“What happened with the fourth?”
“The fourth, that one was the key. The servants were now used to us hiding out in the study. That baby was part of his big plan and trust me when I say he worked damn hard to make sure she got pregnant again. He was anxious to see a birth.”
“When Hannah’s water burst I helped him hide behind the changing screen. I made sure all of the candles were brought forward so no shadows were cast. I wished him well and headed for the study where we were supposed to be playing cards.”
“So, he saw the birth? He must have been so happy.”
Ephraim chuckled. “Oh no, sweetheart, he was very angry.”
“Why?”
“He passed out as soon as the head appeared. Flat on his back and no one even knew that he was there. I found him two hours later while the house was in an uproar searching for him.”
She laughed softly. “I’m guessing that’s why they had another child.”
“Yes, he wanted another chance. This time when he went into the room to hide, Bertha was ready for him with a broom stick. She chased him out of the house through Rotten Row.” His whole body shook with laughter. “I’ve never seen him run so fast in my life.”
“Did she get him?”
He leaned over laughing harder. She saw his head nod. She couldn’t help laughing along with him until it hurt. “Ouch!” That stopped his humor. He sat up, putting his arm around her.
“Are you okay?”
She nodded. “It’s just a little pain.”
“Madison Soloman,” the nurse announced.
“That’s me,” she said before turning to Ephraim. “You don’t have to come in.”
“Are you sure?”
She nodded. “I’m sure.”
“Okay, I’ll be waiting for you here.”
She stood up and bent over quickly, clasping her stomach. “Ow!” Before she could sit back down Ephraim had her scooped up in his arms.
“Which way?” he asked the nurse.
“T-This way,” she answered nervously.
Madison buried her face against his chest. “I know, sweetheart, this is more embarrassing. I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay,” she mumbled against his chest.
*******
“You can help her get dressed now,” the doctor said. She turned her back to give them privacy. Ephraim didn’t understand the need for that. The woman just had her head between Madison’s legs, but he wasn’t going to say anything since Madison seemed relieved.
Once she was dressed, Ephraim leaned against the exam table while she sat with her legs hanging over the side. “Is she okay?”
The doctor turned around. “Tell me how this happened again.”
Ephraim cursed under his breath. He knew she wasn’t going to believe that he’d been too rough taking her virginity. He hated it more because it made him look like an ass**le.
“Huh?” Madison’s cheeks turned a fiery red.
The doctor folded her hands in her lap and leaned back in her chair. “I can only help you if I know what happened. I know what didn’t happen. I know this did not occur during natural intercourse.”
“Huh?” Was the only response Madison could manage. She was so embarrassed.
“This doesn’t leave the office, am I correct?” Ephraim asked.
“Of course.”
“I don’t want it written down either,” he said.
“We’ll see if it’s pertinent, but I need to know.”
“Huh?”
Ephraim cursed again and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “It was an accident. She was…she…er…” he looked back at the closed door to make sure that it was still closed. "She used a device to break her hymen. She slipped and landed on it pushing it all the way in rather quickly.”
The doctor winced. “And why did she do that?”
Okay, this was time for the big lie. Something more believable than Ephraim was afraid bloodlust would take over if he did it. His mind froze. Why did women do that?
Madison came back to life. “He didn’t want to hurt me. I-I freaked out in the beginning because he felt too big.” He had to stop himself from grinning, he really did. “And I was crying and he said he didn’t want to hurt me. So, I thought it would be better if I did it myself only I slipped in the tub and landed on it. I just wanted to break through so it wouldn’t hurt my first time.”
“I see.” Ephraim saw the humor in the woman’s eyes, but she didn’t laugh. He had to give her credit. “That makes more sense.”
“Really? So, what’s wrong?” Madison looked more relaxed since the truth came out.
She looked at Ephraim. “You may want to hold her hand for this.”
Ephraim took her hand. “What is it?”
“You bruised yourself. I’m guessing you went down at an angle because you’re only bruised on the right side.”
“So, it’s not my cervix.”
“No, I’m afraid it didn’t get that far.”
“What do you mean it didn’t go that far? It went all the way in.”
“Madison, you have an unusually thick hymen.”
“Meaning?”
“It only stretched a little bit to the right. The penetration was incomplete. This is very rare.”
She dropped her face in her hand. “Even after that it’s not complete?”
“No, I’m sorry. If you want, we could perform the procedure right now. I can complete the tear with an incision.”
“I guess I don’t have much of a choice,” Madison whimpered.
“If you’ll get undressed I can give you a little shot and in ten minutes I can take care of it.”
“And the pain will go away?” She sounded hopeful.
“Well, I believe a good amount will. The area is swollen and pulling at the hymen, what’s left of it. I think this will help yes. You will still be sore.”
“So, it just needs to be broken?” Ephraim asked.
“Yes.”
“Will it hurt her if it’s done in another method?” He didn’t want to see her hurt and he most certainly didn’t want this to be a medical moment.
“I would say it would have to be done very carefully at this point. With great care.” She gave Ephraim a meaningful look. “I’m afraid it’s going to hurt her a lot more this time around.”
“Ephraim, just let her do it please. It really hurts.”