Seduced by the Squire (closed for cumnchat)

[cumnchat]

Joshua was ashamed of himself he had almost publicly berated his wife over a trifling matter that could have been avoided yesterday if only he had listened to her instead of,,,,,,,,,,,,,,but then he had been distracted and working out who was likely to be getting married hadn't been high on his priorities at that moment in time.

He heard Bridget enter the study and the click of the lock as she turned the key. He tried to ignore her as she called his name and he steeled himself for the tirade that was to come , one that he thoroughly deserved.

'Don't be mad at me.'

He was still getting over the shock when Bridget stood behind him and ran her fingers through his hair, her heavy breasts rested on his shoulders as she bent and kissed his face. Of course he wasn't mad at her, how could he be when she was being so contrite and apologising?

'I tried to tell you but you had other things on your mind. And so did I. You had just presented me with this wonderful gift, and then after we ate, we christened it. Remember?"'

Of course he remembered it, was a most memorable afternoon of love, laughter and fucking,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, OOOOHHHH YESS he remembered the fucking very well.

Bridget wedged herself between himself and the desk and slowly parted her wrapper under which she was naked but for her stockings, she parted her legs and her bedraggled red bush was no more but a beautifully crafted red heart.

Now grinning like a Cheshire cat he hooked his arms behind Bridget's knees and tilted her back until she was supporting herself on her elbows on the desk and her legs dangled over his shoulders. Slowly he ran his fingers then his tongue around the heart shaped blaze of red hair then took it all in his mouth sucking on her mons. Joshua found her slit that was now oozing sweet Bridget's juices and his fingers slipped inside her as he fingered her gently and rhythmically but deeply.

"I would fuck you Bridget my dear were it not for the baby."

Joshua was so pleased with himself that he failed to realise that this was Bridget forgiving him.

 

[Opensesame54321]

Bridget ensconced herself in the sitting room, a sly smile on her face. She had managed to appease Joshua, apologize to him, and have a bit of sex all at the same time. And the day was still young.

There was a timid knock on the door. In answer to her "come in', the door opened and Bathsheba's entered looking scared and hesitant.

"Come in, Bathsheba. I won't bite."

"Oi'm soirry fer spendin' toim wif da constable. Oi didn' mean..." The poor girl was all apologetic and she soothed the young girl's worries.

"That's not what I wished to talk to you about. Have a seat, please." Bridget indicated the chair opposite herself. Bathsheba was worried and scared. She really did not wish to be asked to leave. She had drunk the special tea so she wouldn't get a bun in the oven, which was better than when she was at the "Debil Hisself"as she had always called Isaac Crabb.

"Bathsheba, I hope that I may speak frankly to you." The young girl nodded, her eyes wide opened and apprehensive. "As you know, I am expecting my baby around the beginning of February. My maid, Carrie, is expect her baby around Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Right after Carrie gives birth, she will not be able to help me with my daily ablution, and such. I was wondering if you would be interested in temporarily filling the job. You would be paid a wage, if course."

Bathsheba was breathless, but only for a moment. With enthusiasm she agreed before Bridget stopped her.

"Let me finish." She smiled at Bathsheba. "As I said, it is a temporary position as Carrie will be returning after a brief period off. And by the time that I go into labor, she should be back on the job. At that time, I shall need a nanny for the baby. I don't know if you like children..."

"Oi luvs 'em!"

Bathsheba interrupted her before she could finish.

"Well, that would be your true position, as our nanny. You would be responsible for the care of our child. In addition, you would watch over Carrie and Dougan's child, running a nursery for any of our staff that might need their child watched while they work. Now, you would have time off and we may have to see about hiring additional help if needed. And you would not be able to slip off at all times of the day and night for assignations but you would not be expected to give up life. We would need to know that we could depend upon you and trust you with the life of our babies."

"Yes! Yes! Oh, Loidy Bridget, it would be loike a dream position."

"Very well, you will begin your training as a nanny. I will talk with Mrs. Pendragon so that by the time that babies start arriving, you will be ready."

Thanking her profusely, Bathsheba seemed to float on air as she left the room.

 

[cumnchat]

Joshua had a spring in his step as he found Daniel locked conversation with Bathsheba's beau, the young constable that had helped rescue her, it was obvious that they were enamoured of each other, spending every spare moment in each other's company. Joshua just caught the end of the conversation as he drew near,

",,,,,,,,,,,,,, so young fella you will stay here as extra security for the girls and the family, I understand you are rather taken with one of the young ladies, good luck to you with that but she is not your only responsibility, do I make myself clear?"

The young man was beaming as he thanked Daniel and promised that he would do his duty professionally.

"Daniel I understand that you are leaving this morning with Miss Dupree, before you go I must ask, are you finished digging at Isaac's house? We are getting cramped for space where we have a total of nineteen bodies awaiting burial. So if we can have your permission to give these unfortunates a proper Christian burial?"

"Did I not say Joshua ? The coroner has completed his examinations and the cause of death with most of them is brutal mistreatment, multiple rape and sexual assault, the poor man is quite traumatised by it all. Proceed with the burials when ever you wish and send any bills you may need to pay to the police headquarters."

"Thank you so much Daniel, I do hope that you will continue to call on Estelle she misses you greatly."

"Have no fear Joshua, once my workload has eased I will be in constant attendance."

Just then Francesca appeared from Rodrick's barn closely followed by Marie. She waved at them gaily just managing to contain a perfect round bouncy breast, She waltzed up to them tying the laces on her bodice.

"Poor Rodrick, he was getting tired of the same view day after day so Marie and I decided to give himself something different to look at, pleasingly he wasn't satisfied with just looking."

She smiled shamelessly and flounced away in the direction of the Manor, her cute rear wiggling defiantly.

Joshua sighed, he knew that Francesca just couldn't help herself but he guessed that with the right man she would remain faithful.

Finally it was time for Daniel and Francesca to depart and as they watched Brian drive them away Joshua slipped his arm around Bridget's waist and now protruding belly,

"Bridget, I know that you want the girls to be buried in consecrated ground so I have taken the liberty of asking Brian to call on the Reverend Timms and ask him to consecrate a corner of TOP MEADOW once that is done we can give them a final resting place, with a fine view of the countryside."

He knew Bridget was pleased even though she said nothing but squeezed his hand.

 

[Opensesame54321]

Brian was driving the carriage, looking so proud at his important position, driving the Chief Magistrate hisself. He had suddenly been so blessed. One minute he was walking down the street in Dublin, all alone in the world, no job and feeling older than his actual years, and the next minute his missing daughter found him. And in so short a period of time, his daughter's employer had paid for him to follow his daughter back to England and he was now gainfully employed as the driver. And now, his little girl was gonna become a doctor's wife. It had worried him that she would get pregnant and be abandoned by the doctor but he was gonna make an honest woman of her. His life was now truly blessed. He began to whistle a happy tune as he drove the carriage.

*****

As they stood there waving to the carriage, Joshua told her, Bridget, I know that you want the girls to be buried in consecrated ground so I have taken the liberty of asking Brian to call on the Reverend Timms and ask him to consecrate a corner of TOP MEADOW once that is done we can give them a final resting place, with a fine view of the countryside.

She was touched by his thoughtfulness and found she could not speak lest she dissolve into tears. His arm around her waist comforted her and she squeezed his hand. It took a couple of minutes, while she leaned up against him as the carriage disappeared over the hill, Bridget slipped easily into his arms.

"You know, I have asked Bathsheba to fill in for Carrie once her baby is born and in the meantime train to be the nanny."

The baby began kicking and she took Joshua's hand and placed it on the most active spot on her belly. She was happy.

 

[cumnchat]

Joshua left Bridget to make all the arrangements for the dead girl's' funerals, their names if known and ages, unfortunately such information was scarce but any further information could be added as it came to light.
Joshua sought out Leslie to ask if he had any date in mind for his wedding to Jean to which the doctor replied,

"Not until the spring of next year Joshua, It might seem a long engagement but there are pressing reasons for that. You see Jean has expressed a wish to become a qualified pharmacist, a most uncommon profession for a young lady but she is adamant. I for one have no doubt she can do it but it requires long hours of study and rigorous exams, so planning an early wedding would be distracting to say the least."

Joshua nodded thoughtfully, "Very good Leslie, I happen to have a wall full of books on pharmaceutical practices so Jean is welcome to avail herself of the library at any time, now is there any other reason to delay the wedding?"

Leslie looked uncomfortable at the question but Joshua pressed the issue.

"Well Jean wanted Bridget and Carrie, her two closest friends to be her flower girls but with both being heavy with child she is afeared they would look rather ridiculous."

Joshua chuckled as the vision of the two rotund women walking down the aisle vying for space gave a comical air to the scenario.

"So the answer is to wait until they have both given birth. excellent Leslie, give Jean my very best wishes."

 

[Opensesame54321]

Estelle came down the stairs in search of Joshua. For the first time in so long, she felt that there could actually be hope for herself. Hope for happiness. She ran into Bridget and asked where she might find him.

"I'm not quite sure but we could send someone to look for him."

"Thank you. I will wait for him in his study."

Bridget rang for a servant and when the girl answered she told her, "would you please find His Lordship and inform him that Mrs. Pendragon awaits his audience in the study?"

"Yes ma'am."

Estelle looked out the the window at the world going by. A smile played around her lips as she remembered her night in the sheets with Daniel. He was a very attentive lover.

It was that way that Joshua found her, and her smile broadened at the sight of him.

"Joshua, I wanted to let you know. I bared my soul to Daniel and he revealed that Isaac was killed by a musket ball fired from at least thirty yards away. So it wasn't me after all."

She noted the look of surprise on his face.

"So, who could it be? An outraged father? Who? Anyway, I thought that you might want to know. Have you decided what you plan on doing with the house now that the digging is through?"

 

[cumnchat]

Joshua was surprised at Estelle's statement that Isaac had been killed by a musket ball as Daniel had told him that it was definitely a pistol ball the coroner had recovered from Isaac. he realised that Daniel had told her the story about the musket ball to ease Estelle's conscience, it would serve no purpose to have her convicted of Isaac's murder and he was undoubtedly in love with Estelle. In time the killing would become just another unsolved mystery.
"Does it really matter who it was? They did the whole world a favour and I say that in all honesty even though he was family."

He considered her question about the house now it was no longer under police scrutiny.

"How would you like to turn it into a school? I mean a school for young ladies of the likes of those we rescued, teach them proper manners, deportment, reading writing etcetera in short skills that will greatly improve their chances of finding gainful employment elsewhere, I do not wish to ask them to leave without helping them any way I can."

Estelle beamed at him, she was a wonderful teacher, unorthodox in some of her methods as Bridget could bear testament to.

"What a wonderful idea Joshua I just hope the girls appreciate your kindness. I will begin drawing up plans immediately."

She gave Joshua a kiss on the cheek and left.

 

[Opensesame54321]

It was the beginning of Carrie's eighth month of pregnancy and the baby occupied a large portion of her time and attention. She knew that she was very lucky to work here at Lexford Manor. She did not have to prepare a meal for her or Dougan. Their meals were prepared for them as well as for all the staff here. She and Dougan had been provided with a small suite consisting of two rooms with a small bathing chamber attached. One room was a bedroom for her and Dougan and one smaller room a bedroom that would serve as a nursery. She had been decorating it as best as she could with little things that she had sewn together when not needed to wait on Bridget. and during the time that Doctor Brady had ordered her to bed rest.

She heard a knock on the outer bedroom door and went to let whoever it was in. It was Lady Bridget accompanied by Bathsheba.

Puzzled, she began to apologize.

"Oi'm so sorry! Oi never 'eard anyfing!"

Bridget smiled and placed a hand on Carrie's arm.

"Carrie, dear Carrie, that's not why I'm here. I have hired Bathsheba to be your backup as your time nears. I need you to train her because Jean will be getting married, and a doctor's wife does not work as a ladies maid. Plus Jean will move into the Doctor's house. But a backup ladies maid will not be Bathsheba's main purpose. She will be the nanny. She will be trained to be a proper nanny. Once you have had your little one, you can go back to work and know that your baby is safe."

Carrie squealed with delight and went to hug Bridget, but because of both of them being so pregnant, required them to turn sideways.

"I have chosen a room on this floor that will be turned into a daytime nursery. The room next to it will become her bedroom."

"Oi 'ad been worried wondering 'ow Oi wood take care uv tha little one and work." Carrie turned and hugged Bathsheba. "Oi didn't know that yew loved babies!"

"Oi do!" Bathsheba gushed. "Wif their cute little toes an' fingers an' noses."

"Well, I suspect that these two babies will not be the only babies born here so I'm sure that Bathsheba will have plenty to do. And if there are no babies at the time, then she can help out as a ladies maid."

The three women spent the afternoon checking out just how Carrie had been decorating her baby's room. They then checked out how Bridget had been decorating her baby's room, which was the bedroom right next to the master bedroom. Finally, they went to the day nursery, which was at the very back of the hall, to decide how it would be decorated and Bridget realized that they would need a couple of simple cribs and that this would become a playroom.

Finally, they went what would be Bathsheba's new bedroom. All that was in the room was a bed, a dresser and a chair. Bathsheba was so excited when Bridget told her that she could decorate the room however she wished.

 

[cumnchat]

Now that he was free to do as he wished with Isaac's house Joshua decided that for the sake of the girls that would be returning when the school opened all traces of Isaac should be removed and burnt. All furniture, fabrics including curtains and drapes were unceremoniously torn down by the four young men that Joshua trusted and they purged the property of its unsavoury past. Joshua was present when they emptied the dungeon and Joshua almost wept when he saw the tools that Isaac had undoubtedly used on numerous girls including his beloved Bridget, it was only then that he fully understood how frightened she must have been and the horrors she had endured all because of her love for him.

"When the room is empty it is to be bricked up so no one can ever enter it again, I only wish that Isaac were still alive so I could brick him inside as well."

All the dark, sombre wood panelling throughout the house was stripped out and added to the huge pile in a field away from the house and replaced by light and daintily carved panelling depicting woodland, flowers, plants, animals and birds. The windows were festooned with curtains in delicate pastel colours and even the chandeliers were replaced by hanging lights with bright silk shades.

It took several weeks for the work to be completed and Joshua had little time to spend with Bridget although he made sure he was always back at Lexford Manor for supper and spent his evenings with Bridget with her sitting on his knee as he pleasured her. Christmas was almost upon them and Carrie was becoming very excited, Dougan was in constant attendance on her when not on duty and he wore the biggest smile in the world on his face.

A week before Christmas Bridget was sat on his knee when he declared,

"Tomorrow Bridget we open the new school, you haven't seen it yet so I hope you will attend, I have done all I can to dispel any bad memories you may have, so please say you'll come."

 

[Opensesame54321]

Carrie had found the last couple of weeks hard to work through. Thank goodness for Bathsheba. The girl was a quick study and really had no trouble learned just what a ladies maid did. Carrie had even taught her how to trim Lady Bridget's pubic hair in its cute heart shape. It had never occurred to her to do something like that. Gor, tha oidle rich!

She had been taught by a professional nanny as to what her job would be, so that all she was waiting for was a baby to take care of. Carrie answered the call first.

The sound of screaming brought Dougan into the bedroom to find his wife standing in the middle of a very wet rug.

"Luv, tha baby's cuming! Go git Doctor Brady!" The usually calm Dougan spent several seconds running around in a big circle as if he had forgotten where the door was. The sudden appearance of Bathsheba in the open doorway, plus the scream of Carrie seemed to spur him on and he plowed through the opening, knocking Bathsheba down and falling down half a flight of stairs before he managed to make it to the stables and have a horse saddled. As he tore down the drive, he shouted to anyone he saw "the baby is coming, the baby is coming!' like some demented version of that American rebel Paul Revere.

Soon the manor was filled with a flurry of activity, with the Doctor and Jean tending to Carrie and Bathsheba patiently awaiting the arrival of the baby. Periodic screams would reach where Dougan waited, pacing and jumping each time he heard Carrie cry out. Joshua was there to comfort him but all Dougan would say was "your time is coming',

Labour lasted well into the evening before things grew quiet. With this change, Dougan went running for the bedroom, worried. He found his way barred by Marie. In the space of time that it took to take a breath, he heard several loud smacks and then crying as lusty lungs filled with air and let loose a wail. Poor Dougan almost fainted from relief about the baby but was worried about his Carrie.

Still, Marie refused him access. Some time later, the Doctor emerged from the bedroom rolling down his sleeves.

"Dougan, Congratulations. You are the father of a new baby girl. I believe that Carrie has informed me that her name is to be Amelia May." Shaking the dazed father's hand, the Doctor slapped him on the back. "Mother and baby are doing fine. You can go see your little family."

Dougan entered to find Jean and Bathsheba finishing the cleaning up of the mess of birth. Lying in bed was a very tired looking Carrie and tucked in her arms was a pink and red baby, it's tiny little fists in the air as if angry at being thrusted from her safe world into a world of uncertainty.

"Cum say 'ello ta yer new daughter. Say 'ello ta Amelia May."

 

[cumnchat]

The arrival of Amelia May not only brought the whole household alive with everyone wanting to see the new baby girl but also a certain amount of disruption to Joshua's plans to ceremoniously open the new schoolhouse, he decided that it could wait until the new year as he was still waiting for desks and benches to be delivered. Besides that Bridget was spending every spare moment cooing and clucking over Amelia May when Bathsheba allowed her. Bathsheba took her duties as nanny very seriously and when she was bathing the little one she shooed everyone away except of course for Carrie who was eager to look after her herself and loved feeding her, having Amelia suckling on her teats filled her with immense pride. There was also the added bonus of Dougan always being on hand to take any of the rich milk that the baby didn't want.

The pride however didn't stop with Dougan and Carrie, Doctor Brady was full of praise for Jean, who, according to him 'Conducted herself with great skill and professionalism at her first birth. Not once did I have to tell her what to do, she knew instinctively, I would be prepared to let her take charge at her next delivery, would Bridget mind? I will be on hand of course.'

It was a big decision and Joshua decided to talk it over with Bridget first. The preparations for Christmas were well under way and in each doorway some clever person had hung a sprig of mistletoe which slowed down the hustle and bustle as some unwary maid was made to honour the tradition. Joshua himself joined in the levity and caught several of the maids who giggled when he released them and ran to tell their friends that the Master had kissed them.
It was a joyous fun filled time for all.

 

[Opensesame54321]

Six days before Christmas, they awoke to a blanket of snow. To Bridget, everything looked frosted, with hedges reminding her of Christmas puddings. Suddenly, in the middle of the day, you could find an impromptu snowball fight out front on the lawn. Big soft snow flakes continued to slowly fall, making everyone even more excited about Christmas and Boxing Day coming. The girls were busy, when not working around the house, practicing on a Christmas program to entertain the Lord and Lady of the house and all the guest expected for the holidays. In fact, it was expected that the house would be full with all the holiday visitors expected. Invites had been extended and accepted. Rodrick had found several other men that could carry a tune and they practiced every chance they got. Any time at least two of them were in close proximity to each other, they could be heard practicing their parts, fragmented singing filling the house.

Bridget convinced Joshua to take her into town where she purchased a quick gift for Amelia May - a pretty white christening gown and bonnet. The ride in the snow had been so nice with Joshua bundling her up and holding her in his arms while telling Brian to take it slow and careful due to her Ladyship's condition. Brian just grinned and said "Yes, your Lordship" but Bridget smiled at the Irishman and winked and he gave a quick smile before returning to his duties.

They were following the new tradition set by the Queen and had set a tree in the house, though Bridget was not happy with "bringing half the forest into the house" and she suspected that the tradition would eventually fade with time. There was already holly and evergreens decorating the mantles and bannister and sideboard and the air was filled with their fragrance. Everyone seemed happy and more than once she had been caught beneath all the mistletoe decorating the house. Usually it was Joshua but all the other men kissed her cheek very chastely and everyone would laugh.

She had wondered what to give Joshua for Christmas and it had come to her one day in November. With the help of Brian and Rodrick, she had it hiding in the stables. Her other gift was hidden upstairs in the servant's quarters. She had all the other gifts wrapped and under the tree. She had, as her first Christmas as Lady Lexford, made a list and sent off the traditional Christmas cards, and the mantles were decorated with the cards sent to them. Every day mail seemed to be decorated with some new card from well wishers.

Bridget had already talked to Cook about the Wassail bowl and the Christmas dinner. She made sure that she had the charms for the plum pudding. She wanted to be sure that she carried on all the proper traditions that as Lady Lexford she should.

Looking at one day old Amelia May made Bridget long for her baby to come. The baby was so cute with her soft brown hair and blue eyes. Bathsheba was perfect as a nanny, changing the baby's diaper and returning her to Carrie.

Bridget watched as Carrie lifted the baby to her nipple and Amelia made hungry sucking sounds.

"Dougan LUVS ta suck on 'em. Sometimes Oi 'ave ta remind 'im ta save some for tha baby. Isn't she cute?"

"She's adorable!"

Bridget sat there rubbing her belly as the baby kicked away at her, as if jealous of Bridget's attention to another baby. Her back was killing her, and she mentioned it to Carrie.

"Yew shud 'ave Joshua massage yer back. Oi 'ave Dougan trained. All Oi 'ave ta do is moan and 'e suddenly massages it. Course, it usually leads ta a romp in tha sheets..." Carrie grinned impishly at Bridget and the two began to giggle.

 

[cumnchat]

Whilst in town Joshua left Bridget to her own devices and wandered along the street full of brightly lit shops until his eye was caught by a display in a jeweller's shop a gold necklace and earrings which he recognised instantly as being of Indian design. He walked in and bought it much to the shop owner's delight and surprise that he didn't even ask the price, nothing was too expensive for his Bridget. He also bought a number of trinkets that he intended the girls to have a lucky dip with so none would feel unfavoured or even favoured. The men were more of a problem as jewellery was definitely not for them, so he settled on a bottle of the best French Brandy for each of them to be delivered to the Manor next day.
On the way home Joshua clapped his hand to his forehead,

"Idiot that I am, I completely forgot about Santa, we can't have Christmas without Santa Claus and I have no red suit or hat or even anyone to take his part.

Brian interrupted him then,

"'Scuse me Sorr, you need have no worries on that score , afore Jean was took an' when she was a young girl and Momma left us oi always played Santa and oi still 'ave the suit an' everything, oi'd be 'onoured to be your Santa.

"Brian, you are a lifesaver, I'll gladly take up your offer.

Being a man of few words Brian merely tipped his cap and clucked his tongue at the horse.

 

[Opensesame54321]

Bridget was making sure that come Christmas Day, there would be plenty of food for everyone. But even though they would have a full house, she had not forgotten the children at the orphanage. She had arranged for several geese to be prepared the day before and accompanied with the sage and onion dressing, along with mashed potatoes and gravy, mince pies, green peas, and several cranberry pies. She had arranged that each child would receive an apple, an orange, and a small bag of nuts.

In addition, she had gotten a count of how many boys and how many girls were there, so that each child would receive a toy. For the girl, it would be a little cloth doll, made by one of the girls rescued from Isaac's. She had started the ladies on working on such gifts back around September so that now they had plenty of dolls, plus a start on next years gifts. Several of the men were able to carve and various animals were carved and painted - a horse, or a dog, a goose, or some other animal. All were wrapped and placed in a bag, with a "B" or a "G" on the outside. Several of the men and women had offered to take the food and gifts to the orphanage so that Bridget would not need to. And once she discovered that Brian could play Santa Claus, she asked and he was only too happy to bring joy to those children.

Bridget had every room in the manor cleaned, all the chimneys cleared out, fresh wood stocking each fireplace. Each room was aired, with fresh sheets. Everyone was pressed into service for this holiday. She worked with Cook to firm up the plans for Christmas Dinner.

By the end of December 20th, Bridget was exhausted as she climbed the stairs to get ready for bed. Her back was hurting and the baby was busy kicking her as she slipped on her wrap. Sitting before her mirror, Bathsheba brushed her hair.

"That's alright, Bathsheba, I can finish it. You go in to bed."

Bridget was so tired and certainly ready for sleep.

 

[cumnchat]

In the few days remaining before Christmas Joshua found he had less and less to do whereas Bridget seemed to be busy all the time, organising this or that, he had offered his help several times but she had brushed away his offers saying she could cope. He began to worry that she was over exerting herself in her bid to be the perfect hostess. She had been too tired to even play a little before they went to sleep and twice now he had woken in the night to go to the bathroom and relieve the tension in his groin.

Things came to a head on the night four days before Christmas Eve, Joshua followed Bridget upstairs a good hour later than he would have done normally expecting to find Bridget fast asleep in their bed but as he entered the bedroom he saw Bridget slumped over her dressing table with her hairbrush still in her hand.

"LESLIE, DOCTOR BRADY COME QUICKLY." He called out in alarm, instead Jean was first on the scene and took charge.

"Joshua, help me get her onto the bed she may slip and hurt herself if we leave her there."

"What is wrong with her Jean? Where is Leslie?"

Jean looked at him in amazement "Don't you know Joshua? She is exhausted, see how pale she is, she has taken on far too much and now in her condition it has caught up with her, First we must wake her and get some liquid inside her, something sweet and milky, hot chocolate perhaps."

With all the noise a small crowd had gathered at the door and Carrie pushed her way through, "Yew 'eard wot Jean sed, Mary, go fetch some, quickly now."

Jean rummaged in the small medical bag she had brought with her and produced a tiny bottle with a stopper. She held the bottle under Bridget's nose and removed the stopper for a few seconds and Bridget turned her head away and began to splutter.

Jean smiled with satisfaction, "AH, Spirit of Hartshorn, as reliable as ever to rouse someone, some say it will even rouse the dead. Now where's that hot chocolate?"

She cradled Bridget's head in her arms as Carrie held a bowl of hot chocolate to her lips encouraging her to take slow sips.

Joshua had stood frozen as all this unfolded, fearful that Bridget would die and the baby with her but now all appeared well and he was lavish with his praise for Jean and her prompt actions. He thanked everyone for their concern and shoo'ed them away.

"She'll be alright now Jean, will she? Does she need any medicine?"

"With a good night's rest and a day in bed she'll be fine, I'll make up a tonic for her in the morning and ask Leslie to call in and check on the little one.

Jean and Carrie left him alone with Bridget who had now fallen asleep again. Joshua undressed and and slid in beside Bridget and wrapped his arms round her.

"You fair gave me a turn young lady, from now on you'll do as your told."

His reply was just "Hmmmmm" and a loud snore.

 

[Opensesame54321]

Bridget was so tired. There was so much left to do, for she wanted to make sure that everyone enjoyed themselves for the next couple of days. She had been running over in her mind everything left to do before Christmas and Boxing Day.

One minute she was brushing her hair and trying to stifle a yawn. The next, she was confused as a sharp smell made her cough. She was in bed and Jean was there, helping her to drink some hot chocolate. She was vaguely aware of Joshua standing to the side, looking worriedly at her. She couldn't remember getting into bed yet here she was.

She was still so sleepy and had no sooner finished most of the drink before once again sleep overtook her and she drifted off. She was not aware of Joshua climbing into bed with her, though from habit she spooned up against him.

The next morning she slept later than usual and was surprised when she awoke as Joshua was leading the Doctor into the room.

"I understand that you have everyone a fright last night, young Lady!" The Doctor lightly scolded her.

"I'm not sure what you are talking about, Doctor." She looked from him to her husband, confused.

"What is the last thing that you remember?"

"I was brushing my hair...and...then...and then I was here this morning." Her brow wrinkled as she fought to remember.

"You passed out." Her hand immediately flew to her very large tummy and the Doctor smiled. "The baby should be fine. I'm just going to check." For the next 5 minutes Joshua sat beside her on the bed and held her hand while the Doctor examined her and the baby.

"Everything seems fine. But you have been overdoing it. The way you are going, this baby may be born before St. Valentines. Bed rest for you young lady."

"But the preparations for Christmas..."

"...will have to be done by someone other than you." The Doctor finished for her. "You can tell someone what needs to be done. I understand that you have already assigned people to handle the food and gifts for the orphanage. Good. You have reached your confinement, at least until after the baby is born. I don't want up you going up and down stairs unless you are aided by someone. I want you to take a nap every afternoon and no late nights. I will check on you in the morning to see if you are able to get up. But you need to learn to delegate work to others. I'm sure that Joshua can teach you how to do that." The Doctor chuckled. "But at least for today, bed rest." He lightly patted her hand.

Once he and Joshua were out in the hall, he talked bluntly to Joshua.

"I really don't want her up out of bed any more that absolutely necessary. If you can, try to assign one of the girls to be her assistant, someone that can sit with her, make sure she eats good and stays hydrated. Plenty of water. Bridget is just stubborn enough that she may think that only she can do everything. But right now, hers and the baby's health is most important." He reached in and handed Joshua a glass bottle. "Jean has prepared this tonic for her. One spoonful twice a day. When you get low, let Jean know and she can prepare more. It will be good for her and the baby. I would really prefer that she have either you or a girl with her at all times. And it may be difficult but until sometime after the baby is born, I think that you should refrain as sometimes that can actually induce labor. It will make you appreciate her all the more, eh?" He slapped Joshua's back. "Now, I need to check up on little Amelia May. She is a real cutie!"

 

[cumnchat]

Joshua felt that what had happened to Bridget was somehow his fault he had seen how hard she was pushing herself and he had done nothing to stop it apart from some halfhearted offers of help that Bridget had dismissed. Now though it was out in the open and he was determined that she would do as she was told, although he was under no illusions as to how difficult that would be. At least there was no real harm done and the baby was doing fine.

It was only when Leslie spoke to him out of earshot of Bridget that he understood just how serious it could have been.

' I really don't want her up out of bed any more than absolutely necessary. If you can, try to assign one of the girls to be her assistant, someone that can sit with her, make sure she eats good and stays hydrated. Plenty of water. Bridget is just stubborn enough that she may think that only she can do everything. But right now, hers and the baby's health is most important. Jean has prepared this tonic for her. One spoonful twice a day. When you get low, let Jean know and she can prepare more. It will be good for her and the baby. I would really prefer that she have either you or a girl with her at all times. And it may be difficult but until sometime after the baby is born, I think that you should refrain as sometimes that can actually induce labor. It will make you appreciate her all the more, eh? He slapped Joshua's back.

His words set Joshua thinking, almost two whole months of abstinence was like a stab in the heart and he doubted that Bridget would be best pleased either. Then his mind started to clear, there was more than one way to skin a rabbit. He smiled at the thought, Bridget was most adept with her fingers and tongue, she would not object to swallowing his seed. He was in love with the taste of her love juices and her teats produced the sweetest creamy milk. No, abstinence by itself would be no problem.

His other problem now was finding someone to look after Bridget during the day. First and foremost it had to be someone trustworthy and someone who would not be afraid to tell Bridget if she was being foolhardy, also they would need to be capable of looking after an invalid, administering medicines at the correct times. Only one name came to mind, so he went into Bridget on the pretext of administering her first dose of Jean's tonic.

"Bridget my love, you know you must rest and so to alleviate the boredom of laying here all day by yourself I am going to assign you a companion to take care of you during the day, I will instruct her to keep you informed of how everything is progressing. You are acquainted with young Marie are you not."

 

[Opensesame54321]

Bed rest! She had too much to do to stay in bed. This was the first Christmas as Lady Lexford and with a house full of people, she wanted to do Joshua proud. She may be basically a country girl, but she wanted to prove herself worthy of the title.

She was thinking of sneaking out of bed when Joshua stepped back in the bedroom. He had a bottle and she had a feeling that it was something that she was going to have to take.

Bridget my love, you know you must rest and so to alleviate the boredom of laying here all day by yourself I am going to assign you a companion to take care of you during the day, I will instruct her to keep you informed of how everything is progressing. You are acquainted with young Marie are you not.

"A babysitter? Joshua, I'm not a child. We have a house full of people. Guests that I am hostess to. That I need to make a good impression to. It's my first Christmas as lady of the manor. I'm not an invalid, I'm just pregnant. And I'm just a bit tired. But I'll sleep today and then I can continue on tomorrow. All right? And what is that in your hand?" She tried striking a deal with Joshua.

 

[cumnchat]

Bridget's response to the news that she was to remain in bed was not good.

' A babysitter? Joshua, I'm not a child. We have a house full of people. Guests that I am hostess to. That I need to make a good impression to. It's my first Christmas as lady of the manor. I'm not an invalid, I'm just pregnant. And I'm just a bit tired. But I'll sleep today and then I can continue on tomorrow. All right? And what is that in your hand?'

"Yes I understand your frustration but you are not well enough to be charging around like a Dervish. First you will take a dose of the tonic that Jean has prepared for you."

He persuaded her to take the tonic then looked at her severely.

"In your wedding vows if you remember you promised amongst other things to obey your husband and that is what you will do, obey me until Leslie says it is safe for you to get up."

He didn't miss the flash of defiance in her eyes and ignored her pleas and promises to take things slower but he knew he was going to have a struggle on his hands. Why couldn't women take orders like soldiers did?

Joshua found Marie in the middle of a snowball fight with some other girls and and men.

"Marie would you please go to my bedroom straightaway I have a task for you that you are well suited to."

Marie smiled broadly and flounced her skirts at the watching young men.

"Now oi wonder what 'is Lordship would be wantin' me in 'is bedroom for?"

She gave a wicked grin and quickly ran indoors hoping that her pantaloons were only wet with snow. She was disappointed when she entered the bedroom to find Bridget propped up amongst the pillows.

Joshua explained that he wanted her to look after Bridget during the day, attending to her and keeping her entertained but most of all keeping her resting in bed. Hiding her disappointment that the master wanted nothing more from her she chirped.

"Fear not Sir, if M'lady attempts t'get up wiv'out permission oi'll sit on 'er an' 'oller fer 'elp."

Joshua chuckled at Marie's simple straight forward answer to a tricky situation.

"Somehow I don't think it will come to that but one never knows with the unpredictability of strong minded women."

 

[Opensesame54321]

The tonic tasted like the inside of an old dirty shoe and she scrunched up her face and shuddered, reaching for a glass of water by the bed. She was not happy and Joshua's next words irritated her. He gave her a stern look as he spoke.

In your wedding vows if you remember you promised amongst other things to obey your husband and that is what you will do, obey me until Leslie says it is safe for you to get up.

Her mouth set in a firm line of stubbornness before she thought that perhaps sweetness would work better.

"Joshua, after Christmas, I promise that I will take it easy, and won't do anything unless you tell me that I can. Please, love, let me just get up and take care of a few things. Just a few things and then I will rest."

She looked at him hopefully and started to throw back the covers to get up. Instead, Joshua pulled the covers back over her and gave her a stormy glare and a firm no.

She could tell that he was not happy as he left the bedroom. Why couldn't he understand what was at stake for her. She sat in bed, propped up and frustrated. And surprised when Joshua reappeared with Marie. He took the young girl aside and she was sure that he was telling the girl just how to handle his wife. Well, he must not be wanting any special favors any time soon! Maybe her hand would be too tired!

Joshua left and Marie stood there looking defiantly at her.

"This is silly Marie. I don't need looking after."

"Ifn tha Master seys yew dew, yew dew! Wots more important? Lookin' gud fer others, or tha wee one yer carryin'?" Bridget grew quiet.

"I was just a bit tired. I thought..." Bridget trailed off, her hand protectively rubbing where the baby moved just beneath the surface.

"Well, Marie, I need some help then, for this child is causing a problem at the moment. I need to relieve myself."

 

[cumnchat]

Joshua left Marie and Bridget alone together but waited outside the door listening to the initial exchanges between the two. Marie got in the first blow by reminding Bridget that her priority should be her unborn baby. All went quiet for a few seconds then Bridget declared that she needed to relieve herself. Was it a trick to put Marie off her guard? Marie however saw through her subterfuge and placed a chair against the door so Bridget could not make a dash for freedom.

"You just wait there M'lady while I find sommat fer yew ta fill, remember yew 'ave t'stay in bed."

Joshua could imagine the look of frustration on Bridget's face as her plan was thwarted at the very beginning. Marie already had the measure of Bridget.
In the bedroom Marie found a large shallow bowl and pulled the covers back,

"Lift yer bum M'lady so oi can slip this under yew."
Joshua smiled at Bridget's sigh of exasperation and then he heard the tinkling sound of Bridget relieving herself.

Satisfied that Marie had everything in hand he made his way downstairs to have a meeting with cook to discuss the finer details of Christmas lunch.

 

[Opensesame54321]

Carrie heard the angry squall of Amelia down the hall in the day nursery. But the full ache of her breast told her that it was time to feed the baby before she heard the crying.

In the nursery, the Doctor was finishing up his exam of the baby. Amelia was crying her little lungs out, her little face red and scrunched up in anger.

"I'm afraid that Amelia doesn't like my big, masculine hands holding her." The Doctor laughed as Bathsheba picked her up, cooing and trying to calm the baby. Carrie went to sit in the big soft chair that Bathsheba had installed in the room. It was strategically placed with its back to the door and a folding screen erected between chair and door for added privacy. But it faced a window so that the occupant didn't just stare at a bare wall but there was several feet between the chair and the windows so that the mother still had her concealment. Here Carrie could nurse the baby in relative seclusion and still join in the conversation in the room if she wished.

Once behind the screen and in the chair, she unbuttoned her wrapper enough to remove the pad covering one teat. A very fussy Amelia was placed in her mother's arms and was soon hungrily sucking away.

"There will come a toime, Doctor, w'en little Amelia May will want masculine 'ands on 'er. 'eaven 'elp us all on that day, for Dougan is already saying that she cannot go courting till she is 35." She laughed and the teat slipped out of the baby's mouth. Amelia was quite vocal in her protest and Carrie helped the baby find her nipple.

"Oh, ya silly bugger, 'ere it is. Roight in front uv yer nose."

While Leslie talked to Bathsheba about things that she needed to do or keep an eye out for on the baby, Carrie finished feeding and took the baby over to change her nappy. Usually during the day, Bathsheba did that but since the baby was not really hers, she deferred to its mother.

Back in her own bedroom, Doctor Brady checked Carrie over to be sure she had no complaints. Before finishing his role as Doctor, he asked Carrie, "if you get a chance, will you drop in on Bridget and explain how important it is that she take care now that she is in confinement? That she cannot go tearing around the house like she has been doing?"

"Don't yew worry, Doctor. Oi'll soon set 'er straight!"

 

[cumnchat]

with the crisis over Bridget now settled and her being taken care of by Marie, Joshua felt so much more relaxed as he toured the estate greeting each of the labourers cordially as they struggled to keep the road clear. The snow was piled several feet high either side of the road almost forming a tunnel. It was enchanting and he wished that he could bring Bridget to see nature's beauty. On the way back he had an idea and sought out Leslie to ask if it would do any harm if he carried out his plan.
Leslie listened and smiled broadly "That will be fine Joshua, but no more than an hour in the morning and an hour in the afternoon."

He found Dougan and Rodrick in the stable with Brian fixing a broken carriage wheel

"Brian can you manage the rest on your own ? I have a very important task for these two layabouts."

"That oi can Sorr, possibly quicker than with their help."

Joshua was so pleased that Brian was settling into his new life and exchanging good natured banter.

Joshua told Dougan and Rodrick what he wanted and they promised it would be done within the hour.

"Good lads, now when the surprise is delivered you will both have a free hour as will Carrie and Marie so make the most of it." He gave a knowing wink to them both.

Joshua paced up and down outside the bedroom until the two brawny men appeared at the top of the stairs carrying the surprise between them. They set it down in front of a beaming Joshua.

"I give you both my dearest thanks, one more thing could you wait and help me get it downstairs in a few minutes."

He knocked on the door and announced himself "Bridget I have brought you a gift so please close your eyes."

Marie's voice came through the door, "All clear now Sir, t'Mistres can't see owt."

Joshua entered first and burst out laughing as Marie had a pillowcase over Bridget's head and was lecturing her wagging her finger even though Bridget couldn't see her.

Joshua beckoned Dougan and Rodrick in and they wheeled in the bath chair that Bridget had used all those months ago. Now though it was spotless, gleaming and decorated with ribbons and holly without thorns.

"You may look now my dear."Joshua pulled the pillowcase from Bridget's head.

 

[Opensesame54321]

Bridget was busy writing a list up of things that needed checking on before Christmas while Marie ran around the room tidying and putting away things. She wanted to make sure that there was plenty of firewood chopped and waiting as practically every bedroom in the manor was being used. There were numerous fireplaces in most of the rooms and all the bedrooms, and nothing could be worse than a cold room on a snowy day. She wanted wassail ready and also needed to make sure...

Suddenly, Joshua stuck his head in and said, Bridget I have brought you a gift so please close your eyes.

Bridget squealed excitedly as he closed the door. Clapping her hands, she closed her eyes and waited so she was surprised when suddenly Marie slipped the pillowcase over her head.

"Marie, what are you doing?" Bridget exclaimed as she started to remove the pillowcase over her head. Marie quickly pulled Bridget's hands away and scolded her. "All clear now Sir, t'Mistres can't see owt. Oi know yew. Yew will peek ifn yew can."

Bridget sat propped up on pillows on the bed. She heard Joshua laughing at her as she sat there frustrated. She could see nothing and the sound of movement and what sounded like furniture moving.

Finally after a bit of time, he removed the case and she suddenly squinted as her eyes adjusted to the sudden light. There before her stood a very festive bathing chair. Clapping her hands, she smiled and looked at her husband.

"Joshua! You are so sweet. Now I can go outside and see the snow!"

 

[cumnchat]

Bridget appeared to be delighted with her surprise, clapping her hands together and bouncing up and down in her bed, her eyes bright with excitement,

' Joshua! You are so sweet. Now I can go outside and see the snow!'

Joshua hated putting a bit of a damper on her excitement so soon but it needed to be said,

"I am afraid you are confined to the house Bridget my dear, it is freezing outside and Leslie informs me that you must be kept warm. Once these two strong young men,"

Indicating Dougan and Rodrick.

"have carried you downstairs I will take you wherever you wish to go , but most definitely you will NOT be going outside. The Conservatory provides excellent views so you might wish to spend some time there with me. It might be as well to tell you that you are only allowed out of bed for an hour in the morning then if you have rested enough a further hour in the afternoon."

He bent to give her a kiss and with Marie's help they got her out of bed and into the bath chair, surrounded by soft cushions of festive colours of Holly Green, and Scarlet, then covered and tucked in with a thick woollen blanket of bright Primrose Yellow.

Dougan and Rodrick carefully carried the whole ensemble down the stairs and set it down. Bridget had a list of things that needed to be done and checked on and wanted to be everywhere at once, but Joshua had other plans and pushed her to the Conservatory where there were magnificent views of the snow covered countryside. Just outside a snowman had been made which bore a great similarity to Joshua. Joshua smiled wryly at this, it was all fun which was Christmas.

As they sat taking in the view Joshua slipped his hand underneath the blanket and gently took one of Bridget's nipples and teased it until it began to leak its rich creamy goodness onto his fingers, he withdrew his hand and shared the creamy milk with Bridget.

"There is something I must tell you, maybe you already know in your heart but we must abstain from intercourse until after the baby is born but we can still play and enjoy each other can we not?"

All too soon the hour was up and Bridget was back in her bed tired but happy judging by the beaming smile she gave Joshua.