Elena’s heart quickened. It wasn’t that she didn’t want the position to go to Gabriel, but she couldn’t help but wonder if Darragh would name Vincent as Laird once he passed. The thought of having Vincent in charge of the clan gave Elena chills. She knew Vincent would be the cause for strife rather than peace.
“That cannae be good,” Elena said as a sharp pain stabbed her. Instantly her hands shifted to her belly.
“Ye alright?” Isobel asked as her hands flew to Elena’s hips.
“Aye,” Elena gasped. “The wee little bairn is active as all get out. Likes to kick me somethin’ fierce. I’m guessin’ it’ll be a fighter when it gets older. And Lord help us all if it’s a girl.”
“She’ll be just as her maither,” Isobel said with a wink.
“Perhaps,” Elena said as she felt pressure in her back. Trying to ease the pain, she stretched a bit.
“I think I need to go for a walk,” Elena said to Isobel. “Maither mentioned the other day how walks always seemed to help her during these last few months. Accordin’ to her, it helps get the bairn in position.”
“Do ye want me to come wit’ ye?” Isobel asked. Shaking her head, Elena flashed Isobel a cringed smile.
“Tis fine,” Elena insisted. “I’ll nae be gone long.”
Elena’s body ached as she moved through the great hall. She couldn’t help but feel the pressure in her gut as she walked. It seemed no matter what she did, it hurt. Pulling in a deep breath, she tried to focus on something other than herself.
Isobel has nae seen Anna today. Perhaps Anna is in her room restin’ now that Vincent is out wit’ Gabe. I’m sure she’s enjoyin’ the peace. And I should apologize to her. I daenae want any discord between us.
Elena slowly made her way down the hallway. The servants each took notice as she passed by them. It was as if Gabriel told each of them to watch out for her while he was gone. She couldn’t help but smile at how attentive Gabriel was to her. He doted on her like none other and her heart swelled knowing she was loved so completely.
Stopping at Anna’s door, Elena lifted her hand to knock only to be struck by another sharp pain. It felt as if her stomach was about to explode. She realized what she was feeling wasn’t a kick or a jab from the bairn but something else entirely. Reaching for the doorknob, Elena let out a muffled cry and crumbled over herself trying to find relief from the pain.
“Anna,” Elena called out hoping her sister was in the room. But all she heard was another soft muffled cry from inside the room. Mustering all the strength she could, Elena pushed through the pain and opened the door. Her eyes widened as she saw Anna strapped to the bed with chains and a leather strap silencing her sister’s cries.
“ANNA!”
Elena called out as the pain overcame her. Elena dropped to the floor as she felt water gushing between her legs. Tears flowed down Elena’s cheeks as she curled her arms around her stomach.
“M’Lady!” Emily’s voice was more of a shrill. “My word. What is goin’ on?”
“Nay, to my sister first,” Elena demanded as Emily rushed to her side first to help her. Through blurry, tearful eyes, Elena watched Emily pull the strap of leather from Anna’s mouth.
“Elena, oh Lord, what is happenin’?” Anna cried out as more people flooded into the room.
“Anna? Elena?” Iona’s voice cracked as she entered the room. Elena moaned as she felt soft, gentle hands on the small of her back. “Help me get her into bed.”
“Anna,” Elena groaned. “Help Anna.”
“I’m here, sister,” Anna said as she stepped into Elena’s view.
“What is goin’ on in here?” Iona demanded as Anna and Iona helped Elena into the bed.
“Vincent,” Anna gasped.
“Vincent tied ye to the bed?” Iona asked as she began stuffing pillows behind Elena’s back.
“I daenae ken what’s come over him. It’s like he’s been touched in the head,” Anna said as Elena let out a powerful scream.
“We’ll discuss this later,” Iona snapped as she pressed her hand to Elena’s forehead. “My God, yer burnin’ up. Get me water, and rags. We’ll need the fire stoked. I daenae think this child is in the right position to be comin’.”
“Where is Gabriel?” Elena asked as her hand flew to her mother. “I need him here.”
“I daenae ken,” Iona said.
“Jacob, where is Jacob?” Elena asked as another round of pain coursed through her. It felt as if the veins in her body were hot, thick tar. Her heart pounded as she cried out once again.