Hey guys, so so so so sorry it's been so long since I updated. Life just got very complicated over the last few months….but enough about me, here's the next chapter. Hope you like it. Regarding the Indians, no I'm not going to cover it. We're still in 1872 and I'm actually heading for May 1873 when Preston goes bankrupt and the repercussions of that which, of course, we never really saw on screen. So, sorry to disappoint anyone who was looking forward to Indians and more Sully, but you know where my loyalties lie! Please review as always! xxx
November 1872
"All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small, all things wise and wonderful, the Lord God made them all."
The hymn came to an end and the small congregation took their seats. Small due, in no small measure, to the recent snowfall which had left many housebound.
Preston turned to where Rebecca was sat next to him against the wall, her fur cape pulled tightly round her neck. She looked cold and he felt concerned. "Are you all right?" he whispered, loud enough for her to hear but quiet enough to go unnoticed by the others.
"Fine," she replied, reaching over and squeezing his hand.
He held her gaze, "I love you."
"I love you too," she replied, grinning in response. She kept her hand in his as the Reverend launched into his sermon, but Rebecca found his words going straight over her head. All she could think about was the life she was convinced was growing inside her. The sickness the last few mornings had all but convinced her that it had to be true and she couldn't help the feeling of nervous excitement that grew with each passing minute. She hoped it was true, more than anything, especially given that Preston's family would be arriving for Christmas in only a few weeks and she wanted to be able to share good news with them.
She remembered that first feeling, as she had crouched over the chamber pot, emptying her stomach, Preston hovering in the door way asking if it was Grace's chicken and pondering why he himself, who had also eaten it, was not sick.
"I don't think it's the chicken," she had mumbled from her position on the floor.
It had taken time for her words to register with him. "Do you think…?"
"Perhaps," she had replied, getting to her feet and dabbing her face with a flannel. She had turned and seen the barely disguised hope in her husband's face, so different from the last time. "But let's not get our hopes up yet," she had cautioned.
"Of course, of course…" he had replied, though she had noticed an extra spring in his step that morning and every morning thereafter as she found herself in the same predicament.
"I think we should ask Michaela to examine you after the service," Preston said, his mouth close to her ear as the Reverend began to close the service.
"It's Sunday," Rebecca protested. "A day of rest?"
"She's a doctor," he insisted. "She has to expect to work out with normal hours."
"Let's leave it until tomorrow."
"I don't want to leave it until tomorrow. I want to know today!"
A woman seated in front of them, turned to glare at them. Rebecca smiled an apology. "Keep your voice down," she muttered.
"I have thought of little else for months," Preston said, more quietly, "as have you. If you are expecting then it's only right that we should know."
"Yes, and we'll know tomorrow."
"Rebecca…" Preston sighed in exasperation. Around them, the congregation were rising and he automatically offered her his arm to help her to her feet. "Why are you being stubborn about this?"
"I'm not being stubborn," she replied as they wound their way out into the aisle and joined the queue for the door. "I'm being respectful. Michaela has a hard enough job without us taking up her time on a Sunday merely to confirm our suspicions."
"I really don't see the problem," Preston insisted as they reached the door. "Wonderful service, Reverend, as always."
"Thank you Preston…Rebecca…" the Reverend shook their hands in turn.
"There's Michaela there," Preston continued, gesturing to where she was standing talking to Dorothy.
"Preston…" but her words fell on deaf ears as her husband was halfway down the snow-covered steps and over to Michaela before she could say anymore. Despite her protestations, she was secretly happy that he seemed so overjoyed at the prospect of another child compared to the cool reaction she had received when Caroline was conceived. As she slowly descended the steps after him, she hoped that this time there would be a happier outcome.
"…and I'm sure you can see why I have to insist that you examine her today."
"Rebecca!" Michaela greeted her warmly as she joined them. "Preston was just telling me that you feel you might have some happy news."
"Michaela, I'm so sorry," Rebecca said, putting her hand on Preston's arm. "I told him not to bother you with this today. I'm perfectly happy to wait until your clinic opens tomorrow."
"But I'm perfectly happy to examine you today," Michaela replied.
"There!" Preston declared triumphantly, "I told you!"
"I really wouldn't want to put you to any trouble."
"It's no trouble," Michaela said, stepping forward and linking her arm through Rebecca. "If it was me, I wouldn't want to wait to find out."
"Well, if you're sure…"
"Of course I'm sure. Come on, let's go now before your husband practically explodes!" With that, they made their way back towards town, Preston trailing in their wake.
XXXX
It felt like the longest wait of Preston's life. Relegated to waiting outside the clinic, he had paced up and down for a while, then smoked a number of cigarettes before beginning to watch a lone bird as it hopped around on the ground in front of him. He found himself watching it so intensely, that his eyes started to hurt. Just when he was beginning to think that something was wrong, the clinic door opened and Rebecca emerged, Michaela just behind her.
"Well?" he asked, getting to his feet.
She nodded, "Yes."
"That's wonderful!" he stepped forward and swept her up in his arms, turning her around before setting her down and kissing her. "I knew I was right to insist we found out today. Michaela," he turned to her and pumped her arm gratefully, "thank you so much."
"You're welcome," she laughed, "I'm glad you're so pleased."
"Pleased and delighted," he replied, turning back to Rebecca and kissing her again.
"Rebecca, if you come by tomorrow we can have a discussion about the best way to manage your care again," Michaela said. "I have some new herbs that Cloud Dancing gave me that I think you might find useful."
"I look forward to it," Rebecca replied, barely able to get the words out before Preston pulled her away. "You really are pleased, aren't you?" she said, as he wrapped his arm around her and steered her back in the direction of the church where they had left their surrey.
"Of course I'm pleased," he replied, "I couldn't be happier and this time, we're going to have a son!"
"A son? What makes you so sure?"
"I can just tell."
"Michaela says I'm only six weeks gone," she told him, "I think it's a little early to be making predictions."
"Well, you can apologise for your lack of faith in me when our healthy baby boy is born next summer. Preston A Lodge IV."
Rebecca rolled her eyes, "I see you have no intention of giving up on that quest."
"None whatsoever," Preston replied, pulling her close to him. "And I do intend to wear you down, my darling."
"We'll see," she replied. As they approached the waiting surrey, she glanced over towards the graveyard nestled under the trees. "Perhaps we should tell Caroline."
Preston turned to her, "Caroline who?" She stared at him. "Oh yes, yes of course!" he flapped as realisation dawned. "Caroline, yes, yes indeed…" he looked at her. "You want to…to tell her?"
"Yes I do," Rebecca replied, "I think it's important." She saw his hesitation. "You don't have to come with me if you don't want to."
"No, no," he replied hurriedly. "I am her…father after all." He gestured for her to lead the way and followed her down and through the fence over to where their daughter was buried.
Rebecca crouched down in front of the headstone and removed the dead flowers that lay beneath it. Gently, she brushed away the snow that covered the lettering. "Hello darling," she said softly. "I…we wanted to come and tell you that you're going to have a little brother or sister. We only found out today but…well we wanted you to be one of the first to know. And I'll bring them to see you once they're here." Tears pricked her eyes, "It doesn't mean that we don't still love you and that we don't miss you." She reached out and touched the stone again. "We wish you were here sweetheart."
Preston shifted uncomfortably behind her, wishing that she would hurry up. It wasn't that he didn't care about his daughter, but talking to a grave wasn't something he had ever done before, nor did he intend to start now. He had always managed to have something else to do every time Rebecca had paid a visit. He thought about Caroline sporadically, but he didn't need to actually be at her grave. An icy wind blew through the trees, causing him to shiver. "Rebecca," he reached down and touched her shoulder. "It's getting cold."
"Just another few minutes."
"You can come back when the weather's better," he persisted, putting his hand under her arm and gently, but insistently, getting her to her feet. "There's no point in us all catching our deaths out here."
Reluctantly, Rebecca turned and followed him out of the graveyard and back over towards the surrey. "I wish that she was here, Preston."
"I know you do, darling, so do I," he replied. "But you were so happy a moment ago. Don't let this spoil it." He pulled her to him. "By summer, we are going to have a healthy child and you are going to be a wonderful mother." He pulled back and kissed her. "Let's go home. I think I have some champagne somewhere and we really have to toast this moment." He helped her into the surrey, ensured that the rug was pulled warmly around her and then climbed in beside her. "This really is the most wonderful day."
"Yes," Rebecca agreed as they pulled away and she glanced back to see her daughter's grave grow smaller and smaller in the distance. "A wonderful day."
Six weeks later
"You could have waited at home," Preston said, turning to where Rebecca was seated, her coat pulled tightly around her. "You're liable to catch your death out here."
"Don't be silly," she replied good-naturedly. "It's fine. Besides, I want to be able to welcome your family properly this time."
"They wouldn't mind," he cajoled.
"Well I would," Rebecca said. "The last time they were here…well it wasn't exactly a joyous time, was it? I was prostrate in bed and you weren't much better. And then all that trouble in Boston…" She looked at him. "I'm fine, Preston, honestly."
"If you're sure," he said, sitting down next to her.
"I am sure," she insisted. "Stop fussing."
"How am I supposed to do that?" he looked at her. "You were up twice last night."
"It's normal," she said, wishing he would change the subject.
"I thought it was only supposed to happen in the morning," he persisted. "And you're twelve weeks gone so shouldn't you be over it by now anyway?"
"Preston!" she exclaimed, unable to contain it any longer. "Please, please can we change the subject? There is nothing wrong with me. I'm fine and healthy and looking forward to spending Christmas with your family. Besides," she placed her hand on her stomach, seemingly huge with all the layers she was wearing, "I almost feel better when I feel ill. At least then I know that there's someone definitely in there."
"Horace!" Preston bellowed along the platform, causing her to jump. "How much later is this train going to be?"
"I don't know," Horace replied testily, "weren't my fault the tracks froze in Manitou."
Preston sighed heavily, "How the rail company can honestly believe that Horace is fit to be in charge…"
"Preston…" Rebecca warned.
"Father gets extremely irate when things don't run according to schedule."
"It's Christmas. He should be relaxed."
"Relaxed?" Preston stared at her. "Rebecca, how long have we known each other? Have you ever known my father to be relaxed?"
"I wish you would stop worrying about him," she sighed. "Every time you're due to see him, either here or in Boston, you get yourself all worked up over nothing. Everything is fine here, everything is fine in Boston and everyone is healthy. There is nothing to be concerned about."
Preston didn't reply, instead choosing to get to his feet and start pacing again. It was on the tip of his tongue to tell her, but he bit it back. It was the last thing she would need to hear on top of everything else. But he was worried about the country-wide financial situation, as was his father judging by the telegrams that had passed between them. He knew that they would have to have a serious conversation about it all at some point over the festive season and he wasn't looking forward to it.
At that moment, the sound of a whistle blasted through the air and, from around the bend, the train appeared.
"Thank God!" Preston declared, smoothing down his jacket and moving over to help Rebecca to her feet. "I had visions of us still being here waiting on Christmas Day." The train rolled to a slow halt in front of them and the passengers began disembarking, many of them laden down with Christmas gifts. "Mother!"
"Oh, how well you both look!" Alice beamed as she stepped down from the train, embracing her son and then her daughter in law. "It's been far too long, Rebecca darling."
"Indeed it has," Rebecca replied, before turning to offer the same welcome to James and Louisa, followed finally by Preston Senior.
"You must have been perturbed by the delay, Father," Preston said, shaking his hand warmly.
"A mere trifle inconvenience," Preston Senior replied. "Nothing that I was prepared to let spoil Christmas with my family." He turned to Rebecca, "Lovely to see you again my dear."
"And you," she replied, embracing him. "We're pleased that you all made the trip."
"Well your letters have always said how wonderful Colorado Springs is at Christmas," Alice replied. "I can't wait to see it all for myself."
"I've arranged rooms for you at the hotel," Preston said, "only the best of course. And I have a surrey waiting to transport you there."
As they walked, Louisa linked her arm with Rebecca. "You look so much brighter now than you did in the summer," she observed. "Being home again has clearly done you the world of good."
"Yes it has," Rebecca replied, not wishing to share her news at that particular moment.
"And I would like to see Caroline's grave at some point," Louisa continued. "If you would allow me to."
Rebecca squeezed her arm. "I'd be honoured."
XXXX
The hotel was bustling that evening, one of the best trading nights they had had in months. Although he was a guest for dinner that evening, Preston couldn't help his eyes roaming over the dining room, eager to ensure that all guests were being treated well and had no complaints. Every so often, one would raise their hand in greeting and he would return the sentiment.
"Preston," Rebecca murmured quietly at one point, "James is talking to you."
"What?" he looked at her. "Oh, I'm sorry James, please forgive me."
"Not at all," his brother laughed, "it's good to see you in command of your own domain. Business seems to be doing well."
"It is," Preston replied, glancing at his father, "for now."
"Yes, that may change in the months to come, "Preston Senior said. "If things don't change…"
"What things?" Rebecca asked.
"Father, perhaps we shouldn't talk business when you've only just all arrived," Preston interrupted.
"Perhaps you're right, son," his father conceded. "It would be nice to discuss some good news for once."
"Well, we do, in fact, have some good news to share with you all," Preston said, rising to his feet and reaching for Rebecca's hand.
"What is it?" Alice asked.
"Well…Rebecca is expecting again."
A collective gasp of excitement went up around the table. "That's wonderful news!" Alice exclaimed. "Oh Rebecca, I'm so happy for you. For both of you!" She rose to her feet and hurried to hug her daughter-in-law before kissing Preston who was shaking hands warmly with his father.
"Thank you," Rebecca replied, "we're…quietly delighted." She glanced at Preston who was busy being congratulated by James.
"Congratulations," her attention was diverted by Louisa who was still seated across the table from her. Her face was arranged into a genuine smile, but there was a look in her eyes that screamed hurt and jealousy. "I'm very happy for you."
"Thank you," Rebecca replied quietly, hoping that everyone would resume their seats and they could talk about something else. As pleased as she was for herself, she remembered all too well that night in Denver prior to her wedding when Louisa had announced her own pregnancy and how hurt and jealous she had felt at the time. "Preston…" she tugged on his sleeve, willing him to sit down.
"Oh yes, of course," he took her meaning and returned to his seat.
"When are you due?" Louisa asked.
"June," Rebecca replied.
"Well," Alice raised her glass. "Here's to a happy outcome."
The conversation quickly changed onto other topics, but Rebecca couldn't help but see how Louisa withdrew from the conversation and how pale her face had become. She felt torn. Happy within herself and yet, full of pity for a most deserving sister in law.
As they made their way out of the dining room once dinner was over, Rebecca took her sister-in-law's arm and pulled her slightly back. "I'm sorry, I…"
"Don't apologise," Louisa interrupted her, "You have no need to Rebecca, I really am very happy for you both. After everything you've been through you deserve to be happy. And I hope you have a trouble-free pregnancy and have a beautifully healthy baby at the end of it all." She smiled, but Rebecca could see tears hovering in her eyes.
"And you…?" she started. "Have you…I mean…?"
"No," Louisa shook her head. "James and I haven't been blessed with a second chance. That's why I want the very best for you with yours."
"Thank you," Rebecca said, hugging her.
"Rebecca!" Preston called her name as they broke apart. "Do you two ladies intend to spend the evening out on the veranda?"
"We're coming," Rebecca replied. She linked her arm with Louisa and they walked over to where their respective husbands were waiting.