Ch. 14: First Months of Marriage (Cal's POV)
July- Mid October 1915
After the wedding, Cal and Abby headed off on their honeymoon. They decided to head to California; Abby had wanted to go to Europe, but now it was impossible with the Great War going on. A month before their wedding, a famous liner called the Lusitania had been sunk by the Germans. It was not safe for Americans to travel overseas, and Abby felt that sooner or later America would be dragged into the war. Maybe it was meant to be… after Titanic, Cal was not keen on setting foot on another ship.
Cal felt bad that he and Abby couldn't take off on an extended honeymoon; Cal could only take off for 2-3 months before he finally had to take over his family business. But to his surprise, Abby was okay with the situation. Abby wanted to continue with her design career, and soon as she returned from the honeymoon she planned to do so.
In the months before the wedding Cal and Abby had approved all the designs for their home, so by the time of their return the house would be ready for them to live in. The couple was excited, and couldn't wait for the next steps in their life.
The honeymoon was a happy time for Cal and Abby. They toured pretty much all of California. They toured California's Wine Country, and even got to spend some time at the California seaside. They stayed in Los Angeles for a few weeks, where they got to do some shopping and attend several plays. They got closer as a couple, which is what they needed before returning to their hectic lives.
Cal and Abby returned home 3 months later… they were so happy and relaxed, but it was time to go back to their daily lives. As soon as they arrived, Abby already had orders for new designs and Cal had to tend to matters at work. Their home was ready upon their return, so they moved in right away.
The newlyweds quickly had to dive back into their responsibilities. Cal began to take over Hockley Steel, so he didn't get to spend much time with his new wife. Cal hated that, but he was glad that Abby was so understanding. Abby missed spending time with Cal, but she did understand that his work demanded a lot out of him. Abby used her time to catch up on her designs, but couldn't help that she still craved her husband's attention. The first few weeks upon their return, Cal would go to work early and wouldn't return home until dinnertime. There were a few nights when Cal wouldn't get home until very late.
On one of those nights, Cal came home so late to find his wife asleep on the couch. He felt like such a heel; he had forgotten to call from the office to say that he would be late, and his heart broke when he saw two untouched dinner plates on the dining room table. His poor wife had waited for him and must have disappointed when he didn't show up in time for dinner.
The maid walked in and said, "Oh, Mr. Hockley, you're finally home. I tried to convince Mrs. Hockley to eat, but she didn't want to eat without you. She wanted to talk to you... so she went ahead to the living room to relax, but fell asleep. I didn't have the heart to wake her."
Cal sighed, "I feel terrible. I got caught up with work. I appreciate the fact that you tried to get Abby to eat." Nadine, the maid, smiled and said, "It's no problem, Mr. Hockley. Mrs. Hockley is such a sweet lady, so I didn't mind at all. Do you want me to wake her?"
Cal said, "No, thank you Nadine. I'll carry her to our bedroom." Nadine said, "Very well, Mr. Hockley. I already left out some nightclothes out for her. If you need anything else, don't be afraid to call on me. I'll be up for another hour or so before retiring."
The little maid curtseyed and left the room. Cal took another look at his lovely wife; she looked so peaceful and he again felt so horrible that he left her waiting. He gently scooped up his wife into his arms, and began to carry her to their bedroom.
Abby stirred in his arms as he made his way up the stairs. Cal smiled as her tired eyes fluttered open and heard her sweet voice say, "Hmm… Cal. Did I fall asleep on the couch?" Cal chuckled and said, "Yes, darling. I didn't have the heart to wake you. I'm so sorry to have kept you waiting."
Abby just tiredly smiled and said, "It's okay, Cal. Why didn't you call? I was hoping to spend some time with you." Cal said, "Darling, I'm so sorry. I got caught up at work… it's no excuse though."
Abby could see the distress on Cal's face and tried to be reassuring as she said, "Cal, I understand that you're a very busy man. I knew what I was getting into when I married you."
Cal sighed and said, "What did I do to deserve you?" Since Abby was still in Cal's arms, she leaned forward and kissed him. Abby could see the surprise on her husband's face and said, "Cal, stop being so hard on yourself. I love you no matter what… for better or worse, right? Now could you please put me down?"
Cal just smiled and tightened his grip on his wife's waist and said, "Oh, no. You just barely woke up. I'm not putting you down until we reach our room." Abby just laughed and said, "Cal, I am wide awake now. I am perfectly able to walk on my own. But I have to admit… this is nice being carried by my husband to our room."
Abby kissed Cal again, making him laugh. Cal couldn't help the grin forming on his face and said, "Well… I should do this more often." Abby teased and said, "Shut up… you are only allowed to do this if I'm asleep on the couch again. Right now, I just want some time with my husband." A rather seductive smile curled on her lips, and she then pulled Cal into a rather passionate kiss as they continued their way to their bedroom.
Hours later, Cal was lying in bed with Abby sleeping peacefully by his side. As he held his sleeping wife, Cal thanked his lucky stars that she had forgiven him. It wasn't easy being a married man now… he had his work responsibilities, but still wanted to be a good husband to Abby. He felt very blessed that Abby was his wife; she took this new change in their lives beautifully. She was everything that he had wanted in a wife and a lover. Little did he know, things were about to change.
The next morning, Abby woke up to an empty bed. She was slightly disappointed… her and Cal had a lovely night, even though she was sad that he had forgotten about dinner. Her face brightened when she found a note next to her on Cal's pillow. It said, "Darling, sorry I wasn't able to eat breakfast with you this morning. I have a meeting that I couldn't get out of. I'll be home for lunch though, and we'll be able to spend the rest of the day together. Love, Cal."
Abby then heard a knock on the door, and gasped as she realized that she wasn't quite decent yet. She heard Nadine say, "Mrs. Hockley… it's Nadine. Are you awake madam?" Abby quickly grabbed her robe and responded, "Just a minute." As soon as she had her robe tied, she responded, "Okay, go ahead and come in Nadine."
A small smirk came to Nadine's face as she saw the flustered look on her mistress's face. It was obvious what had happened between the newlyweds to the young maid. Her mistress's nightdress was still on the chair next to the bed, while the dress she had been wearing had been carelessly thrown on the floor. The master's clothes had been put away, and she assumed that he had simply overlooked his wife's dress. Nadine paid it no mind… this wouldn't be the first or the last time she assumed that she would innocently come across her employer's private life.
Nadine was quickly becoming friends with Abby, so she couldn't hide the merriment in her voice as she said to her mistress, "I trust that you and your husband had a good night?" Abby's cheeks went bright red; she couldn't hide the blush on her face as she knew the maid was teasing her. Abby said, "Sorry, Nadine… I'm a little embarrassed." Nadine chuckled and said, "It's okay. You're newlyweds… and in love. I find it rather refreshing working for a couple that is obviously in love with each other." Abby smiled and said, "Thank you… but please don't spread it among the other servants. My husband and I deserve our privacy." Nadine said, "Don't worry, madam. I respect your privacy, Mrs. Hockley."
Abby said, "In private, you may call me Abigail or Abby. I see us becoming great friends." Nadine smiled and said, "Very well… Abigail. I'll finish cleaning the room, while you get freshened up in the bathroom."
Abby finished getting ready for her day, with a little help from Nadine. She headed into her small office that she had set up next to Cal's and looked over some designs that she was working on. Abby was sitting at her desk, trying to eat the small breakfast that Nadine had set up for her. As soon as she raised her coffee cup to her lips, the smell overwhelmed her. It made her nauseous, that she quickly set the cup down. She found it strange… she normally loved coffee, but lately certain foods have been making her feel ill.
Thoughts started swirling in her head, as a sneaking suspicion began to nag at her. Her thoughts were interrupted as Nadine came into the office to tell her that her mother-in-law had stopped by for a visit.
Abby made her way to the living room, to find her sweet mother-in-law waiting. Elizabeth gave a wide smile and pulled Abby into a hug, and said, "Abigail, darling. You look wonderful… how's my son been treating you?"
Abby returned the smile and said, "Oh, Cal's been wonderful. We're still adjusting to being married, but so far everything is well." Elizabeth said, "I'm so glad to hear that. Abigail, you are positively glowing… seems like marriage is agreeing with you."
Abby said, "Thank you Elizabeth. I've never been happier." The two ladies sat down to continue their visit and Elizabeth asked, "So tell me… how was the honeymoon? Was California fabulous?" Abby said, "Oh it was wonderful… I was almost sad to return home. Cal's been awfully busy though now that we're back. But he promised me that he'll be home early today."
Elizabeth said, "Poor Cal… I know he's been so busy with work. He hasn't even had time to come and visit me like he said he would. I keep telling him not to get overwhelmed… it's not healthy. But I'm glad that he's coming home early."
Abby said, "I think he's doing it to make it up to me for missing dinner yesterday. He didn't get home until real late last night." Elizabeth said, "Well, at least he's trying. Even though you two are newlyweds, it's important to keep the marriage a priority. Especially once children start arriving."
Abby said, "Cal felt so guilty… I had fallen asleep on the couch waiting for him. I didn't even hear him walk in, until he carried me to our room." Elizabeth chuckled and said, "That reminds me of when Nathan and I first were married. I would fall asleep waiting, and Nathan would carry me to our room. In fact, I believe one of those nights is when I got pregnant with Cal."
Abby almost choked on her tea, and Elizabeth let out a huge laugh. Elizabeth said, "Sorry if I embarrassed you darling, but it's true. You and Cal remind me so much of my early days of marriage. I pray that your happiness lasts for a long time."
Abby said, "How soon did you become pregnant with Cal?" Elizabeth said, "Actually, I had gotten pregnant a few months into my marriage, but I miscarried. Cal doesn't know… I didn't get pregnant with him until Nathan and I were married almost 2 years. Cal was my blessing… Nathan and I wanted more children, but it wasn't meant to be."
Abby saw the hint of sadness in Elizabeth's face, and couldn't help but give her mother-in-law a hug. Elizabeth just smiled and said, "Now, have you and Cal discussed about having a family yet?" Abby said, "Not exactly… I would like to have children, but I want to wait a while. I think Cal does too. We're still getting to know each other as a married couple." Elizabeth said, "I respect that… I want plenty of grandchildren though."
Abby laughed and said, "All in due time… I may not be ready yet, but I do want to have a family one day."
Elizabeth and Abby continued their visit, when they heard Cal walk in the door. Cal had a small bouquet of flowers in his hand, and was pleasantly surprised seeing his mother. Cal said, "Mother, what a wonderful surprise! I wasn't expecting you." Elizabeth replied, "I wanted to spend some time with my daughter-in-law and find out how you two were doing. You haven't stopped by to see me after your return home."
Cal said, "I'm sorry Mother. Work has been so hectic… this transition period hasn't been easy. I hope things settle down soon so I can some free time for my family." Abby saw the bouquet and said, "Darling, are those for me?" Cal smiled and said, "Yes, I thought you would like them."
Elizabeth smiled… she was proud of her son for showing his love and affection for his wife. Nathan hardly was ever affectionate with her… she meant what she said to Abby about keeping their marriage a priority. Elizabeth stayed for lunch, and headed home shortly after.
Cal and Abby were finally alone, and able to catch up on things. Cal said, "It was wonderful seeing my mother… I didn't realize how much I missed her." Abby said, "Yes, it was. I missed our talks. Your mother is such a sweetheart… she really helped me and gave me great advice when I needed it."
Cal said, "Really? My mother is truly an angel." Abby said, "She helped me get through some insecurities and survive all the craziness of the wedding planning. She was there for me when I was missing my mother." Cal said, "We must make a trip to Boston to visit your family when all the craziness at work dies down."
Abby smiled and said, "I would love that…. I haven't been to Boston in ages. I've been mailing off my designs so it would be nice to see my family and drop off my designs in person."
Cal said, "This is nice… we haven't had a proper conversation since our honeymoon. I feel like I've been neglecting you… I am so sorry for missing dinner last night."
Abby gently touched Cal's hand and said, "Cal, I've already forgiven you." She ended up giving him a small smirk and continued, "And you more than made up for it last night."
Cal caught her smirk; he started laughing and said, "You little tease… I love you." He leaned over and gave Abby a gentle kiss. Happy that they talked, the newlyweds just spent the rest of their day together.
After that, Cal made more of an effort to come home at a decent hour. He did it for his own sanity, but also to spend time with his wife. Abby would light up seeing Cal come home, and overall this helped to strengthen their marriage.
A couple of weeks passed, when Abby started to feel ill. Cal became awfully concerned one morning, when he woke up to find his wife running to the bathroom and heard her vomiting. Cal got up and walked to the bathroom to find his wife hunched over on the floor. She looked very pale that Cal rushed over to her side.
Cal couldn't hide his concern and said, "Darling, are you okay? I hate seeing you so sick." Abby said, "I don't know what's wrong… I've been feeling off since we came home a few weeks ago. I just started with this nausea and vomiting." Suddenly a thought came to Cal… he was shocked and almost went pale. Cal said, "Darling… are you sure you're not pregnant?" Abby said, "I've always been irregular, but it is a possibility. Oh, my god… what if I am?!"
Cal said, "Darling… it's okay. It may be sooner than we had planned, but nothing would make me happier than starting a family with you." Abby said, "I was hoping that this would happen after we've been married a while."
Cal said, "Why don't we call the doctor to make sure?" He helped Abby to her feet and helped her return to bed. Abby agreed, and decided to rest while Cal made the call to the doctor. Cal also canceled his day at work to stay by his wife's side.
The doctor arrived within the hour. The doctor ushered Cal out of the room to begin Abby's examination, so Cal waited in his office. Cal was pacing in his office, when the doctor knocked on the door and said, "Mr. Hockley… it's Dr. Hendricks. May I enter?"
Cal replied, "Yes, do come in doctor." The doctor found the rather worried man and said, "I just finished the examination on your wife, sir." Cal said, "Is she okay?" The doctor gave a warm smile and said, "She's perfectly fine. Congratulations, Mr. Hockley, you and your wife are expecting a baby."
Cal said, "Abby's pregnant? Well, that's wonderful… she scared me there for a moment." Dr. Hendricks said, "She's just experiencing morning sickness… don't be surprised that now that she knows about the pregnancy if the symptoms become a bit more severe. Have her drink plenty of fluids, and no stress. I'll return next week to see how she is feeling." Cal said, "Thank you Dr. Hendricks. Oh, by the way, how far along is she?" Dr. Hendricks said, "Well, if I'm correct… I believe your wife is around 2-3 months along. I must be on my way. Congratulations again."
The doctor went along his way, and Cal made his way to his room to see his wife. Abby had a worried look on her face, but immediately brightened seeing Cal walk in.
Cal said, "Well, the doctor just told me the news. I can't believe that we're going to be parents." Abby said, "Me too. Cal… this is happening way too fast. We haven't been married long, so we definitely conceived this baby on our honeymoon. Cal, are you happy about this?"
Cal said, "Darling…yes. I'm still in a bit of shock, but I am happy about the baby. Are you happy?" Abby smiled and said, "Yes. I am a little bit worried about becoming a mother so soon. I'm afraid I'll be rather hopeless. I love my mother, but she had a lot of nannies to help raise me and my brother. I want to be there for our child." Cal said, "You will be a wonderful mother; perhaps Nadine could help you so you don't get so overwhelmed."
Abby smiled and said, "Nadine would be perfect… we've become great friends. I don't know what I'd do without her." Cal said, "We could convert the guest bedroom across from ours as the nursery, and eventually it could turn into their room as the baby gets older." Abby said, "If you don't mind, could we at least keep a crib in here… at least for a few months." Cal said, "Of course… the baby could stay in our room for a while, and eventually use the nursery once they are a little older."
Abby laughed and said, "Look at us… we're already making plans for our baby. Our baby… we just got married and now we'll be a family in a few months." She happily placed a hand on her still-flat stomach, but would soon be growing with their child. Now that it was sinking in that she was going to become a mother, Abby's fears were slowly fading away. She was now rather excited, and pleased that Cal was happy about the baby.
Cal now saw the fear in his wife's eyes grow to happiness. He had never seen his wife look so happy or so beautiful. Cal still had his fears that he wouldn't be a good father, but he had no doubts that Abby was going to be a fantastic mother. He vowed that he would be a patient and understanding father; it scared him how close he was to turning into the same vile and domineering person his father is. Cal loved his father, but he lost respect for him. He tried so hard to please Nathan that he was turning into something that he wasn't. In trying to please his father, he was turning cruel and possessive and it cost him Rose's love and respect. Losing Rose started the changes, and Abby's love transformed him into a better man. Now finding out that Abby was pregnant with his child, Cal felt the happiest he had ever been. He couldn't be more in love with his wife, and was excited for the next adventure in their lives.