Latest Posting: “N&S: Nurturing Love, Ch. 85 – 86 End: A Love for a Lifetime, 5/28/12 Gratiana Lovelace (Post #195)

Latest Posting:  “N&S:  Nurturing Love, Ch. 85 – 86 End:  A Love for a Lifetime,  5/28/12 Gratiana Lovelace (Post #195)

A Fan Fiction Adaptation Copyrighted by Gratiana Lovelace;
No copyright Infringement Intended.  All Rights Reserved.
[(1abc) NSNL story logo below left]

Author’s Story Recap from the previous posting:   Four weeks after John’s and Margaret’s triplets birth, Fanny’s and Watson’s unanticipated twins are born on Saturday May 25^th.  And the twins are given family names:  John Herbert Watson and Hannah Margaret Watson.  John is relieved that Fanny is alright and heads home to share the good news with Margaret.

Author’s Mature Content Note:  For one final time, I remind you that “North & South:  Nurturing Love” is a love story with all the heat and passion that love embodies.  If you are unable or unwilling to view a film with the rating that I give a particular chapter, then please refrain from reading it.  This is my disclaimer.

“N&S: Nurturing Love”, Ch.  85:  John Shares Fanny’s and Watson’s Baby News with Margaret

John happily and quickly walks from town to Margaret at their home, Rose Cottage [(2) right], to tell her of Fanny and Watson’s baby news about one hour after he left her.  It is still just 11:30am in the morning and John finds Margaret napping in bed while the babies are sleeping in their bassinettes.  John removes his shoes, suit coat, vest, shirt, and trousers and he slides into bed next to Margaret.  She is still very tired with all of the nursing of their three babies that she has to do.  So, John just lets her sleep as he cradles her in his arms.  Then, John falls asleep, too.

About 30 minutes later—around 12noon-­-Margaret awakens to find John lying in bed at her side.  Leaving his rest undisturbed, Margaret visits the bathroom briefly, then she returns to John’s arms in their bed.  She knows that their servants will be bringing lunch up to them in a little while so that she can eat before the babies nurse again at 1:00pm.  But, Margaret enjoys having this small private time with her husband.  She cuddles up next to him and kisses his lips.  John begins to stir and he kisses Margaret back.  John and Margaret have not made love for almost two months due to her feeling unwell the last month of pregnancy and her recovering the month since the birth of their three children.  But, they still relish their loving tenderness with each other.  And, John has wonderful news to tell Margaret—now that they are an aunt and an uncle.

John:  “Margaret Darling?” He says kissing the tip of her nose as she dozes cuddled up next to him.

Margaret:  “Hmmm?”

John:  “You’re an aunt.”

Margaret:  Now waking more fully, she asks.  “I am?  Oh John Dearest.  Did Fanny have her baby?”

John:  “Yes, …  and then some.”  He grins broadly

Margaret:  “What do you mean?”  She says quizzically.

John:  Well, Fanny gave birth to an enormous baby boy.  The doctor said that it might be nine or ten pounds!  It looks twice the size of our two older children.  I swear that he’s going straight to eating solid foods.”  He jests and they both laugh.  “Ha ha ha ha ha!”

Margaret:   Giggling.  “Ha ha ha!  Oh, my goodness!  Is Fanny alright?”

John:  “She seems to be now.  However, there were some tense moments right after the birth because she was bleeding so much.  And then, …”

Margaret:  “And then?”  Margaret is riveted by John’s retelling of Fanny giving birth.

John:  “And then, Fanny unexpectedly also gave birth to a small and dainty daughter.”  He raises his eyebrows for effect and looks at Margaret with a big smile on his face.

Margaret:  “Oh my!”   Margaret gives John a hug and kiss.  “How wonderful!  We’re an aunt and uncle—times two!”

John:  “And Margaret Darling, it gets even better.”

Margaret:  Looking at John in alarm, she asks.  “Now Fanny didn’t also have a third baby did she?”

John:  Laughing. “Ha ha ha!  No, my darling.  We’re the only Thornton’s with that distinction.”   John smiles at Margaret and gives her a hug and kiss.   “It’s the babies’ names.  Our nephew is named after his father and me, I’m honored to say—John Herbert Watson.”

Margaret:  “Oh John Dearest.  That’s so wonderful of Fanny and Watson.  And what did they name our niece?”

John:  “Our niece is Hannah Margaret Watson—after her grandmother and you, my Darling.”

Margaret:  “Oh, John my love.  I’m so honored.”   Margaret tears up.  “It’s so loving and sweet of Fanny and Watson to name their children after us and their grandmother.”

John:  “Yes, it is.”  John kisses Margaret’s forehead lovingly.  “Now Margaret Darling, I say that we eat our lunch and nurse our babies.  And, then, if you want to ride in the carriage to see Fanny and the babies, we can do that.”

Margaret:  “Oh yes, John Dearest!”

Then John proceeds to  fill in the birthing details of Watson uncharacteristically being present for most of the births and such—as well as his tender care and feelings for Fanny that he revealed to John–which amazes Margaret.

***

Later that afternoon, John and Margaret take a carriage ride into town to see Fanny and Watson and their new niece and nephew.  Margaret is not only excited to see her niece and nephew, but this is the first time that she has been out of their home and further afield than their garden–Margaret only having given birth herself to their triplets four weeks ago.  So since the sun is shining and the breeze cool but not chilly, John uses the open carriage so Margaret may enjoy seeing the countryside and town that she has missed.   As they pass Marlborough Mills, John and Margaret see several of their workers tending to new shipments of cotton bales–as well as the Mill School children playing a game outside–and they wave to each other.  Then Margaret snuggles up next to John and he puts his arm around her for their remaining ride to Fanny’s and Watson’s home.

After greeting Mother Thornton who is still there at the Watson’s home–but having tea in the parlor with Watson while Fanny nurses her babies upstairs–John and Margaret join them for tea.  Margaret is wearing her pretty pink dress [(3) right] that John admires so much on her–though it is still a bit snug since she hasn’t yet lost all of her baby weight.  But Margaret is delighted to be dressed up for a change. John and Margaret learn from Mother Thornton and Watson that Fanny is on her second nursing of the babies and by all accounts the babies are taking their nourishment well.

Then Fanny’s French ladies maid enters the parlor with an update.

French Ladies Maid:   “Mes Dames et Monsieurs, Madame Fanny dit qu’elle est prête à vous recevoir and show you les bébés.”  She announces in a mixture of French, English, and such.”

Margaret and Mother Thornton smile and nod in acknowledgement.  The men–John and Watson look uncertain.

Mother Thornton:  “Fanny will show you their babies now.”  She looks at the men askance for their not knowing French.  And it was not for lack of education on John’s part that he doesn’t know French.  He was always simply too engaged with business to study French closely that his Mother tried to teach him.

Margaret:  “Oh John and Watson, I can’t wait to see the babies!”  She exclaims excitedly.

They all move toward the grand central staircase of the Watson home, with John helping Margaret up the stairs since she is in a full skirt and still not used to climbing stairs much due to her confinement during and after their own babies’ births.  They knock on Fanny’s bedroom door.

Margaret:  “Fanny!   John and I are here to see how you’re doing and meet your babies.”  She says through the door.

Fanny:   “Entrez vous!”   Fanny says eagerly and a bit pretentiously.

John and Margaret and Watson and Mother Thornton are ushered into Fanny’s boudouir.  Because though it is the bedroom that Fanny shares with her husband Watson, the room is decorated for a princess–with every surface covered with satin or lace, or both.  John had not noticed this earlier because he was solely focusing on the well being of his sister Fanny.  John is glad that Margaret does not require their own shared bedroom to be so frilly and feminine.

John:  “Fanny!   You look as fresh as a daisy!”  He marvels at Fanny having her hair done up in curls and ringlets as usual and her sitting in a pale blue satin and lace day dress in the sette area of the bedroom.

Watson:  Moving to stand next to his sitting wife, Watson leans down and kisses Fanny’s forehead.  “Nay John, my darling girl is a rose beyond compare to have suffered so uncomplainingly in giving birth to our children this morning.”  Watson beams his love for Fanny as he holds her hand.  John and Margaret look on in astonishment at Watson’s display and expression of affection for Fanny.

Fanny:  She smiles at her husband.  “Herbert Dear, please ask nurse to bring the babies to us so we may introduce them to their aunt and uncle.”

Watson:  “Of course, my darling girl.”  He says lovingly and goes to do just that.

Fanny:  “Margaret, come sit with me.”  And Margaret sits next to Fanny on the sette.  “Mother.”  Fanny motions for her mother to sit in the large cushioned wing chair–which she does so gratefully.

Margaret:  “Fanny, you look wonderful!   How are you feeling?”  Margaret asks in concern as she gives Fanny a gentle hug.

Fanny:  “Tired!”  Then she whispers into Margaret’s ear.  “And more sore than when Watson gave me these babies.”

Margaret:  “Ha ha ha!”  Margaret titters in embarrassment with Fanny’s frankness and revelation.   Matters of babies and where they come from being topics that Margaret has only discussed with John or her midwife–never with Fanny.

John:  “What is so funny?”  He asks interestedly as he moves to sit in a chair next to Margaret’s side and takes her hand in his and squeezing it.

Margaret:   Regrouping, she says with wide eyes.  “Just something for new mothers’ ears, John Dear.”

Then the nurse walks in carrying their baby daughter and Watson carries his baby son.  The nurse hands her sleeping charge to Fanny.

Fanny:  “Margaret, this is little Hannah Margaret.”  Fanny rocks her baby gently in her arms as she looks at her mother and then at Margaret.

Margaret:  “Oh, she is so precious and dainty–just like you Fanny.  May I hold her?”  She asks eagerly.

Fanny:  “Of course.”  She lays baby Hannah in her Aunt Margaret’s arms.  And Margaret gently rocks her niece while she sleeps.

John:   “She’s a cutie.  And very quiet–compared to her mother, Fanny, as a baby.”

Fanny:  “Oh John!’  She pouts.  “Herbert, why don’t you let John hold his namesake.”

Watson:  “Delighted to my darling girl!”  And Watson proudly transfers his sleeping son into John’s arms.

Margaret:  Margaret looks back and forth between the dainty baby girl in her arms and the large baby in John’s arms.  “Oh Fanny Dear,  what a trial you had in giving birth to him.”

Fanny:  “Yes I did.   And we will be quite content with two children.  I don’t need to be doing this ever again.”  She states emphatically.

Watson:  “As you wish, my darling girl.”  Watson says with a pained expression on his face.  He had wanted at least a few more children.

John:  “I don’t know Fanny.  You and Watson have done a great job with these two babies so far.  You might decide that you want more babies once these two are past the baby stage.”  John smiles knowingly–thinking of his and Margaret’s own wish for at least one more child.

Mother Thornton:  “The Lord will bless you with more children or not as he sees fit.”

Fanny:  “Well, the doctor said that I should wait to get pregnant for at least two years.  Thank goodness!”  Of course Fanny is thinking of not having sex with Watson during that time either–a reprieve from her wifely duties.  Then she and Margaret coo some more over baby Hannah.

John:  Seeing the pained expression on Watson’s face, John stands while carrying little John Herbert and walks over to Watson standing at the fireplace mantel.  “Watson, Um did the doctor talk to you about not getting Fanny pregnant.”

Watson:  “Yes.”  He blushes.  Then he whispers to John.   “I know I may not be anyone’s idea of a Casanova …”

John:  “Kkkkk!”  John coughs in embarrassment at his fifteen years older brother-in-law’s statement.

Watson:  Continuing to whisper to John, he says.  “But I love my darling girl. And if I must wait two years for her to feel well enough for us to …, I will for her sake.”

John:  “Uh Watson, have you spoken to the doctor about that?”  He wonders if Watson knows about pregnancy prevention measures?

Watson:  “No, but my darling girl told me what he said.”

John:  “Uh huh.”  John realizes that Fanny has given Watson her version of what they must do to prevent another pregnancy. Not wanting to cause distress to his sister, but also knowing that the loving natures of a husband and wife cannot and should not be suppressed, John suggests.   “Um, just talk to the doctor directly yourself about it Watson.  He may have a suggestion or two.”  Watson nods his head.

Then there is a baby swap–with Margaret holding the huge baby John Herbert with pillows for support, and John holding the dainty Hannah Margaret.    They have a lovely hour chatting and cooing at the babies before Fanny’s fatigue causes them all to say their farewells.

To be continued with Chapter 86

 

“N&S: Nurturing Love”, Ch.  86 End:  John and Margaret Loving Each Other Again and Always (R rated)

John and Margaret return home around 5:00 o’clock in the late afternoon after seeing their new niece and nephew.  Margaret nurses their babies and then John and Margaret eat a bite of supper in their bedroom.  It is four weeks after giving birth, John and Margaret and the babies have settled into a regular routine.   But with the whole family is delighted with the birth of Fanny’s babies earlier this morning, it has been a long and hectic day.

However, this Saturday night after laying down the babies to sleep after nursing them this evening, John and Margaret cuddle lovingly.  Margaret intertwines her legs with John’s legs and they kiss and cuddle for some time.  Margaret’s stomach will take several more weeks to shrink to its pre-pregnancy shape and size.  But her abdomen has flattened a little and she and John are able to cuddle more closely together than they have been able to for many months while she was in her last months of being pregnant.  And, not unexpectedly, John’s love and eagerness for Margaret begins to become apparent with their kissing and cuddling as his manhood rises.

John:   “I’m sorry Margaret Darling.  It’s already been two months since we last lay with each other as husband and wife.  So, I’m just a little bit desirous of you right now—especially now that you’re the mother of my children.”   John and Margaret kiss adoringly.

Margaret:  “John Dearest, …”   Margaret says a little sheepishly.   “I too, have feelings of desire for you.”    John and Margaret look at each other longingly, lustfully, and lovingly.

John:  “Aren’t you still sore from giving birth?”  John asks hopefully.  “I mean, we couldn’t even be ‘creative’ in your last month of pregnancy because of the pain you were feeling from the pressure of the pregnancy.  And with you giving birth to triplets a month ago, that had to be stressful for your body.”  John is ever the attentive and considerate husband–however much he wants to lie with his wife right now.

Margaret:  “Well, I’m not that sore because I also yearn to be with you as your wife tonight.”   She kisses him sweetly, then asks shyly.  “Maybe, we could be …gentle?”    John nods his head eagerly and he waits for Margaret’s suggestion since he wants to make sure that she feels well enough to make love.   “Could we …”

John:  “Yes? …”

Margaret:  “Could we kiss and caress each other and see if I feel alright?  We can always stop if I feel pain.”

John:  “Margaret Darling, are you sure?”    John is concerned for Margaret’s welfare, but he is also eager to make love with her again.

Then Margaret caresses John in such a loving way that John becomes overwhelmingly desirous of his Margaret—not the least of which John watching their babies suckle at her breasts earlier today also excited him.   Margaret is John’s adored wife and mother to his children–his love for her at this moment is unbounded.  John kisses Margaret’s breasts as he gently caresses her.

Margaret:  Margaret moans with pleasure.  “Oh John Dearest, I have missed our lovemaking.”

John:  “As have I my darling!”

Margaret and John continue to kiss and caress each other deeply and passionately.  Margaret reaches perfect rapturous fulfillment first with John’s loving, soft, and gentle caresses of her.

Margaret:  “Oh, John my love.”  She says trembling with blissful ecstasy at her desire’s sensual release.  And John kisses his beautiful Margaret adoringly.  And she continues to kiss John’s lips and neck and chest as she caresses him.

John:  “Aah!  My Darling Margaret, you’ll have to stop caressing me or I’ll …”  He doesn’t say it but Margaret knows what he is referring to—since she is his loving and devoted wife.  So, Margaret gingerly sits on top of John as they join their bodies together with slow, gently movements–with Margaret on top in their lovemaking, she can control their loving coupling for her greater ease and comfort.  Her movements with her husband are slow and gentle–giving him such sweet sensations of pleasure that have long been denied him during her confinement. Then, John’s body trembles in rapturous bliss and he cries out.  “Oh Margaret my love!”

John and Margaret lay intertwined and blissfully kissing each other now that each of them has experienced their mutual desires’ rapturous and blissful fulfillment.   They look at each other and smile lovingly and kiss each other adoringly for a little while longer. Then they speak words of love to each other.

Margaret:  “John Dearest, I love you so–forever and always.”

John:  “Oh my Margaret Darling, I love you so–forever and always.  Do you feel alright my darling?”

Margaret:  “I’m perfect.”

Then John and Margaret kiss and cuddle loving with each other for some time.    John is an ardent and loving husband and the last two months without the daily lovemaking that he and Margaret had previously enjoyed has been difficult for him—and for Margaret as his loving wife.  But now, they can resume their lovingly sensuous tenderness with each other unreservedly.  Except for ….   The babies gurgling and making waking noises break their reverie.

John:  “Oh Margaret Darling, in my eagerness to make love with you I forgot to wear a sheath that the doctor gave me for when we make love.”  He looks at her a bit worriedly–it is definitely an oops moment.

Margaret:   “Oh!  Well, I’m nursing the babies and midwife Jenny said that nursing helps prevent another pregnancy.”  She says brightly as she puts her nightgown on and picks up their littlest baby Catherine [(4) left] and brings her to their bed, cradling her in her arms.  “We love you baby Catherine.  Yes we do.  You are growing stronger and bigger each day.”  Margaret leans in and kisses baby Catherine’s forehead and so does John.

John:  Not wanting to alarm Margaret he says.  “Alright Margaret Darling.  But we’ll be more careful next time.”  John leans in and kisses Margaret adoringly as he caresses her face lovingly [(5) right].

Then John gets out of bed and puts his pajama pants on and hands baby Rachel to Margaret.  Then he goes back for baby Robert and cradles him in his arms as he sits next to Margaret in their bed.   John and Margaret continue to kiss and cuddle with each other as they hold their babies in their arms until it is time to nurse baby Rachel, baby Robert, and baby Catherine. John and Margaret feel truly blessed with their love and their growing family.

Epilogue:   John and Margaret’s love for each other is deep and abiding and will last their whole lifetime together.   They are truly blessed to have found each other and overcome their initial misunderstandings–about the seemingly harsh ways of the North that John had to strive to overcome, and about the seemingly idyllic and unspoiled ways of the South in which compassion for one’s fellow man was a blessed obligation to fulfill.  John’s and Margaret’s love is a meeting of two cultures, two minds, and two hearts.  And their children now and in the future will benefit from their parents loving example of how courage and conviction can be lovingly joined together.

The End

P.S.  And once again, here is the lovely North & South video “This I Promise You” by Illlna [(6) below]:

Author’s Note:  Thank you so much for reading my fan fiction “North & South:  Nurturing Love” through to its conclusion today.  NSNL  was the first of over 50 stories that I began writing back in April 2010–it reawakened my journey as a creative writer.  And I have loved exploring John’s and Margaret’s story and sharing it with you.  As with my other stories that I have completed serializing here on my blog, I will post the NSNL story links in the sidebar section “Gratiana’s Story Links” should you and others wish to return to reading it.

I might return to telling John and Margaret’s story in the future.  But for now, I will continue serializing my other original and fan fiction stories here on my blog.  I truly appreciate your support for my stories and other writings with your readership and your comments.

Sincerely, Gratiana Lovelace  May 28, 2012

References

(1)     The “North & South: Nurturing Love” story logo is a composite of three images, with text that I added:
(a) John Thornton (as portrayed by Richard Armitage) having just kissed his love Margaret Hale (as portrayed by Daniela Denby-Ashe) and them gazing lovingly at each other in the North & South (BBC 2004), episode 4 (pix 346) train station kissing scene; the image was found at http://www.richardarmitagenet.com/images/gallery/nands/album/episode4/slides/ns4-346.html;
(b)  a cropped image of the brambled tree branches in the Milton cemetery as John Thornton walks through it in North & South, episode 3 (pix 15), the image was found at http://www.richardarmitagenet.com/images/gallery/nands/album/episode3/slides/ns3-015.html;
(c) a masked image of the yellow rose John Thornton picked in Helstone in North & South, episode 4 (pix 271); the image was found at
http://www.richardarmitagenet.com/images/gallery/nands/album/episode4/slides/ns4-271.html

(2)     Image representing Rose Cottage, John and Margaret Thornton’s home, is a composite of two images:  the home was found at

http://wac.2a97.edgecastcdn.net/802A97/verticals.news-record.com/files/imagecache/zoom_view/Images/TH_Kemp01_022612.jpg; and the roses that I masked and sampled them onto the home were from MS Office Clip Art found at http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/results.aspx?qu=roses&ctt=1#ai:MP900145125|mt:2|

(3)     Cropped and masked image of John Thornton (as portrayed by Richard Armitage)  from the BBC’s 2004 production of North & South, Promo pix 17 was found at  http://www.richardarmitagenet.com/images/gallery/nands/album/NandSPromo/album/slides/NandSPromo-17.html; composited with Composite image of Margaret Hale’s head (as portrayed by Daniela Denby-Ashe) from the North & South music soundtrack dvd cover found at http://www.richardarmitagenet.com/images/gallery/nands/album/NandSPromo/album/slides/NandSPromo-12.html; and a pink Victorian dress found at http://fripperiesandfobs.tumblr.com/post/12025132525/dress-ca-late-1830s-from-the-centre-de; photo manip done by Gratiana Lovelace, 3/25/12.

(4)     Image used to represent a sleeping baby was found at http://shaluhere.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/face-of-sleeping-cute-baby-480×360.jpg

(5)     Image (cropped, brightened) represents John Thornton (as portrayed by Richard Armitage) kissing Margaret Thornton (as portrayed by Daniela Denby-Ashe) in the BBC 2004 production of North & South, episode 4 (pix 341) was found at http://www.richardarmitagenet.com/images/gallery/nands/album/episode4/slides/ns4-341.html

(6)     “This I Promise You” a North & South video by Illlna found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s37YhzTdgfU&feature=related

 

 

 

Previous Story Links for “North and South:  Nurturing Love” are found at

Ch. 84:  http://gratianads90.wordpress.com/2012/05/25/ns-nurturing-love-ch-84-fanny-birthing-trials-52512-gratiana-lovelace-post-193/

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Ch. 0 – 4:  http://gratianads90.wordpress.com/2012/03/19/north-south-nurturing-love-ch-0-4-31912-gratiana-lovelace-post-151/

Fun Day Sunday: RA Character Quotes Quiz Game by Fabi & Grati, 5/27/12 Gratiana Lovelace (Post #194)

Once again, we are enjoying a Fun Day Sunday Quiz Game activity created by my frequent commenter and friend, Fabi!  Brava Fabi!  I enjoy our collaborations, not only because it is fun to collaborate, but someone else (Fabi) does the leg work on the research for this post (Ha!), and I get to focus on Richard Armitage images.  Snap!

Fabi researched the Richard Armitage character quotes and I provided the graphics and formatting–and the grading scale below.  Fabi really has a nice variety of RA characters included in this quiz game, as well as, she uses some non standard RA character quotes for you to see if you can identify their character.  And I will freely admit, that I am glad that I had the answer key for some of the quotes.  Ha!

I am also trying a new to me WordPress feature with this post–slideshow.  I retrieved Richard Armitage character images closely related to the quotes–or actual scenes for them–that appear in random order in the slideshow as additional clues for you.  And as always, a huge thank you and kudos to the RANet site of Richard Armitage career resources–that is designed and developed by Ali–for the images that I use here in this post.  RANet may be found at:  www.RichardArmitageNet.com

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

So, enjoy the RA Character Quotes Quiz Game and do let Fabi and I know how you think you’ve done in identifying the characters.  I will give you a hint that two of the RA characters have two quotes each–so there are eight RA characters represented in the quiz game.  The other characters included just have one quote each.  The full answer key will be revealed at 6:00pm CST (Illinois time):

Q1)   “Let’s just rest here for a while.” — Guy of Gisborne to Meg, Robin Hood season 3 episode 9

http://www.richardarmitagenet.com/images/gallery/RobinHood/album/seasonthree/Episodenine/slides/epnine_127.html

 

Q 2)  “You’re kidding yourself, we both are.” — )       John Standring to Carol, Sparkhouse

http://www.richardarmitagenet.com/images/gallery/sparkhouse/album/Episode3/slides/SH3_081.html

 

Q 3)  “You won’t know England in twenty years.” — Ricky Deeming, Inspector George Gently

http://www.richardarmitagenet.com/images/gallery/georgegently/GeorgeGently/slides/gg31.html

 

Q 4)   “Our only hope has vanished.” — Lucas North, Spooks season 7 episode 4
http://www.richardarmitagenet.com/images/gallery/Spooks/album/ep4/slides/4_196.html

 

 

Q 5)    “Take off one head, two more shall take its place.” — Heinz Kruger, Captain America: The First Avenger

http://www.richardarmitagenet.com/images/gallery/CaptainAmerica/CAtrailer/album/slides/CAtrailer-14.html

 

Q 6)    “Don’t do anything until you see me again.” — John Thornton to the police inspector, North & South

http://www.richardarmitagenet.com/images/gallery/nands/album/episode3/slides/ns3-163.html

 

Q 7)    “Stay there, don’t move your foot.” — John Porter to Gerry Baxter, Chris Ryan’s Strike Back episode 6

http://www.richardarmitagenet.com/images/gallery/StrikeBack/album/series1/Episode6/slides/ep6_118.html

 

Q 8)  “It’s so romantic round here when you get the juices flowing.” — Harry Kennedy to his sister Rosie, The Vicar of Dibley Christmas Special

http://www.richardarmitagenet.com/images/gallery/VOD/album/VOD1/slides/vod1-252.html

 

Q 9)                 “Give me the code.” — Lucas North, Spooks season 7 episode 1

http://www.richardarmitagenet.com/images/gallery/Spooks/album/ep1/slides/spooks701_102.html

 

Q10–”It’s a scratch, I’ll be fine.”  Guy drugged by Isabella   (RH3 epi8 pix 64) http://www.richardarmitagenet.com/images/gallery/RobinHood/album/seasonthree/Episodeeight/slides/8_064.html

 

P.S. And here is a non-standardized “grading” scale for the number of quotes and RA characters that you match up correctly:

Zero — You poor thing!  Gals, we need to rally behind our sister here and hold an immediate RA film viewing.  We have to introduce you to the basics–Sparkhouse, North & South, Robin Hood, Spooks and Strike Back series 1, and then expand from there.   So, let’s start with Fanny’s Global North & South Watch–that we can chat about with each other during the watch via blog and Twitter–on the weekend of June 1st, 2nd, & 3rd.  Here is the web site with details:

http://distractedinreality.wordpress.com/2012/05/03/i-have-a-dream-about-a-date-with-a-cravat-and-a-kiss/

1 to 3 correct — Have you seen any of the wonderful fan videos set to music and dedicated to Richard Armitage and his character portrayals?  You must immerse yourself in these outstanding videos that touch and inspire us all by their showcasing Richard Armitage at his smouldering smirking sweet and sensual best.  You Tube even has a Richard Armitage Channel now to make it easier for us to find these  fan videos!  Here is that link for you:

http://www.youtube.com/topic/Jh0aTBp8tPk/richard-armitage

There are also lots of lovely RA fan videos on Vimeo.com and other sites.

4 to 6 correct — Ah!  We can tell that you are become an aficianado of the wonderful storytelling talent of British actor Richard Crispin Armitage.  But you still might need to brush up on your RA character knowledge a bit.  So here are some of my/Grati’s favorite Richard Armitage resource sites for you to visit for that:
www.RichardArmitageNet.com              www.RichardArmitageOnline.com         www.RichardArmitageCentral.co.uk

7 to 8 correct– When you are RAted at this level of Richard Armitage character quote knowledge, you might be considered proficient.  So, have you started your own blog devoted to or mostly about RA yet?  If so, please share its name and your link in the comments below.  And if you haven’t started your own blog?  What is stopping you?  Ha!  You can choose to post as often as is comfortable for you.  I’m guessing that you also might be a member of one of the many Facebook groups where ladies share about our admiration for RA and his storytelling gifts.  We have lots of fun!  And of course, who can forget FanstRAvaganza 3 with many RA bloggers participating!?!   The F3 essay links are found at:
http://fanstravaganza.rgcwp.com/fanstravaganza/fanstravaganza-2012/

9 to 10 correct – Congratulations!   You are now considered to be a “Dame” of the far reaching and global Richard Armitage fan base empire.  You are now in a RArified circle of Richard Armitage Fangirls who admire Richard Armitage as a master storyteller!  You probably own the dvds for all his film work (ka ching, ka ching for RA’s royalty profits.  Ha!), have listened to his audiobooks (such a “Dear Delight”!) and documentary voice over work numerous times, you blog about him, create videos about him, you donate to his chosen charities (see the Just Giving link at http://www.justgiving.com/Richard-Armitage), and you probably join us  every night from about 8:00pm to 12midnight CST in Armitage World Chat hosted by the incomparable Miss Judiang at www.jagrant.com/chat  We are a giggly lovely group of RA admiring gal pals–many of us with blogs of our own.   And just for completeness’ sake, be sure to share your RA related blog name and URL in the comments below.

“N&S: Nurturing Love, Ch. 84: Fanny Birthing Trials, 5/25/12 Gratiana Lovelace (Post #193)

“N&S:  Nurturing Love, Ch. 84: Fanny Birthing Trials, 5/25/12 Gratiana Lovelace (Post #193)

 A Fan Fiction Adaptation Copyrighted by Gratiana Lovelace;
No copyright Infringement Intended.  All Rights Reserved.
[(1abc) NSNL story logo below left]

Author’s Story Recap from the previous posting:   Three weeks after their triplets birth, John’s and Margaret’s lives have settled into a routine.  They also celebrated their first anniversary on May 18, 1852.

Author’s Note:  My fan fic story, “North & South:  Nurturing Love”  will conclude on Monday, May 28th.  There is still a bit of excitement ahead in our story–and perhaps, a ‘not so surprise’ ending.  But no spoilers.

 

Latest Posting:  “N&S:  Nurturing Love, Ch. 84: Fanny Birthing Trials, iLz vzz  5/25/12 Gratiana Lovelace (Post #193)

 

N&S:  Nurturing Love, Ch. 84–Fanny Gives Birth

Though everyone might have excused Fanny for her wishful thinking about a quick birthing process, none of them could have expected that the very next week, Fanny would give birth herself.  It was a normal Saturday May 25^th for Fanny and Watson.  After Fanny and Watson breakfast in their nightclothes in their shared bedroom, Fanny and Watson then dress to tend to their morning routines.  Fanny’s brother John would no doubt raise a curious eyebrow that his sister and her husband do, indeed, sleep in the same bed–even though John and Margaret enjoy such an arrangement themselves–since Fanny and Watson are not that affectionate with each other, even around the family.

As usual Fanny sits on their home’s back garden terrace and reads since the weather is lovely in late May.  And Watson sits in his study going over the household accounts that Fanny has prepared for him to double check for her.  Then, Watson joins Fanny on the garden terrace of their home.  However, when Watson comes out to the garden terrace this Saturday morning around 10:00am, he finds his wife, Fanny, in discomfort and pain.

Watson:  Seeing Fanny grimacing he says.  “Oh my darling girl, are you in pain?  Do you think you’re getting ready to have our baby?”

Fanny:  “Yes, I am.”   She says matter of factly in answer to both of his questions.  “Watson Dear, will you help me up to our bedroom and then ask the doctor to come to me on your way to your club?”

Watson:  “I’m not leaving you.”   She starts to protest.   “Even if you don’t want me in the same room with you, I’m staying in the house.”   He looks at her determinedly and she nods, then Fanny has another sharp pain as Watson helps her to stand and he catches her as she crumples a bit.  Then, Watson simply picks up his darling girl Fanny and carries her through their home’s main floor, telling one of their servants to.  “Please send for the doctor and the midwife.  My wife is in labor.  Then, please notify Mr. and Mrs. Thornton at Rose Cottage and Mrs. Thornton at Thornton Manor.”

Fanny:  Not used to her husband taking charge, let alone carrying her, she says.  “You know Watson Dear, this could be a false alarm.  We don’t want everyone to come here and then have nothing happen.”   Then Fanny grimaces with another sharp pain.  “Ooh!   Maybe you are right.”

The servants go off notify the doctor, Midwife Jenny, Mr. and Mrs. John Thornton, and Mrs. Thornton.

***

After Watson settles Fanny into their room, her ladies maid helps Fanny change into her birthing gown in her dressing room while Watson paces the floor of the sitting area by the fireplace in their bedroom.  Then, a servant knocks on their bedroom door.

Watson:  “Enter.”   He says commandingly.

Housemaid:  “Mr. Watson Sir, the doctor and your brother-in-law are here.”

Watson:  “I will come down to greet them.”  He says to the servant.   “I’ll be back in moment, Fanny Dear.”  He says kissing her forehead.  Fanny nods and sighs.

***

Watson strides into the upstairs bedrooms hallway and down the grand front stairs of their opulent home.  And we know that it is opulent not only because Fanny would have it no other way, but also because she finished her sitting room from “Indian wallpapers” she found at the Great Exhibition.

Watson:  “John!   He says warmly clasping his brother-in-law’s hand.

John:  “Watson, this is a momentous day for you and Fanny!  Margaret is nursing the babies at the moment or she would be here, too.  Please give Fanny both Margaret and my love.  How’s she doing?”

Watson:  Turning to the Doctor, he says.   “Well, doctor, if you will go tend to my wife, maybe you can answer John’s question.”

Doctor:  “Certainly, Mr. Watson.”   And he heads upstairs to the Watson bedroom.

John:   “This is exciting.  A cousin being born!”

Watson:  “Yes, we can’t wait.  I just hope that my darling girl doesn’t have too much of a tough time of it.”   Watson starts tearing up.   “John, I know that I’m not particularly affectionate with Fanny when we’re around family, but I love my darling girl very much.”

John:  Touched by Watson sharing such a personal confidence, John says simply.   “Yes Watson, we know.”

Watson:  “You know?”  He asks in stunned awe.  Watson had thought that he and Fanny were discreet to the point of seeming indifferent to each other when around others.

John:  “Yes.  You’ve affected a transformation of my sister Fanny from her being the very spoiled baby of the family to the now mature and kind woman she is today.  What else could it be, but from love?”

Watson:  Watson smiles.   “I will have the servants bring out some tea and sandwiches for you in the parlor.”   Watson nods over at a servant who heads out to do just that.    “I’m going up to see how Fanny is doing—despite her not wanting me in there while she’s giving birth.”

John:   “Watson, Fanny will be fine—and so will you.  Good luck!”  John smiles knowingly at his brother-in-law since John went through their babies births last week.

Watson:  “Thank you John.  I will tell Fanny that you’re here and give her your regards.  Will you please send your Mother up when she arrives?  I know that my darling girl will want to see her.”   John nods and he goes to sit in the parlor to each his sandwiches with tea while Watson heads back up to his bedroom.

***

In the meantime, Midwife Jenny arrives and walks up the stairs with Watson to see Fanny in their bedroom.  When Watson opens the door, he sees an inordinate amount of bustling activity going on.  Fanny is already in bed in her birthing nightgown, but her ladies maid is still hovering about waiting for instructions.  Another servant is busily moving the baby bassinette into the bedroom and arranging the baby diapers and such, while a third servant brings the doctor—and now the midwife a pitcher of hot water and a bowl to wash their hands in, towels and such.

Fanny:  Just then, Fanny grimaces and cries out in pain.   “Oww!”

Midwife Jenny:  “Has her water broken yet?”

Doctor:  “No.”  He says with an air of perturbation.

Midwife Jenny:  “Well, Mr. Watson, please carry your wife into the bathroom to sit her on the commode just in case.

Fanny:  Again, Fanny starts to protest about the immodesty of her husband seeing her in their bathroom.    “But …”

Watson:  “Fanny my Dear, no arguments.”   Watson lifts Fanny into his arms and quickly carries her into their bathroom that adjoins their bedroom.  He sets Fanny’s feet on the floor.  She looks up at him a bit embarrassed.  “My darling girl, you better raise your gown and sit on the commode before your water breaks or the water will be everywhere and you will really be embarrassed.”

Fanny:  Nodding with the common sense of that, she does as her husband says and sits on the commode with him standing by to help her.  “There!”  After a few minutes tick by, her water does break—gratefully into the commode Fanny thinks.  After Fanny is done after her water breaks and Watson helps her stand to wash her hands and such, he then carries her back to the bed.

***

Having finally arrived, Mother Thornton enters the bedroom—having peeked her head into the parlor to say hello to John on her way up.

Watson:  “Mother Thornton, we’re glad you could come.  Fanny dear is going to have our baby today.”

Mother Thornton:  “Yes, that is exciting my dears.”   She leans down and kisses her daughter’s forehead.  Then Fanny gives her Mother a sidelong glance, nodding to her husband.   “Oh, Watson, John is waiting for news down in the Parlor.  Did you want to go and fill him in?”   Mother Thornton says helpfully to get Watson out of the birthing room per Fanny’s wishes.

Watson:  “Yes, Mother Thornton, but I’ll be back soon, Fanny Dear.”   He kisses her now perspiring forehead.   “Oh, and John said to give you both his and Margaret’s love.  She was in the middle of nursing just now or she would have come, too.”     Watson walks out of the bedroom and down to John in the Parlor.

Fanny:  “Thank you Mother.  I’m so glad to see you.  I was afraid that Watson would be in here when I actually give birth.  I don’t want him to see me that way.”

Mother Thornton:  “Fanny Dear.  Your father was with me when I gave birth to both John and later you.  If you think that Watson won’t faint—because he’s such a big man, none of us could stop him from falling—then, I don’t see any harm in him being in here.  Watson, obviously, wants to make sure that you’re all right.”  Fanny makes a face.

Doctor:  “Very well ladies, if you could give Midwife Jenny and I some room to examine Mrs. Watson, please?”   Mother Thornton moves to the other side of the bed, sits down on it, and clasps her daughter’s hand.

***

Meanwhile, down in the Parlor, Watson arrives to fill John in.

John:  “Watson!  How’s it going?”

Watson:  “Well, Fanny’s water broke—in the commode, happily.  She was none too pleased that the doctor had me carry her in there.  But, I pointed out that she would be less embarrassed there than if her water broke while she was in our bedroom.”   He raises his eyebrows and makes and amusing face.

John:  “Sounds logical.”  John is non-plussed at Watson taking charge—and Watson not saying a word about food.  Although John just had some tasty small sandwiches that Watson’s servants had kindly provided him at Watson’s direction.

Watson:  “Oh, and I did give Fanny you’re and Margaret’s love.”

Just then, John and Watson hear Fanny give a very big yell.  Mother Thornton leans over the banister.

Mother Thornton:  “Watson, your baby is being born.  So, if you want to be present for the birth, you had better get yourself up here now.”

Watson moves quickly and bounds up the stairs.  John is amazed at Watson’s speed and alacrity since his brother-in-law is about fifteen years old than he—Watson is forty five years old–and John has never seen him move that fast.  On his way up the stairs, Watson removes his coat and vest and cravat.  He hands these items to Fanny’s Ladies maid who is standing inside their bedroom.

***

Watson enters their bedroom and sees Fanny grimacing in pain, sweat pouring down her face, and doubled over as she is bearing down pushing and groaning in pain.

Fanny:  “Oh Mother, I don’t want Watson to see me like this.”   She says knowing that she looks a fright—and she does.

Watson:  Taking a cold compress and wiping Fanny’s perspiring brow, he says commandingly.  “Nonsense!  You’re having our child Fanny.  And if I can comfort you in any way, I’m going to stay.”   Watson kisses Fanny’s forehead and supports her shoulders as he stands at the side of the bed to her left.

Fanny:  “Aahh!  I’m in too much pain to argue with you.  Aahh!  Why doesn’t this baby come out?”

Doctor:  “Well, you’re baby’s head is crowning.  So, it won’t be long now.  One more push and the baby’s head will be out.”

Fanny:  “Aahh!”   She cries out in pain, pushes, and the babies head is out.

Doctor:  To Watson.   “Do you want to see the baby’s head?”

Fanny:  To Watson, she says glaring at him.   “Don’t you dare.”

Watson:  “Alright my Darling Girl.  I’ll give you that bit of modesty.”    Then he leans down and whispers in Fanny’s ear.   “Fanny dear, I love you so.  You’re being so brave, my Darling Girl.”   Then he kisses her cheek and Fanny smiles up at him.  Then, another pain comes and Watson returns to patting Fanny’s face and neck with the cold compress as she pushes.

Mother Thornton:  Amazed at this tender scene  between Fanny and her husband, she says.    “Fanny Dear, it won’t be long now.”

Midwife Jenny:  “You just have to push like you’ve never pushed before to get this baby out Madam.  It’s a big one and those shoulders come out next.”

Fanny:  Grimacing in pain, Fanny looks at Midwife Jenny with incredulity.  “I really didn’t want to know that the baby is big.  Can you just not tell me things like that?”    Everyone nods their head in understanding.   “Oh my!  Oh my!!!”   Fanny  then screams so loudly due to the pain that she’s in, that everyone is sure that the windows will break.    “Aaaahhhhhh!!! “

***

 

Even Fanny’s brother, John, waiting in the parlor hears Fanny’s blood curdling scream and he briskly walks out to the foyer to look up the stairs.  Then, there is a moment of silence that is then followed by a baby’s cry.  John bounds up the stairs, eager to hear the news about his new nephew or niece.  John paces the hallway in front of the closed bedroom door, waiting to hear some news.  Mother Thornton comes out and sees John there.

John:  “Mother, how is Fanny?  That scream was horrifying.”

Mother Thornton:  “Yes, their baby boy is rather large.  Well, you’ve seen Watson.”

John:  He nods in complete acknowledgement.  “Yes, but how are Fanny and the baby?”

Mother Thornton:  “They’re fine.  They’re cleaning up Fanny now.”    Just then, they both hear another scream from Fanny.

Watson:  Opening the bedroom door, Watson is frantic.   “Mother Thornton, you’re needed!”

Then Watson shuts the bedroom door behind her and John is left to worry for his sister Fanny.  The minutes tick by slowly.  Then, John hears the doctor say through the door.

Doctor:  “Mr. Watson, tend to your wife, she needs you.”

John wonders, oh my god, is Fanny dying?  Women do die in childbirth.  It is an all too common and sad occurrence in the era in which they live.  And for all of John’s teasing about his sister Fanny being spoiled, and that she cannot carry a tune and such, he loves Fanny dearly and John does not want anything to happen to her.  John clasps his hands together tightly—though he is not consciously praying, his body has assumed that pose.  Then, Mother Thornton slowly and quietly opens the bedroom door, she leans against the doorframe, and she looks at John with a deep sadness on her face.

John:  “Oh Mother, Fanny’s alright isn’t she?”

Then, they both hear a baby cry and Mother Thornton’s tears turn to a smile as she dashes back into the bedroom.  John is left to wonder what is happening—and he is terrified.  After several more minutes of tense waiting, Watson opens the bedroom door again—this time with a huge smile on his face.

Watson:  “John, you won’t believe it!”

John:  “Watson, tell me now.  Is Fanny alright?”   He asks his brother-in-law worriedly while they stand in the hallway outside of Fanny and Watson’s bedroom.

***

Inside Fanny and Watson’s bedroom.

Fanny:  Calling out to her brother, she says weakly.   “I’m fine John, come see.”   This request is completely uncharacteristic for Fanny, because of course, she still looks like she just gave birth—sweaty and red faced from her exertions.

John:  Walking in the door, he turns his head and sees Fanny holding an enormous baby.   “Oh Fanny Dear.  I was so worried.  Good Lord Watson, are you sure that’s not a toddler?”    Of course, everyone laughs.

Watson:  “Yes, my darling girl had a tough time of it.”    He leans down and kisses her on her lips—something that the family has seen only once before since their wedding ceremony.

Fanny:  “Oh Herbert, …”  Fanny says smiling up at him standing at her side and using Watson’s Christian name–also something she has not done in front of the family since her wedding day.  “… at least it’s over now.”   Watson/Herbert leans down and kisses Fanny again—on the lips.   “John, this is your nephew—and your namesake–John Herbert Watson.”   Fanny looks up smiling at her brother John, whom she and Watson have just named their child after.

John:  “Fanny Dear, Watson.   I’m so honored to have the baby named after me.  He’s adorable.”   John smiles warmly at both of them and shakes Watson’s hand several times.

Mother Thornton:  “Well, and he’s not alone.”

Midwife Jenny now turns around, holding a much smaller baby that she hands to Mother Thornton.

Mother Thornton:  “And this is their daughter.”

Fanny:  “Hannah Margaret Watson—named after her grandmother and her wonderful Aunt Margaret!”    Fanny looks very pleased with herself.

John:  “Oh Fanny and Watson, Margaret and I are both honored.  And it will be nice having a little Hannah in the family.”

Watson:  “It was touch and go there.  Of course, none of us knew that there was a second baby.  And Fanny Dear fainted when the second baby was born.  The baby didn’t breathe and cry at first and then Fanny was losing a lot of blood.  So the doctor was trying to stop that.”

Fanny:  “I don’t think that we need to give him all of the details Herbert, Dear.”   She smiles lovingly up at him.   “It all turned out alright in the end.”    Then, the babies being held by their mother Fanny and their Grandmother Thornton start to move their mouths wanting to suckle.  “Alright everyone, I’ve had enough witnesses to these births, I don’t want witnesses as I nurse the babies.”

John:  “Of course Fanny Dear. “  He says kissing her forehead.   “Margaret and I give you all of our love.  I’ll go home and tell her the good news.  Then maybe I can bring her back later to see you and the babies?”

Fanny:  “That will be nice, John.  Thank you for coming.  I think after I nurse the babies, I’m going to sleep.”  She says weakly.

Watson:  Beaming, he says.   “Yes, my darling girl.  You’ve earned a rest.”  He leans down and kisses her forehead.

References

 

(1)     The “North & South: Nurturing Love” story logo is a composite of three images, with text that I added:
(a) John Thornton (as portrayed by Richard Armitage) having just kissed his love Margaret Hale (as portrayed by Daniela Denby-Ashe) and them gazing lovingly at each other in the North & South (BBC 2004), episode 4 (pix 346) train station kissing scene; the image was found at http://www.richardarmitagenet.com/images/gallery/nands/album/episode4/slides/ns4-346.html;
(b)  a cropped image of the brambled tree branches in the Milton cemetery as John Thornton walks through it in North & South, episode 3 (pix 15); the image was found at http://www.richardarmitagenet.com/images/gallery/nands/album/episode3/slides/ns3-015.html;
(c) a masked image of the yellow rose John Thornton picked in Helstone in North & South, episode 4 (pix 271); the image was found at
http://www.richardarmitagenet.com/images/gallery/nands/album/episode4/slides/ns4-271.html

 

Previous Story Links for “North and South:  Nurturing Love” are found at

Ch. 80-83:  http://gratianads90.wordpress.com/2012/05/21/ns-nurturing-love-ch-80-83-the-babies-first-weeks-of-life-and-an-anniversary-celebration-52112-gratiana-lovelace-post-190/

Ch. 77-79:  http://gratianads90.wordpress.com/2012/05/14/ns-nurturing-love-ch-77-79-the-babies-meet-their-family-51412-gratiana-lovelace-post-185/

Ch. 75-76:  http://gratianads90.wordpress.com/2012/05/11/ns-nurturing-love-ch-75-76-babies-51112-gratiana-lovelace-post-182/

Ch. 74:  http://gratianads90.wordpress.com/2012/05/07/ns-nurturing-love-ch-74-celebrating-margarets-21st-birthday-50712-gratiana-lovelace-post-179/

Ch. 70-73:  http://gratianads90.wordpress.com/2012/05/04/ns-nurturing-love-ch-70-73-christmas-joy-50412-gratiana-lovelace-post-177/

Ch. 68-69:  http://gratianads90.wordpress.com/2012/04/30/ns-nurturing-love-ch-68-69-family-43012-gratiana-lovelace-post-175/

Ch. 59-67:  http://gratianads90.wordpress.com/2012/04/27/ns-nurturing-love-ch-59-67-healing-42712-gratiana-lovelace-post-173/

Ch. 55-58: http://gratianads90.wordpress.com/2012/04/23/ns-nurturing-love-ch-55-58-two-months-of-wedded-bliss-brings-joy-and-heartache-42312-gratiana-lovelace-post-171/

Ch. 52-54:  http://gratianads90.wordpress.com/2012/04/20/ns-nurturing-love-ch-52-54-honeymooning-back-in-milton-42012-gratiana-lovelace-post-169/

etc.

 

Only 203 days to go until The Hobbit and Richard Armitage are Launched upon the World Stage, 5/24/12 Gratiana Lovelace (Post #192)

If you can believe it, a mere five months and 20 days away, “The Hobbit:  An Unexpected Journey” film premieres in the U.S. on Dec. 14th, 2012.  And then “The Hobbit:  There and Back Again” film premieres in 2013. [(1) right]

I look forward to becoming immersed in Sir Peter Jackson and cast bringing to life JRR Tolkien’s epic adventure tale–The Hobbit– in the two planned films.  And if fans can be riveted by a 2 minutes and 32 second movie teaser trailer last December 2011, just think how we will react for 120 minutes plus (2 hours plus) of an entire film!  It will be heaven on Middle Earth!

One illustration of the heightened and increased media attention to the upcoming The Hobbit films is the extensive Internet Move Data Base (IMDB) site that also contains a link to play the trailer again [(2) below]:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0903624/

And The Hobbit films will be an amazing launching pad for Richard Armitage’s [(3) left] international film career when his portrayal of Thorin Oakenshield is viewed within  the full story context of The Hobbit.

Richard Armitage transforms himself into his characters so completely that we can expect to see a raw, untamed, proud, focused, courageous, loyal, bitter, fierce, unflinching, tormented, noble, warrior king with his portrayal of Thorin Oakenshield.  Thorin Oakenshield will step off the pages of JRR Tolkien’s novel The Hobbit and into Middle Earth when Richard Armitage brings Thorin to full and vigorous life.

But Richard Armitage at heart seems to be a true ensemble actor–even when he is playing the lead–preferring instead to focus on advancing the storytelling, not himself.  So we won’t “see” Richard, we will only “see” the character he portrays, Thorin.

Richard Armitage is a master storyteller and The Hobbit is a grand tale.   I can’t wait to have Sir Peter, Richard, and all the cast and crew tell us the story of The Hobbit [(4) right].

In the meantime, have a great “Thorin Thursday”!

References

(1)    The Hobbit movie gif was found at www.thehobbit.com/media/downloads/auj-buddy-icons.zip ; or, go to www.thehobbit.com and click downloads, then click the buddy icons link.

(2)  The Hobbit:  An Unexpected Journey movie information and movie trailer is found at

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0903624/

(3)    Richard Armitage Project Magazine portrait was found at http://www.richardarmitagenet.com/images/gallery/Richard/Promos/ProjectMagJuly2011/album/slides/ProjectMag-02.html

(4)    The Hobbit book cover was found on The Hobbit career page at RANet at http://www.richardarmitagenet.com/career/214.html

Musings on Some of Life’s Trivial Essentials, 5/22/12 Gratiana Lovelace (Post # 191)

This being “Wild Card Wednesday”, my choice of topic for today could be darn near anything that comes to mind.  And it is.   As I ponder what to do next, I have to decide what is trivial versus what is essential.  But maybe, there is a category in between–the trivial essentials.  So, I thought that I would explore that notion a bit today–the things in life that can definitely be trivial and essential.

Take the lowly door stop [(1) right]–its rubber tip is a safeguard against the door swinging back against the wall too closely and bashing its doorknob through the drywall.   Our door stop stem broke after providing one too many safeguards.  However, I almost feel that the broken door stop is mocking me as it lays on the bathroom counter as a reminder to buy a replacement–since its cushy rubber tip still has several more bashes left in it.

Another item that comes to mind, is the light inside the refrigerator  [(2) left].  Think about it.  Without a way to illuminate the interior of our fridge, how would we ever find that food item that got pushed back behind the bread and the pickle jar?  Oh sure, you could use the tiny flashlight hanging from your key chain.  Not!  And even with the refrigerator light working we cannot always find and save our desired food–pushed out of sight from forgetfulness, until it becomes an unintentional science project.  Yes, refrigerator lights are helpful–but not sufficient, it seems.

Perhaps there should also be a limit on the number of snoozes one is allowed with one’s alarm clock [(3) right].  Since my car literally blew a gasket last week, I am driving my husband’s car to work.  I know.  We are blessed to have two cars and I shouldn’t complain.  Except now, we’re down to one car.  Anyway, I’m now having to wake up an hour earlier to do my shower, hair, and make-up routine before driving my hubby across town at 6:00am to drop him at work so that I may use his car.  That is not a typo–6:00am!  But I snoozed too much Tuesday and I didn’t wake up until 5:45am–rather than 5:30am.  And that 15 minutes meant that my hubby was tapping his foot with his impatience and I didn’t get to put my hot rollers in my long hair–I barely had time to dry it– until I returned home.   I over slept–all because I snoozed the alarm buzzer too much.  I think my snooze alarm and I have a co-dependency relationship going.  It “enables” me to sleep longer–and I like that.

And for some reason, the vibrate feature on my cell phone has been working on overdrive this week.  I don’t use vibrate often because I usually just turn off my cell phone when I’m in a meeting and can’t be disturbed.   But I was waiting for a call–that I would then step out of my meeting for.  So, I put my cell phone on vibrate.  But I can’t seem to turn the vibrate feature off.  Now for every meeting that I have programmed into my phone calendar–or phone call that comes in–my cell phone vibrates in my purse with such fervor that I almost blush to reveal that it’s mine.    And the vibrating doesn’t stop unless you open the phone and hit the okay button [(4) left].  But, if you don’t open the phone in time, the phone decides to remind me again in five minutes–not unlike the snooze alarm–and vibrate some more [(5) below].  I don’t know why I think that a vibrating cell phone is unseemly–it just is, in my mind.  And god forbid that I would put my cell phone in a skirt pocket and it starts to vibrate!  That sounds too much like the vibrating panties scene from the romantic comedy “The Ugly Truth”–with Katherine Heigl being the recipient  … er … owner? … in that case.  That is a funny movie, by the way.

One final trivial but essential item relates again to my driving my hubby’s car this week.  When I went to fill up the gas tank after dropping him at work the first day–because he had let the gas level get low before he let me borrow his car, such a sweetie, hm!–I realized that I couldn’t figure out how to open the gas tank door fuel covering.   The round gas tank fuel door plate on the exterior of the car was smooth, no finger indentation to hook into and pop it open.  So, I tried pushing on the round surface to try to bounce pop it open.  Nope again.  I looked on the unfamiliar car key–but it only had a button to open the trunk.  So finally, I had to break down and ask the next guy who walked out of the gas station lobby for help.  This guy knew immediately where to look–it must be in the guy code book.   It seems that there is a little gas tank fuel door lever [(6) right] on the floor board of the driver’s seat, near the car door jam.   But this lever was covered up with the floor mat.  Let alone, why should one look inside a car for something having to do with the outside of a car?  I know, I ‘m rationalizing my stupidity.  But really automotive engineers, when you design these cars might you also keep in mind the wives who have to drive their hubby’s car intermittently–and put important buttons on the dashboard or the key ring?  Or just decide that no one is going to siphon gas out of the car and have the gas tank fuel door open with a finger flick.  Just please don’t make me break a nail doing so because the edge is tight trying to maintain an aerodynamic smooth surface to save 5 cents in fuel costs a week.

Well, that’s been my week so far of the trivial essentials–door stop, fridge light, snooze alarm, vibrating cell phone, and gas tank fuel door.  And when I complain?   My hubby facetiously says that my life is “a calvary”.    Of course my retort to him is, “I like a man in uniform”.  *wink*

References

(1)    Door stop image was found at http://www.amazon.com/Rigid-Door-Stop-Satin-Nickel/dp/B0019D1GBE

(2)    Open fridge door image was found at http://darelldd.com/light/images/fixed_lighting/fridge/fridge_led02.jpg

(3)    Alarm clock with snooze button image was found at http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/results.aspx?qu=alarm+clock&ex=1&ctt=1#ai:MP900387950|

(4)    Stock photo of woman disgusted with her cell phone was found at http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/results.aspx?qu=cell%20phone&ctt=1#ai:MP900422327|mt:2|

(5)    Cell phone vibration sound was found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJsSr403HOo

Lancer gas tank fuel door lever image was found at http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/results.aspx?qu=cell%20phone&ctt=1#ai:MP900422327|mt:2|

“N&S: Nurturing Love”, Ch. 80-83: The Babies First Weeks of Life and an Anniversary Celebration, 5/21/12 Gratiana Lovelace (Post #190)

“N&S:  Nurturing Love”, Ch. 80-83: The Babies First Weeks of Life and an Anniversary Celebration, 5/21/12 Gratiana Lovelace (Post #190)

A Fan Fiction Adaptation Copyrighted by Gratiana Lovelace;
No copyright Infringement Intended.  All Rights Reserved.
[(1abc) NSNL story logo below left]

Author’s Story Recap from the previous posting:   Margaret and John introduced their new babies to their families.  It is still the day of their babies’ birth.  Now their lives as parents really begins.

Author’s Mature Content Note:   In two chapters in this installment, there are frank but discreet discussions of pregnancy prevention.  I have labeled those chapters PG-13.  If you are unable or unwilling to see a movie with this rating, then please refrain from reading those chapters.  This is my disclaimer.

Author’s Note:  My story, “North & South:  Nurturing Love”  will have two more installments–concluding on Monday, May 28th.  There is still a bit of excitement ahead in our story–and perhaps, a ‘not so surprise’ ending.  But no spoilers.

 “N&S: Nurturing Love”, Ch.  80:  Margaret and John eat a little, sleep a little, and nurse a little Sunday Afternoon

John brings his and Margaret’s Sunday lunch and her cold ice pillow to their bedroom after he sees their families and the doctor off.   John tips Midwife Jenny and then asks for her additional assistance.

John:  “Jenny, thank you for all of your help again today.  We couldn’t have done it without you.  Margaret and I were wondering if you would be willing to come over and help out days this week and possibly next week?  We’ll pay you your rate—whichever is higher, the mill or your midwife rate.”

Midwife Jenny:  “Thank you sir, I will be right happy to help out.”  She beams.  “Shall I be coming around 7:00am and then staying until 5:00pm?  That way I can then attend to my own family in the evening?”

John:  “That should work out fine.  Well, we’ll see you tomorrow morning.”   Midwife Jenny nods and leaves.  “Now Margaret Darling, let’s see if you can eat some food before the babies want to be fed again.  You must keep your strength up.”

Margaret:  “Alright John Dearest.”  Margaret sighs and sips about half a bowl of broth, eats half of the slice of cinnamon toast, but she drinks all of her tea.

John:  Meanwhile, John devours his sandwich [(2) right].  Then he says sheepishly as he wipes a napkin at his mouth.  “I’m sorry Margaret Darling. I guess I was hungry.”

Margaret:  Poking his stomach gently, she smiles teasingly.  “Oh, you and your stomach.”   They both laugh.

But soon, Margaret’s fatigue at giving birth today takes over as she dozes while lying on her pillow.  John smiles at his lovely wife and now also the mother of their children and kisses her forehead as she continues to sleep.   Thompson knocks and comes in to check on the Mrs. and the babies.

Thompson:  “Well Sir, did Mrs. Margaret eat and drink a little something?”  She whispers hopefully, seeing Madam asleep again.  Well Mrs. Margaret did give birth today, thinks Thompson–and to three babies, not one.  Thompson thinks that Mrs. Margaret has done surprisingly well today for one so young–just 21–and seeing as she is from a station in life when three children in a family are not necessarily found, let alone all at once!

John:  “Yes, she did.”   He whispers, looking over at Margaret’s angelic sleeping face.  “Um Thompson.  I’m going to be mostly at home with my wife during the day this week and we’ve also asked Midwife Jenny to come help out 7:00am to 5:00pm.  But, I’m going to need some backup help in the evening as well.  And we would really rather have someone we know.  So would you be willing to work a little later into the evenings the next few weeks—say until 8:00pm?  We’ll pay you extra since you’ll be working for two more hours each day.  I just need to have a person with me helping Margaret in the evenings since there are now three babies.”

Thompson:  “Aye Sir, of course.  Happy to help out.  You’ve got a lot on your hands.  And Mrs. Margaret will be recuperating for at least two weeks.  So, all that she’ll be able to do will be to nurse [(3)] them babies.  That will probably sap all her strength.”   Looking down at Margaret’s half eaten food she says.  “So, we must try to get her to eat more so she can get better herself, as well as, have enough nourishment for the three babies.”

John:  “Yes Thompson, maybe she’ll eat a bit more at dinner tonight.  Let’s try soft foods though—eggs and toast and jelly.”  John looks lovingly upon his sleeping wife’s serene  countenance [(4) right].

Thompson:  “Right you are.  Now Mr. Thornton Sir, your babies will be waking up soon and wanting their milk from Mrs. Margaret.  So, we should really see if she wants to visit the bathroom first since she won’t have time to do that once she starts nursing again.”

John:  He nods his head at Thompson’s practical no nonsense approach to baby feeding logistics.  Then he kisses Margaret’s cheek to awaken her.  “Margaret Darling.” Margaret’s sleepy eyes flutter open.  “Would you like me to carry you to the bathroom before the babies wake up and want to nurse again?”

Margaret:  Sleep had only claimed her for a few moments and she is still quite tired.  “Yes, thank you John Dearest.”

John:  Helping her out of bed and lifting her in his arms he says.   “Oh, and I’ve lined up Midwife Jenny to help days and Thompson here is going to stay a bit later in the evenings so we have an extra person to help us.”

Margaret:  “Thank you Thompson.” Margaret says wearily, but gratefully. Thompson nods with a smile at her mistress and heads back to the kitchen.

John carries Margaret through her dressing room and then into the bathroom.  Margaret is able to use the commode and John helps her wash her face and hands before he carries her back into her bedroom.  John is a most attentive husband, seeing to Margaret’s care with tenderness and love.  Then John ducks back into the bathroom himself and does the same before returning to his bedroom.

John:   “Thompson, since the babies are still sleeping, will you empty the commode?  And give our soiled birthing clothes to Edwards for the wash?”

Of course, directions such as these–having to do with the domestic  activities of their home, Rose Cottage [(5) right]–usually come from Margaret.  But she is otherwise occupied as a new mother and so John makes their requests–albeit a bit sheepishly as his face pinkens a bit.  In both his home with his mother and then now with Margaret, John had always taken such things for granted–not knowing how such things were done or accomplished about their home for their comfort and ease, just that they were done.  John’s previous inattention to household matters would seem to be in stark contrast to his command of all things at the mill.  But then, John’s home–be it his mother’s home or now his home with Margaret–was and is the domain of the ladies.

Thompson:  “Aye sir.”   Thompson leaves to do so.   She smiles with amusement to have the master tending to such mundane aspects of the household.

Just then, baby Robert starts to make some waking gurgling noises and so does the littlest baby Catherine.  So John hands Margaret Little Catherine to nurse on her left breast this time—with pillows underneath her arms supporting her—and then John hands Margaret baby Robert to nurse on her right breast.  With Margaret doing double duty nursing, John realizes that he will have to do the burping.  So, when baby Robert is done nursing, John picks him up and burps him with a towel over his shoulders.

Margaret:  “John Dearest, you were in earnest.  You really do know what to do with babies.”  Margaret says with some astonishment.

John:  “Ha ha ha!  Well, I may be a bit rusty.  But, I think it’s coming back to me.”

John lays the now sleeping again baby Robert in his bassinette and John picks up baby Rachel and hands her to Margaret.  When she is awake, Margaret is rarely without two babies in her arms and at her breast [(6) right].  Then, he takes little baby Catherine and burps her before laying her sleeping in the third bassinette.  Meanwhile, Margaret shifts baby Rachel to her other breast that little baby Catherine had just finished nursing at.  So far, Margaret seems to have enough milk for all three babies.  But, there may come a time when the babies are a bit older but still need milk that they will have to supplement Margaret’s milk with a wet nurse [(3)].  But John and Margaret will worry about that when the time comes.  They need to take their babies needs one day at a time–and this is day one.

Margaret:  “John Dearest, there is one thing you’re forgetting.”  John looks at her quizzically–then he looks back and forth at the babies sleeping snug in their bassinettes.

John:  “I don’t think so.”  He pouts cutely, thinks Margaret.  Then John has a burst of inspiration.  “Should I give them each another swaddling blanket for warmth?”

Margaret:  “No, they should be warm enough.  But you need to see if their diapers [(7)] need changing.  After two feedings, they probably need it.”

John:  “But I haven’t noticed that they … smelled like they need it.”  He rolls his eyes winsomely.

Margaret:  “Give the babies a day or two of feedings and their diapers will start to smell stinky.  So, we just have to check their diapers until then.”

John:  “Right!”  He nods his head sheepishly.  Of course, it has been a long time since he was around a baby–his sister Fanny–and then she was the only baby of his acquaintance.  “Well I’ll take them one at a time into the bathroom to do that.”

Margaret:  “Thank you, John Dearest.”  She says lying gratefully back onto her pillow.

Margaret and John had already set up a baby changing station in the bathroom to be close to running water.  John takes each baby in turn and changes their soiled diapers—no excrement, just urine so far.  Then he leaves the diapers for Edwards, the laundry lady, to do.  Then he reports that to Margaret.

John:  “Margaret my dear, you were right.  They had … eliminated.”  He offers a tad stiffly–uncomfortable to be speaking about a bodily function usually done in private.  Of course nothing babies do is in private.

Margaret:  “And what did you find in their diapers?”  She asks interestedly to discern the health of their babies.

John:  But John becomes even more discomfitted at providing a greater description of the diapers contents.  “Uhh hmmm.”  He stammers quite like a school boy.  “They had only … um … passed water.”

Margaret:   “Good!  Well, we’ll have to think about giving them each a bath tomorrow morning—unless they urinate too much overnight and need a bath then.”

John:  John nods agreeably to her–glad to have the topic of their babies discussion move on to bathing.   “Margaret, It’s a good thing we have servants and helpers.  I don’t know how other people do it.”   Margaret nods her head knowingly.  Afterall, it was Margaret who tended to their workers’ littlest ones still in diapers at the Marlborough Mills Mother’s Nursery they had established last Fall. So she gained valuable experiences in mothering during that time.

After the 2:30pm afternoon nursing feedings, John and Margaret gratefully nap along with their babies.  John had changed back into a fresh pair of pajamas and lies between the sheets cradling Margaret in his arms.  He is laying flat, being careful not to inadvertently roll over onto Margaret since her abdomen is still tender.

To be continued with Chapter 81

 

“N&S: Nurturing Love”, Ch.  81:  Late Sunday Afternoon Visit by the Doctor (PG-13)

Around 5:00pm on Sunday afternoon of the same day the babies are born, the doctor returns to see how Margaret and the babies are doing.  Normally, the doctor might not be so attentive, but Mrs. Thornton had three babies today and they are his most distinguished patients as they are among the first citizens of Milton. Thompson lets the doctor into Rose Cottage and motions him to go upstairs. The doctor knocks on the bedroom door and finds John awake and lying shirtless next to his sleeping Margaret.  The babies are also sleeping soundly.   He motions for John to walk over to the sitting area of the bedroom so they can talk and not awaken Margaret or the babies.  John puts on his robe out of modesty before joining the doctor.

Doctor:  “So, how are you and the babies faring so far?”  He smiles knowingly–being the father of five children himself.

John:  “Well, we’ve had two feedings and one diaper change.  I’ve secured Midwife Jenny to be an extra helper during the day while I’m here with Margaret most of the time this coming week.  Then, Thompson is going to work until 8:00pm each evening so that we have a helper for at least part of the night.”  John proudly ticks off what he has ‘organized’ for Margaret and their babies.

Doctor:  Nodding his head in agreement.  “That sounds like a good plan.  Mrs. Thornton will probably be on bed rest for most of this week—and limited movement for next week.  She may start moving around in her bed chamber here on Wednesday and maybe walk to the bathroom herself by the weekend.  But I want someone with her when she goes to the bathroom and such.  And still no stairs at all.”  Then the doctor leans in to John and says in a man to man conspiratorial fashion.  “And though, you’re probably not thinking about this since you just had your babies today, but you should not lay together as husband and wife to give Mrs. Thornton time to heal.”

John:  “You’re right, doctor.  I hadn’t even thought about Margaret and I being together intimately with all of the commotion today.  But we’re a loving couple so that will come up—especially since … well …”  John blushes.   “Since … Margaret did not feel well enough this past month for us to be together intimately.   We are a loving couple.”  John says again for emphasis and he blushes again.

Doctor:  “Yes.”  The doctor smiles at John’s admission of his tender devotion to his wife Margaret.  “And although there seems to be some evidence that mothers’ nursing protects them from getting pregnant, I wouldn’t totally rely on that.  I have seen some mothers give birth nine months apart from their previous baby.  Given that Mrs. Thornton just had three babies at once, you’ll probably want to give your wife a respite from being pregnant and having babies for at least two years while these babies are in diapers.”

John:  John plops onto the sette dumbfounded and looks up at the doctor distressed [(8) right] at the notion of two years without being intimate with Margaret.  Then John says a little sheepishly.  “But doctor, Margaret and I love each other very much.  I don’t think we can … um … forgo being intimate with each other for two months, let alone two years.”

Doctor:  “Ha ha ha!”  The doctor laughs softly so as not to awaken Mrs. Margaret.  “Not to worry Mr. Thornton, no one expects a healthy and loving couple to forgo marital relations for that extended a length of time.”  John sighs in relief.  “Just refrain from lying together as husband and wife maybe three to four weeks at most while she recovers from the births.   I can provide you with some sheaths to cover your member during intercourse which will help with some pregnancy prevention.  I took the liberty of bringing a few sheaths with me for you to have for later.”  The doctor hands John a sack with the sheaths in them.

John:  John looks in the sack and has a quizzical expression on his face. “Um Doctor, …”  Feeling a little sheepish, John admits.   “Margaret is my only love.  So, I’ve never used these before.”

Doctor:   “Well, you use each of them once and then throw it away.”  John nods his head.  “Also, you can be more aware of Mrs. Thornton’s monthly cycles and avoid laying with each other intimately during her most fertile period.”

John:  “And that is when?”   Thinking logically and strategically about love making with his wife is rather foreign to John—understandably so since he was also a virgin when he and Margaret married.

Doctor:  “Ten to fourteen days before her monthly bleeding is due to start.  So, you’re really only looking at four days each month when you should try to refrain from intimacies—or at the very least, use one of the sheaths.”

John:  Relieved to being given a reprieve from the absence of Margaret’s wifely affections, John says simply while blushing profusely.  “We’ll try that, doctor.  I mean, especially considering Margaret became pregnant with these babies almost as soon as she recovered from the miscarriage, we seem to be …”  John stops, embarrassed to be on the point of suggesting to the doctor that they are a fertile couple–which also implies the loving eagerness with which John and Margaret share their marital bed.

Doctor:  “Quite!  And you had three babies.  Now, not to frighten you, but in my experience, women who have one pregnancy with more than one baby, have a greater likelihood of having another pregnancy later on with more than one baby.”

John:  Feeling a little chastened knowing how difficult it has been having three babies–and they only became parents seven and a half hours ago—John says.  “We will do what we need to do to give Margaret’s body time to recover from the pregnancy.  And, we already have one of each—two girls and a boy—so at most it might be nice to have a second son so the boys can be playmates.  But, we’re just focusing on the babies we have at the moment.”

Doctor:  “Very sensible.  There is no need to get ahead of yourselves.  Besides, I will hazard a guess that you will both be so tired during the next few weeks that intimacy will be the last thing on your minds.”

John:  “Well, I hope not.”   He smiles amusingly to the doctor.  John has been without Margaret’s loving attentions for the last month–and his attentions to her–since she did not feel well enough for anything but kissing and cuddling.  And now as a loving husband of almost a year, John is even more besotted with his wife Margaret and their loving intimacies.  But he regains his decorous composure and nods at the doctor.  “Thank you for these.”   John holds up the sack with the sheaths in them.  But given the frequency of the loving martial couplings–twice a day at least–John will run out of these sheaths in as little as two days time once he and Margaret share their love with each other again.  “Um doctor … how do I obtain more of these?”

Doctor:  The doctor raises his eyebrow only slightly, since he remembers his own early married years with fond affection.  “Just come to me and I will supply more to you.”  John nods–grateful to have their conversation regarding such an intimately personal topic concluded.

After the doctor checks the sleeping Margaret’s condition, by listening to her stomach and heart, and checking her pulse rate, the doctor is satisfied that Margaret is doing well and he leaves them for the night.

To be continued with Chapter 82

“N&S: Nurturing Love”, Ch.  82:  Sunday Evening Cuddling, Napping, Eating, Nursing, etc. (PG-13)

Around 5:30pm Margaret and the babies awaken.  Since it has only been three hours since the babies last nursed and their diapers are dry, Margaret and John surmise that the babies just want to be held.  So that is what they do.  Handing the two oldest babies to Margaret, John cradles little baby Catherine Hannah against his bare chest.  Her little fingers grab at his chest hair as she nestles in to him.

John:  “Look at that, she’s actually able to grip something—even though it’s only my chest hairs.”

Margaret:  Looking amusingly over at John sitting next to her on the bed she says.   “Well enjoy it while you can.  When they get a bit older—such as when they’re two months old—their grip and their suckling is going to be a little painful from what I’ve been told.”   Baby Rachel and Baby Robert are nestled dozing off and on comfortably in Margaret’s arms propped up on pillows.

John:  “Oh Margaret Dear.  Um.  The doctor was here while you were still napping and said that you seem to be coming along nicely.    Um …”  John feels more than a little sheepish about broaching the topic of making love with Margaret right after she had their babies.  “Um, he also suggested that we wait to be intimate with each other to give you time to heal.”

Margaret:  She nods her head, because her abdomen and womb are still sore from giving birth just seven hours ago.  “That sounds reasonable.”     Then looking at John, she asks.   “Did he say anything else?”

John:  “Well Margaret Darling, um, he said that we probably don’t want you to get pregnant again for at least two years to give your body a rest.”

Margaret:  Now fully alert, she asks in a modest but eager tone as she searches for the right words.  “John Dearest, the doctor isn’t saying that we shouldn’t be … loving …  with each other for two years?”

John:  “Whew!   I’m glad to see that you have the same reaction as I did Margaret Darling.  Ha ha ha!”   John laughs.  “No, he just suggests that we refrain from lovemaking for at least three to four weeks and then after that, during what he termed your most fertile periods each month.  He gave me some sheaths to use as a further protection against an unplanned pregnancy during your most fertile periods.”   He sees Margaret’s quizzical look at the word sheaths and explains.   “Don’t worry about it Margaret Dear, it’s something I have to wear when we make love.”   Then he points to his lap and Margaret raises her eyebrows in growing comprehension as she nods her head.

Margaret:  “Well John dearest considering that we just gave birth to triplets, we shouldn’t be shy about talking about pregnancy issues.”  Then Margaret looks over at John lovingly and says.  “John Dear, I am unable to move with having two babies in my arms.  Do you think you might please lean over and give me a kiss?”  She smiles sweetly enticingly [(9) right]–looking the picture of motherly and womanly beauty with her babies in her arms.

John:  “It is my pleasure to oblige you, my darling!”  John says overly effusively as he leans in and kisses Margaret on her lips–while he is still holding little baby Catherine [(10) right]–and they both giggle.

Margaret:  “Hmm.  That’s nice.  John Dear, since the babies are sleeping soundly again now, would you please lay them in their bassinettes?”

John nods his head and gently lays each baby in their bassinettes.  Then he goes back lying next to Margaret on his side.  Margaret turns and lays on her side and John cradles her in his arms.

John:  “Oh my darling Margaret, I love you so.  You were so brave today in giving birth to our babies.  I’m so proud of you.  And I love you more than I can say.”

Margaret:  “I love you so John Dearest. Thank you for helping me.  I cannot tend to our babies as they need without you.”

They kiss and cuddle—very gently—for some time.  After a little while, John carries Margaret to the bathroom again.  Then when he has her sitting comfortably back in bed, John goes to the bathroom.

***

While John is in the bathroom this Sunday evening, Thompson knocks on the bedroom door.

Thompson:  “Mrs. Margaret?”

Margaret:  “Yes Thompson?”

Thompson:  “Mrs. Margaret, I have your and Mr. Thornton’s dinner’s.  May I bring them in?”

Margaret:  “Oh, yes please.”  Margaret says hoping that John doesn’t walk back in the bedroom before he sees that Thompson is here—since John forgot to put his robe on and he is bare chested and in his pajama pants.  Thompson walks in and sets the food tray on the table near the sitting area.

Thompson:  “And how are you feeling Mrs. Margaret?  Better?”

Margaret:  “Yes, I think I am.  But I’m still very tired. Thank you for asking.”    Then seeing her shirtless husband starting to walk back into their bedroom from her dressing room, she says.  “John Dear, Thompson is in here with our dinners.”  John stops and backs up into the dressing room–waiting to enter the bedroom after their servant has left.  “Then to Thompson, she says.    “Mr. Thornton and I will enjoy our dinners now.  So, we’ll see you in the morning, Thompson. Do we have enough diapers and clean towels for the three babies overnight?”

Thompson:  “Yes, Mrs. Margaret.”

Margaret:  “Then, I think we’ll be alright.   Thompson, thank you so much for all of your help today.  We couldn’t have done it without you.”

Thompson:  “I’m glad to help Mrs. Margaret.  I’ll be back up once more around 8:00pm to take your dinner plates and bring you another cold ice pillow.”

Margaret:   “Thank you.”   Margaret sighs gratefully to Thompson as she leaves her bedroom.

John:  “Well, that was close.”  John exhales in embarrassment borne of his modesty in almost being seen so undressed by their servant.

Margaret:  “Yes John Dear.”  Margaret tilts her head in amusement at his embarrassment.  After giving birth earlier today with her husband, the doctor, the midwife, and her servant all in attendance, Margaret wonders if she isn’t the proper person to claim embarrassment at her then state of being undressed?

John:  “I guess I had better keep my robe handy.  Let me bring your food to you, Margaret Darling.”  Margaret has basically a breakfast plate of soft foods—eggs, toast and jelly and tea.

Margaret:  “Hmm.  This tastes good.  I guess I have my appetite back—which is good since the babies are being nourished from me.”

John:  John gets back into bed with Margaret and he bites greedily into his sandwich and sips his soup in a mug—no spoon required that way.  “I guess I was hungrier that I thought.”  Then he leans over and kisses Margaret on her lips lovingly–which she welcomes.

Margaret:  “Well, it’s 6:00pm now.  We’ll have to see if the babies make it the four hours to 6:30pm for their next nursing, or whether they’ll want to be fed before then.    So, it’s good I’m getting a bite to eat now.”

John nods as he finishes off his food. Then he removes their dinner plates to the tray on a table in the sitting area.  John and Margaret decide to nap a bit before the next nursing cycle as they lay cradled in each other’s arms.  They get to nap about an hour before the babies start to awaken wanting to nurse.  So, John brings Margaret the two girls while he rocks baby Robert–soothing him until it is his turn to suckle.  Then, when their elder daughter Rachel is done nursing, John swaps her out for baby Robert and burps Rachel before laying her in her bassinette since her diaper is still dry.  Then, when little baby Catherine is done nursing, John burps her and continues to cuddle her as the Midwife told them to do to help her thrive.  When she falls asleep, John puts Catherine in her bassinette.  Margaret has already switched baby Robert to finish off nursing the milk in the breast where Catherine had been.  Then John burps baby Robert and lays him in his bassinette.

It is now almost 7:30pm.  John carries Margaret into the bathroom and then back to bed, laying her down to sleep.   John checks the babies’ diapers and finds them wet. So, he takes each baby in turn into the bathroom and changes their diapers each in turn before returning them to sleep in their bassinettes.  Finally, John uses the bathroom himself before returning to bed with Margaret.  At 7:55pm, Thompson comes up with a fresh cold ice pillow that Margaret takes gratefully—and some fresh cold water for them to drink—and then Thompson removes the dinner dishes to the kitchen and leaves for the night.  Then, John and Margaret cuddle in each other’s arms and fall fast asleep.  It seems that tending to three babies is tiring for both their mother and their father.

***

From the Sunday evening of their birth through to the following Monday morning, John’s and Margaret’s babies seem to be on about a four hour schedule.  So, at 11:00pm, and then again at 3:00am, Margaret nurses the babies, John burps them, and then John changes their diapers before laying them back to sleep.  Since this process takes about one hour each time, John and Margaret try to nap during the intervening three hours.  John dutifully bounds downstairs to the kitchen after each nursing shift to get Margaret a freshly cold ice pillow that she appreciates.

As  dawn softly streams light through John and Margaret’s bedroom windows around 6:30am, they awaken to the pleasant scent of fresh flowers.  Once again, the mill workers have shown their kindness—as they did when Margaret and John miscarried their first child—and brought wildflowers to the house that Thompson has placed around the room.  John awakens first and seeing that Margaret and the babies are sleeping soundly, he visits the bathroom to freshen up, shave [(11) right], and such, then he returns to Margaret’s side.  Margaret already has a freshly cold ice pillow on her abdomen that Thompson must have placed there when she brought up the flowers, thinks John.  After putting on his pajama top again, John slides back into bed with Margaret, cradling her in his arms and he kisses her cheek.  Margaret continues to doze for a few minutes longer, then her sleepy eyes flutter open.

John:  “There you are Margaret Darling.  Good morning my love.”   John kisses Margaret warmly on her lips and she smiles.

Margaret:  “Good morning John Dearest.  Was I dreaming, or did we have three babies?”  She asks a little uncertainly.

John:  “You weren’t dreaming.  We have three babies.”  John says with his eyes very wide.  “Would you like me to help you to the bathroom?”  Margaret nods and he carries her into the bathroom.  She also washes her face and brushes her teeth before John brings her back to bed.  Since the babies are still sleeping soundly after John checks on them, John and Margaret decide to let them sleep until they want to nurse.  So, John and Margaret also decide to nap a little more bit until the whole nursing, burping, baby rocking, and diaper changing process begins all over again.  Margaret lays flat so she can feel the cold ice pillow over all of her abdomen.  So, John lays on his side facing Margaret and cradling her in his arms—taking care, not to accidently lean on her since she is still quite sore.  Then, John and Margaret nap. Then, promptly at 7:00am, Midwife Jenny taps on John and Margaret’s bedroom door.

To be continued with Chapter 83

“N&S: Nurturing Love”, Ch.  83:  The Babies First Weeks of Life, and John and Margaret’s First Anniversary on May 18th

The first week of the babies’ lives—for Rachel, Robert, and Catherine—involve both John and Margaret in round the clock nursing, burping, diapering, and bathing.  And, despite having servants to help, it is an exhausting process.  And, since Margaret is still recuperating from having given birth to triplets, it is triply hard on her.  So much so, that John continues his care of Margaret at home a second week with only intermittent stops in at the Mill each morning when midwife Jenny comes in.  It is a busy and loving time for John and Margaret and their babies.  And the babies all thrive—even little Catherine Hannah, the smallest of the three babies is gaining weight well.  When the babies are three weeks old, John and Margaret celebrate their 1^st year anniversary quietly with a small dinner party with their family.

John:  John takes Margaret’s hand in his as they greet their families [(12) right].  “Welcome, we are delighted that you could join us.  We’ve got a two hour period before Margaret has to nurse the babies again.  So, we hope to enjoy a lovely dinner with you.”

Margaret:  “Yes, and a meal that is at a table.”  Margaret and John laugh.  “You see, almost all of my meals since the babies were born have been in bed, or sitting on our sette in our bedroom.  So, being downstairs is a real treat for me.”

Mother Thornton:  “Well, Margaret Dear, …” She says kissing her.   “… you look wonderful.  How are you holding up?”

Margaret:  “It’s a challenge, but I sleep a lot in between nursing the babies.”

Fanny:  Asking caringly, but in a whisper to Margaret–since such things as babies and their care are not usually discussed in polite conversation, let alone in mixed company.  “And are you drinking plenty of fluids so you have enough mother’s milk for the babies?”

Margaret: Margaret whispers back.   “Yes, Fanny dear.” Then Margaret admonishes Fanny to take care of her own health.   “But you need to sit down considering you are about to give birth yourself.”

Watson:  Walking over to where his wife now sits down next to Margaret, he leans down and kisses the top of her head.  “Yes, Fanny my darling girl.  We’ve taken a chance coming out tonight since you’re due to give birth any time now.”

Fanny:  “Oh I’m fine.”  She says swishing her hand at everyone.  Fanny has not only become calmer and kinder—as her marriage and pregnancy has gone along–she has also become less of a hypochondriac. John marvels at his sister Fanny taking her condition in stride.   “The doctor said that walking would help me have an easier time of it when it is time for me to give birth.  I can only hope that I’ll have as quick a birthing process as Margaret.”  Fanny blushes to be speaking of so intimate a topic–despite the fact that Fanny is well known for her frankness.

John:  “But, without the extra babies.  Hmmm?”   They all laugh.

Father Hale:  “There’s a good girl.”

They all walk into John and Margaret’s formal dining room and have a lovely dinner as a family.  The dining room also has the three babies sleeping in more bassinettes that John and Margaret purchased so that they would have baby areas upstairs and downstairs–without having to move supplies and baby furniture around.  Their wealth allows them this measure of comfort and convenience.   Of course the grandparents and aunt and uncle ooh and aah over the babies–requesting to hold them while they sleep.  And John and Margaret relent just this once–hoping that the babies stay asleep, and they do.  Then over dessert, the adults play some cards before it is time for Margaret and John to head upstairs to nurse the babies.  John carries the two older babies up the stairs first–Rachel and Robert–then he returns for their littlest baby Catherine.  Margaret must still take great care in using the stairs–especially since she is in a full skirt again that she must lift up as she holds onto the banister with her other hand.

Once ensconced in their bedroom, in their nightclothes and with their babies, the baby feeding begins in earnest.  Since John is back at work full time during the day, he relishes being Margaret’s evening nursing helper and baby diaper changer.  John is quite the doting father to Margaret’s endless amusement and appreciation.  Who would have thought that the Master of Marlborough Mills was as expert with a diaper as he is with managing his mill?  But of course, their babies’ diapers are made from layers of the cut off bolt end scraps from the soft cotton fabric made at the mill–so John is not entirely straying from his field of expertise, Margaret thinks amusingly to herself and smiles.

To be continued with Chapter 84

 

References

(1)     The “North & South: Nurturing Love” story logo is a composite of three images, with text that I added:
(a) John Thornton (as portrayed by Richard Armitage) having just kissed his love Margaret Hale (as portrayed by Daniela Denby-Ashe) and them gazing lovingly at each other in the North & South (BBC 2004), episode 4 (pix 346) train station kissing scene; the image was found at http://www.richardarmitagenet.com/images/gallery/nands/album/episode4/slides/ns4-346.html;
(b)  a cropped image of the brambled tree branches in the Milton cemetery as John Thornton walks through it in North & South, episode 3 (pix 15); the image was found at http://www.richardarmitagenet.com/images/gallery/nands/album/episode3/slides/ns3-015.html;
(c) a masked image of the yellow rose John Thornton picked in Helstone in North & South, episode 4 (pix 271); the image was found at
http://www.richardarmitagenet.com/images/gallery/nands/album/episode4/slides/ns4-271.html

(2)     Image (cropped and masked)  representing John Thornton heartily enjoying his sandwich  is that of Richard Armitage (who portrays Lucas North) on the set of Spooks series 7 and was found at http://www.richardarmitagenet.com/images/gallery/Spooks/spookspromo/album/slides/series7-03.html

(3)     “Jane Austen mentions the practice [of wet nursing] in her novel Emma. Women took in babies for money in Victorian Britain, and nursed them themselves or fed them with whatever was cheapest.”   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wet_nurse

(4)     Image representing Margaret Thornton falling fast asleep the evening after her birthing ordeal is that of Margaret (as portrayed by Daniela Denby-Ashe) napping on the grass was found at http://www3.images.coolspotters.com/photos/311112/margaret-hale-and-north-and-south-gallery.jpg

(5)     Image representing Rose Cottage, John and Margaret Thornton’s home, is a composite of two images:  the home was found at http://wac.2a97.edgecastcdn.net/802A97/verticals.news-record.com/files/imagecache/zoom_view/Images/TH_Kemp01_022612.jpg; and the roses that I masked and sampled them onto the home were from MS Office Clip Art found at http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/results.aspx?qu=roses&ctt=1#ai:MP900145125|mt:2|

(6)     Manip of Margaret holding two of her babies is a composite of two images:  a flipped and cropped head shot of Margaret Hale at  the Masters’ Dinner (image cropped, brightened and more red added) in the 2004 BBC Production of North & South Episode 2 (pix 213) was found at http://www.richardarmitageonline.com/north-and-south/north-south-pictures-episode2.html ; and an image of a mother holding her twins was found at http://www.corbisimages.com/stock-photo/royalty-free/RF4473506/mother-holding-her-newborn-twins

(7)    “Here is an extract from ‘The Modern Home Doctor’ written by doctors in the UK in 1935.  “Nice old, soft bits of good Turkish towelling, properly washed, will make the softest of diaper coverings, inside which specially absorbent napkins (diapers), see below at 1A, soft, light, and easily washed, are contained. These should rarely be soiled once regular habits have been inculcated, especially during the night period in which it is most important to prevent habit formation
1A -(squares of butter muslin or Harrinton’s packed rolls of “mutton cloth” in packets, sold for polishing motor-cars, would do equally well and are very cheap and soft”)”   was found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diaper  In more recent times for citizens of Britain and some of its Commonwealth nations, the slang word nappies (believed to be derived from the word napkin) is a term also often heard in place of the word diapers.  However, for the purposes of our story and its setting in the mid 1800’s, the word diaper is perfectly appropriate as noted by the wiki entry above since “diaper” was a term still in use in the UK at least until 1935.

(8)     Image (cropped and brightened) of John Thornton (as portrayed by Richard Armitage from the BBC’s 2004 production of North & South episode2 (pix 223) was found at  http://www.richardarmitagenet.com/images/gallery/nands/album/episode2/slides/ns2-223.html

(9)     Manip of Margaret holding two of her babies is a composite of two images:  a Flipped and cropped head shot of Margaret Hale at  the Masters’ Dinner (image cropped, brightened and more red added) in the 2004 BBC Production of North & South Episode 2 (pix 213) was found at http://www.richardarmitageonline.com/north-and-south/north-south-pictures-episode2.html;   and an image of a mother holding her twins was found at http://www.corbisimages.com/stock-photo/royalty-free/RF4473506/mother-holding-her-newborn-twins

(10)  Image used to represent a sleeping baby was found at http://shaluhere.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/face-of-sleeping-cute-baby-480×360.jpg

(11)  Image representing John Thornton shaving is of Richard Armitage portraying Percy Courtney in Miss Marie Lloyd: Queen of the Music Hall (2007), pix 14 http://www.richardarmitagenet.com/images/gallery/marielloyd/album/slides/ML-14.html

(12)  Cropped and masked image of John Thornton (as portrayed by Richard Armitage)  from the BBC’s 2004 production of North & South, Promo pix 17 was found at  http://www.richardarmitagenet.com/images/gallery/nands/album/NandSPromo/album/slides/NandSPromo-17.html; composited with composite image of Margaret Hale’s head (as portrayed by Daniela Denby-Ashe) from the North & South music soundtrack dvd cover found at http://www.richardarmitagenet.com/images/gallery/nands/album/NandSPromo/album/slides/NandSPromo-12.html; and a pink Victorian dress found at http://fripperiesandfobs.tumblr.com/post/12025132525/dress-ca-late-1830s-from-the-centre-de; photo manip done by Gratiana Lovelace, 3/25/12.

Previous Story Links for “North and South:  Nurturing Love” are found at

Ch. 77-79:  http://gratianads90.wordpress.com/2012/05/14/ns-nurturing-love-ch-77-79-the-babies-meet-their-family-51412-gratiana-lovelace-post-185/

Ch. 75-76:  http://gratianads90.wordpress.com/2012/05/11/ns-nurturing-love-ch-75-76-babies-51112-gratiana-lovelace-post-182/

Ch. 74:  http://gratianads90.wordpress.com/2012/05/07/ns-nurturing-love-ch-74-celebrating-margarets-21st-birthday-50712-gratiana-lovelace-post-179/

Ch. 70-73:  http://gratianads90.wordpress.com/2012/05/04/ns-nurturing-love-ch-70-73-christmas-joy-50412-gratiana-lovelace-post-177/

Ch. 68-69:  http://gratianads90.wordpress.com/2012/04/30/ns-nurturing-love-ch-68-69-family-43012-gratiana-lovelace-post-175/

Ch. 59-67:  http://gratianads90.wordpress.com/2012/04/27/ns-nurturing-love-ch-59-67-healing-42712-gratiana-lovelace-post-173/

Ch. 55-58: http://gratianads90.wordpress.com/2012/04/23/ns-nurturing-love-ch-55-58-two-months-of-wedded-bliss-brings-joy-and-heartache-42312-gratiana-lovelace-post-171/

Ch. 52-54:  http://gratianads90.wordpress.com/2012/04/20/ns-nurturing-love-ch-52-54-honeymooning-back-in-milton-42012-gratiana-lovelace-post-169/

etc.

Fun Day Sunday: May Basket Craft, 5/20/12 Gratiana Lovelace (Post #189)

One thing you need to know about me is that I am a hopeful crafter.  I don’t
say artist, because that would be hubris.

But I love to make things with my hands—for years sewing, needlepointing, cross stitching, and then a bit of quilting were my “go to” craft projects.  I have also made candles, rolled rocks to make into jewelry, and made jewelry from beads, etc.  I literally have five to ten projects that were started years ago in my double wide “projects” closet.  Think of it as my woman cave.  Ha!

When I taught Sunday School for 8 years, I would always have some kind of art project involved with our lessons.  Dare I mention the gold glitter ark of the covenant drawings that sprinkled glitter in the sanctuary when we walked in after class?  I did not endear myself to our church’s janitor with that one.  Ha!  But helping the kids make Valentine’s day cards with paper lace doilies, folded pink  or red card stock paper, ribbon, and heart shaped  foil stickers  were a snap!  And something handmade received as a gift is always more precious than something store bought—especially from little ones.

So today–a Sunday in May–I thought it might be nice to make paper May baskets like I have made for many years.  There are variations on size and style, but the templates  I created below offer the basics.  Then you can adapt from there.  Maintain the folded edge of your paper and then cut out the basic shapes—also cutting apart the tabs.  [Tip: I have found that cutting the two tab lines a little wide (making the tabs a tiny bit thinner) makes for easier weaving.]  Then you weave the folded tabs:  row 1) outside inside outside, row 2) inside outside inside, and row 3) outside inside outside—for all three tabs.  When you open the now heart shape, you  have a little basket.  You can then use a ribbon or more paper for the basket’s handle.

The key in making the templates  is using perfect squares and circles—these are 3 by3 inch squares (and circles) with three tabs.  Another version would be 4 by 4 inch squares (and circles) with four tabs—the weaving there would be inside outside inside outside, etc.   And if you make templates and use stiffened fabric, then you might have some permanence for your baskets.

These paper May baskets don’t hold much or anything very heavy but candies or flowers as love offerings from the giver.  But then, it is the thought that counts.  And thoughtfulness is priceless!

So, I hope that you enjoy this Fun Day Sunday craft project.  Be sure to let me know how your May basket turns out.

Cheers!   Gratiana

Something About Love      (www.gratianads90.wordpress.com)

P.S. And for those who like one stop shopping, here is the information from above provided for you below in an easy to download jpeg.  Just enlarge the image to suit your needs