Chapter: Strange phenomena

"In all my twenty years of doctoring," Kate moans as the world swirls back into color. "I've never had a woman faint on me just because she's pregnant."

Kate groans. "I can't…believe I actually fainted." She pushes the smelling salts out of her face. "I never faint. I didn't even vomit when I was a nurse in Verdun."

"Well due to your medical experience, surely," he grips her arms and helps her into a sitting position on the couch. "you must have suspected you were pregnant."

She shook her head. "No idea." He chuckles at her shock. "How…is it even possible?"

"Well, to put it delicately, were you on your monthly cycle when you two consummated your relationship?" she nodded, still too shocked to be anything be embarrassed. "You've not had it since?"

"Yes." Kate croaks, shocked to realize that she hadn't even noticed when her periods had stopped. But then, it has been a very, very busy time.

"I would assume that the consummation was enjoyable for both partners?"

She shrugs. "I have no idea what you're asking me."

"Well…did you feel this intense feeling inside you before he-

Kate cuts him off, now growing embarrassed. "Yes! I'm sorry, it's just," she exhales deeply. "a baby. I wasn't expecting a baby."

"No one ever is." he grins. "That's why it's always a pleasant surprise."

She places her hand on her stomach. "We…weren't even planning on having children. Not for a few more years."

Doctor Blake is silent for a moment before saying. "You can't get rid of it, because of who you're married to. There's no one within this country who'd risk Thomas Shelby coming after them."

"I couldn't get rid of the baby. It's just…now's not the right time." She sighs. "We're working through some things. Can I rely on your discretion that you won't tell him until I feel it's the right time?"

"Of course, I can't keep it from him long. You will need to tell him before he calls me back to check on you again. And believe me; he will when he notices you're not getting better and the morning sickness will become more frequent." the doctor puts his equipment back in his black bag. "And not to mention, he will notice your increasing."

Kate groans and lies back on the couch. "Oh, that man! This is all his fault." She blinks a moment. "Actually, it's my fault. He didn't want to consummate the marriage, I made him! Oh, why am I even telling you this?"

"Because you need someone to confide in as you absorb this news." He studies her. "I'm sure things will be alright when the baby arrives."

"How can you be so sure of that?"

He studies her for a moment before stating. "I've seen my share of unhappy couples, you two are not. He is very concerned for you and he's in love with you." Kate's cheeks heated at his observation. "Judging by your reaction, you love him too. When the time comes, this child will grow up in a happy home, with two loving parents."

"I hope you're right."

"I'm never wrong in cases like these." He stands up and helps her to her feet. "Shall we go?"

Kate nods and they head out of the parlor, her mind spinning like crazy. As they walk down the hall to the entrance, Kate's not surprised to see Thomas is sitting on the lower steps of the stairs. He jumps up from his spot. "What's wrong with her doc?" he asked striding towards them. The concern on his face is touching

"Nothing to be concerned about." Doctor Blake says smoothly. "She's simply vitamin deficient. She needs to eat more greens and food with iron."

That's such a flimsy excuse, she's not sure Thomas is going to buy it. "You're sure she's not being poisoned?"

"I am positive." He nodded. "She's also been overworking herself, which is upsetting her stomach. Try to get her to eat something to help her stomach. Ginger or lemon tea and crackers should help."

Thomas nods. "Send me a list and I'll make sure she has everything she needs."

"Also, see to it that she eats at least one meal a day and has a few snacks." Thomas nods while she glowers. "Some cheese or something light to help her."

"Yes. I'll make sure of it."

"Thomas, I'm not a baby." He glowers back at her. "I can take care of myself."

"I know that. I'm just ensuring that you do it properly!"

"I'm going upstairs," she muttered. "for a bit."

"Hang on to those stairs tightly." The doctor advised. "With those headaches you've been having, I wouldn't want you to fall. She should rest today."

Kate shakes her head. "I'll take a nap, but, I've got work to do. My decorator is coming today."

"Send him away and call him in a month."

"No. he turned down an important client to help me. I can't put him off like that."

"Kate, I haven't insisted that you do anything, for me but today, I am." he grips the banister. "Please, take the day off." she opened her mouth to object, but then he said. "I'm worried."

She nodded before saying. "I promise, I won't do anything after I'm done talking with Alex. After he comes, I'll stay on the couch and relax. I promise."

He nods. "Thank you. Doctor, I'll see you out."

Kate smiled. "Thank you for coming over on such short notice." And with that, she walked up the stairs, clutching onto the rail tightly for her mind was in a daze. She still couldn't believe she was pregnant. How was she ever going to tell him?

The moment Thomas steps out of the house with the doctor, he closes the door. "Is there anything else that I need to know?"

Doctor Blake studies him for a moment. "I've known your wife for almost 10 years now and she always gets a little depressed this time of year."

Thomas nods. "I'll keep an eye on her."

"She's not suicidal, but, she has a tendency to start missing people she's lost in her life." the doctor hesitates before adding. "Might I suggest taking her away after the holidays? She needs time away from this house and people. I'm sure she loves everyone here, but remember, she was a solitary person. Now, she's back under the scrutiny of the public, so, that can be very stressful."

"That's a good idea." Thomas hands him the envelope of money. "Thank you for coming Doctor."

Doctor Blake nods his head, Thomas turns, and heads back inside. He exhales deeply; Kate probably really did need a vacation. That would explain why she'd been down these last few days. Then, a thought hits him.

He'd never taken Kate on a honeymoon. Thomas glances up the stairs, a plan forming in his mind. He'd find out from her the exact date of her birthday, hopefully, she was a summer birth. She probably didn't know when his birthday was either.

But where did she want to go? He could ask her, but then that would ruin the surprise. His next thought, had him grabbing the phone and dialing a number he hadn't planned on calling. Her father's residence. After arguing with the butler for five minutes, the phone was finally handed over to Mr. Kovach.

Shelby, I'm in the middle of something important.

"Question. When Kate was growing up, did she mention where she wanted to have her honeymoon?"

You called me up, to ask me this? Her father was exasperated. She's your wife. Ask her.

"If I asked her," he snapped back. "it wouldn't be a surprise now, would it?"

Her father lets out a huff. Fine. There was one place Kate wanted to go.

"Where?"

France. The blood froze in his veins at that word. He sat down in his chair, gripping the phone tightly in his hand, which has started to sweat. He swore he'd never go back to France. Specifically, the French Riviera and Paris. Thomas stunned silent. Of all the places in the world to chose from. Kate wanted to go to France. Why in Hell did it have to be France? Hey? Are you still there?

Her father's irritated voice brought him back out of his fog. "Yes. Thanks. Goodbye." And with that, Thomas hung up on him. He let out a deep sigh before leaning back in his chair to look up at the ceiling. Why? Why did she have to want to visit France?

Idcam: She'll be completely fine after she adjusts to the whole idea.