Chapter 252: A strong word
Ada was already in the room when Arabella opened her eyes the next morning. The sun was particularly brighter, tickling every surface it grazed.
The maid had her back turned to the bed, working in silence, doing her best to keep the dishes and cups from clinking.
Arabella did not immediately greet her or call for her attention and since Ada’s ears weren’t necessarily keen, she wasn’t able to capture the change in the young woman’s breathing pace.
"Morning, Ada," she murmured after a big yawn.
"Oh!" Ada stopped her doings and spun to meet her gaze, "Morning, Miss! How are you feeling today?" she rushed to her side.
"So much better," Arabella pushed herself up into a sitting position with some struggle, "The cramps persist but they’ve definitely subsided since yesterday and...," she lifted both arms wide open and rocked them lightly, "I don’t feel nearly as tired as yesterday. My muscles are more responsive,"
"That is good to hear," Ada nodded, "Do you have a sudden urge to visit the bathroom?" she tilted her head.
"Not so urgent, but I do need to go, yes," again, in a slow string of motions, Arabella pulled her legs out from underneath the sheets and placed them on the ground.
"That holds," Ada took her arm to provide support, "I made sure to wake you during the night for this purpose. You’ve taken a lot of liquid, be it water or tea,"
"I am really sorry for burdening you this much," Arabella worked on straightening her back but the sudden flashes of pain traveling her middle prevented it.