The two midwives made their way along the valley to attend two births. Sarah Downes, the younger midwife, chatted away to her companion, Margaret Campbell, as they went. Commenting on the surprise and inconvenience of two babies determined to be born on such a stormy night as this.

  Margaret Campbell hardly listened; she did not like Sarah Downes. Truth to tell, Margaret had hoped to deliver both babies to the two most prestigious families in the County herself. But as fate would have it, both mothers called for her services at the same time. So, Margaret Campbell had no option but to give one of the births to Sarah Downes.

  As they came to the parting of their ways, Sarah Downes turned left towards the McAllan mansion, on the south side of the valley. Lights shone from the windows of the magnificent white mansion, acting as a welcome beacon in the storm. With her destination in sight, Sarah wrapped her cloak firmly around her and with renewed purpose, hurried on up the hill.

  When Sarah Downes arrived at her destination, she found her patient, Joan McAllan, experiencing small niggling pains only, so there was no hurry. Sarah made all the necessary preparations for the birth. Once complete, Joan McAllan suggested they go downstairs to dinner.

  Dinner proved to be a lively affair, with flowing wine and animated conversation. “Morning Star”, a horse from their own McAllan stud, was entered in the 3.30 race the next day. “Autumn Dawn,” a horse from the neighbouring Blackrock Castle stud, was also running in the 3.30.

  Interest was focused by owners and guests alike, on which of the studs produced the best horse. It was as if the rest of the horses in the race did not exist. Betting began and was brisk, but not on which of the 9 entries in the race would win. But, whether the McAllan horse, Morning Star, would pass the post, before Autumn Dawn, from the neighbouring Blackrock Castle stud.

  Later that night, Joan McAllan went into labour in earnest. Normally, first babies take their time arriving. But not this baby, it was born in record time.

  So, Sarah Downes had the pleasure of presenting a beautiful baby boy to his anxious father waiting outside. Proudly, John McAllan took his baby son into his arms, lost in wonder at this tiny miracle, his son.

  When the two midwives parted, Margaret Campbell made her way towards Blackrock Castle, on the opposite side of the valley. As she did so, she raised her eyes to see how far she still had to go. At that moment, a flash of lightning silouetted the stone castle against the stormy sky. A premonition of disaster swept over her. Trying to regain her composure, Margaret forced herself to think instead of the log fires and warm welcome which awaited her at Blackrock Castle.

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  But it was not to be. The cries of the mother in labour could clearly be heard coming from the landing above. The cries were magnified as they echoed around the stone walls of the cavernous entrance hall.

  Husbands usually sent for the midwife with the arrival of the first pain. But evidently not this stony-faced husband. So, Margaret had no time to warm herself by the fire or have a cup of tea. Instead, it was straight to work.

  Her initial examination showed that the baby was not yet in the birth canal. So, Margaret made the necessary preparations. But the mother Rhona McGregor was in great distress, something was wrong. Further examination showed that the baby was in the breach position. Although the mother pushed as directed with every contraction as instructed, the baby was not coming. It was stuck in the breach position.

  Margaret used every skill she had learned as an experienced midwife. To move the baby into the birthing position. Hours passed. Perspiration poured down her back and face with the effort. But it was all to no avail. The baby could not be moved; it was firmly wedged in the breach position.

  Hours passed, and the mother was in distress, becoming weaker. Too exhausted now to even cry out and could only moan.

  Then, to Margaret’s consternation, the mother began to bleed heavily with every feeble contraction. Such a blood loss could not be sustained. As an experienced midwife, Margaret knew this was fatal. If she did not act soon, both mother and baby would be lost.

  Once realised, the decision had to be made. Margaret picked up the knife and quickly and effectively cut through the mother's flesh to release the baby.

  The sound of the mother’s last feeble moan was drowned out by her baby’s loud cry.

  Having covered the dead mother, Margaret turned to the baby, where her duty now lay. He was quiet as she washed and dressed him, ready to be presented to the world.

  Margaret straightened her shoulders, took a deep breath, and emerged to face the family. All eyes were upon her as she announced:

  “The baby is a fine, healthy boy.”

  An excited clamour broke out, preventing her from speaking further.

  “Oh, he is beautiful.”

  “What lovely blue eyes.”

  “First time a son and heir.”

  All, speaking at the same time.

  When the first rush of excitement settled, Margaret took the opportunity to say, “Sadly, Rhona McGregor died giving birth to her baby son.”

  A stunned silence followed.

  Margaret carried the infant through the silent crowd, to give the father his baby son to hold. Instead of tenderly taking his baby son into his arms, as Margaret expected, Alister McGregor stepped back, took a deep breath, drew himself up to his full height and said in a firm voice: “Take that mother killer out of my sight, I never want to see it again”. With that, he turned on his heel and left.