She didn't ask the obvious question immediately.
Instead, she waited.
Clara continued.
"The child isn't his."
The older woman remained quiet.
Then Clara began explaining.
Not every detail.
But enough.
The marriage.
The secret.
The wealthy man in Missouri.
The fear.
The midwife listened.
When Clara finished, Martha sighed.
"Well."
Clara looked toward her.
The older woman folded her hands.
"You've brought a difficult knot into that man's house."
Tears filled Clara's eyes.
"I know."
Martha continued.
"Gabriel's a good man, but being good doesn't mean he can't be hurt."
Clara nodded.
"I know."
The midwife leaned closer.
"Have you told him the truth now?"
"Everything I can remember."
"Good."
Martha looked toward the window.
Then said, "You can't mend a torn seam by pretending the cloth was never cut."
Clara stared.
The older woman smiled faintly.
"You sew, don't you?"
Clara nodded.
"Yes."
"Then you understand."
For a moment, Clara almost laughed.
Martha continued.
"You look at the damage. You decide whether it can be repaired. And then you work carefully."
She paused.
"But you don't pull so hard that the fabric tears again."
Clara wiped her cheeks.
"What if he never forgives me?"
Martha's expression softened.
"Then you'll have to face that."
The answer hurt.
But Clara appreciated its honesty.
The midwife reached for her hand.
"Still, I've known Gabriel for years. He's slow to trust, but he isn't a man who enjoys cruelty."
Clara nodded.
Martha smiled.
"Give him room to think."
Then she looked toward Clara's stomach.
"And give yourself room to be well. Worrying yourself sick won't help either of you."
Clara smiled through tears.
"All right."
Martha squeezed her hand.
Then stood.
"Now let's see whether that husband of yours knows how to make decent tea."
Downstairs, Gabriel was waiting anxiously.
When Martha entered, he stood immediately.
"How is she?"
The midwife studied his face.
For a moment, she looked almost amused.
"Well enough for the present, though she'll need good food, rest, and proper care."
Gabriel nodded quickly.
"Of course."
Martha set her bag on the table.
"I'll give you some guidance about warning signs and when to seek medical help."
He nodded again.
"Anything she needs."
The older woman raised one eyebrow.
Then looked toward the stairs.
"Anything?"
Gabriel seemed confused.
"Yes."
Martha's expression softened.