The woman seemed to consider Jocelyn's suggestion about the newcomer being an old man. That would explain the fact that he did not have a wife. Of course, until that was firmly established, the man would still be regarded with some suspicion. "Maybe so", the woman finally replied about the new resident livening up the village. She wasn't exactly sure about it, but until someone actually met him, the man would continue to be a mystery. With a sigh, the patient touched Jocelyn's hand. "Oh, dear. You deserve so much better", she commented. Almost everyone in the village knew Jocelyn didn't want to marry Edgar, and most people agreed with her. "It is tradition that the eldest daughter should marry first. But it did not have to be Edgar", the woman completed.<br/><br/>The patient was about to add in a few more comments when the midwife finally arrived. She waited for the older woman to get changed and smiled at her when she came back. "I feel... well enough", she responded, "more tired than I felt last week, but no pain yet". The woman kept quiet as she was examined. The same thoughts that the midwife and her apprentice had worried her. She could only hope that everything went well, and she could hold her child in her arms and be there to raise it. "Does everything seem to be well?", the woman asked, a hint of tension in her voice.<br/><br/>*********************************************<br/><br/>Back in the manor, the young man who lived there with only his servants had finished his morning meal. After writing a handful of letters and having one of the servants take them to the post, the man decided leaving the house would be nice, at least to take a look at the village in broad daylight. After considering how he should go about doing this, the man called for a servant. "Jonah! Have the carriage prepared". The servant bowed respectfully. "Yes, sir. Right away". Without asking any questions, the man went off to get everything prepared.<br/><br/>Only once everything was done did Jonah return to the room where his master awaited. "Sir. The carriage is ready. Where should I direct it to?" The man seemed pensive for a moment. "Direct it to go around the town. I wish to see it." The servant nodded and bowed again, and left to transmit the orders to the coachman. After that, he helped his master in and went back inside. The carriage was not big - it was meant for one or two occupants - and it was made of dark wood, with black drapes that would remain closed throughout the journey, only here and there being pulled discreetly by a hand that seemed to belong to a somewhat young man.