Novels2023-The Frozen River
by Ariel Lawhon
Contents
The Robin’s Nest
Overview
Martha successfully delivers Eliza Robbins’s first child, a robust son named Thomas, after Eliza firmly rejects Dr. Page and places her trust in Martha instead. The smooth birth underscores Martha’s skill and the confidence women increasingly place in her over male physicians.
Just as importantly, Martha uses the visit to question Chandler Robbins about Joshua Burgess’s recovery from the ice. Chandler confirms that the men who found Burgess believed he had been hanged, strengthening Martha’s suspicion that Burgess was murdered and that the truth is being obscured.
Summary
Martha Ballard is called to the Robbins home, known as the Robin’s Nest, where Eliza Robbins is in active labor. Eliza has already refused Dr. Page’s services because Grace Sewell told her the doctor had nearly harmed her with laudanum, and Eliza insists that no man will decide her confinement for her. Mrs. Ney, Eliza’s former governess and devoted housekeeper, supports that choice and helps Martha manage the room while Chandler Robbins waits downstairs with the offended doctor.
Martha quickly sees that Eliza is near the end of labor. After examining her, Martha confirms that the baby’s head is down and tells Eliza she must begin pushing. Eliza is frightened but cooperative, and over the next hour she pushes through pain, fatigue, and inexperience until the baby’s head crowns and Martha delivers a very large, healthy boy.
The birth goes smoothly after that. Martha checks the child, ties the cord, and places him on Eliza’s chest; Eliza immediately calls him Thomas. The baby proves unusually strong and hungry, there is no tearing or dangerous bleeding, and Martha and Mrs. Ney help Eliza begin nursing while they praise her work and settle mother and son comfortably.
After disposing of the birth waste and seeing Mrs. Ney prepare food, Martha goes downstairs to fetch Chandler. She finds Dr. Page drunk and unconscious on a chaise, while Chandler is asleep in a chair with his pipe in hand. Martha tells Chandler that he has a healthy son and learns that Eliza has already chosen the name Thomas, which Chandler gladly accepts.
Before sending Chandler upstairs, Martha uses the moment to ask about the morning Joshua Burgess was cut from the ice near Chandler’s boatyard. Chandler confirms that the men present had lanterns, recognized the body, and all thought Burgess appeared to have been hanged. He also says there was no rope near Burgess’s body, only the rope later used to pull Sam Dawin from the river. After warning Chandler not to smoke near the baby, Martha pauses to think over this important corroboration, and the chapter ends with Mrs. Ney unexpectedly demonstrating that she can blow a perfect smoke ring.
Who Appears
- Martha BallardMidwife who delivers Thomas Robbins and questions Chandler about Joshua Burgess’s body.
- Eliza RobbinsDetermined first-time mother who refuses Dr. Page and gives birth to a healthy son.
- Mrs. NeyEliza’s devoted former governess and housekeeper who assists throughout the birth and aftermath.
- Chandler RobbinsEliza’s husband, new father, and witness who confirms Burgess appeared to have been hanged.
- Dr. PageDismissed doctor who remains downstairs, drinks heavily, and contributes nothing to the birth.
- Thomas RobbinsNewborn son of Eliza and Chandler, notably large, strong, and immediately hungry.
- Joshua BurgessDead man whose recovery from the ice is discussed as Martha pursues evidence of murder.