"N&S: John Thornton, Love Lessons", by Gratiana Lovelace (2013-2014) (Done)

Ch. 63 (PG-13, D): The Pain of Giving Life

John curses silently to himself, Damn convention that keeps husbands away from their wives at the moment of their child’s birth.  John knows that some husbands are callous and go to their club to jovially wager with their friends as to the likelihood of their wives producing their much needed heir.  But John cannot fathom their indifference to their wives’ suffering--especially after hearing Lord Jamie Ogilvy’s tale about he and his wife Lady Thistle losing their middle child, a daughter they named Mairi, in childbirth. And Jamie had almost lost Thistle, too. 

John can only faintly hear the commotion within the birthing room--beyond the piercing screams of his beloved wife Margaret.  But he cannot hear what they are saying. And the terror of what could be happening to Margaret and to their child causes John’s fears to grow with each passing hour, his face etched with grave concern [(2)right].

Cameron: “Ye must push, Marrrgarrret!   I can almost see the head now.  It will na be long.”

Margaret:  “Aghghghghgh!”  Margaret cries out again as she pushes.  But the baby doesn’t budge.   “Is the baby alright?  Help me!  Make this pain stop!” Margaret pleads in anguished cries as another contraction contorts her body. “Arghghghghgh!” The pains are coming closer together now--every few minutes.

John: “Margaret!”  John calls to her through the closed door, but she can not hear him.

Hannah: “Cameron, Is there nothing you can give Margaret to ease her pain?”  Hannah asks in grave concern.  She had forgotten how painful and long giving birth is.  And Hannah sees how difficult childbirth is for the young Margaret to endure, and Hannah worries for her own birthing trials six months hence.

Cameron: “All I have is laudanaum” [(3)].  Shaking his head, Cameron sighs heavily. “But I do na know how the medicine will affect Marrrgarrret orrr the baby.  If Marrrgarrret can just perrrsevere a little longerrr. ”

Midwife: “Nay!” She pats Margaret’s face with a cool compress. “I will give herrr a posset to drrrink.”[(4)]  The small and stout Scotswoman Midwife says with firm conviction.

Fiona: “What is a posset?”  Asks the up to now quiet and chastened Fiona.   Fiona is not quite two months pregnant, and this will be her fate in seven months time.

Midwife:  “It is hot milk and rum with spices to help replenish her strength as well as dull the pain.” [(4)]   I’ll  go and fetch it.”  She leaves through the bathing chamber’s side door used by servants.

Margaret: “John!   I want John!”  Margaret whimpers.

Hannah: Leaning over Margaret, Hannah pats her shoulder.  “Margaret, Wait until your baby is born and we have bathed you and made you comfortable.  Then you can see John.”

Margaret: “Please! Arghghghghghgh!”  Another contraction pain hits her and tears fall down her face.

Angharad: “I’ll go tell John that the bairrrn will be coming soon now.”  She smiles at Margaret encouragingly.   All Margaret can do is faintly nod as she awaits another contraction to assail her.

Angharad opens the bed chamber door and John nearly falls flat on his face because he had been leaning on the door--him trying to be as close to Margaret as he could get. But Angharad catches his fall and John rights himself.

John: Looking feverishly around the room at his mother and sister and Cameron clustered around the large bed. “Sorry!” He says hastily to Angharad--without waiting for her update--and John  rushes to Margaret at the bed, leaning over her and touching her face in concern.  “Margaret!  Margaret!  My Love.”  John peppers Margaret’s perspiration soaked face with kisses as he holds her near hand in his.