The afternoon was normal Margaret walked about the streets of Candleford wearily though; she had strength to push her on. Most women in a condition as she were usually to stay in their houses until such a time when their child arrived, but not Margaret she was not going to stay confined doing nothing as hours past by waiting for something to happen. She was determined to live life as normal as possible. She arrived at the Post Office in hopes of finding Thomas as she had missed him dreadfully and wished to be with him even if it was just for a few moments. She opened the door and entered into the front room. "Margaret" Dorcas greeted happily. "How are you feeling?" She asked. "A little out of kilter, But I am sure it's quite normal," Margaret replied with a slight smile. She felt a little uncomfortable and it seemed as if her feet might give out right before her.
"Is Thomas back yet?" She asked putting her hands in her waist to support herself. "No, He should arrive soon. Would you like to sit down? Minnie has some tea ready would you like to share it?" Dorcas asked sensing Margaret's anxiousness. "Yes, Thank you,"Margaret said softly as she sat down and took a deep breath as she had felt pain in her stomach. She put her hand on her stomach caressing it softly hoping the pain would go away. "Margaret, are you alright?" Dorcas asked in concern. "Quite Alright, Miss. Lane,"Margaret replied trying to seem complacent. Though at the moment she felt most miserable and could not fathom what these mysterious pains were.
The tea kettle rang. "Minnie!"Dorcas called. "I'm coming mam," The young maid replied rushing into the room. "Oh good afternoon Mrs. Brown," Minnie said cheerily. "Good afternoon Minnie," Margaret replied as Minnie rushed to prepare tea. Margaret relaxed feeling better as the pain had went away though Dorcas had noticed that she had look as white as a sheet. "Are you sure you are well Margaret? You look rather pale," Dorcas commented in concern. "Do I?"Margaret asked "Quite," Minnie replied pouring her tea. "I was feeling quite strange," Margaret replied "but I do feel much better now," She finished.
Thomas had arrived and came into the room."My dear you should be at home resting, "he said in concern. "I wouldn't dare, I wish to be around everyone else. Instead of waiting for something to happen being at home becomes rather dull, especially when one has nothing to do "Margaret replied."Anyways, I had come to be with you for a few moments,""As much as I would wish to I do have letters to sort," Thomas Replied. "Laura and I can do that, though I do think you deserve the rest of the day off," Dorcas said getting up. "Thank you Miss. Lane," Thomas replied gratefully. "Perhaps after a nap we can go for a walk I would enjoy that," Margaret said happily.
"I don't know Margaret, if you are not well," Thomas said in concern for her health as she was to soon be due."Exercise during expectancy is quite recommended. Thomas and I think it will ease her discomfort," Dorcas said from the sorting room. Thomas unsure of how Dorcas had heard their conversation turned towards the sorting room. "Sorry," Dorcas said. "The walls are thin," "It's just a suggestion,""Considering you are right most of the time I think we shall go on that walk later this afternoon," Thomas said turning towards his wife. Margaret smiled. "May I escort you home my dear?" Thomas said gallantly lending her his arm. "Gladly, My knight," She replied. Upon arriving at the house an excited Amelia Cordelia came jumping at their feet for attention. "Well Hello Girl," Thomas said bending down to pet her. Margaret smiled and headed upstairs to their bedroom. "My Dear, You must wait," Thomas called after her. "You might need some assistance," he said hurrying up to the step she was at which was almost near the end.
"I'm fine Thomas," Margaret replied. "I'm only concerned. . ." Thomas began to say. "My dear, you have taken care of me so well, but I don't need help with everything," She said kissing him lightly. "Except perhaps these last few steps," She said with a laugh. "They trouble me much," She said taking his arm. It seemed she could not admit her body was not quite the same. She got on the bed wearily and seemed to sigh in relief as she had gotten a chance to lie down. Thomas took his coat off and got in bed beside her. They looked into each other's eyes as Margaret took his hand. "I suppose I've been a little different these past few months. I hope I haven't hurt you," she said softly. "Of course not, I take no offense. I understand," He replied he could still see something was on her mind. "Thomas, I'm scared, "She said.
"Scared?" He questioned. "What if I'm not a good mother, I can't even change a nappy," Margaret said worriedly. Thomas rubbed her hand as he held it tighter. "You will be a wonderful mother," He replied. Margaret carefully nestled herself close to Thomas." you aren't the only one who is anxious," Thomas replied taking a deep breath. As he welcomed her into his embrace and rested his hand on her stomach stroking it softly. Margaret smiled her eyes were heavy and she found Thomas stroking her stomach calmed her. She put her hand on his and fell asleep.
