No one told me pregnancy would be this difficult, I could barely get of my bed this morning, my face was swollen and looked paler than usual.
And I feel heavier as well, I still can’t believe the amount of food I ate yesterday, at this rate they’ll send me packing for eating too much.
Good thing Mr Beaumont prefers staying alone most times otherwise he would have noticed my sluggishness and my sleeping always.
Each day brought me closer to him thou, from light conversation to tea, to watching the news, it wasn’t as bad as when I first got here.
Yet, beneath the surface of my growing connection with him, there was my pregnancy that have been hiding from him. It weighed heavily on my mind, and I knew it was time to face the reality of my situation.
One afternoon, after a particularly engaging conversation with Mr. Beaumont about his favorite books, I found myself sitting at the kitchen table, staring blankly at my cup of tea. I had been avoiding the topic of my pregnancy, but I could no longer ignore it. I needed to make a doctor’s appointment for a check-up, and I knew I had to share this news with him soon.
As I gathered my thoughts, I decided to call Kate. I picked up my phone and dialed her number.
“Hey, Nora! How’s everything going? And how is the little one ?” she answered cheerfully.
“It’s been good, actually. Mr. Beaumont is starting to open up a bit, and I feel like we’re making progress, and as for the little one, what can I say, he or she is toiling on me.” I replied, trying to sound upbeat.
“That’s wonderful! I knew you could do it. But what’s on your mind? You sound a little… off,” she observed.
I took a deep breath,” The thing is I haven’t told him about my pregnancy yet, I mean I don’t know what his reaction might be, he’ll probably send me packing, but I have to tell him so I can have a check-up done, I haven’t had a any check-up yet which isn’t healthy, and I’m starting to feel anxious about it.”
“Have you made an appointment?” she asked, concern lacing her voice.
“Not yet. I’ve been putting it off. I guess I’ve been scared to face it,” I admitted, my voice trembling slightly.
“Nora, you need to prioritize this. You can’t ignore it,” she urged gently. “Your health and the baby’s health are important.”
“I know, I know. I just… I don’t know how Mr. Beaumont will react when I tell him,” I said.
“Just be honest with him. He may surprise you,” Kate reassured me. “And don’t forget to make that appointment.”
“I will,” I promised.
“You never can tell he might let you have a room for your baby’s nursery.” She said excitedly.
“Let’s not be too hopefully,” I replied laughing really hard.
After our call, I took a moment to gather my thoughts. I knew I had to be honest with Mr. Beaumont, not just for his sake but for my own peace of mind. I couldn’t carry this secret any longer, it’s draining.
Later that evening, as we sat together in the sitting room, I felt a knot in my stomach thinking it was the best time to bring it up. Mr. Beaumont was engrossed in a book, and I took a deep breath, mentally preparing myself for what I needed to say.
“Mr. Beaumont, can we talk?” I asked, my voice steady despite the flutter of nerves inside me.
He looked up from his book, his brow furrowing slightly. “Of course. What’s on your mind?”
I shifted in my seat, gathering my thoughts. “I’ve been meaning to tell you something important.”
He set the book down, giving me his full attention. “Go on.”
“I really don’t know how you’d react to this and I promise I didn’t try to trick you into getting a job here, however I really needed it and I don’t know how you’d react with the prospect of knowing I’m unmarried and pregnant,” I said, the words tumbling out in a rush.
“I found out a little few days before taking the job here, and I haven’t had a check-up yet. Please don’t be upset, I mean you can be upset, but please don’t send me away.” I said, tears wailing up in my eyes already.
His expression shifted, surprise evident in his face. “Pregnant? Why didn’t mention this before.”
“I know. I’ve been hesitant to bring it up,” I admitted. ” I just didn’t know how you’d react and I didn’t want to loose my chance of getting the job here, but it’s something I need to take seriously, and I wanted you to know.”
He studied me for a moment, his blue eyes searching mine for understanding. “How are you feeling about it? And how about the father of the child, does he know about it ?”
“No he doesn’t, and I intend on keeping it that way,” I said bringing my head down.
“Are you sure you’d be able to go through this alone ? Having a child is a whole lot of responsibility and can be traumatic sometimes, especially for a young lady, usually a partner is like a backbone.” He said, his voice calm.
” I understand and to be honest, I’m nervous.” I confessed. “But I’m also hopeful, and I want to be a good mother.”
He nodded slowly,”You’re brave for facing this all by yourself. Have you made an appointment yet?”
“I haven’t. I was hoping to do that soon,” I replied, feeling more relieved he had shifted the conversation.
“Let’s make the appointment together then. I’ll go with you, it’s boring having to stay home all day afterall” he offered, which surprised me
“Really? You’d do that?” I asked, touched by his willingness to support me.
“Of course. You shouldn’t go through this alone,” he said firmly.
At that instant the tears that have been holding back finally came lose, it was like I was dreaming, I just couldn’t believe what I was hearing.
“Thank you, Mr. Beaumont. Thank you very much, you have no idea how much this means to me.”
“Is okay Nora, you’ve brought light into this house, and with a baby on it’s way will only make things brighter, I just can’t help but see my daughter in you.”
“Thank you Mr Beaumont, I promise not to disappoint you.” I said, smiling ear to ear. I just couldn’t wait to tell Kate, she was right after all.
The next day, we called the clinic and scheduled my appointment for a check-up. I was so relieved, knowing I wouldn’t have to face this alone. Mr. Beaumont’s presence made everything feel a little less overwhelming, I felt protected, it felt like my dad was here and he was helping me go through all of these.
“My Dad !” I thought, I still haven’t heard a thing from them, I couldn’t help but feel like I have been abandoned and I have no idea why.
On the day of the appointment, I woke up excited. I dressed carefully, choosing a comfortable outfit that allowed me to feel at ease. I glanced at the mirror, taking a moment to check myself before heading downstairs.
Mr. Beaumont was already waiting for me in the sitting room, dressed sharply in a tailored suit. “Are you ready?” he asked, looking at me with an encouraging smile.
“I think so,” I replied.
As we made our way to the clinic, the car ride was filled with a comfortable silence. I could sense Mr. Beaumont’s support, and it eased my nerves. We arrived at the clinic, and I took a deep breath as we walked inside.
The waiting room was filled with both expectant mother’s and children they had brought along with them, some came with their husbands and the hall was filled with the scent of antiseptic.
I felt my anxiety shoot up, but Mr. Beaumont placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “You’re doing great, Nora. Just take your time.”
When my name was finally called, I felt my heart race. Mr. Beaumont walked with me to the examination room, standing by as the nurse took my vitals and asked a few questions. The nurse was kind and gentle, which helped ease some of my anxiety.
After a few moments, the doctor entered the room with a warm smile. “Hello, Nora! It’s great to see you. Congratulations on your pregnancy!” she said, her voice cheerful.
“Thank you,” I replied, smiling at her.
The doctor went through a series of questions and checks, explaining everything in detail. Mr. Beaumont stood beside me. I could feel his support all the way through.
After the examination, the doctor turned to us with a smile. “Everything looks great. You’re in good health, and I recommend regular check-ups as the pregnancy progresses.”
As we left the clinic, I couldn’t help but feel excited that I had actually come this far.
“Thank you for coming with me, Mr. Beaumont. I couldn’t have done it without you,” I said.
“Don’t mention it. You’re going to be a wonderful mother,” he replied, smiling at me.
As we drove back to the mansion, I realized that this journey was not just about my pregnancy but also about our evolving relationship. I was learning to lean on Mr. Beaumont, and he was beginning to let me in.
I can’t be grateful enough for actually having such an understanding person beside me.
Sometimes I wondered what it would have been like if things hadn’t gone south with Ray, but no matter how I pictured it, reality keeps hitting me.
That night I took a jotter out and wrote down list of things I needed to get. I need to start making preparation for the arrival of my baby my baby afterall.