"A letter for you Anna."
The gruff voice of Mr Carson spoke. Taking the letter, she opened it quickly, being careful to not let her husband see. Naturally he was curious. Reading the first lines, she learnt all she needed to know.
'Dear Mrs Bates.
I have run some tests, and concluded that you are going through the first trimester of pregnancy…'
Folding the letter, she got up quickly, and went to fix Lady Mary's tray.
Mary was delighted
"You really are pregnant?"
"Yes mi-lady!"
Anna was so excited. Mary thought, and then spoke.
"You should know, that even if you cannot work as my maid, you can still live in the cottage, and the house will support you."
Anna looked stunned.
"Thank you, mi-lady. I mean, I will try and work as much as I can, but I am sorry to cause trouble for you."
Mary grinned.
"Never mind that, have you told Bates? He will be so pleased."
"I haven't mi-lady, but you are right. He will be so pleased."
In the afternoon, Anna sat at the table in the servants' hall, mending a dress. John sat in the rocking chair. They were alone. He used hungry glances to sweep his wife's chest. She smiled when she noticed this. She couldn't wait to tell him!
