Page 29 of Courtship at Shadowcrest (The Strongs of Shadowcrest #5)

Chase Oaks—July 1811

L yric awoke, enveloped in her husband’s warmth. As always, Silas’ arm protectively rested around her, holding her close even while in sleep. It used to encircle her waist easily, but now she was so enormous that his palm was splayed across her belly, also protecting their unborn.

Something told her that today would be the day she would bring life into the world. They had not attended the Season because when it began in April, she was already six months along and looked as if she were due to give birth at any moment. The local doctor and midwife had all but guaranteed she would be delivering twins because of her girth. The fact that twins ran in the Strong family only supported their words.

Allegra, too, was with child. Most likely, she would give birth within the week. Wouldn’t it be ironic if they had their babes on the same day, just as she and Allegra had been born the same day Aunt Dinah gave birth to Georgie and Pippa?

Warm lips grazed her nape as Silas began stroking her belly. His hand stilled, and she could feel his smile against her neck.

“They are active this morning,” he said jovially. “Kicking away as if they hadn’t a care in the world.”

Already, Lyric knew her husband would make for a wonderful father. Many of the servants at Chase Oaks had been here when Silas was a child, and both the housekeeper and cook had regaled her with stories about him when he was a small boy. Yes, he had been full of mischief, but he was also full of kindness for the staff and others around him. Silas treated her not like a viscountess, but as a queen. True to his word, he told her he loved her each day, and he was eagerly awaiting the birth of their child—or children.

She turned in the bed with his help, facing him now, and they exchanged sweet kisses for a few minutes.

“We have yet to discuss names,” she told him. “Do you have any in mind?”

“Although I am not the superstitious sort, I was loathe to talk over names with you,” he admitted.

Her fingers lightly brushed his cheek. “Well, Allegra and I have done so. Aunt Dinah, too.”

Aunt Dinah and her captain would welcome their babe into the world in two months’ time. Because of her age, her aunt had said it most likely would be their only child together. The Captain said he would be happy with either a boy or girl, teasing that they already had so many girls anyway, another one would probably be easier to raise.

“What did you and Allegra decide upon?” Silas asked.

“She feels since I am carrying two babes, I have had to work harder these past few months. She told me for us to name them, and then she and Sterling would select their own name. While I have not thought of two male and two female names, I have come up with one of each,” she revealed. “Allegra already knows what they are.”

He kissed the tip of her nose. “Share these names with me. I am curious about them.”

“While I do not know what your parents’ names were, I know for certain you would never wish to have any child of ours named after them.”

“Heavens, no!” he declared.

“You were close with your uncle Oscar, though. If one of these babes turns out to be a boy, I wish to name him after your beloved uncle.”

He kissed her tenderly. “Thank you. It means the world to me, and it would have to Uncle Oscar, as well. What other name have you thought of?”

“Although I never knew my own mother, from all accounts, Aunt Dinah has said she was a lovely woman. Her name was Elizabeth. I would very much like to name a girl after her.”

“Elizabeth,” Silas echoed, smoothing her hair. “Elizabeth Chase. I rather like the sound of that.”

Lyric opened her mouth to speak when she felt a whoosh come from her body. Immediately, she felt the dampness and knew what had occurred.

Her husband frowned. “What is it?”

“My water has broken. It is finally time.”

He kissed her softly. “I will have a footman fetch the midwife at once. Can I do anything for you before I do so?”

“Just send my lady’s maid and a couple of other maids. They will need to change these bed linens and prepare me for the birth.”

She caught his hand and brought it to her lips, pressing a soft kiss into his palm. “You do realize this will be a prolonged process? That it may be nightfall—or even tomorrow—before I give birth.”

His eyes widened. “I had no idea things took so long.”

“Aunt Dinah has said the first time a woman gives birth is quite lengthy. The midwife has warned me of the same. Especially if I do carry twins, and we suspect that to be the case, it will be some time before they make their appearance.”

“Whatever happens, I love you, Lyric. These past months of marriage with you have been the best of my life.”

She saw tears glimmering in his eyes. “I feel the same, my love. Now, go.”

Hours later, Lyric lay in the bed, her cries becoming hoarse since she had been quite vocal. Aunt Dinah had warned her and Allegra that childbirth pains were almost intolerable, but they should keep their focus on the results of the birth.

Another pain struck, and her moan turned into a scream.

Suddenly, the door burst open, and Silas rushed into the room. He came straight to the bed, dropping to his knees, taking her hand in his. He bowed his head, holding her hand tightly, smothering it in kisses.

“My lord, you simply cannot be present at the birth of your child. Or children,” the midwife corrected.

He lifted his head, and Lyric saw her own agony reflected in his eyes.

Facing the midwife, Silas said, “My wife cannot go through this alone any longer. I must be by her side. I want to help.”

The midwife opened her mouth to protest, but Lyric shook her head slightly. Instead, the woman said, “Very well, my lord. I will ask that you do not question anything and merely remain to support Lady Blankenship.”

Another half-hour passed, the sharp pains growing in intensity, when the sudden urge to push overwhelmed Lyric.

She told the midwife, “It is happening. Just as you said it would. May I push? Is it time?”

“Yes, my lady. Bring new life into the world.”

Gripping Silas’ hand, she bore down hard with the next pain, hoping she would not break his bones.

“That’s it, my darling. Push our babe out so he or she might meet us.”

With the midwife coaching her along, Lyric did just that. She felt the babe slip from her body and looked eagerly as the woman cut the cord and lifted the infant.

“It is a boy,” the midwife announced.

“Oscar,” she said weakly, seeing the midwife swat their son’s bottom.

The babe gave a loud, angry cry, and the midwife handed him to a maid to clean up.

Another wave of pain caused dizziness within her, and she knew her task was only half-complete. Thankfully, it only took another few, intense pushes. Less than five minutes later, she had brought a daughter to life.

Both babes, cleaned and swaddled, were brought to her and Silas. He took Elizabeth, while Lyric held Oscar. She peered down into her son’s face, his features so tiny and perfect. The babe opened his eyes and studied her thoughtfully, curiosity on his face.

“I am your mama,” she told him. “And this is your papa and sister. You are twins, which is a very special relationship. You will understand one another as no one else can.”

After a few minutes, Silas traded with her, pressing a gentle kiss to his daughter’s brow before doing so.

She looked into her daughter’s face, which so closely resembled her brother’s.

“Welcome to the world, my sweet Elizabeth,” she cooed to the babe.

After several minutes of bonding with her daughter, the midwife said it was time to hand over the twins to the wet nurse for their first feeding.

“Should we hire two wet nurses since there are two babes?” Silas asked worriedly as the midwife took both infants and passed them along to the wet nurse, who left for the nursery.

“One should be adequate, my lord,” the midwife replied reassuringly. “Your maids have brought clean linens, my lady. Allow his lordship to assist you from the bed.”

Silas helped her rise so that the maids could remove the soiled linens and replace them with fresh ones. She had given birth in the bedchamber set aside for the viscountess, a room she had never slept in, since she spent every night with her viscount. Knowing she didn’t possess the strength to go anywhere, she told her husband she would sleep here tonight.

Silas dismissed the servants once the job was completed, and he gently ministered to her, bathing Lyric and then placing her in a fresh night rail her lady’s maid had laid out for her.

“You did so well, my darling love,” he said, kissing her tenderly. “I know you are exhausted. You should get some rest.”

“Do not leave me just yet,” she said.

“I will never leave you, my love.”

He carried her to the bed and placed her gently upon it. Then a knock sounded at the door, and he went to answer it. Their butler handed Silas a letter, saying, “This came from Carrollwood, my lord.”

“Thank you,” her husband said, closing the door and bringing the folded note to the bed.

“Open it,” she said. “Read it aloud.”

Perching on the bed, he broke the seal, unfolding the letter. Silas slipped one hand about hers and began to read.

Dearest Lyric & Silas,

I am thrilled to share with you that Allegra has given birth to a healthy boy. Her labor began in the wee hours this morning and progressed for some time. Our son came into the world at three o’clock this afternoon. I would not be surprised if you heard his lusty cry all the way to Chase Oaks.

Allegra came through the birth well, and she hopes Lyric will do the same. As agreed, we will wait to name our son until we hear from the two of you.

I pray all is well and that we will be able to come together soon and introduce our bundles of joy to one another.

All my love,

Sterling

Relief swept through Lyric. “I am so glad to hear Allegra is fine, as is our nephew. If the messenger is still here, pen a quick note to them, Silas, and let them know about little Oscar and Elizabeth.”

He kissed her brow. “I will do so now. I will only be gone a few minutes, and then I will sleep with you here. Close your eyes now, my love. I will stay with you until you do fall asleep.”

Her husband kissed her again, and Lyric drifted off, dreaming of the good years still ahead.