Later that night, my labour pains started. They were so strong they woke me from a deep dreamless sleep. I cried out and George woke up quickly.
‘What’s wrong? Is it the baby?’
‘Yes husband, the baby is coming, go and get mother and grandmother.’ George went running out of the room, calling for everyone. I laughed a little, knowing the whole house would be awake, then quickly grimaced when another pain struck me.
Mother came in, very matter of fact. ‘Okay, let’s get this baby here. We have sent James down to tell Ethan and Isabella, and your father is going out to tell Abaddon. None of the men will come in, including that brother of yours. Only George if he wishes, but men are usually afraid of this moment, it seems.’ Grandmother entered the room with clean linen and water. The cook fol
