Arthur: Knights of Normandy Book 2 by Maryse Dawson

Author:Maryse Dawson [Dawson, Maryse]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Blushing Books Publications
Published: 2016-10-08T21:00:00+00:00

The morning of Christmas Eve…

Elvina stood back and admired the decorations in the great hall at Ilchester. "It looks so pretty, Elfreda."

"Aye, I agree. Thee hath all done a marvellous job," said Arthur, coming up behind his wife. His arms snaked around her as he pulled her against his large frame. "I am particularly fond of the kissing-bough."

Elvina closed her eyes. "Methinks Cynwise hath been telling tales, my lord."

"Aye, she may hath told me of this Saxon custom. Come, I wish to see for myself if it doth truly work."

Elfreda laughed merrily as she watched Arthur lead his wife over to the hanging ball of evergreens and fruit in the middle of the hall.

"I am told no lady can refuse a kiss under this bough." He raised an eyebrow and waited for his wife to comply.

Elvina laughed up at him. "As if I could refuse thee a kiss under any circumstances, my lord." She entwined her arms around his neck, and Arthur leaned down to kiss her.

Elfreda smiled and placed a hand against her back. She had felt particularly achy today, especially in her lower back, but she had not let it deter her in finishing off the last touches in the great hall. Tonight, they would light the traditional Yule Log and bring it into the hall for the next twelve days. This would be the first Christmas in her new home, and she wanted to make it special.

Suddenly, she felt a strong twinge in her abdomen. She gasped and sat down on the nearest chair. Elvina was immediately by her side. "Elfreda, what ails thee? Doth the babe come?"

"Aye, methinks it doth."

"Arthur, prithee fetch Gerard! I shall take Elfreda to her chamber."

Arthur rushed from the room in search of his brother. Elvina helped Elfreda stand and, with one arm around her waist, she assisted her from the hall.

Nine hours later, a baby boy was born. He announced his arrival by yelling lustily for all to hear, his tiny hands curling into determined fists.

Elvina and Cynwise helped the mid wife clean Elfreda up after the birth, changing her sheets and making her comfortable. Satisfied that she was presentable for her husband, the midwife asked Cynwise to go and fetch the father.

Gerard was restlessly pacing the hall when Cynwise located him. He stopped and stared at her, waiting for her to speak but almost afraid to hear what she had to say. He had known a few women who had died in childbirth, and he did not wish to count his wife amongst them.

"'Tis a boy, my lord. A healthy baby boy!" She smiled at him.

"And my Lady Elfreda? She is well?"

"Tired but content, my lord."

"Thank the lord!" he breathed, his relief palpable. Renaud and Arthur immediately congratulated him.

"Well done, brother. Thou hath a son!" Renaud slapped him on the back.

"Aye, well done!" agreed Arthur.

Cynwise interrupted them. "Come, my lord, she wishes for thee to see him."

Gerard followed Cynwise up to his bedchamber, where his wife lay, looking exhausted but elated.

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