CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

C HAPTER T HIRTY -T HREE

Stanwood Place, November 1823

“T wins?” Oriana could hardly push the word out. She knew that the Carpenter ladies had twins, but she had no idea that the Carpenter men would as well. “I suppose I should not be surprised. Stanwood’s sisters have had a number of them.”

The midwife busied herself packing her medical bag. “From what I have seen, twins usually come from the woman’s side. Although sometimes they just happen.”

Aunt Prue turned from the window of Oriana’s parlor. “Your grandmother was a twin. Unfortunately, her brother did not survive.”

Turning, the midwife placed her hands on her hips and caught Oriana’s eye. “I have experience in birthing twins, my lady. I was here when the late Lady Stanwood gave birth to her twins, and Lady Worthington had me attend her for her lying-in. I can’t promise you nothing unfortunate will happen, but I can promise you that I will do everything in my power to see that you have a healthy birth. And I’ve seen a lot more of them than otherwise.”

That was a relief. “Thank you, Mrs. Sattler. I appreciate it. I suppose I will have to tell my husband soon.”

“If he’s anything like his father when his twins were born, I would wait.” She went back to her bag.

“I have been told he is very much like his father.” Yet Oriana didn’t know if she could keep the news from Charlie. He had a right to know. What she might be able to do was to make him promise he would not treat her any differently after she told him than before.

The midwife picked up her satchel. “I will see you next month.” Oriana started to rise. “I can see myself out.”

Once Mrs. Sattler had gone, Aunt Prue looked at Oriana. “What are you going to do?”

“I have not yet decided. After all, I just found out. Grace will be here soon for a short visit. Perhaps I will ask her opinion.”

“It can be argued that she knows her brother best.” Aunt Prue glanced out the window and back at Oriana. “I have agreed to travel to Bath for a month or so. I will return before Christmas.”

That was odd. “I thought you did not like Bath.”

Her aunt’s lips tilted up. “That was when I was younger. Two of my friends are now living there. I decided to accept their invitations.”

“When are you going?” She’d miss her aunt. Oriana had not been apart from her for more than a week since she was a girl.

“In three days. May I borrow two footmen from you, and a groom?”

“Of course. Take our second coachman as well. They can bring the traveling carriage back so that you do not have to concern yourself with keeping it there.” Coaches were a liability in the city. People either walked or took chairs.

“Excellent.” She bussed Oriana’s cheek. “I will write to you, and you must do the same.”

“I shall.” A soft smile appeared on her aunt’s mouth. “I will see you before I depart.”

Charlie arrived home just in time to wash before dinner. “You do not want to smell me. I have been assisting moving pigs to a new pen,” he called from the corridor. “I’ll be down shortly.”

It was no wonder all his tenants adored him. He did not turn away from even the dirtiest job. She went to the dressing room where Collins, her new maid, was doing some mending. Relations between Oriana and Kerby had never been right after she had suggested Oriana sleep with Charlie in the house before they were wed. Oriana had given her former maid an excellent recommendation, and she had quickly found a new position. Collins had started the next day. “I am going down to wait for his lordship.”

“I’ll get your shawl.” She came out with a beautiful and warm, fine wool shawl with a paisley pattern. “Here you are, my lady.”

When Oriana reached the small drawing room, she poured a glass of sherry and waited. She would tell Charlie about the twins. And she would do so immediately.

Half an hour later he entered the room, bent to kiss her, and poured a drink. He took a seat next to her on the sofa in front of the fireplace. “You appear thoughtful. Have you had news about your aunt?”

“There are two or three things. Aunt Prue is going to visit Bath. I have agreed to lend her a coachman, two footmen, and a groom.”

“That makes sense. I assume they will return after she is situated.” He put his arm around her.

“They will.” Oriana took a drink of wine. That was false courage. “Before I tell you my next piece of news, you must promise me not to change the way you are behaving toward me.” He had already become more concerned about her health and seemed to hover more.

He shifted on the sofa to look at her. “Why don’t you tell me first and then I can decide if I should agree?”

“No.” That was exactly what she expected him to say. “You must promise first.”

He tried to think of what it could be, then he looked at her stomach and knew. “I promise.”

She pressed her lips together and took a breath. “We are having twins. I was reminded today that they run in my family as well.”

“That is wonderful news.” He grinned. “When I hover too much you must remind me of my promise.”

“It will be a great deal more work.” Yet Oriana was finally able to be happy about the news.

He dropped to the floor, bringing her fingers to his lips. “All children take work if they are to be raised properly. We are fortunate that we can afford to hire the staff we need to help care for them. Not only that but we have a great deal of experience in this family with twins.”

“Well, that is certainly true.” In fact, she might ask Grace and Charlotte to be with her for the birth.

* * *

The next day Grace and Mary arrived for their expected visit. Theo was visiting Louisa to gain experience about running a massive household.

“Oriana,” Mary said the minute she entered the hall. “May I live with you until Christmas?”

What brought this on? Oriana glanced at Grace, who nodded. “Of course you may. We will be happy to have you here.”

Grace looked at Oriana and mouthed, Thank you .

“I am going to look for Apollo.” Her youngest sister by marriage ran off.

“Come in.” She looped her arm with Grace’s. “What was that about?”

They strolled together to the morning room. “As you know, Theo is starting to visit her sisters. We do that with all of them, so that they can see how different estates are run and be exposed to the estates’ diverse requirements.”

“That is an interesting idea.” Carrying a tea tray, Royston followed them. Once they were settled, Oriana poured two cups.

“It has been useful. I will send a message to Worthington Place to have her clothes packed. Her maid, governess, and tutor must accompany her.”

“Naturally.” Oriana picked up her cup before she realized that her sister-in-law mentioned a tutor as well. “A governess and a tutor?”

“Indeed.” Grace nodded. “All the girls receive the same education as the boys receive at Eton. I am not fond of girls’ schools. Where the education is sketchy as far as I am concerned. And there are no other choices, so we hire a tutor as well.”

“How did you come up with the idea?”

“Sir Henry. Before he was a baronet he was a rector. He taught Dotty and Charlotte, and prepared Charlie for Eton. I ended up hiring Mr. and Mrs. Winters to instruct the others.”

Now Oriana understood why the children were so well educated and mature for their ages. Although Mary was still in a class of her own. That could come from being the youngest of a large family. “What about the other children? Do they not need their teachers?”

“We have a second governess. Mr. Winter will make a plan for Gideon and Elizabeth. They are both still young enough that it will not make a difference.” Grace selected a ginger biscuit and smiled. “These are my favorite. They never taste the same at Worthington Place.” She chewed the biscuit and swallowed. “In any event I told her that if she wanted to remain here with you, she would have to ask herself.”

“I understand.” Oriana did not, but there was nothing really to say to that. Was Grace teaching her youngest sister to take charge of her life? “I suppose she has become rather lonely.”

“She is called upon to settle disputes among the younger children. I would like to see her have fewer responsibilities.”

Now that Oriana did understand. “Of course. We will be delighted to have her with us. I’ll make a point of getting her and Martha Stern together.” Oriana finished her tea and poured another cup. “The midwife visited yesterday. She told me that I am having twins.”

“That is excellent news!” Grace looked at Oriana closely. “Do not be concerned. Twins are different, but they are a joy. If you have no objections, Alice, Eleanor, and I will be here for the birth. Charlotte will probably come as well if she is able. You see, it will be the first Carpenter birth since Mary. If you have a boy, it will be the first Stanwood heir since Charlie. It is an occasion for all of us.”

Oriana would not have denied them in any case. They had all been there to support her in her first Season that autumn since she was a girl just out, and her first as the Countess of Stanwood. Quite frankly, she would have had a difficult time without the family standing next to her. “I had not thought of that. Yet it would have to be. I made Charlie promise not to smother me.”

Grace came as close to rolling her eyes as Oriana had ever seen. “You must hold firm. They were all impossible once they found out about the twins.”

Oriana had no doubt her darling husband would be the same and apologize the entire time he was doing it.

Stanwood Place, March 1824

Charlotte and Alice, along with their husbands, arrived two weeks before the date Oriana was due to give birth.

“We wanted to leave the children at home,” Charlotte said. “You do not need their noise while you are dealing with new twins.”

Kenilworth bussed Oriana on the cheek. “However, Charlotte cannot leave Arron yet, and we were besieged by the others. I promise you we have brought enough nursemaids to look after them as well as their nurse.”

“I am sure it will be fine.” The last time all the children were here they spent most of the time outside with the dogs. “I expect everyone else will bring their children as well.”

As if they had been called, Hugh, Constance, the toddlers, and the baby arrived and were summarily sent to the nursery.

“We will see you later, Aunt Oriana,” Hugh called as his nurse kept him from stopping.

Accompanying Alice and St. Albans was a brawny Scotsman carrying a keg. “Ta toast the new wee one, ye see.”

“It’s from our whisky production,” he explained.

Alice shook her head and hugged Oriana. “I tried to stop them, and it couldn’t be done. St. Alban’s grandfather sent it. Angus met us on the road here. He remembered Grace telling him that we have a Scottish ancestor.”

“I do not understand.” Oriana had familiarized herself with the Carpenter line. “I did not find a Scottish connection at all.”

Alice gave her a rueful look. “That is not what Grace told Granda. Ever since then he’s had a very good impression of our family. I have told Giff that he may not under any circumstances open it until after the twins are born.” Alice grinned. “We also brought things for the babies.”

“Thank you.” Oriana hugged Alice. “Those are sure to be very welcome.”

The next day Eleanor and Montagu arrived bearing baby gifts and champagne. After everyone was settled, the twins and their husbands gravitated together.

Last were Grace and Matt. Behind her a footman carried a strange-looking wooden thing that looked to be ancient furniture.

“Where do you want me to put it, my lady?”

Oriana did not know if he was talking to her or her sister-in-law. “What is it?”

“That is the birthing chair,” Grace said. “Where will you birth the baby?”

“In the chamber next to my dressing room.”

She turned to the footman and gave him directions, then smiled at Oriana. “That is where all of us were born. The chair will make the births much easier. It works with your gravity. We have used it in the Carpenter family for years.”

A sudden ripple, as if the babies were fighting for space, showed across her stomach. Who was she to argue with experience? “They cannot come out fast enough. I feel as if I’m hosting a battlefield in my womb.”

All three of her sisters by marriage nodded in sympathy.

“May I?” Grace asked.

Oriana nodded. She thought she would have more signs of giving birth by now. The midwife had been coming every day to look at her.

Her sister-in-law placed the palms of her hands on her stomach. After almost a full minute, she asked, “Your womb is tightening. Have you felt it?”

“A little. It was not the sharp pain I had been expected to experience, and I thought it was the babies fighting again.”

“Let us keep an eye on it. Twins generally come early.”

That’s what she had been told. “I will.”

An angry cry came from above. Eleanor rose. “That is Adam. I will be back.”

Then there was an answering scream. “Oh dear.” Eleanor followed her twin. “That is Matt.”

The noises stopped and steps sounded on the stairs. The morning room door opened. Alice was carrying a child-sized wooden sword. “Who gave him a claymore?” She glared at St. Albans. “I told your Granda no weapons.”

“I have no idea.” St. Albans held up his hands. “It could have been any of them. But I do know who to ask how it got here.” He strode out of the room.

“What happened?” The boys were only about eighteen months.

Eleanor returned to the room. “Adam decided he wanted to see the sword and took it from Matt and the battle began. Fortunately they are well-matched.”

“What were the other two doing?” Montagu asked.

“Shouting ‘no’ and staying well out of the way of the sword.”

“Diplomats.” He nodded.

“Intelligent diplomats,” Charlie added.

* * *

Two days later Oriana was strolling with Charlie in the garden while the children played when she was struck by a cramp so strong she doubled over. “I think this might be it. Get Grace and have the midwife called.”

He looked over at the servants with the children. “I need Lady Worthington immediately and someone must go find the midwife.”

Oriana did not know if it was her husband’s bellow or a servant who heeded his order, but in just a few moments, Grace, skirts lifted, was running to them. “I sent someone for the midwife.” She took Oriana’s other arm. “Come along slowly. Matt sent orders for small bites of food to be made and drinks. You must eat and drink a little every few minutes in order to keep up your strength. I also sent for your aunt.”

“Thank you.” In the moment she had completely forgotten about her aunt.

They reached the terrace and there was already a footman holding a dish of cheese pieces and a hot cup of cider. As time went on, the offerings became more sophisticated. The last thing she ate was a cheese puff that was lighter than air.

“My lady,” Mrs. Sattler said. “Bring her in here.”

Oriana was stripped to her chemise, then sat on the birthing chair, while the midwife took a look under her hem. “It won’t be long now.”

The next pain was so bad she screamed.

“Hold my hand,” Charlie said.

“Push,” Mrs. Sattler ordered.

Holding Charlie’s hand, she screamed and pushed as one of the babies was born.

“A healthy girl, my lady. Now for the next one.”

Again Oriana bore down, pushing as hard as she could.

“A boy,” Grace said.

“One more time and you’ll be finished.” The midwife gave Oriana an encouraging look.

Once the afterbirth was proclaimed whole Charlie helped her from the chair. Her maid cleaned her up and changed her into a nightgown.

He lifted her onto the bed. “Our children are beautiful.” After she was settled Charlie placed one swaddled bundle on her right side and the second on her left side. “The wet nurse arrived a few minutes ago.”

Oriana had wanted to try to nurse both of the babies, but her sisters-in-law strongly advised against it. “It will exhaust you,” Alice said. “I did it when we had to find a new wet nurse.”

At this point she did not know which was which. “Charlie, you gave them to me and did not tell me who was whom?”

“The one in your left arm is our little girl and the one in your right is our little boy.”

They were exceptional. From the dusting of hair on their heads to their little noses. “They have all their fingers and toes?” It was a silly question. Still, she had to know.

“What are their names?” Grace asked.

“Lady Olivia Elizabeth Prudence and Charles Robert Edward, Viscount Carpenter.”

The older children came slowly into the room to see the babies.

“Ooooh, you are beautiful. Are you not?” Constance cooed.

“Look at how little they are,” Elizabeth said. “It always surprises me because then they grow so fast.”

“Boys?” Hugh asked hopefully.

“One of each,” Charlie said.

Gideon sighed. “We were doing so well. I think the girls outnumber us again.”