It was March before Rilla felt normal enough to step out further than her neighbourhood park. Even those short outings were short of changing weather. Today she was going into town, to get much need supplies for Oliver and to surprise Ken at work.

She was dressed in a dark green dress that had an inset that hooked open and closed. It seemed like half of her wardrobe was useless with their shoulder closures. Her life was all about swift access yet remaining modest if she was out in public. With her good wool jacket and velvet hat, matching bag and sturdy boots she was set to go.

She had her baby bag packed three cloth diapers, small tins of cream and talc, pacifier, receiving blankets were tucked into pockets. Of course there extra bonnets and booties before somehow one always managed to come off, even another slip for Oliver if she needed one. That was just for the baby, she had her own spare camisole, wet bag for used breast pads and her own lotion. She was well prepared.

She had the blanket that would keep Oliver warm in his carriage, set off to the side. It shouldn't take her too long to reach the bus stop that would bring her downtown. And covered with a blanket Oliver would be perfectly fine outside.

Still even as she was prepared, she was in her half mind not to go. She didn't know why the notion had her overthinking everything. It was a trip downtown, a visit to see daddy, a shopping trip that may end with tea. Why was she so anxious?

"He's all clean and dressed warmly Mrs. Ford," Mrs. Clarke came up holding the young master.

"Thank you so much," Rilla sighed taking her son.

"It's nothing, the last thing we needed was for you to get dirty as well," Mrs. Clarke told her smiling. "I also packed a few snacks as well for you."

"You think of everything," Rilla let out a nervous laugh as she settled Oliver into the carriage. "We'll be back in a few hours."

"Of course, I'll plan on beating out the rug in the living room and washing the floors." Mrs. Clarke told her.

"You just did that a few days ago?" Rilla looked at her.

"Yet the little master is spending more time on his blankets on the floor," Mrs. Clarke told her with a knowing voice.

"Of course," Rilla said flushing slightly. How could she not think of that? "Well, I should be off," she said as Mrs. Clarke went to open the door for her. Each lady took an end and safely carried the carriage down the front steps.

She headed down the driveway, stepped onto the sidewalk. She didn't look back, as she adjusted the blanket that shielded Oliver from the slight wind. She continued on her way until she reached the streetcar stop. She wasn't the only mother making use of the warm day it seemed as she looked around. Some held toddlers in their arms, another woman whom she recognized from a park had her pram as well. Rilla smiled at her and pulled up next to her.

"Lovely day," She said kindly to Rilla.

"It is," Rilla agreed. " right?" She asked trying to place the name of the woman she had seen in the park before.

"Yes, Julia Lucas and you are Mrs. Ford?" Julia Lucas replied with a smile.

"Rilla Ford," Rilla smiled back. "This is Oliver, you live around the corner near spruce?" Lifting the blanket for a moment to check on Oliver who was sleeping.

"I do, this is Thomas or Tommy," She did the same for Rilla. "How old?"

"He's two months old," Rilla stated. "He's on the smaller side." She explained.

"Tommy is five months," Julia said with a smile. "This your first time out?"

"How can you tell?" Rilla laughed nervously.

"You just have that look to you," Julia told her. "The driver will place our carriages on the hook. Grab your bags and Oliver and have your fare ready as soon as you hear the streetcar."

"Thank you," Rilla sighed with relief knowing what to do as the streetcar came. As the other mother said the driver took the carriages and asked for their stop. Carefully up the steps, Rilla found men and women offering their seats to the group of young mothers. Rilla thanked the young girl and sat down keeping Oliver close to her. Praying he wouldn't start crying, but he seemed contact to focus on what he could around him.

She made small talk to the other mothers, feeling strange how she was suddenly like she was part of the club. She stole a look down the bus, how the younger ladies and girl gathered around. They were giggling, talking about some film they had seen the other night. While the back of the bus was relatively empty. A maid or housekeeper of darker skin who was running errands for their employers.

Rilla got off at her stop, thanking the driver for placing her baby carriage on the sidewalk for her. She settled Oliver, who was none too please to be put down.

"Crying won't get you what you want," Rilla told him a teasing but loving voice while digging out his pacifier. "Plus this adventure is mostly for you, young sir."

Rilla looked around before setting off. The department store wasn't far from her stop, but it was still a fair distance. She smiled and nodded as she excused herself as she walked up the sidewalk. Checking on Oliver from time to time was who making small noises.

She didn't even have to ask as the doorman jumped to open the door for her. Greeting her as she stepped inside Simpson, asking if she needed any help. To which she shook her head and said no thank you.

As soon as she could she pulled the carriage over to the side. Using the moment to take off the blanket and let Oliver from his own. She smiled and tickled his stomach causing him to smile and wave around his hands and kick up his feet.

"Now where should we go first? Toys?" Did she ask him with a smile? "I think we need to get a few new outfits first, you're growing out all of your rompers."

With shopping finished and set to be delivered the next day so she wouldn't have to carry it around with her. Minus the one stuffed monkey that Oliver went into a fit of tears when she removed it from his sight. She gathered him up in his blankets once more before leaving the store. Deciding if she stopped in to see Ken now, she could potentially feed Oliver in privacy. Surely the department store had a waiting area that mothers could make use of. Still, it made Rilla feel self-conscious.

She reached the building Ken had bought, frowning at the small flight of stairs. Debating mentally how to get up them safely when a young boy who was walking with his mother offered to help her. He tipped his cap to her when he reached the top.

"Wait!" Rilla stopped him and gave him a nickel she had in her pocket. "For some candy," she told him. "Thank you for helping me, your mother must be proud of you?" The boy blushed and shrugged bashfully.

"Thank you," he said and skipped down to his mother. Rilla smiled and nodded to the woman who smiled back before continuing with her day. Rilla made it through the door, as the front receptionist jumped to her feet.

"Mrs. Ford!" The receptionist named Lydia exclaimed. "Mr. Ford didn't mention you popping in today."

"It's a surprise, Lydia," Rilla smiled. "I hope that is all right?"

"Of course, it goes on in," Lydia instructed her. "Can I take a peek?"

"Of course," Rilla lifted the blanket away. Oliver had kicked his way free of his blankets. As soon as he saw his mother he gave her a gummy smile. It was like they were playing hide and seek.

"Oh he is precious," Lydia gushed. "Congratulations, I can't wait to get married and have a little one."

Rilla smiled awkwardly, wanting to tell the girl not to be in a rush. "Your time will come," she settled with.

Lydia opened the door for Rilla and let her go inside. She could spot Ken in a crowd of men who were intently looking at the latest storyboard right away. One of them nudged him, pointing towards her when he heard the door open. The serious look on his face vanished at the sight of her.

"What in the world?" Ken bounded towards her. "You didn't mention coming to visit."

"It was a nice day, and I had some shopping to do," Rilla told him, blushing as he kissed her cheek. "I thought it might be a nice surprise if Oliver came to see where daddy works."

"It is definitely a good surprise," Ken reassured her as he gathered Oliver in his arms. "Shall we give him a tour?"

"Don't bounce him," Rilla warned him. "He threw up once already today."

"Yes, dear," Ken drawled but continued to smile as he settled Oliver on his arms so he could look around easily. The men who generally made little fuss over babies were all making funny faces over their boss's son. Rilla could only imagine it was due to the fact she had given birth to a son. If it had a daughter, which she had so thought Oliver was going to be, they wouldn't be as enthusiastic about the infant.

"Which one do you like better?" Ken asked Oliver standing in front of the story bored. "This one is about how to be a gentleman on a date, or the other one is how to choose the right sort of dog for your lifestyle?"

Of course, Oliver didn't respond to him as he shoves his fingers into the mouth.

"I don't think he's going to be much help Ford," Keith speaks up within a laugh.

"Sure he will," Ken grinned. "Which one Ollie? Pretty lady on a date, or the puppies?"

Oliver chewed on his fingers and moved his head side to side as if he was looking for something. When he couldn't see it he let out a howl.

"Oliver," Rilla voice rang out when she heard him. Making her way from behind her husband, letting Oliver know that she was still there. "It's all right, mommy is still here, and yes daddy is asking some very hard questions."

"All right, shall we continue," Ken sighed. "Did you know your friend Artemis, that fluffy tail you like to pet was found here in this building," he told Oliver. "I'll be back! Put how to pick a dog in the marriage section and how to be a gentleman can be put in the 'so you think you're ready,' youth edition," Ken told them.

Rilla jumped into step next to him, Ken often teased her overprotectiveness. Still, she made sure that Ken was supporting his head properly.

"Are you ready for the ladies?" Ken looked at Oliver as he walked up the stairs. "You are going to be such a ladies man."

"He's a baby," Rilla rolled her eyes. "We don't need him to think he needs to grow up and break a million hearts or worse." Rilla reminded him.

"Of course," Ken conceded with a nod of his head and kissed Oliver's head lovingly. "You hear that your mother doesn't want you to grow up too fast."

"Thats not what I said," Rilla huffed under her breath.

The ladies heard about the baby before they reached the second floor. The door opened for them. The younger ones rushed over, leaving there work. They gushed over Oliver, saying how adorable and precious he was. As the older ones who were either married or widowed made conversation with Rilla. Asking how she was doing and feeling since the birth of her son. She talked politely, answering their questions. As her eyes flickered back and forth as Oliver being passed around. Knowing he didn't always do well with being passed around.

"You look so well," One lady told her.

"Oh, Thank you," Rilla blushed. "The power of support," she jested awkwardly. "Oh please don't bounce him!" She exclaimed to the young girl who ran errands. "It makes him spit up," Rilla explained.

"Of course, I'm sorry," the girl flushed feeling embarrassed at Rilla outcry.

"Please don't be, I just don't want him to ruin your dress," Rilla tried to explain to the younger girl.

"Why don't we go to sit in my office?" Ken spoke up to Rilla who was taking back Oliver who cuddled into his mother's shoulder.

Rilla nodded and followed him as the crowd dispersed. She sat down with a sigh on the sofa that faced his desk. Looking at the clock, and Oliver who was sticking out his tongue. "How are you hungry already? I should have another hour before you start wanting your next meal?" She asked him in a soft voice.

"He's a ford," Ken grinned as he sat down next to her. "Or he's growing?"

"Oh, he is growing," Rilla told him knowingly. "I just bought him some new rompers and sleepers. Oh, my bag," Rilla realized sighed when she realized it was still with the carriage.

"I'll go get it," Ken told her kissing her temple before he got up. He made quick work of retrieving the bag and when he came back, his son was already suckling away. "Someone else got a new stuffed animal?" Ken asked amused, holding up the monkey.

"You wouldn't have been able to say no to him either," Rilla gave smiles before him a look. "Don't distract him," she warned Ken as he tried to get Oliver's attention with the toy.

"It seems like a fairly big day for both of you, getting out the house," Ken mused. "You didn't walk here did you?"

"No, we took the streetcar," Rilla told him. "We just did some shopping," she explained to him.

"So it's a full day," Ken noted.

"I think it's time," Rilla told him quietly. "I can't stay home forever, the more I get used to it, the easier it will become."

"Don't push yourself if you're not ready to," Ken told her as he stood up and crossed over to his desk. Running his hand over his hair he sorted through the stack of papers.

"Is everything all right?" Rilla asked him.

"Of course," Ken said quickly. "Just a few stumbling blocks this month, nothing to worry yourself over."

Rilla frowned. "Saying things like that won't make me not worry."

"I had a writer up and quit, another didn't show up. I have some pieces that need to be finished but no one is up to the task," Ken told her. "We're doing all right, I promise. We managed to sign another company for an advertisement last week. It should give some actual profit this month and not just break even," Ken told her honestly.

"What sort of advice are you looking for?" Rilla looked up from watching Oliver.

"Well, someone asked how to find a suitable husband. Another asked how do you manage from keeping your marriage going dull. The usual questions we get asked by women," Ken told her. "How to respect yourself and your man when you're madly in love?"

"Jesus," Rilla muttered. "They ask for it all don't they?"

"It's not even something we do or advertised. They just came in the mail, and some of the ladies think it's a good idea, but afraid for writing bad advice." Ken agreed with her. "What would you tell a younger girl who was looking for a husband?"

"To be patient and not be in such a rush," Rilla said after a moment. "That sometimes you have to look right in front of you to notice who is noticing you? At the same time, we met when I was young and you declared your intentions rather early, even if they were vague." Rilla teased him at the end.

"It didn't seem all that vague, I was asking you not to go find yourself another boy to kiss." Ken retorted with a small smirk at his younger self.

"Okay, Casanova," Rilla rolled her eyes. "Let's see, how to keep a marriage from going dull? Keep your husband on his toes, if he's not scared of you at least once a day, clearly you aren't doing your job correctly." Rilled said with a devilish grin. "While how to respect yourself and your man? Well, talk about your boundaries I suppose. Is holding hands enough, or cuddling in the movie theatre? Are you going to kiss before you become engaged?"

"Those are quite some rules to follow, yet I don't remember us following any of them?" Ken mused.

"Well, it's not I would be willing to tell a young girl to do what we did," Rilla gave him another look with a shake of her head.

"True enough," Ken chuckled. "Do you want me to burp him?" He asked as he pushed a glass of water towards her.

"Please, I should use the ladies' room before I head back out," Rilla told him nodding her head as she fixed herself up and rehooked her gown back together. She took a long drink as he tossed a towel over his shoulder, after shedding his suit jacket. Rubbing gently he talked to Oliver some sort of nonsense.

She took her purse and wet bag and made use of the ladies' room. Rinsing out the milk-soaked pads and blotting them dry with a towel she brought with her. She looked in the mirror, deciding she was looking decent. Yes, her lipstick had rubbed off slightly, and her brow was shiny, but she looked happy and fresh looking. She fished out a compact from her bag. She touched up her face with her powder and blended out the lipstick, before putting her gloves back on.

A quick goodbye, which had Ken walking Rilla and his son out and down the stairs. He kissed her goodbye, offering to get her cab for the way home. Rilla had shaken her head, saying the streetcar was fine.

It was just after three with Rilla opened her front door. She wiped her boots and sat down on the stairs in a crumpled heap. She unbuttoned her boots and placed them by the door.

"Mrs. Clarke?" She called out.

"Kitchen, Mrs. Ford," Mrs. Clarke's voice responded.

Rilla hummed a response as she checked on Oliver who was sleeping still. She lifted him and brought him over to his bassinet that sat in the living room still.

"Is it possible—," Rilla stopped as she saw a plate of crackers and cheese waiting for her. "Oh, you are my saviour." Rilla found her mouth-watering. She polished off her snack with a contented sigh. "What would I ever do without you, besides live off bread and butter or starve?"

"I am glad to be of help," Mrs. Clarke told her from the archway of the living room. "Did you get everything you needed?"

"I did," Rilla confirmed. "Probably too much," she added on. "Sit down," she waved at one of the chairs. "We have a few minutes before the young master wakes up, we can go through groceries and menus for the upcoming week." Mrs. Clarke nodded but did not sit until there was fresh milk and a plate of cookies between them.

When Ken came home, dinner was just finishing. Rilla set the table and stirred the pot that Mrs. Clarke had left simmering for them.

"You smell like smoke," Rilla stated as she stepped away from his kiss.

"I was down in the shipping dock and they were smoking," Ken replied still slightly angered by them. "It angered me enough that it drove to smoke after I yelled at them and left."

Rilla nodded, she knew he smoked occasionally still. She could smell it, after all. He cut down from what she could see or tell but cutting himself completely off. It wasn't going to work when he was sleep-deprived and exhausted as she was. He learned that the hard way.

"Which is why I have to hire three new men," Ken sighed. "I don't understand what exactly is happening. Two of my writer in ladies have either disappeared or resigned. Then three men were caught smoking."

"Well, I doubt the smoking was anything more than them not believing your rule," Rilla tried to comfort him. "As for the others, do you think they got poached? Or maybe they were sent to spy on you?"

"I doubt anyone would spy on us. Josephine is getting married and her husband doesn't wish her to work," Ken shook his head. "While Violet, the one who runs messages for the ladies and does small writing. I spoke to her mother when inquiring if she would be back and she's gone to stay with an Aunt."

"Well, that is code that, she'll be back in nine months," Rilla explained.

"Seriously?" Ken looked at her.

"As if you never heard that excuse before, especially in Toronto?" Rilla shook her head. "It happens a fair bit, even here. If her own mother is young enough, she might even go along, they'll pass it off as a sibling. Otherwise, she'll come back from caring from her ailing aunt like nothing had ever happened." Rilla told him and patted his cheek at his naivety. "Go wash up for dinner, it's already finished."

The rest of the evening went as much the same. Bath time and storytime, Ken had sat at his desk until he couldn't read any more paperwork. They were both in bed asleep when Oliver woke them up. Rilla blindly reached for him, but when he refused her breast she sighed knowing it would be a long night. Grabbing her robe, she left the room quietly. Trying to let Ken get some rest, as the week before printing was always the busiest.

She turned on the radiators and walked the living room floor, in the light of the lamp. Waiting, watching until Oliver quieted down, but as soon as she put him down he howled at her. He wasn't hungry, he was dry. She sat him on the floor and played with waved the new monkey around him until he had enough. Nights were always a surprise, some nights he would only wake up once or twice. Other nights, well he refused to sleep. It took three times of trying to get him to settle before she gave up. She instead wrapped him to her with the long scarf she used as a sling. She was looking for a book to read when she saw the three letters to the editor on his desk. She sat down and looked at them thoroughly before grabbing a pencil and a stack of paper. Writing as much as she could before Oliver called for her attention once more.

The morning had come too quickly as Rilla stumbled out of bed. Oliver was already out of his bed and with Ken it seemed. She pulled on her robe, frowning at the stains but decided she'd worry about it later.

She collected the new milk from the front door and brought them to the kitchen with her.

"What are these?" Ken asked coming across the paper she had written as packed his briefcase. Noticing her half, asleep handwriting right away.

"When Oliver refused to settle last night, and you were sleeping. I was thinking about our conversation and your problem." Rilla yawned reaching for the cup of coffee waiting for her. "I was up and as long as he was tucked into me. I could write rather easily," she told him with another yawn. "I don't even know what I wrote truthfully." She added on as Ken read through the first page.

"These are—?" Ken started as he turned to the other page, reading the answers to the questions that plagued him. They were honest, wholesome, and something that a mother might tell her daughter. At the same time, they were wise and address emotions and how to be true to oneself.

"I know," Rilla replied frowning, thinking they probably weren't what he was looking for. "I was just bored and it was nice to do something when someone refused to go to sleep. It's not like you have to use them." Rilla told him.

"These are good," Ken finished. "Excellent, better than I could have imagined," He added on, grinning her kissed her. "I'll pass these along to Keith, see what he says, so it doesn't look biased on my part," Ken told her. "But I think he will agree these are good. Do you want to sign them, or we can give you a pseudonym, no one has to know it is you," Ken told her thinking out loud.

"This won't be a regular thing Ken, I just needed something to keep me awake last night," Rilla told him, resting her head on her palm. still looking forward to a nap after he left for work. "Just makeup something, if you use them. I don't care."

How to respect yourself and your beau while in love?

Lavinia-Age 18

Dear Lavinia

At eighteen the world is at your fingertips. You're most likely graduated high school, maybe thinking about college? Dating, and maybe even marriage? Hearing whispers of talk in the powder room which only makes you confused? This isn't what your mother taught you? That is because courting has disappeared and what we call dating has emerged. It's no longer improper to be alone with a man that you like, to go out to the theatre and see a motion picture. With these changes, young men and women are faced with large decisions. What is right, what is wrong? Can you hold someone's hand if you aren't engaged, are you allowed to kiss? Is kissing strictly for engagement. It's all questions one should think about when It comes to reputation. No one wishes to be the talk of the town when the talk is not polite.

Don't be afraid to talk to your mother, father, reverend/father, if you need mature or spiritual guidance. Explain your worries, let them in on your inner thoughts. Most importantly, never let anyone pressure you into something that feels wrong. If they can't respect your convictions they are not the person for you. Both parties need to support each other and share the same values for a relationship to work. This allows you to respect each other while respecting yourself

Remember it is natural to feel infatuation, crushes, too fancy another. Without such a feeling, we would not be inclined to look for a spouse. Love and affection are the basis for a happy marital life, and ultimately will flourish and create a passionate marriage.

Be smart and be kind to yourself and your beau.

Mrs. Mary Lennox

Well, it seems I have the summer off, so more weekly updates!

Thank you all for the lovely comments and the new follows and favourites. I enjoy them all and enjoy knowing you enjoy this story.

Tina.