the nursery. Light filled the rooms from every direction. She touched her stomach. “I knew it would be beautiful.”
March 1823, Whippoorwill Manor
Grace knew before the rest of them that Alice and Eleanor were having twins. Alice was thankful her sister had arrived when she did. “How are you doing?”
“I want these babies to be out of me and into the world.” She rubbed her stomach. “They have been fighting over position for the past week. One goes down and comes back up then the other goes down. They cannot decide who will be first.”
Her sister laughed. “Tell them that story when they are fighting over who should have been first.”
“I want to walk.” Grace helped Alice to her feet. “My back is hurting like it never has before.”
Grace’s lips formed a thin line, and she glanced at Bertram. “Send for the midwife. It’s back labor. I just went through this with Eleanor.”
“Yes, my lady.”
Giff came in. “I heard you were here. How is she?”
“She is here.” Alice hated it when people talked about her as if she was deaf and dumb.
“Please forgive me.” He caressed her hair and took her arm from her sister. “I’m rapidly losing my mind.”
“Alice is experiencing back labor. It is not enjoyable, but it is not dangerous. I received a letter from the duchess. She will be here as soon as possible.”
Alice’s back suddenly vellicated. Grace looked at her. “We need to keep track of the time between contractions. Where is your watch?”
“Right here, my lady.” Bertram handed it to Alice.
“Tell Cook to prepare small light food for her to eat. We do not know how long or short the time will be. She needs to remain on her feet until it’s time for her to use the birthing chair.”
“What birthing chair?” Poor Giff’s eyes were wide with concern.
“I brought it with me. It should be in her chamber momentarily.”
Alice and Giff had decided she should use her chamber instead of theirs for the birth.
She patted his arm. “I will be fine. Stroll with me.”
“You are the strongest lady I know.”
They were making their way down the corridor when Charlotte strode to them. “I heard it is time. We arrived none too soon.”
Kenilworth came up after her. “Well, at least you’re not drinking brandy in the study.”
Alice wanted to chuckle but could not. “That is a story I haven’t heard yet.”
