Saved By A Lady – Extended Epilogue

Two Years Later

Why did this baby crave the foods she didn’t want to eat? The smell of slowly cooking beef had led Sylvia to the kitchen, where everyone was running around her trying to please her.

“I have a lovely mushroom sauce that many say reminds them of meat, my lady,” said Pierre, the head chef.

Sylvia rubbed her belly, hoping her baby was listening. “What about the mushroom sauce? Can we eat that?”

No response. Usually, she just had to think about a specific food to feel nauseous or hungry. Perhaps the baby didn’t mind mushrooms.

“What is the sauce served with, Pierre?”

“Fresh French bread, my lady. I can toast it for some added crunch or make the sauce more into a soup. Can you eat cream again?”

Sylvia’s appetite for some foods had come and gone, and sometimes she had a limited list of foods she could stomach. Right now, she envisioned the creamiest dishes to see if she would feel unwell. Nothing happened.

“Yes, I can take cream again. Thank heavens! I was missing cream in my tea and desserts. You never know what you have until you cannot eat it anymore.”

“Bon! I will make the soup right away,” said Pierre. “But you cannot be in the kitchen, my lady. It is too hot for you and the baby. Let Mary help you back to the parlour where you can put your feet up.”

But that was what she had been doing all day! Sylvia didn’t want to spend the whole day on her back just because she was pregnant. She was having a perfectly healthy pregnancy, and she had no more backache. That had been a terrible time where she had spent two weeks lying in bed and being carried about if she needed to go somewhere.

“I’ll have the soup in the dining room,” said Sylvia. “I haven’t been able to sit at a table in some time.”

Landon had refused to put any more pressure on her back, so he had fed her himself while she lay in bed. Her husband seemed to be a bit of a headless chicken with her pregnancy. If Sylvia made the slightest sound, he would want to know if she was in pain or not.

I feel like I’ve been wrapped in cotton wool! He will have to calm down at some point.

Mary did help her to the parlour where Sylvia’s mother-in-law sat writing some letters. She immediately got up when Sylvia entered the room and led her to a chaise longue.

“Sit, sit, my dear,” the woman insisted. “Why are you out of bed?”

“I’m feeling much better, Mother,” Sylvia insisted. “I felt no pain and needed to stretch my legs. This baby is craving for meat, but I shudder to think what might happen if I eat it.”

Two years ago, she attempted to be ‘normal’ and ate a piece of ham. Sylvia had been so ill that she had never touched the carcass of an animal again.

“Perhaps nothing, my dear. It’s my experience that you should give babies whatever it is they need. Perhaps your lack of meat has caused a shortage of something in your body.”

Sylvia doubted that. She had not eaten meat for many years and believed that it actually helped her body. She rarely grew sick from many illnesses that plagued others, and she always had more energy.

“I think it’s just a craving, Mother. I do not feel as though I am missing anything. Pierre is preparing a creamy mushroom soup with toasted bread to combat the need for meat. Apparently, the mushrooms mimic meat.”

The dowager countess wrinkled her nose. “I am not fond of mushrooms or even vegetables. If they were not covered in butter or a creamy sauce, I doubt I would eat them.”

That was a shame because there was nothing better than going into the garden, digging up a fresh carrot, and eating it just like that (well, after washing it, of course!). Sylvia had tried several times to tempt the dowager to eat more vegetables, but the woman turned her nose at them. Potatoes were fine, and sometimes cabbage, but not much else.

Sylvia recalled how she had felt ill after eating all the cakes and biscuits the dowager loved to have with her tea. The woman couldn’t just have tea on its own; there had to be something to eat with it. After a month of feeling ill, she had stopped eating anything with her tea and quickly recovered from her nausea.

Living in another household had taken Sylvia time to get used to. There had also been the matter of the dowager doing things a certain way, while Sylvia had learnt to do it another way. She had never had a full-blown argument with her mother-in-law, but there had been heated moments where the dowager had been stubborn and unwilling to change something for the better.

For example, the woman didn’t like to open the windows first thing in the morning and prevented the servants from doing so. It made no sense to Sylvia because a house needed to be aired after a night of being shut in, but the dowager believed the morning air brought the chills and could make one sick.

Landon had come home that evening to a frustrated wife, but he had soothed her after promising to speak to his mother. It was finally decided that the windows on the left wing would be opened in the mornings, but when the dowager saw the benefits, she consented to the entire house getting the same treatment.

It had been a ridiculous argument, but most things with one’s family were small matters that often became big if not resolved.

Mary returned to inform Sylvia that her food was ready and set out as requested in the dining room. The maid assisted her to her feet, although Sylvia could have probably gotten to her feet alone. She was only five months along, but one would think she was about to give birth from how everyone treated her.

Perhaps it’s due to this being the first baby in the Winter family since Landon was born. I hope they do not try to spoil him rotten.

Sylvia imagined arguments in the future about how to raise her child. The dowager would likely wish to give the child everything and spoil him, whereas Sylvia would want to teach her child the value of money and enjoying life without material goods. Sylvia inwardly sighed– it was going to be a battle.

Sylvia adored her mother-in-law and respected the woman, but they were so different. Did the dowager regret having such a simple daughter-in-law who wasn’t a lover of fashion, money, parties, and being seen? Sylvia longed to ask Landon, but she didn’t want to trouble him. It was just her insecurities that flared up at times, and more so now that she was pregnant. Sylvia was an emotional mess on most days, but everyone was patient with her.

“You seem a little tired today, my lady,” Mary commented as they walked to the dining room.

“It’s just the pregnancy. Sometimes I have energy that seems it will last for days, and then fatigue sets in.”

That wasn’t the only problem. Sylvia missed her husband. Landon had been gone for two days to assist some members of Parliament and would only be back the day after tomorrow. She hated being apart from him. It was like she was missing part of herself.

The smell of the soup hit Sylvia’s nose before she saw it. Fortunately, it didn’t cause her belly to churn. It actually did smell meaty, but she was confident Pierre wouldn’t add any meat.

“May I bring you something to drink, my lady?”

“Some chocolate would be lovely, but bring water as well in case the baby doesn’t want chocolate today.”

The maid smiled and curtsied. “Certainly, my lady.”

Sylvia sat down to enjoy her meal, bringing the bowl to her nose to sniff it. It smelled lovely.

“I see you’re going to let me eat today without any hassle,” she said to her baby, rubbing her belly.

Sylvia dipped the bread in the soup and took a small bite, savouring the flavours. It felt wonderful to eat something without needing to run somewhere and heave until her body felt sore.

“I hope you’ll leave some for me,” said Landon, walking into the room.

“Landon!” Sylvia cried, getting up and running to him.

“No running!” he scolded, meeting her halfway.

Sylvia wrapped her arms around his waist and burst out crying. She wasn’t sure why she was crying because she was happy to see him, but she couldn’t help herself.

“My love,” he soothed, stroking her back. “What is the matter?”

“I’m happy to see you,” Sylvia blubbered against his chest. “I missed you so much.”

“Aha. I had a feeling you were. I felt this odd pull in my heart that told me my wife needed me at home, so I cut my trip short and came back.” Landon pulled back and cupped her face in his hand. “You look more beautiful every time I see you.”

Sylvia frowned at him. “I’m a splotchy mess– how can you say I look beautiful?”

“If my eyes tell me that my wife is beautiful, then I must believe them,” he replied, kissing her wet cheeks before ending with her lips.

Sylvia melted against him. It had been two years, but her body knew no different. Her husband’s kisses were as potent today as they had been from the beginning.

“So, what have you been doing while I was away?” he asked.

“Resting, resting, and more resting! That’s all everyone expects me to do. Everyone refuses for me to go outside because they’re worried I’ll hurt myself. I’m pregnant, Landon. I’m not an invalid incapable of taking care of herself.”

“They’re just worried, my love, as I am,” Landon reasoned. “Come, eat your food, and we’ll continue to talk. What are you eating?”

“Creamy mushroom soup and toasted French bread. Our child wanted meat, but I refused to eat it, so Pierre suggested the mushrooms. The soup seems to be working. Should I send someone to get you a bowl?”

“Not yet. I just want to sit here and spend time with my wife.”

Landon led her back to her seat and did his usual habit of feeding her. It had annoyed her initially, but Sylvia had soon learned that it was his way of feeling useful since he wasn’t the one carrying the baby.

“You’re eating so well today,” he remarked, sounding happy. “This must be the first time you have eaten an entire bowl since we found out you were pregnant.”

“I think the baby is settling,” she suggested. “He must be tired of making his Mama sick all the time.”

Sylvia hoped that was the truth. She wanted to enjoy her pregnancy, but it had been challenging.

“If you feel strong enough, do you fancy a walk to the woods today? A slow walk.”

Sylvia’s eyes lit up. “Indeed? No one has let me leave the house for so long that I am desperate to go out and see more than these four walls. This is undoubtedly a beautiful house, but I miss seeing nature up close.”

She also missed her fox. Despite knowing Flame’s significance to her and Landon, the dowager wasn’t keen on wild animals near the house. The woman was worried that a wild animal might turn on a person and injure them. Thankfully, Landon thought differently, or Sylvia would feel stifled.

“I’m sure you would like to see our little friend as well,” said Landon. “I think he was with another fox when I last saw him.”

“Another fox? Was it male or female?”

Flame had been scarce for some time. He still came to the edge of the woods as if to say, ‘Here I am!’, but he often disappeared for days at a time. Sylvia had wondered if he possibly had found a mate, but no one had been able to confirm it yet.

“I couldn’t see because I wasn’t close enough, but he was quite affectionate and protective of the fox, so I assume it was a female.”

Sylvia grinned. “I think Flame finally has a mate. I felt a little guilty getting married and with our baby on the way, and he was still alone. Everyone, whether human or animal, deserves someone in their life.”

“I second that. Would you like to go now, or would you prefer to wait a little?”

“I would like a peach from the orchard and to feel the juices running down my hand as we walk to the woods.”

“What my love wants, she gets,” he said, drawing her to her feet. “Are you certain you are not too full? It is still a distance.”

“Pierre knew not to give me too much, Landon. I’m not too full, or I would not be asking for a peach. They must be wonderfully ripe.”

Sylvia had not been able to eat any fruits except apples and plums for some time. Now that it seemed her nausea had relented, she intended to enjoy all the foods she had missed.

“They are. I’ll quickly greet Mother, and we’ll be on our way.”

“Landon!” Sylvia scolded. “You’ve been here for some time, yet you haven’t seen your mother?”

He shrugged. “My wife needed me first. My mother understands that– she was a pregnant woman once.”

It was actually three times, but the dowager had lost her two babies. Landon had been her miracle child.

Landon walked with his arm around her shoulders as he was too tall to wrap them around her waist. She was just a tiny thing when compared to him.

The dowager was glad to see him until he told her that he was going for a walk with his wife.

“You cannot mean to take Sylvia out of this house! What if something happens?”

“I’m bigger than most things in the woods, Mother,” Landon argued. “I can take care of my wife.”

“I know that, but what if she has some trouble with the baby?” the dowager asked. “I want Sylvia safe.”

Sylvia understood the woman’s fears. She was worried Sylvia would lose her baby just as she lost her first two, but their pregnancies had been different.

“I feel well today, Mother,” Sylvia assured. “A slow walk will do me much good.”

The woman looked away, clearly not pleased. “Very well. You will both do what you wish.”

Sylvia raised her eyebrows at Landon before she went to her mother-in-law, embracing her.

“Nothing will happen to me, Mother. I promise. Landon would never allow anything to happen. If I trust him so completely, you should as well. After all, you raised a wonderful son.”

The dowager looked their way, sniffing. “I suppose I did. Oh, fine! Go for your walk, but you must be careful. If you feel the slightest bit of pain, you must come back to the house.”

“I’ll carry her back to the house, Mother,” Landon assured.

The dowager nodded, waving them off. Landon steered her away, lowering his face until his lips brushed against her hair.

“Thank you. You always seem to put her at ease better than I can. You’re quite possibly the best daughter there is.”

“Possibly? I think you meant that I am the best daughter.”

Landon chuckled, his warm breath covering her cheek. “Where has your modesty disappeared to, my love?”

“You are the one who repeatedly tells me how perfect, beautiful, and wonderful I am. Would you take it all back now?”

“Of course not. I meant every word.”

He kissed her brow and kept her close as they left the house and made their way to the woods. Their pace was slow, but not so that she felt that she was holding him back.

“I wonder if he’ll appear when we call?” Sylvia said.

“We can at least try, but let’s do so when we get into the woods. I do not think my mother would want to know that I am taking my wife to see a wild animal. Flame is an honorary member of our family, but he is still a wild animal in her eyes.”

Sylvia knew that and agreed. “I fear she might be worse when I finally have our baby. She’ll be the overprotective, doting grandmother.”

“She might be worse than that,” Landon warned. “My mother has wanted grandchildren for years. Now that one is on the way, she will not rest until she is part of his everyday life.”

Sylvia inwardly groaned. She already knew the dowager might be a handful, but Landon made her seem so much worse. How on earth was she going to establish boundaries while not hurting her mother-in-law’s feelings? It was going to be tricky.

When Landon felt they were deep enough in the woods, he suggested she call Flame because the animal loved her best. Sylvia started to protest, but it was the truth, so she let it go.

“Flame!”

She continued to call for a minute or two, finally hearing his usual cry. However, Sylvia could hear another fox’s call. It was even higher pitched than Flame’s. Could this be the female?

The fox appeared seconds later, and right behind him was another fox and several babies.

“Oh, look, Landon!” she cried. “Our Flame has his own family!”

“Good show, old boy,” said Landon, chuckling.

Flame came right up to them and looked back at his family. They eventually approached as well, but hesitantly so.

“Is this not perfect?” she said. “Flame has a family of his own, and we’ll soon have our own addition to our family.”

“Now, you need never worry again about him being lonely.”

Sylvia was so happy for the fox that she felt her nose sting with pending tears. Despite the challenges and whatever were still to come, Sylvia was content and believed Flame was as well. She put her hand to her belly, crying out in surprise when the baby kicked. Did the baby agree with her?

“What is it?” Landon asked.

“The baby just kicked.”

She took his hand and put it on her belly, laughing at Landon’s facial expression when he felt the kick as well.

“This is wonderful,” he exclaimed. “But doesn’t it hurt?”

“Not at all. I think our baby wants to join in with the happiness of today. I think this is a good sign of what is to come, don’t you?”

“I already knew that our life would be filled with joy, my love,” said Landon. “Our baby is merely reacting to our happiness.”

That made sense. “I suppose I shall get many more kicks because I am always content when you are with me.”

Landon wrapped his arms around her and laid his chin on her head. “I feel most alive when I am with you,” he told her.

Sylvia closed her eyes and leaned into her husband. These were the moments she felt most at peace, and nothing seemed impossible. It took a remarkable man to invoke such security, and she had him all to herself.

 

THE END

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