Chapter 15

After being escorted to the head of the table, Tabitha looked at each member of the family for a minute, her eyes full of unshed tears of happiness. She stretched out to touch Benedict's hand as he stood next to her, grinning proudly.

"I don't think I've ever felt so spoiled," she said.

Andrew, who had just returned from his walk with her, shared a knowing glance with Marianne, who nodded slightly, acknowledging their shared relief and happiness at the day's smooth unfolding.

"Let's toast to old Lady Hillsfolk," Andrew suggested, lifting his glass. "To a remarkable woman whose warmth and wisdom continue to guide and inspire us all."

Glasses rose around the table, echoing his sentiment. "To old Lady Hillsfolk," they chorused, the sound rich with affection.

As the meal began, Peggy, unable to contain her enthusiasm, leaned towards Tabitha. "Grandmother, did you see the garden this morning? Andrew showed me how to trim the roses just how you like them!"

Tabitha laughed, her eyes twinkling with delight. "I did notice, darling. The garden looks particularly lovely today. You must show me your technique later."

The conversation flowed as freely as the wine. Harriet, sitting next to Marianne, shared anecdotes from her recent travels, drawing laughter and curious questions from around the table.

Lady Hillsfolk, ever the attentive hostess, made sure everyone's plates were full but not without engaging in a lively discussion. "Harriet, you must tell us more about your escapades in Paris. I heard the museums there are simply extraordinary."

"Oh, they are," Harriet replied, her face lighting up with the memory. "And the food! There's a little patisserie near the Louvre, a hidden gem really, that makes the most divine macarons."

As the main course gave way to dessert, a delicate arrangement of Tabitha's favorite lemon tarts and berry compote, Lady Hillsfolk stood up, clinking her glass gently to draw attention.

"I'd like to add a word, if I may," she began, her voice soft but clear. "Today, we celebrate not just the passage of time, but the legacy of love and leadership that Tabitha represents in our lives. Mother, your strength and grace are the glue that holds us together. We are all here, happy and healthy, because of you."

Tabitha, moved by Lady Hillsfolk's words, wiped a tear from her eye. "I am the one who is grateful," she replied, her voice steady despite the emotion. "Grateful for this family, for each day I get to spend with you all. This… this is more than I could have ever asked for."

The rest of the afternoon was spent in cheerful companionship, the family lingering at the table long after the meal had ended, not wanting to break the magic of the moment. Stories of the past and plans for future adventures mingled, weaving a tapestry of shared history and mutual aspirations.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow through the windows, the family eventually rose from the table. Tabitha, supported by Andrew and Marianne, strolled back into the garden, to enjoy the cool evening air.

"Today was perfect," Tabitha murmured as they walked, looking around at the faces of her family. "Truly perfect."

Marianne, squeezing her hand gently, smiled. "It's just our way of showing you how much we love you, Grandmother. Today and every day."

As the dusky light of the evening draped the garden in a serene glow, the family basked in the warmth of the celebration's afterglow. They stood together, reveling in the shared happiness and unity that such occasions foster. Yet, the idyllic moment was shattered by a subtle change in Tabitha's demeanor.

While preparing to follow her family into the garden, Tabitha paused, a slight frown creasing her brow as a wave of discomfort washed over her. She reached out to the back of her chair, steadying herself, her smile faltering as she murmured, "Just a moment, please."

The atmosphere shifted instantly; conversations halted as all eyes turned towards her.

"Grandmother, what's wrong?" Marianne asked, her voice laced with concern as she moved closer.

"I'm not sure," Tabitha whispered, attempting to brush off her discomfort with a weak smile. "Perhaps just a bit tired from the day's excitements."

But before anyone could react, her knees buckled. The family watched in horror as she collapsed, her strength failing her. In an instant, the celebration turned into a scene of panic.

Andrew, nearest to her, reacted swiftly. Catching her gently before she hit the ground, he carefully lowered her to the floor. "Someone, call for a doctor!" he shouted, his voice a mix of command and fear.

Lady Hillsfolk rushed to his side, her face pale with shock, while Benedict rushed to send for the doctor.

Peggy and Harriet knelt beside Tabitha, tears welling up in their eyes as they watched Andrew trying to assess her condition.

"My Lady, can you hear me?" he asked as he checked for responsiveness.

Tabitha's eyes fluttered open briefly, her gaze confused and pained. "It hurts," she managed to whisper, her hand clutching at her chest.

"We're getting you help, hold on," Andrew reassured her, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside him. He turned to Marianne, who stood by, her face stricken. "We need to get her comfortable. Help me lift her."

Andrew and Marianne escorted Tabitha to her chamber on the ground floor of the house, half-walking and half-carrying her with the utmost care. Gently, they placed her on her bed, supporting her head with pillows to facilitate her breathing. Whispering consoling words, Marianne trembled and stroked back a strand of Tabitha's hair from her forehead.

Lady Hillsfolk assumed control with a composed precision as she followed them inside the room. "Marianne, please retrieve some laudanum from the cupboard," she advised. "It might help."

Her voice was full of concern but tempered by a mother's determination to keep her family safe.

With a fast nod and rigid movements, Marianne retrieved the medication, trying to fight the terror that was gnawing at her heart. Andrew, in the meantime, remained at Tabitha's side, holding her hand and offering unspoken assurance of support.

The tension in the room was palpable as they waited for the doctor. Peggy and Harriet came in silently, pausing beside the doorway with dejected yet hopeful looks on their faces. The family, which had just been celebrating, was now gathered in a show of anxiety, with each member unable to process the abrupt change from happiness to uncertainty.

Although Tabitha was in excruciating agony, and her breathing was laborious, the drug appeared to lessen her torment. Her gaze met Andrew's, and he saw in her eyes not just sorrow but also a profound appreciation for her family members who had gathered around her.

"I appreciate it," she said, her voice almost audible.

Andrew squeezed her hand and said back, "Just concentrate on getting well."

The family waited there, hopeless and impatient, and the minute-by-minute wait for the doctor felt endless. When the doctor did show up, it was a slight comfort, but the true comfort would come from his evaluation.

The doctor finally emerged from the room after what seemed like a lifetime, his face solemn but not hopeless. He calmed the worried looks in front of him by saying, "She's stable for now. Although she is suffering from apoplexy, she is resilient. She is a fighter, but she will require close observation, and treatment options must be discussed."

The family breathed a collective sigh of relief, but the tension from earlier in the day continued to loom. Everyone in the room was deeply connected because of their mutual love for Tabitha and the experience they had just gone through.

The intended festivities had given way to a deeper get-together centered around their common humanity and the ties that kept them together in trying times.

* * *

Andrew accompanied the doctor as he left via the estate's front entrance, making sure that everyone knew every aspect of Tabitha's treatment as well as what was to be done next. The house was filled with a feverish rush of emotions just hours earlier, but the chilly nighttime air was a sharp contrast. The day's worth of stress settled over Andrew, leaving him feeling both relieved that Tabitha was stable and anxious about what was ahead.

The sound of horses's hooves scuffing across cobblestones heralded a carriage's approach to the estate. Looking up, expecting a few more quiet moments, Andrew was met with the worried looks of incoming family members.

The first person out of the carriage was James, whose face changed quickly from delight at seeing Andrew to anxiety upon seeing the doctor. Harry trailed closely after, his face displaying a hint of mild concern, as he was obviously unprepared for the image that met his eyes. Ruth and Rose, James's daughters, followed, concern etched on their features.

"Andrew!" As he got closer, James shouted in yrgency. "We saw the doctor. Is everything all right? We arrived as soon as we learned there would be a celebration, but this doesn't look very joyous."

Taking a big breath, Andrew prepared himself to break the news again. "I'm afraid it's really serious, Uncle. This afternoon, old Lady Hillsfolk suffered an apoplexy. She's stable now, thank goodness, but it was almost fatal. She was just examined by the doctor, and going ahead, she will require close observation and care."

James, who had always had a great deal of regard for Tabitha, was clearly shaken by the news. The creases around his eyes deepened with anxiety as his face went somewhat pale.

"Oh, no, that is alarming news." Casting a worried glance in the direction of the house, he asked, "How is everyone handling it?"

"They're strong, even though everyone is pretty shaken," Andrew said, his tone showing pride in his new family's resiliency. "Lady Hillsfolk has been a rock, and Marianne… she's been incredible, staying strong for everyone, especially her grandmother."

Harry, who had been listening attentively, moved forward with a determined yet concerned gaze. "Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you, Andrew. We have you all covered."

Ruth and Rose, who were still a little distance back, looked at each other, clearly concerned about Tabitha.

"Will she welcome guests?" Ruth asked in a voice that was little more than a whisper.

After giving it some thought, Andrew nodded. "Maybe a little visit will lift her spirits. She's sleeping now, but I know she would be thrilled to meet you all. For her sake, just try to make it quick and light."

Recognizing the delicate nature of the situation, the company nodded.

Andrew was filled with appreciation for the familial ties that Tabitha had nurtured throughout the years as they made their way to the house. These connections were now acting as an essential safety net during a difficult period.

As they walked in, James put a comforting hand on Andrew's shoulder. "Andrew, you're doing a remarkable job with this."

Andrew gave a little, appreciative smile. "Marianne and her mother have taught me a lot about what family means."

A soft hum of discussion ceased as they entered the drawing room, where the family had congregated. When Lady Hillsfolk, Marianne, and the others saw the visitors, their expressions changed from ones of relief to ones of further concern.

"We heard about old Lady Hillsfolk," Harry began, his tone gentle, "and we're here to offer whatever support you need."

Marianne, who had been sitting beside her mother, stood up and approached the group. Her eyes were tired, but her voice was steady. "Thank you, Harry, Lord James. It means the world to us that you're here. Let's go up together. I think a few familiar faces might just be what Grandmother needs right now."

The group ascended the stairs quietly, each person lost in their own thoughts about Tabitha, the matriarch who had always been a pillar of strength and now needed their strength in return.