“We are. Your housekeeper has some experience of birthing as well.” She put her hands on her hips. “She still has a ways to go. We must get her up and moving. It will make the process easier.” She glared at the doctor. “She has been in that bed much too long.”

John went to his wife. “Eleanor?”

“Yes, get me up. I do not think I can manage it by myself.”

“If you won’t listen to me, there is no point in my staying.” The doctor closed his bag and huffed as he left the room.

“Good riddance,” Eleanor muttered.

Now that she was on her feet, she seemed to be doing better. “I am starving.”

“Something little,” Grace said. “Too much might make you sick.”

A maid slipped out of the chamber. “Refreshments will be here soon.”

Eleanor walked around the room and then up and down the hall. She was getting ready to start on the other wing of the house when the midwife arrived.

“I’m sorry it took so long.” The woman removed her bonnet as she entered the hall. “We had a bit of a problem with another birth, but mother and baby are well.” His butler took her cloak. “How is her ladyship?”

John told her what had occurred with the doctor and what they were doing now.

“Excellent.” The midwife smiled at him. He wished he could recall her name, but he’d only met her once. “I’ll go to her now.”

“She is walking around upstairs. One of her sisters is with her.”

“Have either of the ladies had twins?”

“Both of them have.” John wondered how Eleanor was doing. “I’ll take you up to her.” He found her doubled over in the west wing. “Is she all right?”

Charlotte continued rubbing Eleanor’s back. “I think it’s time to go back to the birthing room.”

“You must be Lady Kenilworth,” the midwife said. “I’m Mrs. Fallows, the midwife. If you do not mind, I’d like to take a look at her ladyship.”

Mrs. Fallows pressed on Eleanor’s stomach as she went through another contraction. It was so strong, John could see it ripple under her gown. “You are correct. It is almost time.”

Three stools stood around the birthing chair. One on each side and a lower one in front of the chair. He took the one on Eleanor’s right and held her hand. The next thing he knew, she was crushing his fingers. He’d had no idea how strong she was.

“Push.” The midwife reached beneath the chair. “Again, my lady. It won’t be long now. I can see the first one’s head.” John tried to bend down and look, but Eleanor’s grip got stronger. “There we are.” Mrs. Fallows passed the baby covered in white stuff to Grace.

“Is it all right? What is it?”