“My stomach is queasy. The mere thought of food makes me feel like I’m about to be sick.”
“Could you have caught this ailment from someone you’ve socialized with?”
Cynthia gave a weak laugh. “I do not think so.”
“Then it must be something you’ve eaten. For it to trouble you more than a week though is highly unusual.”
“Mama.” Cynthia licked her lips and gave the glass of water on her nightstand a longing look. Her features contorted. She took a shuddering breath and seemed to relax. “I’m fairly certain I know what’s wrong.”
“Oh?” Wilhelmina handed the glass of water to Cynthia so she could drink.
Cynthia did so. A weak smile followed. “Apparently the impossible has happened.”
“You’re…” Wilhelmina tried to control the mixture of joy and concern her daughter’s insinuation stirred in her breast. “When did you last have your courses?”
“Nearly two months ago. Before you and I left for Renwick.”
A rush of air left Wilhelmina. “Then you are expecting.”
Tears sprang to Cynthia’s eyes. She nodded. “It would appear so, though how on earth this can be I do not know. Henry and I tried to conceive. We visited three separate doctors. I was subjected to the most intrusive examinations, Mama, only to be told that I was to blame.”
“My poor darling.” Wilhelmina stroked Cynthia’s hair with gentle movements intended to soothe.
Cynthia jerked away and gasped for air. “Sorry. It’s your fragrance.”
Wilhelmina pulled back. “I’d like to give those doctors you saw a piece of my mind.”
Cynthia snorted. “It would be interesting to show up on their doorstep once my belly grows bigger and ask them how this might have happened.”
“They’ll probably chalk it up to a miracle,” Wilhelmina told her dryly. She sobered. “Obviously the issue was with Henry, not you. I’m thinking they treated you ill because they did not want to offend him.”
“I have to tell Michael, but I’m scared his father will try to interfere again. Especially after your falling out with him. He might prevent us from marrying out of spite and then—”
“Mr. Dale isn’t like that, Cynthia. He’s a reasonable man who’s trying to do what’s best for his son.”
“Exactly!”
“He would never deny his grandchild the chance to have a father.” Wilhelmina was certain of this. “I’d stake all my worldly goods on it. But he has to be warned before you or Michael makes another drastic decision.”
A humorless laugh escaped Cynthia. “I’m in no position to run away any more, Mama.”
“Perhaps not, but I wouldn’t put other things past you, like having a clandestine wedding right here in this room. And that would be wrong. Mr. Dale deserves to be included in this. He has the right to oppose, but also to help as I believe he would. So…” Wilhelmina took a fortifying breath. “I shall speak with him.”
“Mama…”
“It’s the correct thing to do, Cynthia. No more secrets.”
“Then you are prepared to tell him everything?”
Wilhelmina nodded. A strange sense of calm embraced her. “I am.”
A knock distracted Wilhelmina from her thoughts of facing James. Mrs. Rubins entered with a tray. “I’ve got the ginger tea – made certain it’s not too hot.”
A cup was poured upon which Wilhelmina helped Cynthia drink. It was slow going. Cynthia recoiled from the tea to begin with, but Wilhelmina persisted. She knew her daughter needed the liquid. She’d need sustenance too, which was something Wilhelmina intended to set her mind to later.
“If you don’t mind,” Cynthia said once she’d finished the tea, “I think I’d like to rest now.” She looked at Mrs. Rubins who’d lingered near the door throughout, ready to help in any way she could. “Would you please prepare a room for my mother?”
“Aye. I’ll see to it straight way, Mrs. Petersen.”
