Father and Son

Beloved family

Margaret slowly opened her eyes as the sun streamed through the windows, dancing on the thick rugs in the master bedroom as they passed through the lace curtains. She had had her first night's rest since her confinement began, what with the great size of her belly making any position difficult to sleep. 

She recalled with both affection and mirth the great trouble John had taken to provide her some sleep, rubbing her back, providing an excessive number of pillows, and utilizing himself as a support.

Now, she realized with a wide grin, she no longer required such measures, as the babe inside her had only just the previous evening made his first entrance into the world. Thinking of her son brought a sudden ache to cradle him in her arms and so she moved to do just that. Throwing off the covers, Margaret quickly stood up, only to experience a dizzy spell quite unusual for a young healthy woman such as herself.

"Ridiculous woman, she chided herself, you have just given birth. Sit down before you faint."

Margaret sat down at the edge of the large mahogany bed, holding steady to one of the massive pillars that supported the embroidered canopy on top and frames below. The cradle with her precious son stood only a few feet away and as her dizziness subsided, she quickly made her way to him.

Looking down on Edward Thornton, Margaret felt her breath catch in her throat as tears formed in her eyes. His hair, lips, nose, eyes, and ears were perfectly formed and quite possibly the most beautiful masterpiece the good Lord had ever created. As she brushed a finger gently across a fisted hand, he opened his mouth for a yawn and opened his eyes to look at his mother.

Margaret gently brought him into her arms and moved slowly towards the bed. As soon as she had lain down, Edward scrunched up his tiny face and let out a wail of protest.

"Oh dear, my little boy. Does seeing your mother cause such a scene?" Margaret swaddled him further into her arms and although he quieted down, Edward continued to display his displeasure.

"He loves his mother, but is simply expressing his distaste at experiencing hunger." 

Margaret looked up in surprise as the Master of Marlborough Mills entered quietly into the room. "You are home very early," Margaret questioned John as he came to lay beside her. 

"I am here to enjoy my little family and since I am Master of the mills, I believe I am allowed a day off at times." John teased Margaret as he gave her a lingering kiss. 

"You horrible man!" Margaret laughed. "You know I love every moment we are together. I am simply surprised at the ever hard working John Thornton taking time off". This exchange of conversation between husband and wife went on for several more moments before Edward Thornton displayed his great annoyance at his mother and father for being ignored. Both enraptured parents turned quickly to their son as Margaret moved him to her breast. 

Here, she paused, suddenly shy at the thought of openly feeding her son in front of John. Margaret turned a pink tinged face towards her bemused husband, asking him, "are you going to stay?" 

"I would be happy to stay, for I want to spend time with both you and our son. However, judging upon the appearance of your visage, you seem hesitant to allow your husband's company during this intimate moment". 

"John, husbands are traditionally never around during childbirth or feeding."

"When have we and especially you, Margaret Thornton, followed the dictates of society?" John laughed as Margaret's face continued to grow deeper in shades of varying red. 

Feeling the least bit sorry, John stood up after kissing his wife and son. "This once, I shall leave you two alone. However, do not expect this to continue. Any opportunity to spend with my most beloved family will be taken speedily." 

Suddenly, a commotion sounded below and Margaret clutched Edward to her chest. "Stay here, I will see what is happening," John stated as he rushed out of the room.