"Aye," she agreed tiredly. The maid came in long enough to set the bags down, then she backed out to allow the pair privacy. She rummaged through one of the bags and came out with a crocheted blanket, a nappy, and a simple-looking piece of clothing that would keep him warm. At least Ruth had the wherewithal to make the things in question. First, she took Jacob from her mother for a moment to get him cleaned up. He immediately calmed down once the wet cloth was off of his skin. She gently placed him back into her mother's arms so she could see to her own needs, for not only had she gotten peed on, but nature caused her to soak the front of her blouse as well with milk due to the crying. She changed all of her clothing while she was at it, thinking it would be a good idea. Then the dirty clothes were packed away in the other bag and the doctor's belongings were set at the end of the couch as neatly as possible -- Ruth had become somewhat of a neat freak since the last time they had seen her. With a sigh, she said, "I could sleep for days. But I know that won't happen now that Jacob is here." She gave a hopeful smile, though brief.

Lottie saw more than a little of herself in Ruth both as a young woman, an independent person, and as a new mother struggling with her lot.

"Ye don't have ta raise him all yerself. We'll help. The family, I mean."

Bill returned at last. He had talked to the doctor and had told him to forward the bill to their address and had arranged a hansom cab. Those were the easier things to do. He returned to the room. "The cab's waiting," he announced.

The doctor followed him. "It is unfortunate that you should move so soon after birth. Make sure you take rest as soon as you get home, and lie in for at least five days. And if there is any sign of a fever or anything, contact me."

"Alright," she said. "Thank ye for everythin', Doctor." She would have to find a way to pay him for his services soon enough, not that he had asked for any. In the meantime, she was ready to go home. With a sigh, she picked up her bags (which weren't heavy since she took mostly the clothing on her back.) And then she was ready to go.

The ride in the cab was quiet, except for the odd fussing from Jacob. Save for rattling of the carriage's wheels rolling over the road, there was little conversation. Lottie glanced quickly at her husband. There was an atmosphere of stress, things that had not been said, things that would have to be said.... when they got home.

William kept quiet, though now and then his eyes would move to the baby in Ruth's arms with a mixture of curiosity and shock. He didn't notice his wife's sideway glances.

He was glad when the hansom arrived at their home. He got out first and reached up to help Ruth down.

She said nothing to either of her parents while en route to their home; a place where she didn't think she would ever be welcomed into again after running off with Angus McLeod. Her desire to be with the man outweighed common sense at the time. When her da helped her out of the hansom, she nodded her thanks and collected her belongings, assuming her mother took Jacob that is. Feeling drained, she heaved a sigh and followed her father toward the house.

Lottie held Jacob and followed along behind. The child seemed to be looking all around absorbing his new surroundings.

"Right." Bill said when they were inside. "You sit down, and I'll carry this upstairs," and provided she let him, he took her bag and carried it upstairs, glad for another practical thing to do. Once in Ruth's bedroom, he sank down into a chair and collected his thoughts. He was relieved his daughter was home safely and yet he was angry with her. And yet he could hardly express anger with a young woman who had just given birth, which was entirely unfair. And then there was the fact that he was a grandfather.

Bloody hell.