They were married at Harker Hall by Mr Brown two weeks later. The Dowager Lady Pembridge cried throughout the ceremony, while being handed handkerchiefs from Mrs Lin, who was also in attendance.

Mai had bought a new dress for the event, and Oliver had worn his finest jacket.

They celebrated afterwards with a meal cooked jointly by Miss Matsuzaki and Miss Shaw. The afternoon was spent drinking wine and playing cards. The guests left and Mai and Oliver were finally alone.

"Well that was an ordeal," Oliver said, as they retreated to the bedroom.

"Oh come now, it was not that bad."

"My mother cried throughout the ceremony."

"They were tears of joy!"

"I think you mistake joy for relief."

"Perhaps it was both."

"Perhaps it was."


I will not pretend you were conceived that night, my dear, but it was likely not long after that. Mrs Lin came to be in the family way not long before myself, something that surprised herself and me. She feared that she would be too old to bear a child. Though as she was not even twenty eight, I think her fears were unfounded. Mr and Mrs Lin are frequent visitors to Harker Hall. Oliver's wish of Mr Lin becoming his evening companion for cards and wine soon became a weekly occurrence.

There, naturally, was a lot of gossip about Mr Lin's sudden fortune, but as he had been well liked in the local community, most of it was positive. There were a few grumpy old souls who accused him of stealing and a few that were convinced he had bewitched Mrs Lin. When Mrs Lin heard of these rumours, she told me privately that she would happily allow Mr Lin to bewitch her any time.

They are the happiest couple I could imagine, besides myself and your father. Mr Lin has not quite been able to give up his inclination to serve, though now all of his actions are aimed towards his wife. Who as soon as she discovered she was with child, took full advantage of this fact. He waits on her for her every need, and I have caught him a few times speaking to her swollen belly. At first, it was bizarre to see him so tender, but it suits him.

They also acquired a dog; a Great Dane. It follows Mr Lin around and often sits at Mrs Lin's feet while she knits, as if guarding her and their unborn child. I love the animal, but Oliver is not so sure. He has confessed to me that he has always preferred cats. I can see why. My husband is very animated in company he is familiar with, but not particularly comfortable with strangers. Very cat-like behaviour. Perhaps we ought to get a cat. I picture something particularly fluffy and soft. By the time you read this, no doubt we will have added such a creature to the family, and if so, I hope you are dear friends with it.

Mrs Sakauchi returned from Brighton with her husband in the highest of spirits, convinced she was in the family way. It did not last. But she has since begun feeling sick so I am hopeful for her. As soon as she took ill, she took to resting, just in case. I visited her a few times before my confinement, and I still write to her often. With her and Mrs Lin sharing my condition, I hope that you will have many friends.

Before my confinement, I took to renovating your uncle's room. Your father took many of the books and keepsakes for his private office. The furniture I sold, and replaced with things more appropriate for a child. Many people who will care for you have given us gifts in the form of toys. Mr Takigawa also spent a long time constructing a rocking horse! I had no idea the man had such skills, but I half suspect he did it to impress Miss Matsuzaki.

As I have mentioned them, I will tell all. Miss Matsuzaki returned to work and stoutly ignored Mr Takigawa's advances for several months. But last week, the housekeeper came to me to insist that we keep on Miss Shaw, as she suspected that Mr Takigawa had finally convinced Miss Matsuzaki to marry him. A few days after that, Miss Matsuzaki begged an audience with me herself, and though confined, I consented to see her. She told me that she wanted to marry Mr Takigawa and she wanted a family, but that she did not want to give up her work. I told her there was no reason why she could not continue her work if she found she had the time with a family, and said that she would be welcome to introduce her own daughters to the kitchen as her mother had done to her. I told her we would be keeping Miss Shaw on, and that I trusted they would sort matters out between them.

Your grandmother visits us every month for a week, much to your father's dismay. He loves his mother very much, but for a time before she knew I was with child, she spent every opportunity she had ushering us into private places. I have no doubt that she will be the most attentive and wonderful grandmother a child could have. She is already researching tutors and governesses, and what the newest fashions are for children.

I might have to put my pen down now, there is a recurring pain in my stomach and it is making it increasingly uncomfortable to write. I think you might be joining me sooner than expected and no doubt Oliver will be cross if I do not call for the doctor in time. He is rather worried about the whole birthing affair, but I know it will be fine.

Yes, I must put my pen down now. I will see you soon.

All my love,

Mai Pembridge

P.S. You are the most beautiful child I have ever set eyes on, and your father is so happy he forgot to be vexed that I had guessed correctly you would be a girl.


Author's note: I did not forgot about this, I stopped getting reviews... I think the website stopped sending them out for some reason? Either way, was demotivating AF. I have exams in a few weeks so haven't been writing much. I hope you're all well!