A Carriage for the Midwife (28 page)

A child of their union. Edward Calthorpe’s child.

And there lay the reason for her hesitation. To give birth to this man’s child would be happiness beyond her dreams, but it was the thought of the marital union that she could not envisage. Deep in the recesses of her memory was a dark place where a monster still lurked, never thought about except in shameful and terrifying dreams. And in encounters with Mad Doll.

Yet there was no reason why Edward should ever know – God forbid! There were no outward marks left by the past, only that uncontrollable fear of what happened between a man and a woman. She had never thought of Edward in that way.

But how could she deny him anything, he who had loved her for so long? And why should she deny herself the pride of being his wife? Surely all would be well when they were married. She murmured a silent prayer for guidance, for a confirming sign.

And a sign was given, or so it seemed, almost immediately.

‘Ah, Madam Trotula, I did not think to see you walking out with a gentleman – and an officer of the King’s navy, no less!’

Charles Parnham spoke cordially to hide his sudden dismay. He had walked round to the back of the House to avoid Mrs Croker, and had planned to slip quietly into the classroom; but as soon as he saw the young officer with his arms around Susan, his spirits plummeted. How little he really knew about this girl – only that poor Mad Doll was her mother, and that the family had been miserably poor. This young man was not likely to be a relative.

To Edward’s extreme chagrin, Susan withdrew herself from his encircling arm and smiled in the most natural way at this intruder.

‘Dr Parnham! Oh, I be that
pleased
to see ye, sir!’

She held out her hands, which the doctor took, raising his eyebrows slightly. Her companion’s annoyance was not lost on him. This sailor lad wishes me to the devil, he thought. Can he possibly read my mind?

He smiled politely as Susan introduced them.

‘Dr Parnham, this is Mr Edward Calthorpe o’ Bever House. He be – he is in the navy, and is cousin to Miss Glover.’

‘Lieutenant Calthorpe,’ amended Edward coolly. Parnham bowed.

‘Oh, Edward, this is my friend Dr Parnham who does so much to help women in childbirth – he teaches doctors and midwives on the subject. In Belhampton,’ she added eagerly.

What a rare little beauty she is, thought Charles Parnham. And this young officer is in love with her. Well, well.

How that man’s eyes rake over her, thought Edward; he must be old enough to be her father, and I do not trust him an inch.

‘I thank Mistress Lucket for her compliments, and return them,’ said Parnham, looking straight into Edward’s unsmiling eyes. ‘I would never have believed that a poor girl of her age and background could be so wise in judgement and natural skill. In truth, sir, I have never known a better practitioner of the midwife’s art, even though she lacks a husband. Can it be that you think to make good that lack. Lieutenant? Forgive my intrusion at such a moment. Good day to you both.’

He turned away, intending to return to his lonely desk, but Edward was incensed at what he saw as a gross discourtesy.

‘Stay a moment – I do not care for your tone, sir!’

Parnham turned round. ‘Indeed, Lieutenant?’

‘Who gave you the right to speak so disrespectfully of the lady I intend to marry?’ demanded Edward. ‘Yes, sir, you are looking at Mrs Edward Calthorpe as she will be within days, and I’ll thank you to address her with the honour due to a lady!’

Susan gasped and tried to protest, but Charles Parnham walked back to them, holding out his hand to Edward.

‘Well said, Lieutenant Calthorpe, and I thank you. You and your lady have all the apology that I can offer. I humbly beg your pardon, mistress.’

Edward was not inclined to be won over, but Susan’s pleading smiles and her innocent daughterly regard for the doctor persuaded him to take the proffered hand. Parnham looked steadily into his eyes.

‘I congratulate you, Lieutenant, you have chosen well, whatever the world may say, and I’ll warrant it will say a great deal. Any assistance I can give is at your disposal. Good day.’

He left them quickly, and Edward looked thoughtfully at his retreating back. Then he drew Susan to his side again.

‘Your doctor friend wishes us well, my love, so let us be married as soon as it can be arranged. I will consult with Cousin Sophy about a church in Belhampton. So what do you say?’

Susan’s answer was in her shy smile, but Edward made her speak, and when she whispered her fatal
yes
, he kissed her upturned face reverently, unaware of Mrs Croker and Mrs Jarvis gawping from an upstairs window.

‘Missis Lucket! Missis Lucket!’ called Mag from the scullery door. ‘’Ee’d better come to her wi’ the scar down her face. Her say her be gettin’ hard pains in her belly!’

THE INTERIOR OF
the Wesleyan Chapel at Belhampton was cool and clean, with whitewashed walls and long rectangular windows of clear glass. Plain wooden pews rose up in shallow tiers on three sides from an uncarpeted space before the unadorned altar, and the only decoration was supplied by the words of the Lord’s Prayer painted in a single line around the walls; two earthenware vases filled with garden flowers added a touch of colour.

Edward stood beside his groomsman Henry Hansford at the side door. It was a quarter to ten, and they were as yet alone in the chapel. They were both in uniform and conversed in low voices.

‘May it not be very long before I am doing the same service for you, Henry,’ said Edward.

‘The war will have to end first,’ sighed his friend. ‘I am trying not to envy you your more persuadable lady.’

A man entered, hat in hand, bowed briefly to Edward and took a seat at the back.

‘Dr Parnham, the man-midwife,’ muttered Edward.

‘Oh, is that he? Sophy speaks highly of him, and says he has great admiration for your Susan’s skill.’

Edward did not reply.

‘Who on earth are
that
ill-favoured pair?’ asked Henry as a man and woman came in and sat down at the front.

‘The Crokers – the workhouse Master and his wife,’ replied Edward in distaste. ‘Susan says it was Parnham’s idea to invite them to witness the validity of her marriage.’

‘Is her sister coming?’

Edward’s mouth tightened. ‘No, she has not been given leave. But oh, see, there is her brother Job! He must have walked all the way over the common. Susan will be pleased to see him.’

But Joby Lucket had not walked the five miles from Beversley; he had come with Mrs Bennett and Mrs Marianne Smart in the three-seater. Edward stepped forward to greet the ladies warmly.

‘This is an honour, Mrs Bennett,’ he said with a bow.

‘You have more than proved your words, Mr Edward, and I wish you all the happiness you deserve,’ beamed the farmer’s wife. ‘Susan was a daughter to me when my Sally lay at death’s door, and I shall stand as her mother today.’

At five minutes to ten the minister appeared with his book open at the appointed place, and beckoned the two gentlemen to come forward.

At three minutes to ten a slight flurry at the entrance caused heads to turn, and a rather flustered Mr Turnbull came in with Mrs Coulter leaning heavily against him, her face tense with pain. He guided her slowly to a front pew and sat beside her, her walking stick across his lap.

Somewhere a clock struck ten, and all eyes turned to the door through which Miss Glover would bring a servant girl to be married to a Calthorpe of Bever House. A sigh went up from the small gathering as the two women appeared, both dressed in grey, but whereas Miss Glover’s gown was entirely plain, the bride’s had white lace at the throat and wrists. She wore a pretty straw hat with a silk ribbon, and carried a bunch of pink and white roses.

As soon as Susan entered the chapel her eyes were fixed upon Edward. She did not see the others, not even Joby, but walked straight towards the man who had chosen her for his wife. They stood together before the black-coated minister, and the marriage ceremony proceeded: Susan Lucket became Mrs Edward Calthorpe in the presence of her brother and friends. There was no music or homily, and when the gold ring was placed on her finger she trembled and turned very pale. Edward put his arm around her, and the simple service ended with a prayer that the new husband and wife would heed the word of God throughout their lives. They walked out of the chapel into a small paved court, and the attendants followed; there were greetings and embraces, especially between the bride and Joby, and with her former mistress from Bennetts’ farm. Mrs Coulter kissed Susan and told Edward he had gained a prize.

‘There’s none I’d rather hand over to than you, Mrs Calthorpe,’ said the old midwife with satisfaction. ‘And now nobody can call you spinster!’

Mrs Croker noted the absence of the groom’s family, but with the squire’s son and Dr Parnham on hand to give their support, she kept her curiosity to herself and pushed her husband forward to shake hands with the happy pair.

At Dr Parnham’s invitation they all trooped or rode up the hill to his house, where a good table awaited them, laden with cold mutton, new bread and bacon, fruit tarts and just enough wine and small beer to refresh them before they journeyed back to their homes and workplaces.

At least I have given my Trotula her wedding breakfast, though a more favoured man stands at her side, thought Charles, shaking hands with Edward and promising to watch over the welfare of young Mrs Calthorpe during her husband’s absence.

He then produced his wedding gift, which took them completely by surprise: a smart little two-wheeled trap drawn by a young and well-behaved brown pony.

‘His name is Brownie, and he will take you wherever Mrs Calthorpe pleases. The choice of wedding-trip is yours,’ said the doctor, patting Brownie’s neck and adjusting the new bridle and reins. ‘And there’s a basket of provisions for your dinner.’

Edward and Susan stared at the trim equipage.

‘My wife and I are greatly obliged to you, sir,’ said Edward.

Parnham bowed.

‘Would you like to go to Wychell Forest, Susan, and walk beside the lake?’ asked Edward in sudden inspiration.

‘I’ve never been that far, Edward,’ she said with shy eagerness, and Parnham experienced a pang. She’d agree to go to the North Pole if he suggested it, he thought.

‘Then you shall go today, my love, thanks to Dr Parnham.’

‘My humble privilege, Lieutenant,’ murmured the doctor, dismissing envy as the most contemptible of the seven deadly sins.

Susan saw Joby looking longingly at the trap, and remembered that he too had never seen the forest and lake. The boy had come to her wedding, and she longed for him and Edward to know each other like brothers. It would be a great treat for him if . . .

Edward also noted the look on Joby’s face, and a sharp struggle ensued between his better and baser natures. After all, there would be the night with all its happy fulfilment, and the following ten days and nights at the Belhampton inn where they were to spend the remainder of his leave.

‘I don’t suppose Spooner expects you back at the forge, Job,’ he said, and the grateful smiles of the brother and sister were his reward for sharing his wedding-trip with his young brother-in-law. His sacrifice was not lost on Parnham, and the officer rose considerably in the doctor’s estimation.

So it was settled, and the couple took leave of their friends with Joby squeezed in beside them. The twelve-year-old lad thought he had chanced on paradise, for he bathed in the lake while his sister and her husband roamed hand-in-hand through the woodland glades, and they all shared the contents of the food basket sitting on the bank.

Susan leaned her head on Edward’s shoulder, and he drew her close.

‘This is the happiest day of my life, Mrs Calthorpe.’

‘Mine too, Edward,’ she whispered, though in fact it all seemed to have the unreality of a dream, as if it were happening to a person other than Susan Lucket. If only time could come to an end now on this perfect July afternoon, so that they might wander through the forest for ever and ever, with no nightfall and no tomorrow – Heaven’s eternity could hold no greater bliss.

But afternoon passed into evening, and the light began to change. They climbed into the trap for the seven-mile journey back to Belhampton; Joby fell asleep, his head nodding in time to the pony’s trot, as shadows lengthened and crept across the fields. Edward put him down at the turn-off to Beversley, then headed towards Belhampton and the Bull Inn.

Susan opened her eyes and smiled at him. His heart seemed to melt.

‘Soon, very soon now, you will be my wife in very truth,’ he whispered, and a tremor ran through her frame.

The landlord’s wife was all smiles and curtsies, waving away the chambermaid and insisting on attending to Mr and Mrs Calthorpe herself. A boy was called to take care of the pony and secure the trap in the yard. When Edward requested that supper be served in their room, she at once led them up the open stairway that ascended from the dining room. A loud burst of laughter exploded from the market traders and soldiery at the tables, and Edward felt conscious of lewd glances following them up the stairs.

‘There now, all ready fur ye!’ said the landlady proudly, ushering them into the best bedchamber.

Susan was confronted by a great four-poster bed, a table with two chairs, a washstand with a pitcher and basin, and a row of brass hooks along the wall for cloaks and hats. The fireplace, empty on a summer evening, was surmounted by a carved mantelpiece on which an unlit candle stood between two expressionless china dogs.

‘I’ll bring up yer tray straightway, ma’am, an’ if there be anythin’ lackin’, there’s the bell rope by the bed. I like me guests to be comfortable. Ye’ve got a lookin’-glass over there, see . . .’

Susan took off her hat, overwhelmed by the size and grandeur of the room. Edward poured out two glasses of Madeira wine, but Susan had little appetite for food.

‘Alone with you at last, dearest,’ he murmured, loosening the gauze cravat at his throat. ‘How I have longed for this moment!’