Read Online Song Of The Nightingale (DeWinter's Song 1) by Constance O'Banyon - Free Book Online Page A

fiercely. “Now go to sleep while you can. You are going to need all your strength.”
    Slowly Abigail’s eyes closed, and she fell into an exhausted sleep, while Kassidy tearfully stared down at her.
    Abigail had been laboring since before midnight, and it was now almost sundown of the next day.
    Kassidy was beginning to fear for her sister’s life. She had very little knowledge of childbearing, but surely this was taking an unusually long time? If only the midwife would come. She had sent for her hours ago. What could be keeping her?
    She dropped into a chair, but still retained her grip on Abigail’s hand. She had sent Tetch to London to fetch Aunt Mary—she would surely know what to do.
    Perhaps it was fortunate that Abigail’s husband was not here, Kassidy thought. If he was, she would surely make him aware of her anger, and that would only upset Abigail. What kind of man would impregnate his wife and then leave her to have his baby alone?
    Kassidy tried not to think of the unborn child; she only thought about Abigail and the pain she must endure.
    Abigail groaned in her sleep, and Kassidy went to her side.
    A slight breeze stirred the lace curtains, but it brought little relief from the oppressive heat, so Kassidy picked up a lace fan and swept the air. The door opened a crack, and a white-headed woman peered at them. Shoving the door wide, she ambled in. She was stooped and frail, her face was creased with wrinkles, but there was kindness in her faded blue eyes.
    “I’m Maude Perkins, the midwife, come to help. I couldn’t come sooner, ‘cause there’s been two other babies I delivered since I got word from you.” With a quick assessment of the situation, she nodded. “She’s laboring hard. How long’s she been this way?”
    Kassidy’s eyes were pleading. “For seventeen hours. She seems to be resting now.” There was a catch in Kassidy’s voice. “Please help her.”
    The wise old eyes blinked. “I know about her situation. Do you want me to allow nature to steer the course, or shall I hurry it along a bit?”
    Kassidy swallowed a painful lump in her throat. “I don’t know anything about birth. You’ll have to do as you think best.”
    Maude nodded. “There’s a Lady Mary below. She asked that I send you down at once. You go ahead on. I’ll stay with your sister.”
    Kassidy was relieved to know that Aunt Mary was there, but she was reluctant to leave Abigail. “I promised to stay with her.”
    Maude placed her pack on the floor and nodded to the door. “Little good you’ll do her if you’re done in. Get you down and fortify yourself. If your sister wants you, I’ll let you know.”
    Kassidy lightly touched her sister’s cheek. “She’s of a delicate nature.” Her eyes met the old woman’s. “Will she ... do you think she ...”
    “I’ve been in this situation many times. I’ve hardly ever lost the mother.”
    There was something about Maude Perkins that inspired trust. “Call me if she asks for me.”
    “Have I not said I would?”
    Kassidy tiptoed out of the room and went down the stairs and into the sitting room. She rushed forward to be enfolded in the comforting arms of her Aunt Mary.
    “I came as quickly as I could. How’s Abigail, dear?”
    “I’m frightened for her, Aunt Mary. I never realized the pain involved in giving birth.”
    “It’s nothing to worry about. Women have babies every day, Kassidy. I had a daughter myself.”
    “And Patricia is having her third child.”
    Aunt Mary’s lip turned up in distaste. “Little wonder you are so concerned. I’m sure Patricia complains all day about her condition. But let’s not dwell on her. Let me look at you.” She smiled, shaking her head in approval. “You have turned into a beauty, just as I knew you would.”
    “I’m told I look like you.”
    “And so you do,” Lady Mary said, with a twinkle in her eye.
    Lady Mary studied her favorite niece. Kassidy had indeed inherited the wild Scottish beauty of the