A Change In Life - Chapter 6 (it's Also In Fanfiction.net And Archive Of Our Own) Charles Finished Painting

A change in life - Chapter 6 (it's also in Fanfiction.net and Archive of our own) Charles finished painting the closet and left the brush on the floor. He looked at his finished work and smiled before turning to look at his wife, who was knitting. Elsie was now 30 weeks pregnant, and she looked as if she had eaten two watermelons. It had become very difficult for her to move around Downton for an entire day, so her Ladyship had decided on giving her the day off in the evenings until Baby decided to make its appearance. -So, do you, finally, like this color Elsie? – She looked up and examined Charles’ work. -Well… I… - She looked at Charles, who sighed and picked the brush again. – I like it Charles. -He dropped the brush and run to kiss her. -Finally. I was starting to hate the closet. -Why don’t you go and wash your hands? The nursery is almost finished. The only thing we need is to put all the clothes inside and it will be ready for Baby. We’ve finished for today. -Sure. Go to bed, I’ll go in a minute. He helped her up and kissed her cheek. She walked, or better said waddle, to the Master bedroom as she heard the water running. She felt Baby kicking as she took her robe off, and smiled. -You will be here soon honey, and I can’t wait to meet you. She was about to sit on the bed when she felt something warm sliding down her thighs. She frowned her brow and reached down to feel something wet in her hand. She brought her hand to her face. -CHARLES! She screamed his name when she saw the blood on her hand. She felt tears in her eyes, and her heart pounding hard inside her chest. He came running from the bathroom to find her nightgown soaked in blood and Elsie crying. -Charles… please... help me -Alright, deep breathes. In and out. In and out. That’s it. I’m going to call Dr. Clarkson and Mrs. Crawley. You stay here, and don’t panic. -How can I not panic?! I’m bleeding! Please Charles, don’t let anything harm our baby. Please. She cried harder so Charles hugged her and kept her close to his chest, whispering things to her until he felt she had calmed down a bit, then he let her go a bit. -I’m going to run downstairs to phone them, okay? Don’t worry. I’ll be right here, by your side all the way. Just lay down and try to keep calm. She nodded and carefully laid down on the mattress. Charles kissed her lightly and run downstairs. She felt Baby kicking, and that calmed her down a bit. Charles run to the phone and after dialing Dr. Clarkson’s number he waited. -Dr. Clarkson, yes? -This is Charles Carson. -Oh, how are you Mr. Carson? -There’s no time for that. Dr. Clarkson, Elsie is bleeding, and a lot. -Bleeding? I’ll be right there. Where is she? -In bed, lying down. -Okay, don’t move her and wait for me to get there. In ten minutes I’ll be there. -I’ll be expecting you. Goodbye. Charles hanged up, waited a few seconds and the dialed Mrs. Crawley’s number. -The Crawley’s household, Mosley speaking. -This is Charles Carson. I need to talk with Mrs. Crawley immediately. -If you wait for a minute I will tell her -Please, hurry. – He heard footsteps going away, and after a few minutes he heard footsteps coming back. -Mr. Carson? – He heard a female voice at the other side of the receiver. -Mrs. Crawley, Elsie is bleeding. I’ve already called Dr. Clarkson, but I wanted to call you. -I’ll get dressed and I’ll be there in five minutes. -Thank you Mrs. Crawley. -How is Elsie? -Scared. She’s upstairs lying down. -Don’t let her panic. Keep her calm. Okay? -Of course. Thank you Mrs. Crawley He hanged up and run back upstairs. Elsie was lying on her side, with her eyes closed, one hand on her lower belly and the other one right under her bosom. She felt Baby kicking hard, as if he or she was sensing her distress. -How are you feeling Elsie? – Charles kneeled in front of her, and placed his hand on her upper arm. - Does it hurt? -No. It doesn’t hurt, but Baby is moving a lot. -Mrs. Crawley should be here soon, and Dr. Clarkson will be here in five minutes. Just stay calm. Feeling Baby is a good sign. -I’m scared. What if something’s wrong? What if my water broke and Baby’s coming? -You are not having pains, so Baby is not coming. And I’m sure that everything is alright. Let’s try to get our minds a bit off this. What do you want to talk about? -Could you call Downton? -Downton? For what? -For Beryl, just for her to know. -I suppose I could go downstairs and phone her. You just stay calm, and if you feel anything unusual, scream my name. Elsie nodded and took a deep breath. Charles run downstairs again and picked up the phone. He didn’t know who would answer the phone at this time of night, but he did’t acre as long as he did what his wife had asked him to do. -Downton Abbey, Lady Mary speaking. -Lady Mary this is Charles Carson, could you please ask Mrs. Patmore to come to the phone. It’s an emergency. -Is something wrong Mr. Carson? -Elsie is bleeding. I’ve already called Mrs. Crawley and Dr. Clarkson, but she asked me to tell Mrs. Patmore too. -Well Mr. Carson, I’m afraid she’s not here. She went to visit her sister early this evening. Didn’t she tell you? -Oh Lord, she did, but I forgot. Sorry to have wasted your time My Lady. -Waste my time? Carson, Mama and I are going directly to your house. Wait for us. -My Lady, there’s no need… -We are going, and that’s it. We will see you in a bit Carson. -Of course My Lady. He heard the line going quiet, but he didn’t have much time to think. He heard the door and quickly run to open it. Mrs. Crawley was standing there with her coat and her hat on her hands. -You said she was upstairs? -That’s right. Master bedroom, to the right. – She run upstairs, Charles closed the door and followed her. -Hello Mrs. Carson. Your husband has told me what the problem is, and if you let me try and find Baby’s heartbeat we will know if it’s something serious or not. -Do I have to move? -A bit. I need you on your back. Mr. Carson, could you bring towels, water and a sponge? – He left the room. – Okay, I’m going to lift your night gown so I can see your belly, and I will try to hear Baby’s heart. I need you to keep very still and quiet. Can you do that for me? Elsie nodded and slowly moved on the bed. With Mrs. Crawley’s help she lifted her nightgown and exposed her big and round belly, which was covered in a bit of blood. Elsie felt new tears in her eyes and tried to stay as calm as she could. Soon Charles came inside with the water and the sponge, and run to the bathroom to retrieve the towels. Mrs. Crawley picked the sponge up and placed it in the water. After a few minutes drained the water from the sponge and placed it on her belly, cleaning it from the blood. -Now, keep still and quiet. Mrs. Crawley placed her head on her belly and listened. She felt Baby kick her head, and after a few minutes she heard the galloping sound of Baby’s heart. -Baby’s fine, so nothing to worry about. -Then why am I bleeding so much? -I think it has stopped now. Charles looked at them both, with his heart on his throat. He heard the door and run downstairs. Dr. Clarkson entered without saying anything, left his hat and his coat and run upstairs. -Mrs. Crawley! What’s your diagnosis? -Baby’s heartbeat is strong and steady, and he or she is kicking, so I would say that it’s not very serious. You can take a look; I was washing her a bit. -Yes, I will take a look. Mrs. Crawley left the sponge in the red water and stood up, leaving the end of the bed free for Dr. Clarkson. Charles couldn’t see her wife like this, so he turned around when Dr. Clarkson spread her legs. -Mrs. Carson, there’s nothing to worry about. I can see the problem perfectly. – He took a small thing out of her and showed her. – This is what caused the problem. A small sack of blood. It must have formed when you were raped, it sometimes happens, and now maybe Baby was pressuring it and it broke. I suggest you wash, put a clean nightgown on and go to bed. There’s nothing to worry about. -God, I was scared to death. I thought something was wrong with Baby.- She placed her hands on her belly and closed her eyes. -Nothing’s wrong with Baby, Elsie. He or she is alright. Thank you Dr. Clarkson, thank you Mrs. Crawley. -If something new happens phone us. Dr. Clarkson closed his bag and helped Elsie sit on the bed. Mrs. Crawley and Dr. Clarkson went downstairs and showed themselves out while upstairs Charles helped Elsie out of her nightgown. -Did you call Beryl? She must be on her way. -No, she’s visiting her sister, and I didn’t remember and phoned. Lady Mary and her Ladyship are on their way. -They are coming?! – She went to the bathroom and washed the blood off her body. -Yes, but I can talk with them; tell them what has happened so you can sleep. -I wouldn’t mind going to be, I’m so tired. This scare made me feel so… so… -So what? – He handed her a clean nightgown. -I just felt as if I was going to be able to protect Baby. I felt that… that it was my fault. I thought I wasn’t going to be a nice mother. That I wasn’t going to become a mother in the first place, and it was my entire fault. -Don’t think that. Baby is okay, and feeling all that means that you love him or her, and that you want to protect him or her. I’ve changed the sheets, go to sleep. She laid down and looked at Charles. He hadn’t left her side, and he wouldn’t. Never. -I will be downstairs. Don’t worry. Get some sleep; we still have to finish the nursery. -I was thinking of painting the closet in orange. -No. – Charles stood up and went to the door. – I’m not painting anymore. No. No. No. No. -It was a joke. – She had closed her eyes and was starting to drift of. –A joke. -I love you Elsie. – He kissed her lightly. – And I love you too Baby. – He kissed her baby bump. -I love you too Charles. – It was nothing more than a whisper. Charles watched her as she fell asleep with her hands protecting Baby.

A change in life - Chapter 5 (it's also in Fanfiction.net and Archive of our own) -Elsie Hughes stop eating the cookies! Mrs. Patmore took the tray of chocolate cookies from the table and placed it on the counter. Elsie sighed and bit the last cookie she had stolen. They were in the kitchen, Mrs. Patmore baking, and Elsie sitting in a chair, chatting. The maids, the footmen and Daisy had been allowed to go to the fair, and Elsie, who had a backache because of her 27 weeks belly, refused to go, and since Charles didn’t want to leave her alone he had asked Beryl to stay with her. He was going to town to see a cottage, and if he liked it he would come back to Downton with the keys on his pocket. -I’m sorry, Baby wants the cookies, and I can’t let my little one down, can I? -Elsie, you’ve had 23 cookies. You are going to get sick! -No, I won’t. You should ask Charles how many pickles I had yesterday. He stopped counting at 29. -You are not going to have a child; you are going to have a crusher  -Oh, Beryl, you are no fun. Come on, give me the tray.  -No. From this moment on you are going on a diet. -You wish. Do you know when Charles will be back? -He said he would be back before six. It’s five thirty. -I hope he comes soon. - She had a weird look on her face and her hands on her belly. -Elsie?  -It will be over once the baby moves. – She whispered, closing her eyes, and putting a bit of pressure on her belly. – Come on, move. Move. Move… There. – She took a deep breath and patted her belly lightly. – You’ve been giving me a hard time lately. You better calm down a bit. -Elsie, what’s wrong? -Nothing, Baby was just stretching, and he or she sent my stomach upwards, right under my lungs, and it hurt. -Don’t scare me like that. I thought you were going to give birth right here. – Elsie laughed and stood up, rocking her hips lightly forward and backward. -When I give birth you will know. Did you want to go to the fair? – Elsie placed one of her hands on the small of her back and with the other one she took her cup of tea from the table. -Not really. If I had gone I would have ended up watching Daisy, and the poor girl wouldn’t be having as much fun as she is having right now. -I’m sure Thomas is having fun, being away from me, at least for a few hours. -Don’t mind him; he’s just a stupid young man. -Charles has been watching him closely, he’s afraid he might… hurt me. -Hurt you? That boy wouldn’t kill a fly. He’s manipulative, and he might blackmail people, but he wouldn’t hurt anyone. -Charles is not that sure. He wants to protect me and Baby from him and from everyone he thinks could harm us. He doesn’t want to feel guilty if something happens. He still has forgiven himself for not being there when all the Mr. Green incident happen. -I’ve heard you talking in the middle of the night.  -Yes, he suddenly wakes up from a nightmare and hugs me. He always has the same nightmare. Mr. Green hurting me and him not being able to do anything. He watches us, but he can’t stop it. I don’t know when all of this is going to stop. -Well, I just found out Charles Carson is human. – Elsie laughed and started walking a bit around the kitchen. -He’s more human than what you all think. He has been so protective and supportive since we got married. -Excuse me if my question seems a bit bold, but have… you know… done that? -Yes, we have. Just once. -And?  -He was so sweet and loving all the time that I didn’t think of Mr. Green, not even once. No memories of that night came to me. The memories come back mostly when I’m in the shower. When I look down and see all the scars in my arms and legs. But it’s over, and I’m not afraid. -I’m glad you are not afraid. -I’m not scared anymore. I think it’s because I have now a big bear whose arms embrace me and keep me safe. -Well, Mrs. Bear, I’m very glad, but get away from my tray of cookies. - Elsie had walked slowly to the counter. -I’ll take just one.  -One after another. -Oh Beryl, you don’t trust me. Tell me, what can I eat? Suddenly two strong arms covered Elsie’s eyes. She smelled wine and cinnamon, and felt a ring in the left hand of the person who had covered her eyes. -Why don’t you stop eating for a bit, and start thinking of possible names for our brand new cottage? Charles mover his hands from her face and showed her a dark key, smiling. Elsie jumped from happiness and hugged him. They had a house for themselves now. -Oh Charles, I’m so happy. I’m so so happy. Even Baby is happy. – She took his free hand and placed it on her belly for him to feel Baby’s feet against the fabric of her dress. – How does it look like? -It has a green door, a very big garden, it’s made out of stone, and it has plants all over it. It’s beautiful.  -Oh Charles. I can imagine you in the garden, and the house. Oh Charles! -Why don’t you take your purse and your coat and we go and see the house? We can take Mrs. Patmore too. -Mrs. Patmore… And who else? -Well… perhaps Her Ladyship and Lady Mary would like to come too. It’s possible that I said something about the house to them. -I’ll get my purse, you get my coat. – She left the kitchen. -You might want to take those chocolate cookies. – Beryl pointed at the tray on the counter. – She’s been eating them all evening. -Tell me Mrs. Patmore, how is she? -She’s perfectly alright Mr. Carson. You can stop having those nightmares now. She’s not afraid anymore. -I was worried, now I think I will start sleeping better. -Until she reaches her eight month of pregnancy. I believe you won’t sleep then. Any slight pain, any movement, anything will make you call Dr. Clarkson. If one day I don’t see you in Downton it might be because she locked you in a closet. – Beryl gave him the bag of chocolate cookies. -Her Ladyship is waiting outside with the car, so we better hurry. Mrs. Patmore took her coat and her hat as Mr. Carson took Elsie’s hat and coat. They run upstairs to find Elsie waiting for them on the front door. -Come on. I want to see my house. Our house. – Charles handed her the coat and the hat and waited for Mrs. Patmore to go out to close the door. -My Lady, you don’t mind if Mrs. Patmore joins us, do you? -Not at all Carson, but we must hurry; we want to have dinner with Mrs. Crawley today.  She got inside the car and helped Mrs. Hughes into it; Mrs. Patmore refused any help and got inside all by herself, well by herself and with Mr. Carson’s’ hand on her back, otherwise she would have fallen. When they were all settled the driver drove away. -I see you are enjoying your new clothes Mrs. Hughes. -Very much My Lady. They are very comfortable, and beautiful. Baby enjoys them too, mostly the dark blue skirt with the dark blue blouse. It allows him or her to kick and move without being seen by anyone, just me. -I can’t wait until you wear the dark green dress we bought. – Lady Mary smiled at her. – But you are still a few weeks away from that dress. I’m sure it would look beautiful. -I’m very sure My Lady. -Have you decided on any names yet? -We are still arguing about that My Lady. – Charles took Elsie’s hand on his. -We are not arguing. I know very well what names I like; it’s you the one who doesn’t like them. -I refuse to call my daughter Lucinda. Sounds horrible. -We could call her Lucy. -I prefer Joanna. -I don’t want to call my daughter Jo, or Anna. I would prefer to call her Rose over that. -Carson, Mrs. Hughes, this is a happy day, don’t start arguing. -I’m sorry Lady Cora.  -Oh look, we are here.  The car stopped in front of a fence, and the driver helped everyone out except Mrs. Patmore, who again refused any help, and who ended up in Lady Mary’s arms. There were trees that covered the house, so Elsie couldn’t see anything. -Elsie, close your eyes and take my hands. I will guide you. -Don’t let me fall. -Never. She took his hand on hers and closed her eyes. Charles walked to the fence, opened it and walked with Elsie through a path up to the house.  -Open your eyes. She did as told and gasped. The cottage had a green door, as Charles had told her, and it was made out of bricks, but it was big, and it had four big windows on the front, two of them in the second floor. Plants made their way up to the roof through the walls of the house, giving it a fairytale look. The roof was orange and curvy and the chimney could be seen from the floor.  -Charles, this is the most beautiful cottage in the whole world. -I thought you would like it. Would you like to go inside? -Yes. Yes. He opened the door and held it open for her. Smiling she walked inside, followed by Lady Mary, Lady Cora and Mrs. Patmore. The hall was small, but enough for them, with a white ceiling and cream walls; to the right was the stairs and to the left the living room. She walked inside and placed a hand on the chimney. She looked around the room; it was big, enough for a desk, two sofas and a few things more, with the same cream walls and white big windows. She looked to the right and saw a wooden door that linked the living room with the dining room. She opened the door to find a big room of white walls and the kitchen with a stove, an oven… everything you needed for a kitchen. -Do you like it so far? -It’s beautiful Charles. -Then let’s go upstairs. – He opened another wooden door that was in the right wall that linked the kitchen with the hall. They walked upstairs to find a corridor with four doors. Elsie doubted a bit but went for the door that was in the right. It was the Masters bedroom, and it was bigger than the room she had right now in Downton. It had cream walls, a big white window and a chimney. She saw a white door in the left and we she opened it she found the bathroom, with everything in white porcelain, the bathtub, the sink… -The other bathroom is more or less like this one, and the other two rooms are a bit smaller than the Master bedroom, but enough for a nursery and a guestroom. If you want to see them… -No. I think I can imagine how they look. -Then what do you think.  -Charles, I love it. It’s perfect. – She kissed him. -I have something for you, come downstairs. -She followed him to the living room.  -Charlie! – A beautiful metal crib stood in the middle of the room, with a white mattress, a blanket under it that reached the floor and with little pink and blue bows all over the crib’s bars.  -Welcome home Mrs. Carson. – He went up to her and hugged her. -Charlie, this is beautiful. – She placed her hands on the crib feeling the cold metal. – I just… God it’s beautiful. – She felt tears in her eyes and running down her cheeks. -Why are you crying? -Because it’s beautiful, and I want the bag of cookies you have in your pocket. -Of course Mrs. Carson. You can eat as many cookies as you want in your house. -We have a house Charlie. This is our house. – He gave her the bag. -The Carson’s Cottage. – She bit a cookie and looked down at the crib

A change in life - Chapter 7 (part 1) (It's also in Fanfiction.net and Archive of our own) Lady Cora looked at Elsie and smiled back at Lady Mary. For some reason, that Dr. Clarkson, Mrs. Crawley and her Ladyship had called nesting, Elsie had been taking care of every room in Downton, tiding things up, cleaning, and moving things. She was now in the library, cleaning the chimney. She had been having a few days on which she was full of energy, she couldn’t stop doing things, making lists, washing Baby’s things and putting them in the closet over and over again. She was 36 weeks now, and she could have sworn that she looked huge, more than a normal pregnant woman. -Mrs. Hughes, why don’t you stop doing that and sit for a bit? -I don’t feel like sitting, every time I sit I feel Baby’s head low in my hips, and it’s not very comfortable. I prefer to stand, that way I can breathe much better too. -I know, but you’ve been moving all day. Since six you’ve been up. Sit for a bit, rest. -I don’t feel like resting, I feel like moving My Lady. I just know that I have to move. She turned back to the chimney but instead of keeping on cleaning it, she placed one hand on her back and the other one on the chimney for support. This one was stronger and longer than the previous pain she had had. It started in her back and spread quickly to her abdomen and legs. She breathed slowly and waited for it to pass. -Mrs. Hughes, are you alright? Elsie didn’t answer right away; she waited for the pain to pass before straightening her back and turning. -Yes, I’m fine. -If it’s starting you better tell me. -It’s not starting, I’m just feeling some discomfort, but that’s normal. -Mrs. Hughes, please, tell me if it’s starting. Not for me, but for Baby’s sakes.  -It’s not starting My Lady. I’m alright. Elsie smiled at them and left the library. She wanted a glass of water, so she walked downstairs, carefully not to bump into Charles. She knew that if Charles found out he wouldn’t let her do anything, and she couldn’t stay in her bed waiting until Baby popped out. Before she reached the end of the corridor she bumped into Thomas. -Mr. Barrow, what are you doing up here? -I was going to ask you the same question. -Don’t use that tone with me Mr. Barrow. -Excuse me Mrs. Green. -Don’t call me that, and go back downstairs. -I don’t want to go downstairs. -Mr. Barrow, I’m starting to get a little angry. Go downstairs at once. -Are you deaf Mrs. Hughes? I’m not going downstairs, and you should know that I don’t follow your orders anymore. Not since you became Mr. Green’s whore. -Mr. Barrow!  She was about to scream at him when they both heard a dull “pop”, as if someone had cracked their knuckles, and looked down. Elsie felt as if a 5 gallon bucket of water had spilled out, and it wouldn’t stop. The floor underneath Elsie showed a big puddle of something that looked like water. Thomas looked at her and run to the library. -My Lady, I think you should go and help the housekeeper.  -Where’s Mrs. Hughes? -In the corridor. Once he had said that he disappeared. Lady Mary stood up and run outside to find Elsie with both her hands on her back, her eyes closed, pacing up and down the corridor. -Mrs. Hughes, what’s wrong? – She looked up. -My water broke. -Discomfort? We better take you downstairs. Lady Mary grabbed her by one of her arms as Lady Cora grabbed the other one. Slowly they started walking down the corridor until they reached the stairs. They started going down the stairs as slowly as they could; giving Elsie the time she needed to move. -Oh my God! This hurts. - She stopped suddenly and squeezed Lady Mary’s and Lady Cora’s hands. The pain had suddenly worsened, and it made her back hurt like hell. -Breath Mrs. Hughes. Slowly. -I can’t breathe, this hurts. -Try. Baby needs air. Breath. In and out. In and out. That’s it. -Oh my God, I don’t know if I’m going to be able to survive that. -I’m sure you will. Come on, let’s go.  -I’m going to kill Charles. – They kept walking. -Why? -For putting me in this position. Next time he gives birth. -I’m sure one day men will be able to give birth, but for now we have that job. -He’s going to die. – They got downstairs slowly.  Once there they walked to her Sitting Room and left her resting against her desk. Lady Cora run to the phone and called Ripon. -Mr. Carson speaking. -Good. Carson, Baby’s ready, you better get here. -Baby’s coming?! How is Elsie?  -Carson, calm down. She’s okay and so is Baby. Tell Lord Grantham and get here soon. -I will. Thank you My Lady. Tell Elsie I’ll be there soon and that I love her. -I will Carson. Goodbye. She hanged up smiling and went back to Mrs. Hughes Sitting Room. Lady Mary had taken her shoes off, and had her walking around the room. -I’ve called Carson and he’s on his way, and he says he loves you. -That old sentimental fool… but his Lordship is in Ripon. I’m sorry My Lady, now they will have to come back -Nothing to be sorry about. We should get you to your cottage. -I’m not walking that much My Lady. -That’s why we have a car. Can you walk a bit more? Just to get to the car. -Yes. But I’m not going back upstairs. You bring the car here. Lady Mary smiled at her and quickly run upstairs. Lady Cora took Mary’s place and kept walking around the room with her. -How are you feeling? -I’m fine so far. The pain is bad, but I’ve felt worse pains, mostly back in Scotland, when I worked in my father’s farm. -What sort of pain? -Well, when a cow is giving birth is not very nice to get kicked by her when you are trying to help. -That must have been nasty. -Yes, but I’m starting to feel as if this is going to be much worse. She felt the pain building, so she stopped walking and held on to Lady Cora’s hands tightly. The pain made her open her eyes widely as she felt Baby’s head go lower in her hips. -God, I don’t know if this is normal, but I feel like pushing. -What? So soon? -Call Mrs. Crawley, call anyone and tell them! – She was trying to breathe through the pain and was trying not to push. -Mama, the car is waiting. -Mary, take her to the car, and don’t let her push. Don’t let her. I’m going to call Mrs. Crawley and Dr. Clarkson to tell them where we are going and what’s going on. -She wants to push?! So soon?! -Mary, do as you are told and don’t ask questions! There’s no time! Mary took Elsie by her arms and helped her out of her Sitting Room. Elsie was focusing on not pushing; she didn’t even notice she wasn’t wearing any shoes. The maids and the footmen looked at them both with worried faces, even Anna didn’t know what to do or say. Lady Mary opened the door and found the car right there, with Lady Edith on the wheel. -How exciting. A Baby. -Edith, shut up. Come on Mrs. Hughes, up. She opened the door and helped her get inside, then followed her. Elsie didn’t feel like sitting, for some reason she felt Baby’s head on her back too, and she couldn’t sit without feeling the worst pain. She rested her head on Lady Mary’s shoulder, and she didn’t hesitate, she took Elsie’s hair down. Carefully she turned her around and made her a braid, then helped her turn back. Lady Cora closed the door and run to the car. -Let’s go. Both are on their way. I’ve told them you want to push, and they say that you can’t, that your body can’t be ready, but they will see when they arrive. -Do they have any tips for back pain? -They might. You will have to wait until they get here. Edith had driven them as fast as she could to the Carson’s Cottage and had parked right in front of the fence. Quickly the three of them took her and carried her inside her house, taking her to the Master bedroom. Elsie felt calmer now that she was in her house. They quickly took her clothes off and her knickers and helped her put a nightgown on. -Well, now we just have to wait. -You wait, I want to push! – The contraction lasted longer and it was the worst so far. It was so painful. -Baby’s in my back. My hips hurt so badly… Oh God, move it. Move Baby. Elsie had turned white, and she was trying to breathe calmly. The shape of Baby’s head could be seen in her back, but also way down in her hips. She felt as if someone had stabbed her right on her back, but at the same time she felt as if someone was squeezing her hips so tightly she couldn’t move without feeling the worst pain. -Let’s try and walk a bit around the room. She nodded and started walking. Elsie managed to move her legs, but she had tears in her eyes. Without any warning that pain she had been feeling all day worsened and turned almost constant in her back and hips. She could feel Baby’s head moving, but she could feel a head way down in her hips moving too. She thought it might be her imagining things because of the pain. It was the worst pain in the world. -How are you holding up Mrs. Hughes? -If I talk I might scream. -Pain’s bad then. It’s wasn’t bad for me when I had George. -Well you weren’t a hundred years old! – Elsie screamed those words as she felt another pain coming.  It was worse than the previous one, and it made her cry as she felt Baby’s head going down and the other thing that was in her hips getting even lower.  -Something’s happening. I don’t know what it is, but something’s coming down. -Okay, relax. Don’t push. Dr. Clarkson will be here soon. -I’m going to kill Charles! -Breathe Elsie! Please! Slowly the pain subsided, and Elsie was able to breathe a little better, but the urge to push was becoming a bit uncomfortable. She panted slightly and closed her eyes. Her brain was starting to work a little less, and she felt as if she wasn’t able to form a coherent sentence. All her strength was going to not pushing. -Dr. Clarkson! Thank God, you are here. Elsie looked up to find Dr. Clarkson and Mrs. Crawley at the door. She hadn’t heard the door, but she supposed that fighting the urge to push had taken all her attention, and she hadn’t seen Lady Cora leaving the room. -I can see that things have started. -Dr. Clarkson, she wants to push. -Help her lay down. Lady Mary walked to the bed with Elsie following her. Lying down was the worst thing she had ever done in her life, Baby’s head was in her back, and lying down made it press on her spine. It brought tears to her eyes and made it hard to breathe. -Mrs. Hughes, breathe normally, and spread your legs a bit. -She did as told and felt Dr. Clarkson’s hands on her body. – Well, you can’t push. You still have to dilate a bit more. I would say three centimeters more. -Can I stand up? -Does your back hurt? -Baby’s head is in my back. -No, Mrs. Hughes. Baby’s head is low in your hips, making you want to push. -Can’t be. -Put yourself in all fours. Let me see your back. Carefully both Lady Mary and Mrs. Crawley helped her sit on her knees, and then helped her rest on her arms. Dr. Clarkson placed his hands on her back and applied a bit of pressure. The shape of Baby’s head could be seen and could be felt. -Looks like we have to babies. Baby one is way low in your hips, and baby two is in your back. We must wait; we can’t do anything but wait until you are ready. -What?! – Elsie was finding it a bit difficult to assimilate what he had just told her. -Why don’t you walk a bit around the room? It might help. -I… I’m tired. I don’t want to walk. -If you are tired, then ley down. -No. I’m not lying down.  -Then stay in all fours, if you feel okay that way then don’t move.

Imaging a young and cheeky Elsie in school. I feel her. So much.