𝐓𝐎 𝐁𝐄 𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐍𝐄.
chapter fifty- seven; Mint, Lavender, Hemlock
" Let me help you. "

  DEMETRE AND ELSPETH were strolling rather casually in the peaceful early Spring weather, on their way to the christening of Lola and Francis's child. 

  They had been doing that as of late. Taking the long way, only to steal some more time away where it was just the two of them.

  Now, they were speaking about the trip Demetre had promised before the plague broke out and things had changed between them. 

  "I have a choice to go wherever I wish, but I cannot decide," Elspeth whined, "It's so terrible."

  "Ah, yes, freedom."

  She swatted his arm as he smiled.

  "Would it be dull if I said I wished to visit Scotland?" Elspeth said after a moment, glancing to Demetre, "I want to see my parents, I want them to meet you, I want. . ."

  "You want to visit Hans."

  Elspeth felt tears burn behind her eyes quickly.

  She had missed his funeral, but her parents had insisted Hans be buried on the Estate, instead of with the other plague victims. He had his own resting place, away from the rest of the world, along with the other long lines of Liens'.

  "Yes," She admitted, "I do."

  "Then to Scotland, we shall go," He said gently, pressing a kiss to her temple, "Tell me when you would like to, and I'll arrange it."

  "I'll write my parents, to give them proper warning," Elspeth said, nodding, "It will be nice to see home again."

  Demetre smiled fondly, tugging the woman closer to him.

  But her pace slowed, and the man followed her eyesight.

  Louis was helping Mary walk. And she looked in pain. A deep, immobilizing form of pain.

  "Go ahead without me," Elspeth said, "I'll follow shortly."

  "Petal, I can join you."

  "It may be something to do with her child," Elspeth said quietly, "I do not wish to crowd her."

  "Of course," He nodded, kissing her forehead, "Send word if you need--"

  "I will," She said, squeezing his hand before letting it go.

  Elspeth rushed across the grass, each step dampening the hem of her skirt, but she cared little for that right now.

  "What's going on, are you alright?" Elspeth said quickly as she joined Mary's side.

  "I'm fine," Mary said tightly, though her teeth were clenched in pain, "Don't worry--"

  "Oh, quit that," Elspeth said, "You aren't fine, and I am worried, and I'm not going to leave you now."

  Mary said nothing else. 

  They walked her back to her rooms, and Louis helped the woman onto the empty chaise as she let out another hiss of pain.

  "You need a physician," Louis said.

  "No, tell no one," Mary spoke quickly.

  The man helped position her, lifting her feet onto the chaise, only to catch sight of blood staining the pale pink ribbons of her shoes.

  "You're bleeding."

  Elspeth felt her heartache, kneeling on the ground beside Mary and grabbing hold of her hand.

  "I am losing my child," Mary said tearily, sucking in a deep breath, "There is nothing we can do about it now."

  Louis seemed to absorb the information before beginning to launch himself into action. But Mary caught his shoulder before he got too far.

  "No," She demanded, "No one must know until after the christening. I have to tell Francis myself and. . . I don't want to ruin things for Lola and the baby."

  "Now is not the time to think of others."

  "If you consider yourself a friend you will not say a word. To anyone."

  Louis said nothing as another wave of pain caused Mary's expression.

  "Let me help you," Elspeth whispered, gaining Mary's attention, "I. . . I cannot help your child, but I can help soothe some of the pain, Mary. Please, let me."

  She tightened her grip on Elspeth's hand, and after a long moment, nodded once.

  Elspeth gave out instructions quickly. Louis launched into action, collecting each thing she listed off without hesitation, bringing them as quickly as he could.

  "Nostradamus left me some of his notes," She informed, dropping perfume oils and flower petals into a small bowl of warm water, "Lavender and mint help manage pain. Hemlock does a wonder as well. What you have in here is not as potent as the things he kept stocked-- but it will alleviate some of it."

  Mary cried quietly as Elspeth worked. Louis departed the room hesitantly, standing outside of the door only so Elspeth could help. Elspeth tugged the ties in Mary's corset gently, even the loss of this pressure let her breathe easier.

  Mary laid back and let the Elspeth dote gently.

  And when the bleeding had stopped Mary asked Elspeth to help dress her.

  Elspeth didn't ask if she was sure or try and persuade her out of it. She only helped Mary into a new dress carefully, aware of every movement and motion she asked of the queen.

  Because Elspeth knew what it was to tuck your pain away for the sake of someone else. She knew there was no talking Mary out of it or convincing her to tell Francis now, so he would know what she was carrying.

  "I'll prepare more remedies for you after the Christening," Elspeth said quietly, "I can bring them to you once everything is over. So that you do not have to be prodded by some unfamiliar physician."

  "Thank you, Elspeth."

  The girl squeezed her hand.

  "You are strong, Mary," Elspeth whispered, "Strong and kind. And I am here for you. As your friend, I am here for you."

  Mary's eyes watered again, pulling Elspeth into a tight hug.

  "Thank you."

  Because just as she had done before, Elspeth was the only one standing at her side.

↬

  Elspeth joined Demetre's side without a word. His fingers twitched, quickly encapsulating her own when she brushed them against his knuckles. They stood silent together, watching Mary hold baby John-Phillipe. 

  She had been chosen as Godmother, after all.

  And once the ceremony was complete, it was time to celebrate. For most. But for Elspeth, it was time to work.

  Demetre sent her off with a chaste kiss, for even he knew when to step back.

  Elspeth met Mary in her chambers, helping the woman get out of her dress and into something more comfortable. She brewed Mary a warm herbal tea and stacked pillows so she was in a comfortable position without much strain on her body. 

  And then when Elspeth had given her everything she could, Elspeth pulled a chair beside the bed and sat. She sat and held Mary's hand and read quietly, filling the empty room with softly spoken words in an attempt to mend what medicine could not.

  "Would you like me to send for Francis?"

  Mary looked up at the sudden change in words. She'd been listening to the story meant to lull her to sleep, with an ache in her chest no one could possibly fill.

  "He is happy. He should be--"

  "He loves you, Mary."

  Elspeth squeezed her hand tightly.

  "Let him be here with you," She whispered, "This is a loss the two of you must carry together. It is not for you to hold alone."

  Mary's tears began again, squeezing Elspeth's hand in return. She nodded wordlessly, and Elspeth merely craned her head, calling out for one of Mary's handmaids. She spoke quietly before the girl was scurrying off.

  "I can go so that you two may have privacy--"

  "Please stay."

  Elspeth was shocked at the soft plea.

  "At least until he is here," Mary said after a moment, "Stay with me."

  Elspeth nodded, settling back down in her seat.

  "I won't go anywhere. I'll stay."

( AUTHOR'S NOTE. )
this episode always breaks my heart