Chapter 7

Upon returning to the Doctor's room, she took her seat alongside Martin.

Doctor Lewis began to explain what they'd just seen, "Well Mrs Ellingham, we think you are between 8/9 weeks pregnant and that therefore the baby is due in July. From now on, because you are a geriatric mother-to-be we will monitor you closely and you will be seen by Nurse Trelawny once per month at this stage, and more frequently as you get closer to your delivery date."

Noticing the grimace as he said "geriatric mother," he explained that all that meant was that she was over 35 and therefore had to be more closely monitored.

"Yes, Martin explained that to me, but I still don't like it!" she smiled.

"Are you experiencing any discomfort, Mrs Ellingham? Any morning sickness, spells of dizziness?"

"I've had some sickness on a morning but no dizzy spells. Martin suggested I eat a dry cracker biscuit before I get out of bed, to quell the nausea and most of the time it seems to work. How long will I have morning sickness?"

"Most women have it for around 3 months, but sometimes it can be for the full pregnancy! The lucky few don't experience it at all." Dr Lewis smiled sympathetically at her. "Keep up with the biscuits and hope for the best." Was his advice.

"Now, the results of your blood tests will take a few days to come through and if there are any problems, I will ask you to come back for further tests. Otherwise, I'll ask you to make an appointment for a month's time and I'll see you again, then."

"Thank you, Dr Lewis," replied Louisa.

"Erm, yes – thank you," said Martin. He shepherded Louisa out to the waiting car. After ushering her into the car he went round to the driver's seat and flopped into it. Turning to her he said "You are so beautiful, Louisa. I love you."

"Thank you, Martin. I love you too. Can you believe I'm pregnant! I knew I was as soon as we did the test. Dr Lewis seems to be a good doctor, what did you think?"

"Yes. He seems adequate, I thought. He covered all the subjects I would have done and explained to you why such and such was done."

Louisa turned side on and looked at him. Martin seemed a bit pale to her eyes. "Are you happy Martin?" she said softly.

"I was stunned to hear that you are actually pregnant, Louisa. I worked out that it must have happened when we first made love." His eyes softened, remembering those times. "To answer your question, yes I'm happy. But amazed, apprehensive and in a stew of other emotions as well." he declared.

She looked at him and reached across to take his hand. "We don't have to begin tomorrow, Martin, we've another 7 months to go before our parenting skills will be tested. That gives us some time to look into what is involved and try and sort out some basics to begin with."

Espying the time on the car clock she urged him to get to the Swan Hotel where she'd booked a table for two for an early evening meal.

Once seated at their table they perused the menu to see what was on offer. Martin decided on his favourite monkfish, but Louisa wanted meat and opted for the lamb with fresh vegetables. They placed their order and sat back. A few minutes later the wine waiter came across to see what drinks the wanted to go with their meals.

Louisa opened her mouth to place her customary wine order and then shut it in some confusion. "Oh, I'll just have bottled sparkling water, please."

Martin opted for the same. As he watched the waiter move away, he turned to Louisa and complimented her on realising she couldn't have alcohol now.

"Yes, Martin." she gritted out as one of the drawbacks to being pregnant occurred to her. Resuming their conversation from the car "do you want to know beforehand what sex the baby will be?"

"I'm happy to do whatever you want to do, Louisa. If you want to know then that's fine with me."

"I think, for this first time, I'd like to wait until it's born before finding out."

Martin whipped his head around as the import of her words startled him. "You want more children?" he asked, somewhat shakily.

"When I was younger, I dreamed of having lots of children." she quietly informed him. "However now that I've waited this long, I realise that lots isn't going to be realistic, but I'd hoped for two." Her eyes pleaded with him to understand.

Martin took a gulp of water before saying that perhaps they should wait and see how this pregnancy worked out before making too many plans for the future?

"You're not against the idea then?" asked Louisa.

"Louisa, I need time to come to terms with this. I've only just become a husband and now I'm to be a father in the not too distant, future. It's a lot for me to get my head around as I never even thought I'd have a wife, much less a family!"

Any reply that she might have made had to shelved as their meal was brought to the table. Martin poured out the water and Louisa lifted her glass "to us and junior" she smiled at Martin, who opened his eyes wide.

Having finished their meal, they declined desserts and decided to go home. In the car Martin was quiet and Louisa decided not to distract him from driving. She knew that he had plenty to think about for the coming months.