"Congratulations Mrs. Oleson."

Harriet couldn't get the image of Dr. Baker's smiling face off her mind. Or his words: You're going to be a mother.

Harriet wanted children, she supposed, but she wondered what kind of mother she would be. Her father loved her and had given her anything she wanted, and while her mother loved her, too, Harriet always felt closer to her father. Maybe it was because she and Mama had argued constantly about her figure and finding a husband…

Harriet sighed as she leaned against the side of the building that housed Dr, Baker's office when Mrs. Foster came walking by.

"All you all right, Harriet?" she asked.

"Oh, yes, Mrs. Foster" said Harriet. "I was just enjoying the pleasant day. I may even go for a walk."

"All right," said Mrs. Foster looking at her strangely. Although Mrs. Foster was her friend, Harriet didn't feel close enough to confide in her. Harriet picked up her skirts and walked over the bridge into the countryside.

Harriet rarely ventured out of town on foot, but today she found solace in the quiet of the country. The children were in school and the farmers' wives were at home, working the early afternoon chores and gathering vegetables for supper. Harriet soon found herself at the lake.

Harriet stared down at her reflection. Harriet Oleson. Married. A Mother. Just a few years ago she never would have imagined it. After a man named Russell Harmon had broken their engagement, Harriet had sworn she would never marry. But here she was.

Harriet held her stomach. Maybe she would be good mother. After all she could give the child everything it would need and want. Yes, this child was privileged, after all its parents had money and status.

But then she thought of Nels. She had insisted on waiting to have children. Maybe he had been disappointed at first, but he had gotten used to things. Maybe now he didn't want children. After all life was good for them. They quarreled quite a bit, but they were comfortable, and had already achieved a place of respect in Walnut Grove.

Harriet thought, how would I tell him? Finally she stood up and decided to rehearse.

"Uh Nels, I-"

"Nels, I'm going to have a child. And that's that."

"Remember Nels how you said that you wanted to be a father?"

Harriet fell to her knees in frustration. "Oh Nels!" she whined. "I'm going to have a baby!"

"What!" came a voice.

Harriet turned and almost tripped and fell into the river as Nels stared at her.

"Harriet!" he cried and ran to help her. When she was standing upright he smiled. "That was close. You've got to be more careful."

"Yes," said Harriet. "I suppose I do."

"I can't believe it, Harriet. A baby!"

"So, you're happy about it Nels?"

"Of course!" he cried.

"But, I said I wanted to wait-"

"Yes you said you wanted to wait." Nels reminded her. "I've always wanted children. Why did you want to wait?"

"Oh, I don't know Nels," said Harriet. "Maybe because of Mama. I don't want to nag my children all the time."

"You don't want to nag," said Nels slowly. But he decided to avoid an argument. "Well, I think sometimes we can't help being like our parents."

"Yes," Harriet replied. Her face brightened. "I'll be more like Papa. Papa gave me everything I wanted. I was his favorite-"

"Harriet," said Nels warningly. "Come on. Let's go home."

"How did you know I was here anyway?" Harriet asked as they headed towards town.

"Mr. Hanson told me he saw you walking out of town, and you never leave town if you can help it."

"And now I have more of an excuse to stay put," said Harriet.

"Harriet, it's good to get some exercise."

"Not when I'm with child. I should take it easy."

"When don't you take it easy?"

"I'll have you know I work hard in that store, Nels Oleson. If it weren't for me-"

"I know, I know, there wouldn't be a store."

"That's right and-"

"Harriet?"

"What?"

"I don't think arguing is good for the baby."

Harriet shut her mouth.