A Bit of a shorter chapter but don't worry, more is on the way!
Anna's day had passed quickly and it was now lunchtime. Mrs. Bird had made a simple vegetable soup with some bread for the three servants. Anna managed a small bowl of the soup but declined any bread. She hadn't been sick anymore this morning but she still felt a bit woozy. She finished her lunch quickly and set out to make her way to the doctor's. The air had warmed up a bit as the sun rose in the sky but she still needed a shawl to protect from the autumn wind. Anna finally reached the building and went in and sat down, telling the secretary that she had an appointment. As she waited outside his office the door opened and a familiar face smiled a greeting at Anna.
"Why Anna, whatever brings you here, I hope you're not ill." It was Matthew's mother, Mrs. Isobel Clarkson. She carried a basket under her arms which Anna deduced had contained lunch for her and her new husband. Marriage and love suited the woman, she looked better now than she ever had. The same went for the good doctor who Anna could see seated at his desk through the open door.
"Oh no I'm not ill Mrs. Clarkson, just a bit under the weather lately."
"Ahh, I see. Well do go in, he's ready for you." The older woman seemed to give Anna a knowing smile as she walked past her and out the door. Dr. Clarkson greeted Anna and asked after Mr. Bates. He'd given the man a new herbal treatment and wondered if it help with his leg pain. Anna said yes, his leg didn't seem to bother him as often and when he walked he didn't limp as badly as a year ago. As they chatted the doctor led Anna to the examining room where he had Anna shrug all of her clothing except for her undergarments. In the last year it had become out of fashion to wear corsets any longer and for that Anna and every other woman she knew had been eternally grateful.
"Now Anna, why don't you tell me why you're here. You look a bit pale but you don't seem to seriously ill."
"Oh no doctor, I'm not ill. It's just that.. I'm fairly sure that Mr. Bates and I are going to have a baby." Doctor Clarkson gave Anna a kind smile as she revealed the reason of her visit. She gave him a rundown of her symptoms and he listened intently.
"I see. Well it sounds to me as if that's the case but there are ways I can make sure. If you'll just lie down on the table here I'm going to feel your abdomen." Anna did as he bade. Dr. Clarkson prodded her lower stomach gently. He also produced a stethoscope and placed it over the same area before moving up to listen to Anna's heartbeat.
"Alright Anna you can sit back up."
"What do you think Dr. Clarkson…are we…am I…" The kindly doctor smiled at Anna, the corners of his blue eyes crinkling.
"Yes my dear. I think it's safe to say that, barring any accidents, you and John can start preparing a nursery. You can get dressed now Mrs. Bates, and congratulations. I'll wait for you in my office so we can discuss what you can expect over the next six months or so. I'll also want you to come for regular check-ups. You're in your thirties now and I like to keep a close eye on mothers who are a bit older." A look of concern spread across Anna's face. "Now don't worry Anna, it's just a precaution. You seem very healthy and I'm sure you and the baby will be fine. I'll see you out in my office."
Anna put her clothes back on, a huge smile spread across her face. A baby! She was going to have a baby, John's baby! Anna thought she had felt happiness and love before in her life but it was nothing compared to what she felt now in this moment. She placed her hands over her lower belly and whispered, "Your father is going to be so happy. We'll tell him tonight."