Margaret noticed the careful neutrality in his voice.
“You think I am about to refuse the tutor for Emily, don't you?”
Nathaniel hesitated only slightly.
“I thought it was possible.”
Margaret’s lips curved faintly.
“I would never do that.”
Some of the tension left his shoulders at once.
“In fact,” she continued, moving a little closer, “I think it is a wonderful idea. Emily has always needed something that truly belongs to her.”
Nathaniel studied her for a moment, a hint of relief crossing his face.
“I am glad you approve.”
Margaret nodded, though her composure wavered slightly now that the easier part of the conversation had passed.
“There is something else.”
Nathaniel’s attention sharpened again. She drew a slow breath.
“I did not want to say anything earlier today. Not while everyone was here.”
His brow furrowed slightly. Margaret stepped closer still, until only a small space remained between them.
“I only discovered it recently,” she said quietly. “And I wanted to be certain before telling you. I also must admit that I have enjoyed having a secret of my own for once.”
Nathaniel did not interrupt, though he watched her carefully now. Margaret steadied herself. Then she said the words simply.
“I am pregnant.”
For a moment Nathaniel did not move. The meaning reached him instantly, but his expression remained strangely still as if his mind were catching up to the reality of what she had said. Margaret felt a flicker of nervousness rise in her chest.
“I realize the timing may seem sudden,” she added gently. “But I thought you should know–”
Nathaniel closed the distance between them before she could finish. His hands found her waist, drawing her closer in a way that made Margaret lose her breath. For a second, he simply looked at her, as though confirming that he had heard correctly.
“You are certain?” he asked quietly.
Margaret nodded.
The smile that spread across his face was slower this time than the one she had seen earlier that afternoon, but far deeper. Nathaniel rested one hand lightly against her cheek.
“Margaret,” he said softly, almost in disbelief.
She laughed faintly.
“You look as though you cannot decide whether to celebrate or panic.”
“I cannot,” he admitted.
Then he pulled her into an embrace that was warm and steady and full of a quiet joy he made no effort to hide. When he finally leaned back, his gaze softened as it rested on her again.
“Well,” he said gently, brushing a stray curl away from her face, “it appears Ravensmere will become even more interesting in the coming months.”
Margaret smiled.
And for the first time since she had learned the news herself, the future ahead felt not frightening or uncertain, but full.
The End?
