Part 34 (1/2)
The mockery had gone far enough. Judith stood there smiling until Patrick pulled the door closed and Frances Catherine couldn't see her. She turned on Iain then.
”I can't do this,” she blurted out. ”I don't have any experience. You have to understand, Iain.”
In her panic to make him listen, she grabbed hold of his plaid and started to tug on it.
”Judith, how did you plan to help Frances Catherine if you-”
She wouldn't let him finish his question. ”I was going to mop her brow, d.a.m.n it, and pat her hand, and whisper 'There, there,' and-”
She couldn't go on. Iain wrapped his arms around her and held her tight. He didn't know what to say to her to help her get over this worry.
”Iain?”
”Yes?”
”I'm scared.”
He smiled. ”I know.”
”I don't want to do this.”
”It will be all right.”
He took hold of her hand and led the way to Isabelle's cottage. It was so dark she could barely see the path ahead of her.
”I supposed the midwives would do all the work,” she whispered as she was being dragged along in his wake. ”And I was going to give suggestions. Oh G.o.d, how arrogant I am.”
They continued along for several more minutes before Judith spoke again. ”I won't know what to do.”
”Isabelle will know what to do when the time comes. She wants you with her.”
”I don't understand why.”
Iain smiled. ”I understand. You're a very gentle woman, compa.s.sionate too. Isabelle needs both right now. Aye, you'll do fine.”
”What if it gets complicated?”
”I'll be right outside the door.”
Odd, but that promise comforted her. ”And you'll come inside if need be and take over? You'll deliver this babe?”
”h.e.l.l, no.”
He sounded appalled by the very idea. She would have laughed if she hadn't been so frightened.
Judith still didn't understand why Isabelle had chosen her. ”If you were going into battle and could only choose one other warrior to go with you, would you take your squire?”
He knew the parallel she was going to make. ”Yes.”
”Isabelle is like a warrior going into battle and she needs... you said yes? You'd really choose an inexperienced squire?” she asked, her voice incredulous.