Cedric walked into the bedroom and let out an exaggerated sigh as he slipped his jacket from his shoulders. "I had to read Chrissie the book twice, but the kids are tucked in for the night."

After tossing the jacket over the divan and undoing the top two buttons of his shirt, he then noticed Evangeline curled up and facing away from him. Realizing she was asleep, he walked over and bent down to kiss her cheek. When he did, he tasted tears on his lips.

"Evangeline?"

In a doze, his voice broke through her consciousness. She was so worn from crying that sleep had been inevitable. Even after opening her eyes, it took her a moment to remember where she was. Once she did, she wiped her cheeks with her wrist before sitting up.

"I fell asleep," she said.

Cedric sat on the edge of the bed. "I see you've been crying, too."

"Must have had a nightmare," she lied.

"A silent nightmare?"

She shrugged. "Anything's possible."

"Except for the truth, apparently."

Biting her lip, she gave in. "Right, so I've been crying."

"I want to know why."

"I'm not sick," she said.

"Then what is the matter?" he begged.

For a moment, she contemplated telling the whole truth. She was fairly certain of her condition where there was no other explanation. She wanted to tell him. If things had been different for them, she'd be exuding joy and unable to contain such a wonderful announcement. Then again, if things were different, Mrs. Brown might still be here and she'd still be their scullery maid.

When she didn't reply, he rephrased his question. "If you're not ill, then did you receive bad news? Did the tax collector come by? The death of a friend?"

"No, nothing of the sort."

"Then I can't guess what else's got you aloof and teary-eyed."

Making sure her voice was steady first, Evangeline reached across her lap for his hands and offered a half-truth. "I promise I will tell you, Cedric. It's just that I need to work it out for myself first."

"Is it that bad?"

"I... I don't know."

"But you swear you're not unwell?"

"I swear it."

"Good..." he said, patting her hand. "Good."

The concern in Cedric's eyes broke Evangeline's heart. How lucky was she to have such a wonderful husband, and yet, she was too terrified to tell him something that was just as significant to him as herself. It wasn't fair. She knew it. But she simply didn't have the strength to deal with whatever his reaction might be right now.

Instead, she opted for a distraction. What more harm could possibly be done?

"I did check the book for a reason," she said – another half-truth – pushing herself forward so she could stroke his cheek.

Cedric gave a crooked smile but remained apprehensive. "If you're not up to it Ev—"

"The nap helped," she interrupted.

"Only if you're sure..."

"Come here," she said, tugging on his collar until she was close enough to kiss him.

If Cedric hadn't been suspicious before, he had reason to be now. Though always affectionate, she couldn't be considered brazen. She was content to follow him. Tonight, in her desperation to keep both of their minds occupied, she was far bolder. Luckily for her, Cedric was too stunned to ask too many questions.

"My word, Evangeline," he said later, hardly sure what to make of such a drastic change in her demeanor.

"Have to make the waits count," she breathed, still playing the part of diversion.

"At least you seem to be feeling better."

Rolling onto her side, she draped her arm across his chest and nuzzled his cheek. "Let's not talk about this evening anymore."

"I just don't understand it. One minute you're in tears and the next you're..."

"Ravishing you?" she teased.

He turned his head in surprise. "Who are you and what have you done with my sweet and innocent Evangeline?"

She swatted him. "Are you complaining?"

"Heavens, no."

With a smile, she placed a tender kiss on his lips before settling on his shoulder for the night, happy to be putting today behind her.

. . .

The next day, Evangeline made an appointment on her own to meet with the doctor. It wasn't easy to duck out, especially not being able to tell Mrs. Blatherwick the details of her errand. She was perhaps more difficult to dodge than the children.

A small part of her had hoped the doctor would tell her she was fretting senselessly. How much easier it would be not to be pregnant. Then she could tell Cedric she was just feeling emotional that day. Better yet, attempt to let her outburst fade away. She'd certainly been able to keep his mind on other things last night.

Alas, she never heard those magic words that would make her problems dissipate.

"Seems to me like you're pregnant," he said with a routine congratulations.

"But are you absolutely sure?"

The doctor shrugged. "It's very early. I'm afraid it's a wait-and-see situation. A lot can happen in this time even if you are."

"Shouldn't I be getting bouts of sickness if there's a baby?"

"That will come in time."

"What are the chances it's something else?"

"I don't feel any abscesses. Given your recent marriage, your age, and your health it's unlikely anything but pregnancy."

Her cheeks grew red. In turn, she hid her face with her hands. "We've been so careful. We were told some times were better than others… We thought we had a little more control over matters."

"There's never a guarantee, Mrs. Brown. It's especially difficult with an irregular cycle or it could be a simple matter of miscalculation. Unfortunately, a definitive answer won't come for another month or so when more symptoms appear."

She had to take a moment to process it all. Where did she go from here? Should she tell Cedric right away? Or should she wait for that definitive answer?

"I'm sorry that this isn't the answer you were hoping for."

She shook her head. "Can I ask one more question?"

"Of course."

"What are the chances of something happening to me? During the birth I mean."

"Is that what's got you so concerned?"

"Not me so much… my husband."

The doctor gave a solemn nod. "Yes, I'm sure that is quite a concern for him."

"Isn't there any kind of reassurance I can give him?"

"To be perfectly honest, there's always a risk present during childbirth for both the mother and the baby. However, I don't suspect there being an issue for you as of right now. You're at a good age and healthy. The midwife will likely be able to spot any early signs of concern."

Evangeline nodded, having no other choice than to accept his answer. Hopping down from the exam table, she said, "Well, thank you, Doctor Simmons."

"I'd like to check in again in a month to see how you're doing. If there are any problems beforehand, please don't hesitate to call on me."

With a nod, she gave him her word.