(Cristabel's POV)

I left my brother-in-law's house and returned home at half past seven in the evening, feeling lightheaded and slightly nauseous as I had off and on for two weeks. I walked upstairs to Edward's home office, where he was just finishing up with an examination on Mrs. Wilkins.

"Good evening." Edward greeted me with an embrace after Mrs. Wilkins left.

"How are things at my brother's?'

"Stressful. I believe the colonel made his decision on whether or not he's to return to active duty."

"And?"

"And from the look on his face, I believe that he chose active duty."

"Dear God, does he want to send Mary into early labour?"

"I don't think he'll leave until after Mary gives birth. In fact, I believe it was one of the conditions he set if he was to choose active duty."

"Still… Cristabel, are you well?"

"I just need some rest. Other than that, I'm alright."

I turned to leave the room but as soon as I reached the door, I was overcome with a wave of nausea and lightheadedness and gripped the side of the doorway to steady myself, but the nausea was persistent and I vomited.

In an instant, Edward was at my side and held onto me as he helped guide me to the washroom to wash my mouth out, and then he guided me to our bedchamber.

"Wait here." He said leading me over to the side of the bed.

Five minutes passed before Edward returned.

"Stand up and let me remove your corset."

I stood up feeling the warmth of Edward's hands as he peeled away the layers of my clothing and undid my corset.

"Lie down."

I lay down on the bed as Edward carefully ran his hands over my lower and middle body, bringing them to rest at my breasts.

"You're swollen here." He said, rubbing me gently.

"Edward please; they hurt."

"They should; if I'm not mistaken, Cristabel, your cycle is late." He replied, his eyes flickering.

"I'm about five days late.."

"Cristabel, darling, you're pregnant." Edward said.

My eyes widened.

"I.. I'm…"

Edward nodded.

"Yes! There is going to be a little one in just over eight months!" He said smiling down at me.

"Oh Edward, our first child…"

Edward embraced me tightly, planting a tender kiss upon my lips.

"We'd better start planning then. The months will go by quickly."

"Yes"

Suddenly I fell silent.

"Cristabel, what is it?"

"I'm just thinking about Mary, about her pregnancy; it hasn't been easy for her, and it wasn't easy for her when she gave birth to Braden; she nearly bled to death."

"Cristabel, Mary has a very small build, smaller than yours, putting her at more risk for problems during pregnancy or labour. And it didn't help that Braden was turned the wrong way."

"I know…"

"You needn't fret Cristabel. I love you, and I won't let anything happen to you; everything will be all right. Just relax and enjoy yourself; there's no need to get anxious about it. You're going to be perfectly fine. I will have it no other way."

I smiled. 'Tavington standards. Always of the highest calibre.'

Leaning against Edward's chest, I tenderly kissed his cheek.

"I know you won't; I love you."