Dangerous Decisions by Margaret Kaine

Author:Margaret Kaine
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: fiction, romance, social status
Publisher: Choc Lit Limited
Published: 2013-09-29T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Eight

It was at the beginning of March, at least three weeks before her due date when Helena felt the dull ache in her lower back. At first, she ignored it, enjoying her early morning sedate stroll on the terrace at Graylings – the weather was unusually mild and she paused to watch the swoop of a falcon in the distance. However, within an hour of returning to the morning room the ache had become intrusive, heavy and dragging. She felt unsure … could labour pains begin in the back? Helena went over to the silken bell pull at the side of the fireplace.

The door opened within seconds. ‘Crossley, do you know where Mr Faraday is?’

‘I believe he went out for a ride, Madam.’

‘Then please send a groom to find him. And would you kindly ask Mrs Birley and Miss Forrester to attend me immediately.’ She went to sit awkwardly on the sofa and looked up to see the butler’s normally impassive expression become one of concern. Helena nodded. ‘I am not certain, but Crossley, perhaps if my husband has left any instructions concerning my condition …’

He bent his head in acknowledgement and then once the door had closed behind him, Helena leaned back against the downy cushion, trying to remain calm. Preparations had been made for a premature birth – Aunt Beatrice was supposed to be at Graylings already, only a cold had prevented her arrival. But what about Dr Haverstock, what if he had other commitments he couldn’t leave at a moment’s notice? What if … panic swept through her … surely he wouldn’t send Nicholas in his place? Yet hadn’t that been the very reason he had been introduced to them, in case such a situation arose? The very thought of the most intimate part of her body being exposed to those expressive eyes made colour flood into her face. Not even her husband had ever seen …

‘Mrs Faraday, are you all right?’ The housekeeper hurried into the room.

‘I think …’ Helena winced at a sudden gripping pain.

‘I see.’ Mrs Birley’s tone became one of brisk efficiency. ‘There is no need to worry. Mr Crossley has already sent one of the grooms to fetch the master, and a telegram will soon be on its way to London.’

When Oliver eventually arrived, he found Helena lying on a chaise longue in her room while two maids were busy securing a rubber sheet on the bed. He frowned with distaste and waved a dismissive hand at their startled faces. After they had scuttled out, and still in his riding clothes, his face flushed with exertion, he queried, ‘Helena?’

‘It has all happened so quickly …’

‘You have done nothing to precipitate it?’

She shook her head. ‘No, I was just walking on the terrace.’

‘Everything will soon be in readiness, Sir.’ The housekeeper was hovering just inside the door. ‘And I believe the local doctor and midwife have been sent for.’

‘It’s Dr Haverstock we need.’

‘Oliver,’ Helena said, ‘I’m sure nothing will happen just yet,

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