The Mate He Gave Away novel · Chapter 28 of 40

Chapter 28: Midsummer Eve

"Inside," Agnes said. "Now. Don't argue with me."

I didn't argue.

The first pain came while I was still looking at the river. It folded me over the door frame.

Agnes got one arm. The midwife got the other.

They walked me into the back room of the mill, where we kept the dry sacks.

The midwife kicked a pile of empty ones flat on the floor and threw her shawl over them.

"Fire," she said to the two millhands. "And water. Clean water, not that soup outside. Go up to the keep and bring down every blanket Agnes owns."

They went.

Agnes was looking at her.

"I've delivered three hundred babies," the midwife said, very calm. "Some of them in barns. You can watch me the whole time."

"I intend to."

"Good. Hold her hands."

The second pain came.

I held Agnes's hands so hard she swore again.

"That's twice," I said through my teeth.

"Hush."

Davy's face appeared at the door, white as milk.

"Is it now? It's now, isn't it?"

"Run," Agnes said. "Up the hill. Bring the old man and his trumpet and tell the sergeant to send rope to the bank."

He ran.

Through the little window I could see the river.

I couldn't see the far bank anymore. Only rain.

"Where is he?" I said.

"Where he can't help," Agnes said. "Look at me, not out there."

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