The girl tensed. 'I can feel baby, Sister. Do you think it's going to be all right?'
'You have a strong, healthy child.'
'But do you think it's going to happen like it should?'
'Be calm, my child,' Alice stroked her forehead. 'Place yourself in the arms of Mother Mary. Speak to her in your own words.'
The girl started to mutter under her breath. Alice felt her abdominal muscles relax. The baby was more relaxed too ... less agitated and more amenable to manipulation. She coaxed it round and listened to voices coming from outside. An almshouse servant was telling someone that Sister was busy. A man replied and her heart missed a beat.
'It's alright, Sarah. Betty can manage.'
She cried out and hurried to the door.
'Sir Harald. What a surprise.'
He stared back at her and began to stutter.
'I … I came …'
'Is it for William's stitches?' she prompted.
'N … No. Brother Arnold examined them in Dorchester. He said the wound has healed well but the stitches should be left in a little longer.'
An awkward silence followed. Words formed but failed to eventuate. Alice reached for her rosary. She recognised it as an automatic reaction to a stressed situation. When people don't know where to put their hands they cling to something familiar. Harald reached for his eyeglasses.
Alice relaxed a little.
'How is William's arm?'
'He still carries it in a sling.' Harald replied and this time the words flowed easily. 'Brother Arnold says Luke set the bones as well as he could himself. I thought it best that he should not accompany me on my visit to Sherborne. The way is muddy and the risk of the horse slipping seemed too great. However, I would be most grateful if you would allow me to bring him to you in the not too distant future.'
'I hope the weather will soon change, Sir Harald. William's stitches must be removed soon and I will need to inspect them before then.'
Harald plucked up courage for another try.
'The other evening, when you were caring for William, you mentioned the beautiful drawings in the Abbey Missal. Brother Mathew tells me that some of the original sketches are still in the scriptorium. He says he would be happy to show them. I wondered if you might join me when I take up his invitation.'
'That is a kind thought.' Alice smiled. 'I am free from my duties in the almshouse for a few hours each afternoon.