Chapter 402: News [1]

Eloise remained seated as she awaited the arrival of the midwife. She drank water in hopes that it would calm her nervousness, her fingers tightening slightly around the glass.

Occasionally, Eloise glanced at Damien as he spoke with Michael in secret. She knew well what was being said between the two men and remained silent to let them have their talk.

Eloise’s attention then turned to the window, which was slightly ajar. A pleasant breeze was coming in, so she remained cool.

"Is it cold?" she heard Damien’s voice ask.

"No. It’s perfect to keep me warm. Mr Whitefield, were you employed here when Lady Hawthorne was pregnant with my husband?" Eloise inquired, curious.

"No, I came to work after your husband was born. Lord Hawthorne heard of my growing talents and showed an interest in me. He was kind enough to offer money so that I could continue to study medicine. I have served him since then," Michael shared.

Eloise could tell from the tone of Michael’s voice that he was genuine and recounted the memory with quiet fondness.

"Since I am getting older, I am taking a student to teach all that I know so they can continue to serve the Hawthornes. I meant to bring it up sooner, but I haven’t found the right pupil. I will inform you as soon as I do," Michael promised.

"We shall speak of it further at a later date. I will handle all the finances as my father did," Damien assured Michael.

"It is kind of you, but I am now in a position to take care of the pupil and fund their studies. It brings me great joy that I can do for someone what your father did for me. It has been a lifelong dream that I could pass on what I know," Michael shared, eager to do it himself.

"Then, please come to me with anything more that you need," Damien replied.

"I will do so," Michael answered. "I should take a second student to understand pregnancy."

"It would be wonderful to let it be a woman. I mean no offence to you, but I believe it would be of interest to some young lady, as she might understand our bodies far more. I know that there are midwives, but you have a bit more knowledge useful to ladies," said Eloise.

"I shall keep the options open for any young ladies who wish to join," Michael said, giving in to Eloise’s wishes.

"If there isn’t a lady who comes forward, do not feel as though you must search high and low to find one. I understand it is not an easy task," Eloise said, taking a weight off Michael’s shoulders. "I only wanted to keep the option open."

"I understand, Lady Hawthorne."

Soon after, the door opened, and Hannah led a woman inside.

"The midwife, Joyce Summers, has arrived," Hannah said, introducing the midwife.

"I send my greetings to Lord and Lady Hawthorne," Joyce greeted with a curtsy.

"Welcome, Mrs Summers," Eloise said, turning to Michael as she had been uncertain whether the midwife was married.

Joyce smiled as she noticed the interaction. "I am married, Lady Hawthorne."

"Forgive me. I forgot to inquire about it before your arrival. We welcome you to the estate. My husband and I would like to know if I may be with child now," said Eloise.

"I shall do my best to provide an answer. If the men could leave, I will get started now," Joyce requested, carrying out her usual routine. There wasn’t any use for a man now.

Damien wished to stay but knew men were often ushered out to ease the pressure and tension.

"I shall be right outside the door. You only need to call my name, and I will come to you," Damien said, leaning down to kiss Eloise’s lips.

"I shall be fine," Eloise assured Damien, offering him a reassuring smile.

Damien reluctantly pulled away, considering staying to see what would be done, but he forced himself to be respectful and followed Michael outside.

"Mrs Summers is exceptional at what she does. That is why I trust her to be at your wife’s side," Michael said in an effort to calm Damien. "It might not comfort you, but she helped with your aunt’s last child."

Damien turned to look at Michael. "Does she hold some loyalty to my aunt?"

"No, no. I would not have sent for her if she did. I have known her for over twenty years. Her only interest lies in helping ladies bear their children. She is not one to take sides," Michael explained.

"That is not completely comforting," Damien replied.

"I understand, but I view her as the best at this. Childbirth is quite dangerous. Search high or low, you won’t find anyone as good as her unless you steal the midwife from the palace. Don’t speak of this to anyone," Michael said, leaning close to Damien.

Michael continued, "I would not turn to the midwife in the palace. I had the misfortune of being in the same space as the doctors from the palace and the midwives. They are the ones who believe in the old methods I spoke of earlier."

"I find that you have a great interest in gossiping," Damien said, though he wished to hear it all. "Are there no good doctors in the palace?"

"Yes, there are. I would be lying if I said there wasn’t. The king searches for every good doctor to enter the palace to care for his family. My issue lies with that rather than allowing us to perfect our studies, they want doctors to follow the ways of the palace," Michael explained.

"What a shame. I was planning to buy off a few doctors from the palace," Damien muttered.

"You may still do it, as I know a few of them are searching for ways to be freed from the palace, but the king might not be fond of you doing it. Now is the time for you to search for good doctors and keep them within your grasp before the king gets to them," Michael said.

"Perhaps I should open a school, with you being the one to lead them," Damien considered.

"That would be lovely. Your family doesn’t intrude on our studies. It would be wonderful to have doctors of different practices all in one place, learning without the rules of the palace. Do consider it," Michael said, hopeful that Damien would succeed.

"I will think of it later, but as for now, my mind is on my wife," Damien said, trying to hear what was occurring inside. His concern grew with every passing moment.