Alice did not open her eyes when she heard the woman's voice. She was in pain, but more than that, she was afraid. Afraid of losing the child. Afraid of saving it. Afraid of what Tobias would say, what father would say, what would happen next. Afraid that it was her fault and she had murdered her unborn. She clung to her father for comfort and safety, as if that could resolve all problems. She knew it couldn't.

Her father looked up desperately when the woman came in. "She's been having pains in her belly, and she's bled a little," he said, as he let her help him lower Alice into the wheelchair. "She's with child." It wasn't visible, for the girl's shawl was still wrapped around her and she clutched to it for her last comfort. "Please tell me the doctor is in. Tell him to hurry!"