Disclaimer: I don't own THE SECRET GARDEN


Lily came down the long staircase. Archibald noticed there were tears in her eyes.

"My love," he said, "What's wrong?"

"I just got the word," she said, "There was a cholera outbreak and Rose and Albert surcome to the disease."

Archibald gasped. He looked at his beloved wife who was slightly swollen from the beginning of pregnancy. Quickly he closed the gap between them and held her in a tight embrace.

"Oh darling," he said, "I'm so sorry this happened."

Lily wept on his shoulder. This was the worst pain she had ever felt.

"Archie," she said suddenly, "What will happen to Mary?"

Mary; Rose's daughter was only 2 ½ going on 3.

"They probably took her to the orphanage," he said gently rubbing her back, "She's too young to be on her own."

"Archie," Lily whispered.

Her question was in her eyes. She didn't have to ask it out loud.

"Lily," he said gently, "You are already with child. I'm not sure that two will be a good idea. You are supposed to be taking care of yourself now more than ever. There is a child depending on you."

"And if I get pregnant again after this child I should give up care of him or her for nine months," Lily asked pointedly.

"Of course not," Archibald said.

"She is family," Lily said, "She needs a home. She needs love. She needs a mother and a father."

"I understand that love," Archibald said stroking her long hair.

He didn't answer right away. He was master of the Manner but he was also a husband and soon to be a father. Nothing meant more to him than Lily.

"Can you handle the constant reminder of Rose?"

"As if I'm not reminded of her in my heart every day," Lily said.

"Then," Archibald said, "We will send for Mary."