Extended Story
The countryside was far more welcoming than any place Lydia had ever visited. Not only did she find unsullied nature lovely and atmospheric, but the people here were also kinder and warmer compared to London and Wales. One thing she could never get over, no matter how much time had passed, was her abhorrence for the snobbish behavior of the ton. The same one that would vilify her during one moment and sympathize the next. But thankfully, she had left it all behind for now.
She could not believe their honeymoon was already coming to an end after so many weeks. She had never experienced so much fun in her life, and this place was magical. Each night, they would dine outside, watching the sunset, and during the day, they would walk along the fields and evergreen for exciting adventures.
Asher would be more timid and gentle with their lovemaking, considering she was so far along with her pregnancy. They would sleep late into the morning and do whatever they wished without paying any mind to responsibilities.
But alas, their holidays were reaching an end. It was cemented the moment they received a letter from the Magistrate about Jackson’s trial. He was apparently convicted for other crimes he had committed, such as theft and assault of other women who spoke out soon after. The Magistrate had asked Lydia to bear witness to the trial, and she decided she would do so. It would be part of her healing and recovery process, and it would finally allow her to receive closure from her traumatic past.
What Lydia anticipated the most, though, was their child. Asher and Lydia had their fair share of squabbles about the gender, the name, and the upbringing it would have. Each of them always ended in laughter.
Truly, it didn’t matter. It was arriving soon, and the both of them couldn’t be happier. They had decorated a whole room together, looked through potential governesses, discussed the type of future they wanted for the child—girl or boy—but most importantly, they felt as though they were finally prepared.
Yet, there still remained some inklings of uneasiness. Lydia’s mother said it was expected; that every mother felt this way. But it wasn’t enough to convince her. What if she didn’t do a good enough job? What if something went wrong?
“What are you thinking about?” Asher asked.
She was standing against the field, her gaze lingering on the morning sky. They had slept in the pitches today, so the sight was more than beautiful. It gave her time to process life and its beauties.
“Our child,” she confessed. “You have no idea how anxious I am. What if we fail as parents?”
He wrapped his hands around her body, supporting his jaw on her shoulder. “Oh, you’re so dramatic. I am sure we’ll do just fine.”
***
Their arrival to London was well received. Everyone came to greet them, from Lydia’s parents to even Dorothy’s family. But they already knew their upcoming schedule would be terribly hectic.
Lydia had spent her days in and out of the courthouse, recollecting the horrors she experienced with Jack in front of the judges. As it turns out, there were more than five ladies who had experienced a very similar fate, and Lydia’s heart pained her to hear them.
Jack denied all of the allegations, but the evidence against him was far too overwhelming. A lot of these women had their family’s support who came up as witnesses themselves. The same was the case for her.
Her parents, Daphne and even Asher, took the stand, revealing everything they knew. The trial lasted for several days until they finally ruled Jackson guilty of all charges. He was to remain in gaol for years to come, and his reputation was tarnished for good. His continual smirk of complacency had disappeared, and that brought joy to Lydia’s eyes, more than anything else.
And now, they were finally home, free of all troubles. Asher was beside her, holding her arm to help her in. One of his arms held her ballooning stomach, relieving some of the tension she had been feeling.
A cramp rolled through her belly, causing her to wince.
“I felt that!” he said. “Was that the baby kicking?”
“Yes!” she said, sharing the same excitement with a tinge of pain. “Although it seems like they are more frequent.”
They continued their way inside the castle, all the way toward their bedroom. It felt nice to be back home. There was comfort and reassurance here, one she couldn’t find anywhere else.
“Maybe you should lie down,” Asher said.
She was about to protest until she felt an overwhelming pain flow through her body. She doubled over in pain, wincing and moaning. Asher quickly helped her up.
“I think it’s time,” she said in between deep breaths.
He picked her up, quickly laying her down on the soft bed, her head touching the pillows.
“It is time!” he shouted. “Tell everyone the baby is coming.”
He grasped her hand tightly, offering her comfort. It didn’t take long for the servants to run through the room, carrying freshly cleaned clothes, cold water, blankets, and kettles. Lydia seemed distracted by the movement until Minerva stepped into the room, followed by Daphne.
“Lydia!” Daphne called out. “I’m so glad I was able to make it in time. I heard you were back in London and I got here as soon as I could. Then I heard some screams, and oh, my goodness, you are to have a child!” Daphne sat down at the edge of the bed. “I am to be an aunt!”
“You won’t be an aunt if you keep up your blabbering,” Lydia said in between gasps.
Daphne remained quiet this time around, too distracted by the squeezing of her hand. Lydia was holding both Asher and Lydia’s hands in her own, grasping them for dear life as she sought relief from the pain.
“Your Grace,” Minerva said softly. “Take deep breaths.”
“Where were you when the first cramps started?” Lydia said.
Minerva seemed to take full responsibility, ensuring the servants were all ready in place for what to do. Thanks to her, the chaos from before had dissipated, and instead, was replaced by focused faces who were guided through every movement.
Lydia’s anxiety seemed to be gone as well. She had Asher, her sister, and Minerva alongside her. Asher and Daphne for mental support and Minerva for guidance, showing her and everyone else what to do.
Meeting her child rekindled inside of her a sense of excitement. She felt safe and protected alongside her family, and she was sure nothing would go wrong. She took deep breaths with each contraction, pushing harder.
***
After hours, it was finally over. Through the comforting sun, they had given birth to a baby daughter. An alluring baby girl with Asher’s brown eyes and Lydia’s button nose. She was beautiful, and she was theirs.
There were numerous times during the past few hours she felt as though she wasn’t going to make it, but with her husband by her side, she fought on and never gave up hope.
All Lydia wanted was to sleep now. She held her daughter against her chest, closing her eyes and allowing sleep to engulf her. Asher instructed everyone out of the room, leaving them to their privacy.
She awoke with the night, finding Asher still by her side and the lovely, tiny figure on her chest. She couldn’t believe it. She was a mother.
“You did well,” he said, holding her close.
“All I remember is holding this tiny girl in my arms,” Lydia confessed.
Asher brushed his finger against their daughter’s cheek, smiling. “What shall her name be? We might have discussed it, but I want your opinion.”
“Sarah. We’ll name her Sarah, after your mother,” she said. “It is a beautiful name, and it’ll honor your family. I love it.”
Asher smiled, his eyes glued on their daughter.
“Sarah seems to suit her, you know. I can already imagine it, ‘Lady Sarah’.”
“I’m sure you can,” Lydia giggled.
Their daughter lay soundly asleep on her chest, her soft snores filling the room with innocence.
“Come on, it’s time for you to rest. You seem exhausted already,” he said. “There will be far too many tomorrow.”
She nodded, closing her eyes and allowing sleep to take over.
***
She was awakened at precisely eight o’clock. She knew visitors would arrive, but she never expected them so early. All she wanted was to spend at least five minutes longer in bed, but it would be improper to keep everyone waiting.
Her family would be there, and all of her friends who were more than looking forward to seeing her baby girl. It must have been exciting news for everyone, and it would no doubt be the news of London for the next few weeks.
Her recovery was swift, just as the doctor had assured her. Her pregnancy was a healthy one, so there were little to no complications. She simply needed to avoid vigorous activities, but that was no issue.
With the help of Minerva, she dressed up in a comfortable, loose dress of a turquoise shade. She held her daughter close to her chest as she made her way down the stairs.
Asher was waiting alongside their friends and relatives, who all seemed so nervous to meet Sarah. Daphne hadn’t eaten any of the breakfast they were served, Dorothy was clenching Gregory’s hand tighter than ever while William—who had long returned from Greece—and Philip clasped their hands together, unsure of what to expect.
Then, there were her parents. They were the only ones who knew what to do. They had a proud smile stapled on their faces as she sat down across them, next to Asher.
They all had so many questions, practically bursting in curiosity.
“Her name is Sarah,” Lydia said.
Daphne was the first to stand up, asking permission to hold Sarah, which Lydia gladly allowed. She held her close, cooing her.
“I am your aunt,” Daphne said. “A-u-n-t. Aunt Daphne.”
Lydia giggled at her sister’s behavior, glad to see her happy.
“Oh, Lydia, she’s so lovely and adorable. I want to eat her alive!” Daphne exclaimed, resisting the urge to push her cheeks together.
“That means your appetite has returned, a good sign,” Lydia teased.
Daphne handed Sarah back to Lydia.
“It’s my turn to hold her now!” Dorothy uttered. She was a mother herself now. Dorothy had given birth to a baby boy only a month prior and she was already looking like a caring mother already.
“No, me, me!” Philip said as he held his nephew in his arms.
Lydia scoffed. Her parents were the ones who should hold her first, but they seemed so patient.
“Mama, papa,” Lydia said, walking toward them. “Your granddaughter.”
Mama was the first to reach out, holding the babe close to her chest. A warm feeling flowed through Lydia. Papa was as sweet and gentle, holding Sarah’s tiny hand with such caution as if any movement he made would break her.
“She’s stunning,” mama said. “She looks just like you.”
They handed her the baby back, and Lydia held her close with no hesitation. She was still so tiny, and Lydia was unsure what to do. After a few seconds, cries echoed through the room, alarming Lydia.
“That means she’s hungry,” Asher commented. “Sorry everyone, we must retire to our chambers.”
A chant of disappointment spread among the guests, but they accepted it quickly enough.
Asher and Lydia returned to their chambers, and Minerva helped teach her how to feed Sarah, as she had no idea how to herself. Luckily, Sarah’s cries ceased, and the silence returned. She fell asleep soon after, her face serene.
“Motherhood looks beautiful on you,” Asher said.
“And you’re like a protective father already. You’re a natural at this,” she said.
He chuckled, sitting down beside her on their bed.
“See? Maybe we’re better than we thought. I think we’ll do fine.”
“I think so too.”
Looking down at Sarah, Lydia already wished for more children. Perhaps another daughter or a baby boy. But at this moment, she was content. She had a healthy daughter and a husband who she loved more than anything in the world. There was so much in her life to look forward to.
Every day with Asher was a new adventure she couldn’t wait to explore. At this very moment, she felt pure unadulterated happiness.