He sighed in submission.“Very well.When will you feel comfortable telling them?”
“When we return to thecasa?”
So soon?Peter had no time to think of all the possible questions he would be bombarded with, no time to build defenses for Ana’s reputation if it happened to be called into question.He breathed deeply as the faces of his household flashed before his eyes.He could trust them; he had told Ana as much.They would surely be happy to know their news and would not have any untoward thoughts about the timing of Ana’s condition.After all, that timing would not truly be revealed until the child was born, as far as Peter understood.
“Yes, I believe that would be ideal,” Peter smiled.“I’ll ask Burnsey to gather the household together after we’ve returned indoors.”
“Perfecto.”
“And you are certain you are truly ready?Everything will change upon them knowing.”
Ana nodded as she nestled into Peter’s side, leaning her head on his shoulder.
“I know it will bemuy diferente.But I realize now that I feel so much safe when I talk to you about all I feel in my mind.And perhaps it will help to not keep a secret in the house too.I feel much better to be more honest this way.”
Peter nodded.He had noticed a change in Ana, aside from the sickness that had been improving as of late.She did not need to be reminded to eat, and she slept much more easily.It seemed she was more motivated to care for herself.While he knew she was far from recovering from the mental repercussions of San Sebastián, he was encouraged to see her progress.And perhaps telling the staff their secret was a step along the path of healing.
“I need their help, as I do yours,” Ana continued.“They will help to prepare everything for thebebéwhen she arrives.They will help to ensure I am healthy and well.Sí, I am ready.Estoy lista.Still, I no wish that anyone else know.”
“Even Mother?”Peter rubbed a hand over his jaw.He wanted to respect Ana’s wishes.But surely Mother would provide them both with a great deal of wisdom as they were preparing to be parents.“I confess I would feel a great deal of comfort upon telling her that I am going to be a father.I will not divulge the truth of your condition, of course.That secret will forever remain between the two of us.”
“Soon.We will tell her soon,sí?”
“Very well.”
The ride back to Abbeygate passed by quickly.He hardly had a chance to slow his heart rate before he was placed in front of his staff, a nervous Ana at his side.His mouth was as dry as gunpowder.His eyes darted to Burnsey, wanting to ask for a glass of water to drink but thinking better of it.
“Dear friends, we have gathered you together to share with you a bit of joyous news.Mrs.Ashmore and I...that is, we are...I mean to say...”
“I am ‘in de way’!”Ana burst out, a smile spreading across her face as she placed her hands on her middle.The trembling of her frame revealed she was much more nervous than her exuberant display let on.
“Yes,” Peter chuckled nervously.“Mrs.Ashmore is with child.”
A silent, surprised pause lasted only a few beats, until a crescendo of applause swelled.Happiness echoed throughout the hall in the form of laughter and exclamations.Peter scanned the group, noting no suspicion.There were no fingers being counted in calculating the months, no hands being raised to cover accusatory whispers.Only open smiles and fond embraces, signs of genuine happiness.
Peter could see those same signs in his wife.Her shoulders were loose, rather than the tense posture she often adopted.Her face was smooth, devoid of worry lines, and her smile had a serene light that he wasn’t sure he’d ever seen before.She had been quite insistent upon telling the staff today, so much so that he had not paused to consider whether she could be feeling anxious about such a revelation.After all, she had taken to a rather quiet, solitary lifestyle in the house so far.But now that he saw the physical transformation in her after announcing the imminent birth of their child, he knew it had been troubling her.Perhaps this would provide the perfect opportunity for her to trust more in those staff members and friends around her, just as much as Peter trusted them.She would require their help more and more as the months progressed.
Peter stepped closer to Ana and wrapped an arm around her waist.Her hand crossed her belly to lace her fingers through his.
“They are delighted,” he whispered, “And they will be a great support to us.”
He saw bright tears of contentment in her eyes.It had been so long since he had seen her so happy, so carefree.Too long.
“When are we to expect the arrival of the dear babe, Mr.Ashmore?”Mrs.Thompson called from across the room, clapping her hands eagerly as she approached Ana.
“She expects to be confined in July, according to the physician’s knowledge.”
About a week prior, Peter had taken great pains to have a discreet physician with great expertise who would confirm her condition while still maintaining their secret.It had not been an easy task to find such a physician, particularly when trying to be aware of the discomfort that being alone with a man could incite when Ana had undergone such violence only months ago.But she had endured the appointment well and had emerged with a peaceful smile on her face as the physician confirmed her condition.A spark of pride had lit in Peter’s heart.And he would permit himself such a feeling; although he was not physically the father of the child, he would truly be the father in every other sense of the word.
A chorus of giggling grounded Peter back into the present as Mrs.Thompson released a tearful Ana at last and then approached him, her arms open and expecting an embrace.
“Aye, Mr.Ashmore!”Mrs.Thompson said as she wrapped her arms around him, tears sparkling in her eyes.“A lil’ babe in the house!How delightful ’twill be!I’m simply tickled, meself.”
“Thank you, Mrs.Thompson.We are quite delighted ourselves.”
“Our sincerest congratulations are in order, Mr.Ashmore,” Burnsey said.“We couldn’t be more thrilled for you and Mrs.Ashmore.You certainly wasted no time, just as should be done, if you ask me.No wedding trip necessary!”A jolly chuckle shook his frame, the buttons on his uniform wiggling humorously.
Peter’s cheeks flamed red hot.He glanced at Ana, glad that she had not overheard.He had only imagined his role in claiming the child as his own once he or she was born.But he had not anticipated the insinuations that would come beforehand.Perhaps his staff was too bold for making such comments.But they had known him for the entirety of his life.They were just as much family as Mother was.Perhaps it was better this way, as Peter would become accustomed to the suggestive comments and hinting jokes before they became all too blatant in the company of his brother, friends, or fellow soldiers.
