by Ranay James
Connor watched her weave though the crowd to meet David. He was smiling at her as she approached and bowed over her hand. Connor did not miss David placing his hand at the small of Reagan’s back in a gesture any man would recognize as possessive.
Well, he would put a stop to this and soon. Connor would let David know she was well above his station, and even if Reagan did not admit the fact, she was still the daughter of an English Earl.
Chapter 95
Hours later, and in the privacy of their chambers, Nic propped himself up on one elbow and smoothed hair away from Morgan’s face. They had made just love for the first time since his return.
Nic had approached Reagan earlier in the day and tried delicately to broach the subject, and in typical Reagan style, she made Nic feel comfortable with asking such an intimate question. She had assured him that he could indeed make love to his wife. As long as he was gentle with her, it would be fine, and she even gave him some suggestions about how to make Morgan more comfortable with her this far along in her pregnancy.
“Have I told you how beautiful you are?”
Nic was still amazed he was home, and he and Morgan were well on the road to recovery in their relationship.
“Not in the last half hour. So, feel free to repeat the fact.” Morgan giggled softly as Nic ran his fingertips down her exposed thigh. They lay there quietly for a few moments. Nic could see she was drifting away from him. Something was on her mind.
“Nic, have you spoken to Reagan lately?”
Nic smiled sheepishly at Morgan. “Yes she said what we did would not hurt you or the baby. Are you comfortable? Did I hurt you?”
“I’m fine, Nic. What we did was far from unpleasant. What I meant was, have you spoken with her about her plans for the future?” Morgan tried to prop herself up on the pillows, but Nic would not let her get up just yet. Gently, he pulled her back down next to him.
“Well, no. I just assumed that she would stay here as Featherstone’s healer or go with us to Heather Park. Why?”
“You know you make it hard for a woman to think when you do that.” Nic traced his fingertips over the swell of her breasts. “Do you think she regrets leaving Ireland? After all, it was her home and she has roots there.”
“Morgan, what is this about?” Nic stopped his gentle caress and looked intently at her.
“Nothing really, I think she is feeling just a little adrift. So, do you think that she regrets leaving Ireland?”
“No, I do not think she regrets what she did to help us, and I think she is too practical to look back or regret an act that cannot be undone. It will just take time, Morgan. It has been less than a month, and I’m sure she will transition just fine."
"You really think so?"
"Yes, I do. Reagan is resilient. Already, she is making a place for herself here. The people are growing to love her. She has proven to be versatile in her abilities and has a gift Connor needs here. She is even getting some admirers.”
“Who could possibly miss that?” Morgan laughed softly. “I have seen the men invent reasons to go see her. She takes it in good stride.”
“I have seen her with David Hale a lot over the last week,” Nic said pointing out the obvious. “She may even prefer to settle down and give up healing altogether for the right man. And if not then she does have family here in England. She is the daughter of an Earl, and a fact that is known by only a few.”
“I had no idea.” Surprised by this information, Morgan understood the ramification of it, too. “I would bet that Rea does not want it information to become common knowledge either.”
If it did Reagan would become the pawn of the King, and all the political games going along with such a position. Morgan knew first-hand how hard it is being sucked into such a life unprepared. It would crush Reagan to become a possession for bartering to the highest bidder. She was a lovely woman, and would be in high demand even though she was a little older. Morgan felt having loved and lost once already her friend wanted to keep her person her own. At present, she had the freedom to make her own choices and she did not think Reagan wanted another marriage.
“If King Henry gets wind of this, she may well be taken from us.”
Morgan found she earnestly did not want that to happen. She had grown to care for Reagan feeling her friendship helped to fill a void in Morgan’s life.
“Tell me who else knows?” Morgan demanded.
“I told Connor and Cullen. As far as I know that is it. I shared that much only in the case we needed to have her taken to her family for safety reasons.”
“Nic, you must tell them to keep silent. Otherwise, the ramification could be disastrous for us. If she is taken into the King’s care then who will deliver my baby? Worse than that, I shudder to think of whom she might have to marry. I know how fortunate, I am with you, but what if she is sent to someone like my uncle? We cannot let that happen, Nic.”
“Morgan you are getting upset over something that Connor and I will never let happen. Come, lay back down beside me.”
Nic had not given this thought. However, knew he could not do anything about it tonight. He just wanted them to enjoy their wedding night and promised to speak to Connor and Cullen in the morning.
“Promise?” Morgan asked knowing he would do so.
“I promise. Now, my wife come here and let me finish what I started.” Nic gave her little chance to protest as he pulled her mouth down to meet his.
Tomorrow she would worry about Reagan’s leaving, but tonight belonged to Nic.
Chapter 96
Nic waited impatiently as the months flew by. Morgan was healthy and happy. Reagan settled into a routine of helping the sick who came to her, as well as those too ill to travel.
Cullen had taken to spending most of his time with the men under Connor’s command, rarely coming to the house, and spending more time than he should in the taverns drinking and whoring for days at a time.
Nic had been good to his word making sure Cullen and Connor both knew to keep the information about Reagan’s background private. Connor was none too thrilled to have an oath extracted from him that her noble blood would remain confidential. After a brief discussion, Connor relented, seeing the benefits to everyone in having Reagan’s lineage kept under wraps.
Nic noticed Connor had David Hale reassigned to his holdings in York, which was far to the north. Soothing David's separation from Reagan, Connor awarded the young man a well-deserved promotion and assignment of extra men at his command. However, Nic had found it coincidental the transfer and promotion occurred the day after Connor and he came on Reagan and the young man together in the infirmary. Judging from the conversation, it appeared David may have been about to propose to Reagan when they interrupted them.
Nic was remembering that day with some questions as he walked back from the stables and past Reagan's quarters. He and Connor had been touring the out villages, collecting supplies for Reagan’s stores as they went, as they had become used to doing.
She had often requested their help when she knew they were going out. What was unusual was the fact that Connor had insisted they go straight to the infirmary and not have Cook deliver the supplies as had become the custom.
Connor and Reagan had developed a truce, and preserved that truce by keeping a respectable distance from each other. The day after the wedding Connor supplied her with a clean area to practice her craft as his way of apologizing for his behavior on her arrival at Featherstone.
Reagan was thrilled and graciously accepting the offer.
Grateful, she immediately selected the space from the areas Connor had listed, and settled on an outbuilding with good light, level, hard-packed dirt floors, and a roof that needed only minor repairs. It also had two small rooms off the back.
Both he and Connor had objected loudly once they figured out she had plans to make one of these rooms her sleeping quarters. Reagan and Connor argued, which was not a pretty sight to see. Morgan came to the rescue, arbitrating a truce
and negotiating a compromise all could live with.
Reagan had young Marcus, a teen under Connor’s foster care, to assist her and he would be her “protector”.
She took no time to make the space her own. It was here they found David and Reagan together, and Nic still remembered how his friend had stiffened by his side. It was reminiscent of when Connor faced an enemy.
That was nearly two months ago. As far as Nic knew, Reagan and Connor still had not exchanged more than a word or two and only when necessary.
Interrupting his musings, he came around the corner of the hallway to find Morgan collapsed on the floor. Her face was white with pain.
“Morgan!” Nic ran the remaining distance to his wife. “What's wrong?”
“It is time. You need to find Reagan,” Morgan said through escalating contraction.
“Let me get you to our quarters first. Then I'll go find her.”
Nic picked up his precious bundle and made for their quarters down the hallway. Laying her on the bed, Nic saw the evidence of the beginnings of her labor.
“I will be fine, go, go find her. Rea said that she was going to see the Newton twins in the village. She said she would not be long and should be on her way back by now. Go!”
Another contraction was coming. They were getting closer.
Nic shot out of the room like a bullet intercepting the housekeeper. “Mary! Lady Morgan is delivering. Go to her quickly. I am going to go find Reagan.”
“Yes, Sir.”
Mary watched Nic hurry down the stairs and out the front door in search of the one person whom they all trusted explicitly to deliver this beloved baby.
Approaching the stables, Nic found Connor and Cullen engaged in debate about the qualities of the black verses the white Arabian horse.
“Nic will settle this for us won’t you?” Cullen asked. However, the look on Nic face stopped the bantering at once. “Jesus, Nic. It’s Morgan, isn’t it?”
Nic nodded.
“Where is Reagan?” Connor asked, knowing he personally had not seen her since very early dawn the day before.
“Morgan said Rea went to look in on Mrs. Newton and her new babies this morning and should be on her way back. I am on my way to get her.”
Connor was already in the saddle. “No, you stay here. I will go. Go back to your wife. And for God's sake do not look so grim, Nic. She'll be fine. You'll see. It is childbirth, not battle. Now, go back to Morgan.”
Connor was out the gate in a flash and on his way to find Reagan. He found her not far from the stronghold carrying a squirming bundle in her arms. He was sure it was the babies judging from the weak cries. Reagan was surprised to see him and knew it could only mean one thing. Morgan was in labor.
He slowed his pace, riding up to meet her. It was the first time he had seen her look unguarded since the night they'd met, and their encounter in the hallway outside Nic and Morgan’s chambers.
Her eyes could be so full of warmth when she look at others, and yet cold and flat when she looked at him. He told himself he didn't care.
“It would seem you have a double burden to carry. Here, let me have one.” Connor reached over and took one of the babies before she had the opportunity to protest. “Morgan has gone into labor,” he said as he settled the baby in his tunic for added warmth.
“I figured as much. How long?” she asked solemnly.
“Nic did not say.”
He could see Reagan was hurting. Something had happened and it had nothing to do with Morgan.
Reagan took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Well, there is time for us not to have to rush. I do not want to risk injuring the babies with a gallop. Nic is with her?” she asked, rearranging her precious cargo.
“Yes.” Connor did not say any more, sensing she needed her space.
“I had a feeling Morgan would go into labor soon. I knew I should have stayed put, but Mrs. Newton was not well, and I was afraid she would not make it through the night.” Reagan paused as the lump in her throat kept her from speaking. “I was not able to save her. Two were just too much for her body to take. She was dead when we got there this morning.”
Connor waited for her to speak again. He knew she was just composing herself.
“Marcus and I did the best we could with the burial. I left Marcus there. Could I impose on you to send a man or two back with the priest to make sure it is done right?”
“Consider it done. What are you planning on doing with the babies? You cannot think to keep them.”
Her silence was answer enough.
“That is exactly what you were planning, isn’t it?” Connor asked softly, knowing her well enough by now. Her heart was sweet and giving, and leaving the children to die would never be a choice for her.
“No, not exactly. I could not think of anything else except to bring them with me. All I know for certain is that I could not leave them there. I’ll manage something,” Reagan said softly crying. Hot tears were silently streaming down her lovely face. Twice Connor had seen her cry, and both times it unnerved him. He leaned over to her and lightly squeezed her upper arm.
“You did the best you could. It was not your fault, Rea. Sometimes you just cannot save them no matter how much talent you have, or how many prayers you pray. You are a good woman Reagan O’Riley. I have gravely wronged you and I know that. You do the best you know how with the ones under your care. I thank you for the care you have shown my people.”
Reagan hoped the shock she was feeling did not show on her face. She had never hoped for an outright apology.
“Your people deserve that care. I can give no less than my all. It is just not in me to do otherwise.”
“I believe that. You have the soul of a warrior and the heart of a woman. Somehow the combination suits you.”
They rode into the gates, and were immediately surrounded by the guards and grooms who were awaiting their return. Reagan was tenderly trying to keep the baby she was carrying from being jostled as she tried to dismount. Two strong hands wrapped around her hips pulling her down without the slightest effort. Connor slid her down the substantial length of his body to keep her from tumbling. The feeling was shocking to both of them as they both felt the electricity pass between them. Quickly he stepped back and took the baby from her.
“Go to Morgan. I’ll see the children settled.”
Without a word, Reagan hurried off to find how Morgan was progressing.
Chapter 97
Upstairs Reagan found Nic sitting beside the bed. Morgan looked well to Reagan’s experienced eye. She was worried about Nic, though. She might need the smelling salts, yet.
“Reagan, I’m glad you are here. She has been in labor now for over three hours. How long will this take?” Nic was beside himself with worry.
“Nic, go downstairs. There are two additions to the house and Connor needs your help. Morgan's delivery will be hours, yet and I will call you if she needs anything.”
Nic looked down at Morgan. She smiled and nodded her head.
“Go, my love. I will be fine. Just come and check on me now and then so I know you are still around.”
“You can count on it. I love you.” Nic kissed Morgan on the forehead, leaving Morgan in Reagan’s capable hands to go about his errand of helping Connor.
Chapter 98
"I cannot stand it any longer. I have to go up.” Nic had been pacing the study in an endless back and forth.
Connor was trying to soothe Nic’s frayed nerves.
“No. You cannot go in there no matter what it sounds like to you. What you are going to do is sit and have a drink. Have several, in fact, while you are at it. It is a woman’s domain and Reagan is doing all she can, I feel sure.”
“It has been hours and I cannot stand this.” Nic dashed out of the study and took the stairs two at a time. He walked into a scene that was beyond his grasp. Sweat covered Morgan’s face and neck. Lines of stress, strain, and pain etched her face. She was in the middle of a very hard con
traction.
“That’s right, Morgan, push, push, hold it, hold it, release. Good girl, you’re doing great, and the baby is progressing nicely. Now, sit back and rest for a few minutes. The contractions will be getting harder from this point forward.” Reagan encouraged her as she brushed back the strands of wet hair from Morgan’s face.
Nic had seen some bloody battles, but nothing had prepared him to deal with seeing his wife in such agony.
“Reagan, what is wrong? Why is it taking so long?” Nic was frantic and demanding as he pushed passed Mary.
“Nic, there is nothing wrong.” Reagan was reassuring him in her steady and solid way. “Babies just don’t pop out, you know. It is a process and it takes time."
"But..."
"No buts, Nic, she is doing fine. Trust me. Now, tell me how the little girls are doing? Has Connor gotten them settled?”
“Reagan, do not try to distract me from my course. I insist you tell me what has happened and what is to come. I’m staying and that is final.”
Reagan gently tried to push Nic back through the door. “Nic, you staying in here is not a good idea, and I’m not trying to distract you. I want to know how the little girls are doing. You were the last to see them.”
“Will you two shut up!” Morgan commanded.
Nic rushed to her side and made the mistake of taking her hand just as the contraction began. She squeezed with all her might. Nic was sure she had broken the small bones in his hand. But if that was what it took to get her through this, he would gladly let her break every bone in his body.
“Nic, you really should not be here, but if you are going to stay, you might as well help. Support her back and neck as she rolls forward through the next contraction.”
“Love, how are you doing?” Nic asked.
“How do you think I’m doing? I feel like I’m ripping into pieces," she snapped at him. "Never touch me, again! Ever!” Morgan was going into another contraction.