Child of the Kindred, page 27
part #2 of The Rienfield Chronicles Series
“Is everything alright? I was worried when you did not return right away, but I was too nervous to get up and see what had happened,” she asked in a low, worried voice.
“Everything is fine love, more than fine actually,” Aiden answered in a happy, but quiet voice.
“What do you mean?” she asked smiling curiously.
“I have the most delightful news. The reason we heard Caleb calling for Milo, is that he had him send for the Ollams, as Laurel became ill again,” Aiden began to explain.
“How is that delightful?” Marina asked perplexed.
“The reason for her becoming ill. She is not sick, she is with child and has been for about three months now. She apparently became pregnant on their wedding night, or shortly after. The dog, I am really not surprised at all. He rarely gave the poor love a moment’s peace,” Aiden answered sardonically.
Marina gasped lightly in surprise, putting her hand to her mouth and then began to laugh at Aiden’s comment describing Caleb.
“That is wonderful news, though I find it very amusing how you speak of your brother. He must be elated. I know Laurel enough, to realise that she will be overjoyed. She will make an excellent mother,” Marina said, her voice sounding sweet and carefree, as she had before the recent tragedies.
“I have no doubt she will. As far as Caleb being elated, he must be, because he just looked at me in complete shock, and ran out of the study towards their bedroom. I have not seen him since then,” Aiden said, smiling happily at her. “I find it hilarious that he had the nerve to be shocked. I am not exaggerating when I tell you, he would not leave Laurel alone. I was ready to pummel him on Patrol duty. He drove us all insane the entire fortnight, as our three groups stayed together most of the time. Not to mention the village needed our help in getting resettled after their attack from the slavers,” Aiden related. “Caleb was trying to get information out of this little weasel of a smuggler. He had no problems convincing him to talk. Unfortunately, he was killed by one of his own band of thugs, before Caleb could get much information from him. So it just made Caleb even harder to deal with,” Aiden told her with a sly grin.
“Is that why he was in such a foul mood when you stopped here briefly, to rest for a time?” Marina asked, still smiling at Aiden’s animated description.
“Yes, he did not want to stop at all, he just wished to return to Heathwin. I told him we all needed to rest, even the horses were complaining,” Aiden replied with a grin.
“I am happy that you did. It was lovely to see you again so soon,” Marina replied quietly, smiling shyly.
“I admit to you, resting was not my only motivation in coming here again,” Aiden said smiling charmingly.
Marina laughed quietly at Aiden’s comment, as she moved closer to him and laid her head once again on his shoulder. He smiled at her relaxed demeanour and began to gently stroke her hair.
“When will we depart for Heathwin?” Marina asked in a sleepy voice.
“With Caleb now knowing Laurel’s condition, it should be very soon. The camp at the river is still waiting for us. I am sure the early snows have already begun in Heathwin, so we really should not delay much longer. You may want to decide what you would like to bring with you. Keep in mind you will have to pack carefully, as there will not be much time or room to bring too much back with us this trip. We will have to get the rest of your belongings in the Planting Season,” Aiden informed her.
“Alright. I will begin to arrange our things in the morning,” Marina said, stifling a yawn. Aiden smiled at her, fighting not to fall asleep.
“Let us rest now, the remainder of the night should be quiet and uneventful,” Aiden replied softly, as he watched her with the glow of the moons’ light pouring in from the window, her eyes becoming heavier, then closing.
He held her closer as she fell asleep and he smiled at the comfort he felt by her trust in him.
The morning arrived sunny and bright, but cold. The servants were busy bustling about, making sure the fireplaces were lit, and attempting to bring breakfast into the family dining room as quickly as possible. Caleb and Laurel were first to arrive, followed shortly by Phineas. He walked over and gently embraced Laurel before speaking.
“Let me be one of the first to congratulate you on such wonderful news Your Highness, Prince Caleb. I am truly happy for you both. To have something this joyous, come out after a time of such tragedy, it is truly a blessing,” Phineas spoke with barely reserved emotion.
“Thank you, Phineas. We are both overjoyed as well,” Laurel said in a small, tired voice.
Caleb smiled at her lovingly, with a bit of concern on his face, as he reached over and held her hand. A few moments later Aiden and Marina, closely followed by Oriel and Jamison came into the dining room. The children were more carefree and happier when they saw that their favourite foods were being served. The cooks had made for them, their favourite sweet bread, baked custard, as well as honey cured baked ham. For Laurel, she prepared, just for her, a tiny baked pumpkin filled with nuts and honey. Everyone began to enjoy their meal, and a lovely conversation ensued. Suddenly, Laurel stopped eating and putting her hand to her mouth, got up and hurried out of the room. Everyone looked at her in surprise, except for Caleb, who just sighed and smiled sadly and followed her. Aiden and Marina looked at each other and smiled knowingly, as the children looked confused.
“Should I call for someone?” Phineas asked in a concerned voice.
“No, do not worry Phinny. Caleb is with her, if he becomes too worried, you will hear about it very soon,” Aiden said reassuringly. “Let us just enjoy our meal, the day is going to be busy enough,” he said, smiling over at Marina and squeezing her hand.
“What is wrong with Laurel?” Oriel asked slightly worried.
Jamison looked over at Aiden and Marina, with a startled expression.
“Laurel is going to have a baby dearest. In the beginning, it can sometimes make you feel sick to your tummy,” Marina explained gently, smiling warmly at the children, trying to ease their concern.
Since their mother’s tragic demise, they alarmed very easily at anything they perceived as frightening or dangerous.
“Oh, that is so sad, the bread and custard are very yummy. But it is wonderful that we shall have a baby soon,” Oriel stated, with childish honesty, smiling happily as she resumed eating.
Aiden smiled at Oriel’s reference to, “we shall have a baby,” comment. He was pleased that the children were already accepting them as their new family.
Caleb saw Laurel hurry out the back door to the terrace. When he caught up to her as he walked through the door, he found her on her knees, vomiting again. Caleb kneeled down next to her and gently caressed her back.
“My poor love, let me bring you back to bed so you can rest for a bit. I knew you got up too early dearest,” Caleb spoke tenderly, as he took her in his arms and brought her back to their room.
Lying Laurel down carefully, Caleb sat next to her for a moment, stroking her hair, smiling sympathetically.
“I cannot believe that the smell of my favourite dishes, made me sick. I feel so badly, for poor Whelan. She went to all that trouble to make the tiny pumpkin for me,” Laurel spoke sadly, her eyes looking sad and emotional.
“I assume Whelan is the cook?” Caleb asked, looking at her with quiet amusement.
“Yes, she is. She has been the cook here since before I was born. I do not have the heart to tell her, I could not eat what she prepared specially for me,” Laurel said, beginning to sound teary.
“Would you feel better mo stor, if I went to the kitchen and spoke with Whelan myself? I could ask her to make you some biscuits. It may be easier on your stomach,” Caleb mentioned, as he drew his bent finger across her cheek.
“Oh Caleb, that would be so sweet of you,” Laurel said softly, still sounding teary and emotional.
“Dearest, if you wish for us to stay here in Gwenlais, through the winter, I will do this for you. All I would have to do is inform Father. I do not want the trip back to Heathwin to be difficult for you, or the baby. You can spend the winter, around all the things you love,” Caleb replied in a warm deep voice, continuing to caress her face.
Laurel smiled at him lovingly, as she put her hand on his.
“My dear husband, when I am with you, and in Heathwin, I am with all the things I love. Heathwin is my home now. I wish to go back home my Prince; please, take me home. The trip will not hurt our child or me,” Laurel said in a soft voice.
Caleb leant over and kissed her tenderly, his eyes filled with tears of love at her words.
“We will leave at the week’s end mo stor. I will have Angus and Owain ride to the river camp today, to ready it for our arrival. Father will be there as well, staying with Mother until she leaves in the morning. Mother will return to Heathwin and have everything arranged for us all accordingly. She will be quite beside herself when she hears of our happy news,” Caleb said with a knowing grin, his heart filled with joy at the thought of their child and of going home. “Now I will go to the kitchen, and I will ask the cook to make you some biscuits, enough for the trip home,” he kissed Laurel again as he stood up to leave and go to the kitchen.
Caleb walked down the stairs and met the others in the large lobby as they were just finished with breakfast.
“How is our Princess doing?” Aiden asked with a sad smile.
“Emotional and still feeling ill. Laurel says that she wishes to go home. I told her we would leave by week’s end,” Caleb said looking over at Marina, and the younger children. “I am afraid my dear, we will have to begin to get all of your things ready today,” Caleb said in a sympathetic voice.
“I shall start to gather our things as soon as I go back upstairs,” Marina told Caleb softly, then looked over at Aiden, who smiled back at her, squeezing her hand.
“We will stay at the river camp overnight and then depart for Heathwin the next morning,” Caleb smiled warmly at them, noticing the younger children looked confused.
He walked over to them calmly and crouched down in front of them.
“My dears, we will all be going home to Heathwin in a few days, you will be coming there to live with us. You need to help your sister and gather some of your things to take. What we cannot take this time, we will come back and get for you in the Planting Season. I promise you, we will do everything to make sure you are happy and comfortable. We shall make the trip back, an adventure for you, we will be staying at the river camp for a night. How does that sound?” Caleb asked them in a soft, deep voice.
Jamison’s face lit up at the sound of sleeping in tents and having an adventure. Oriel, however, became tearful, her lips trembling.
“I...I do not want to go! No! This is our home, Marina! Mother…Mother is here. We cannot go!” Oriel cried, becoming hysterical as Caleb held her hands, trying to calm her.
“Orrie, calm down dearest. I know you are frightened love, but I promise you, there is nothing to be afraid of. You will have all that you need in Heathwin, my child. It is time to go home Orrie,” Caleb said seriously, but warmly.
At this point Oriel was crying pitifully, tears streaming down her face.
“No... I do not want to go!” she said sobbing miserably, which in turn caused her brother to cry, as well as making Marina emotional.
Caleb looked over at Aiden with a sad smile, but Aiden could only shake his head. Caleb picked Oriel up in his arms and carried the struggling, sobbing child upstairs to her room. Aiden followed behind, holding Jamison and leading Marina by the hand. Caleb lay Oriel down on her bed, then placed Jamison next to her, as he too had become overwrought.
“I need to get things underway. I will be back soon to help with all of this,” Caleb said, his voice sounding a bit impatient, as he walked over to Aiden.
He then placed his hand on the side of Marina’s face.
“I am truly sorry mo daor. I do not wish to cause you, or the children, any distress, but this is something that must happen,” Caleb spoke in a warm, gentle voice.
“I know Caleb, I will have us ready by then,” Marina replied, holding back her tears.
Just then Tulla emerged from the hallway, smiling timidly as she entered the room.
“Your timing is perfect, as always, my dear Tulla. Though I must be honest and say, I did not expect you quite so soon. We will all be leaving for Heathwin in a few days. Will you be able to assist your grandmother, for the trip back at this time?” Caleb asked her warmly. “I hope that the suddenness of our departure will not be too difficult for her,” Caleb mentioned with some concern.
“Oh no, Caleb! She is most happy and elated by the news, as she has wanted to move back for at least five seasons now. She still has a cousin that lives in Kilkenny, who will be so happy with her return. When Owain announced to her our impending marriage, she was quite beside herself,” Tulla replied, her voice happy and excited.
Everyone turned, hearing Oriel cry with more despair, at the mention of leaving by the end of the week.
“Not all of us are excited about leaving,” Aiden said with a wry grin.
“I shall help Marina with the children,” Tulla remarked, reaching over and giving Marina’s hand a gentle squeeze.
“That will be most helpful Tulla. But for now, if you would go and see how Laurel is getting along, I would appreciate it. She was feeling ill again this morning,” Caleb smiled at her knowingly.
Tulla’s eyes widened at Caleb mentioning Laurel being ill.
“Then it is true? Is what she suspected, correct?” Tulla asked softly, her eyes tearing up.
“Yes, it is, my dear. Laurel will have our child, during the Planting Season,” Caleb stated, smiling warmly at her.
Tulla walked over and hugged Caleb briefly, then stood back to look up at him.
“I am so happy Caleb. So happy for you both. I shall go to her now,” Tulla said as she hurriedly left the room, wiping happy tears from her face.
“I will be going to the kitchen to ask the cook to make some biscuits for Laurel, for now, and the trip back to Heathwin. I will head to the Lodge afterwards, to inform everyone when we will be leaving. I told Laurel I will have Owain and Angus ride to the camp today, so they will be ready for us,” Caleb informed Aiden.
“Yes, that makes sense. I shall try to get everyone in the right frame of mind, while you are busy,” Aiden replied with a grin, as he looked over at Oriel who was still crying in the bed.
Caleb looked over and smiled sadly at Oriel, not completely surprised by her reaction, as the children were still in a state of shock by what they had all been through.
“I shall be back as soon as I can,” he said as he left the room.
Caleb then made his way to the kitchen, where everyone stopped their duties as he entered, surprised by his sudden appearance.
“Good morning, Sire. I was informed that Her Highness was ill earlier. May I ask, how she is faring?” Whelan asked fretfully, walking up to Caleb as she wiped her hands on her apron.
Whelan was a plump, matronly looking older woman, with kind grey-green eyes, short in stature as was typical of women in Gwenlais. Her face flush, with her efforts at the cooking hearth and brick oven, her silver hair peeking out of her small cooking bonnet. All the staff waited to hear Caleb’s reply, staring at him anxiously. Caleb glanced around at the full kitchen, smiling in amusement before he answered. It warmed his heart, to see how everyone was so concerned with Laurel’s well-being.
“Yes Whelan, she was indeed ill, at breakfast. I feel, however, you will all be quite happy to know the reason behind her illness. Mistress Gavenia came to see Princess Laurel, late in the evening, as she was ill then also. After examining her, she then informed us, Her Highness is with child, and will have the baby in the late Planting Season,” Caleb announced, his expression and voice not hiding his pride and happiness.
Surprised gasps and smiles came from all in the kitchen, including that of Whelan, who stood for a moment her hands to her mouth. A moment later, Caleb looked around with surprise, finding himself embracing Whelan back, as the cook stood sobbing loudly into his chest.
“I cannot believe, our dear Princess will be having a baby! I remember the day she was born! The castle was filled with such happiness,” Whelan sobbed out loudly, with everyone smiling and talking all at once.
Caleb stood a moment longer, finding Whelan still embracing him, as he patted her back lightly. Then clearing his throat to get everyone’s attention, Caleb placed his hands on Whelan’s shoulders, gently pushing her away from him enough to look into her face.
“I was hoping Whelan, that you would be able to make Laurel, a big batch of those lightly spiced biscuits she is so fond of. We will be departing for Heathwin at week’s end, and it seems, that those are the only thing she can keep down, for any length of time,” Caleb stated in a kind and patient voice, smiling at her warmly.
“Of course Sire! I shall make them myself, and begin at once,” Whelan responded, wiping her eyes with her apron, attempting to compose herself. “It seems only yesterday, when I made her those same biscuits when she was just a baby herself,” Whelan mentioned, becoming emotional once again.
Caleb noticing this, then stepped back slightly, smiling at her with amusement.
“Thank you very much, Whelan. Her Highness will be most happy to hear this. Perhaps a bit later, you could have some warm broth brought up to her room?” Caleb asked, hoping it would allow the cook, to refocus and calm down.
“Leave it all to me, Sire. We will have some lovely roast chicken for supper, so I shall have the broth made from this. Is she still fond of dumplings?” Whelan inquired, her voice and eyes now full of renewed determination.
“I am sure that she is,” Caleb answered, trying to sound convincing, as this was something he really was not certain of. “Well, thank you, and good day, everyone. I shall be sure and tell Her Highness of your warm regards,” Caleb said as he left the kitchen, to a chorus of well wishes.
