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Three weeks of feeling ill, and this night, she fainted while at Euan’s manor. Ophelia woke up to his frantic face and Marie taking her pulse. Euan looked worried, his hair a mess as if he had passed his fingers through it one too many times. He paced back and forth in front of the settee where she lay, and Marie had opened the fabric belt at her waist.
“How did you get here?” Ophelia asked weakly. She tried to sit up, and her head swam.
“John got me,” Marie answered. “I would advise lying back, honey. I need to examine you.”
“What do you mean, John... where is he?” she asked.
“He came to see me, and you were going to wait in the sitting room.” Euan bent on his knees beside her and took her hand. “You fainted, and I laid you in the chair while he rode to get the doctor.”
“What’s wrong with me?” Ophelia asked.
“How have you been feeling?” Marie ran her hand down to Ophelia’s torso.
“Tired, but I assumed that was because I was coming down with a cold,” Ophelia answered. “Why?”
“Does this hurt?” Marie pressed her side.
She shook her head. “No.”
Marie smiled wide as she sat back. “My diagnosis, soon to be confirmed of course, but my dear, Ophelia, I think you are going to have a baby.”
John clapped. “Outstanding, Laird Campbell!”
“A baby?” Ophelia repeated numbly. She looked at Euan, and he looked just as shocked.
“My God, you two really didn’t think that what you do between the sheets or wheresoever could lead to this eventually?” Marie asked with a laugh.
“You do it with John—I do not see you in the same circumstance,” Ophelia accused.
Marie sat back. “I’m thirty-five, a matron by most standards. I am well past the age of childbearing. Plus, I’m set in my ways.”
“And we are enough for each other,” John said with affection in his voice.
“So, you’re saying I’m going to be an athair?” Euan said slowly and took her hand. “A da?”
“Seems like it. I’ll need to see you at my office tomorrow to give you an examination and estimate how far along you are,” Marie said.
“What are we going to do?” Ophelia whispered.
A broad smile broke out over Euan’s face, and he kissed her hand. “We get married of course!”
“What? No!” Ophelia sat up and was instantly dizzy.
“Does marriage to me seem so abhorrent?” Euan asked huskily.
“No, but you shouldn’t be forced to marry someone because of a child.” Ophelia felt tears threaten. “Everyone in this town will think I trapped you...”
“Bah! I don’t care what anyone thinks,” Euan answered. “My bairn is nestled within your womb, and I am honored by that fact alone. Honor me with marriage.”
Marie added, “Much worse than gossip is raising a child without a father. I’ve seen how they react to children born out of wedlock. It’s not what you want for your child, nor will the school allow you to work unmarried.”
“So, the choice has been made for me,” Ophelia said quietly. “Not marriage for love but because of a child.”
Euan met her gaze and said gently. “Aye, there’s love; you just looked past it.”
She stared at him and saw the affection in his face, and he kissed her hand again. Time seemed to stand still for a moment, and Marie cleared her throat.
“We are leaving now.” Marie stood. “She’ll need to go right to bed with some warm tea and biscuits if you have them.”
Euan stood and shook her hand. “I do, thank you, Marie... John.”
John shook the hand offered to him after Marie. “I hope we are chosen as Godparents. I’ll get to making him a bunting.”
“Thank you both,” Ophelia said. Her mind whirled at how quickly her life had changed with the word baby.
“Tomorrow,” Marie demanded with a gentle smile. “Now rest.”
Euan saw them to the door, and she heard the heavy barrier close before he returned to her in the sitting room. He swept her up in his arms and took her directly to the master suite on the second floor. Silently, he undressed her and used one of his larger shirts to slip over her head before settling her in his massive bed.
“I’ll bring you some tea,” he said gently.
“Euan,” she called, halting his steps. “Is this... do you really want to marry me?”
He grinned. “Aye, I do. I asked the fates to intervene on my behalf; they certainly did in a magnificent way. Mrs. Stewart is going to be thrilled.”
“Mrs. Stewart?”
“She cares for the house and the kitchen, her husband the stables and horses,” Euan explained. “She will be thrilled there's a baby on the way.”
“But will she feel the same about me?” Ophelia wondered.
Euan moved back to her and pressed a kiss on her lips. “Like me, she will be enamored with the new lady of the house. I’ll get that tea and biscuits, now.”
She nodded and watched him leave the room. Ophelia hadn’t expected her life to take this twist; she expected she would work at the school until the wanderlust took her again. She put her hand on her lower stomach. A child grew there now, and this may be the biggest adventure of all.
* * * *
While Quebec had a railway system, it hadn’t made it all the way to Kamouraska as yet. The mode of transportation was horse and carriage. When she went to sleep that night in Euan’s bed, he had none. By that early afternoon, when she was to see Marie’s at her doctor’s office, Euan led her out to a new black carriage that looked quite expensive. Jupiter was harnessed, and in Ophelia’s opinion, he looked none too pleased with that fact. She was still hesitant, wary and downright terrified at the fact that she was now pregnant. More than that, she would be seen coming into town riding next to Euan. The gossip would fly, and even more eyes would be on her.
After a light breakfast when she awoke, Euan wanted to see the minister before Marie. From the time the carriage rounded the corner, after leaving the gravel driveway of Lachlan Manor, it was as she expected. People literally stopped and stared as they rode past. When they turned on the road to the church, Ophelia could swear she saw people going in the opposite direction, reverse their steps. Euan halted Jupiter outside the steps of the small parish church and walked around to help her from the seat that was covered with soft, brown leather.
“You never told me how you managed to acquire a carriage overnight,” Ophelia commented when her feet were solid against the cobblestone pavement.
“I am a man of many mysterious means,” Euan said devilishly. “I had already commissioned this from Old Ben, and it was almost done. With a little incentive, after you fell asleep, he delivered it this morning.”
Ophelia couldn’t help but smile. “You could have just said that instead of alluding to some kind of sorcery.”
He nestled her hand in the crook of his arm before whispering in her ear, “Now, what fun would that be?”
The stares continued until they got into the church and found the minister sitting in the front pew with his Bible opened in his hand. When he heard the door close, he looked up with a smile which faltered when he saw them. Ophelia had to give him credit, he fixed it firmly back in place.
“Good afternoon, I’m Father Woodson. What brings you in the Lord’s house this fine day?”
“We’d like you to marry us, Father, as soon as possible,” Euan announced without hesitation.
“B-but aren’t you promised to another?” Father Woodson asked of Euan.
“Whom might that be?” Euan’s tone became hard.
“Why the Hansel girl, Bettina of course,” Father Woodson answered. “I was made to believe a formal engagement would be announced by her and her father.”
“You were led to believe wrong. This is my beloved, and we’d like to be married on Sunday after services at the manor house,” Euan replied. “A hefty donation to the church will, of course, be made for the haste.”
“I can’t do that.” Father Woodson’s mouth became a firm line. “Neither one of you is a member of this church. I have never seen her sitting in the pews.”
“Her name is Ophelia Pascal—soon to be Campbell,” Euan’s tone became clipped. “I do not recall setting foot in these doors until now.”
“But Bettina has been a child of this church from her birth,” Father Woodson answered. “I also don’t know if it is legal for me to marry you to a woman of her disposition.”
“You mean my skin,” Ophelia assessed. She could see Euan’s anger begin to simmer, and she placed her hand on his arm. “It’s fine, Euan. Let’s leave.”
Euan ignored her. “I can assure you, there are no laws in this territory against our marriage, and even if there was, I would not care. Her heritage does not matter.”
“Perhaps if you reconsider Ms. Bettina—there are many men who have more than one who garners their affection,” Father Woodson suggested.
“You, a man of the cloth, is telling me to marry one and keep a mistress?” Euan said incredulously. “Ophelia will be my wife.”
“Then, there is nothing I can do,” Father Woodson said firmly. “Good afternoon to you both.”
“We’ll be married, Father. Rest assured, we do not need you to do it. This was merely a convenience.” Euan’s tone was deadly. “And, my memory is long. I’m sure we’ll revisit this conversation again.”
Euan turned on his heel and took her hand gently to kiss it. “We have another appointment, love.”
They left the church, and the sound of the door echoed when Euan let it slam behind them. He helped her into the carriage once more. With a sharp flick of the reins, Jupiter moved.
“Well, that probably means no wedding unless we go to Quebec or—”
“We’ll do no such thing,” Euan said firmly. “Do you need me with you for Marie’s examination?”
She shook her head. “She will have to conduct a physical examination, so you won’t want to be there.”
“I have something to take care of, so will you wait for me at Marie’s office? I don’t want you walking home with your fainting spells,” he said gently.
He halted the horse in front of the three-story building Marie owned and used as her office. He again helped her from the carriage. He kissed her temple at the doorway, not caring about the stares or whispers. He was making them the biggest conversation piece at every dinner table in Kamouraska, and Euan didn’t seem to care. Ophelia watched him move away before she opened the door and stepped into Marie’s office.
It was empty, and Ophelia had no doubt Marie made sure there were no appointments at that time just for the privacy of her friend. Ophelia was grateful because she was more and more overwhelmed. The bell over the door rang merrily, and Marie came out from the back of her office wiping her hands. She used the downstairs of the building as her office and examination room and upstairs was for patients who needed constant care. The third floor was her home and could only be accessed from a set of stairs behind a locked door.
Marie smiled when she saw Ophelia. “Right on time.”
Ophelia sighed. “It has been a day.”
“How so?” Marie asked. “I made sure you’re my only patient for the afternoon, and then, maybe a meal at the hotel restaurant?”
“I will have some soup.” Ophelia put her hand against her stomach. “I’ve felt that sick to my stomach sensation.”
“What happened today?” Marie came over to take her pulse.
“Euan has a carriage now, made by old John; that’s how we came into town, much to the delight of everyone on the streets,” Ophelia explained. “Then, we went to the church. Father Woodson refused to marry us because Mr. Hansel and Bettina already had him married off to her. He actually inferred that Euan should marry Bettina and keep me as a mistress, as well, as it may not be legal for us to be married.”
“And he is a man of the cloth,” Marie said angrily. “There are no laws against marriage because of the color of your skin. I may need to remind him of all the freed slaves who make their way here from the south. You are not the first couple of different heritages; you will not be the last.”
“That’s primarily in the Quebec and British Columbia provinces with more of a population than Kamouraska,” Ophelia answered. “My position will be in jeopardy as soon as the gossip spreads about a marriage and as my stomach grows. Mr. Hansel will try to use his position to have me terminated.”
“Then, let them. You shouldn’t have to worry about their utter bias and prejudice,” Marie said staunchly. “John has been telling me of Euan’s plans. Soon, most of the trade coming through will belong to him. Everyone, including Hansel and his ever-expanding stomach, will be clamoring to be invited to the manor house for dinner with you and Euan.”
“I don’t want any of that,” she said unhappily. “Euan seems to have affection for me, and all I want is peace, not to be one of those haughty wives we see walking about.”
Marie cupped her cheeks. “Make your own path, no one else matters. Except me and Euan.”
Ophelia laughed. “Thank you for that.”
“Let’s get you examined.” Marie waved her hand to the changing room. “Please remove your clothes and get on my examination table. The blouse can stay on, skirts off.”
The only way to really gauge how far along she was to count from her last cycle date. After the physical examination, she sat up with the white sheet draped across her lower half.
“I saw no sign of bleeding when I checked your cervix. Everything is locked up tight.” Marie smiled. “The baby is snug as a bug in a rug, but I still want you to rest. The first trimester is the most difficult and critical.”
“When will I give birth?”
“November or early December,” Marie answered. “As the baby grows, and I can measure growth, I can be more definitive in my answer. I don’t want you walking on the ice to fall, no chamomile tea, no catnip tea. I know you like that for relaxation and sleep, but it can cause uterine contractions.”
“I understand—orange spice or lavender?” Ophelia questioned.
“Those are fine, and you can even keep your chocolates.” Marie smiled. “Let’s get you dressed and some lunch in you.”
“Light.” Ophelia grimaced. “How long will this sickness last?”
“Morning sickness can be for at least the first trimester or twelve weeks,” her friend and doctor answered. “Or, it can be the entire duration of the pregnancy.”
“Damn it all, really?”
“Yes.”
“Oh God,” Ophelia moaned.
“Don’t worry, all the more reason to lounge in bed and have the man take care of you.” Marie grinned. “Where is the Laird?”
“He had some business to take care of, and you’re right, if I’m to carry the young of that man, he can cater to my needs,” Ophelia announced.
Marie scribbled a note on a piece of paper and pinned it at the door as they left and walked half a street down to the hotel. They went past the small front desk and got a nod from the owner before walking into the restaurant. Ophelia was almost disappointed when Marie ordered her usual drink, even though it was early afternoon, to go with her meat and potatoes, while she had to settle for tea, broth, and bread.
“Do you know what Euan plans to do about the marriage?” Marie asked.
Ophelia sighed and put her spoon onto the small plate that held her bread. “I assume we’ll need to travel to Quebec for a service.”
“Father Woodson should be the last one to be sanctimonious. I treated Mrs. Yule for an affliction of the female genitalia because of him.” Marie cursed under breath. “The piousness of deceitful men astounds me.”
“We can’t do anything about him now. Mr. Hansel helped build that church, and his money feeds the good and not so proper Father,” Ophelia replied.
“As far as John says, he won’t be that for much longer,” Marie commented. “Euan’s warehouse and port start construction soon. By spring, his fleet will harbor here. He wants John to be his foreman and liaison for the shipping company.”
“Did John agree?”
Marie nodded. “Yes, he did—a good solid income, especially in the summer months when trapping is scarce. He much prefers winter animals for his skins. Maybe he’ll give it up and become a proper gentleman.”
Ophelia laughed. “You would be fooling yourself if you think you want that.”
“You have never spoken truer words,” Marie agreed.
Voices, high pitched and distressed, brought their attention to the door. Bettina stood there with her horde of friends in bustled skirts, and they were making their way toward Marie and Ophelia like a flocked of brightly feathered tropical birds.
“I swear we will need to eat at another establishment,” Ophelia said calmly, and Marie raised an eyebrow as she chewed.
“You Jezebel!” Bettina cried out, bringing the attention of the entire establishment to her table. “What did you do to Euan—this spell you used worked. It cannot be just what’s between your legs.”
Ophelia took a sip of tea before speaking. “And, what’s between yours that no man stays for too long? I heard Timothy is engaged to Charlotte. I see she is no longer in your flock of skirts and ribbons.”
A gasp escaped her friends, and Bettina’s eyes narrowed angrily. “I will not be shamed!”
“You’re doing a good job of it yourself,” Marie commented.
“Father Woodson won’t marry you,” Bettina said smugly. “You could as well leave Euan alone and leave Kamouraska for that matter. My father is already speaking to the headmistress of the school to have you terminated.”
“Well, that didn’t take long, did it? We just left the church an hour or so ago.”
Ophelia’s heart broke a bit, but she wouldn’t let Bettina see it. She was a spoiled child who would make a spoiled, hateful wife to some unlucky man some unfortunate day.
“Well, while my position may be in jeopardy, I certainly won’t be leaving this town, a place that I have come to love.” Ophelia stood and faced down Bettina. “You won’t like my news then, at all.”
“What would that be; you’re with child?” Bettina sneered and her face paled when Ophelia smiled but didn’t say a word. “How could you!”
“How rude would I be if I were thinking about you when this child was being conceived?” Ophelia answered mildly. “Our minds were very much on each other.”
“Slut,” Bettina spat out.
She was tired of being passive. In Paris, she danced and lived carefree. Now, to let the snobbish elite of this small town treat her like a lesser was not going to happen.
“I just might be, but yet, I am the one to be married, and you are slowly watching all the women you know become wives while you stay under your father’s roof and lift your skirts in his barn, the field, and the river in the tall grass. You’ve been seen more than once, and my, aren’t you the topic of gossip when you are,” Ophelia answered.
“I won’t be spoken to like that!” Bettina raised her hand. “A mud-doll like you should know your place.”
Ophelia’s words stopped her cold. “Do it and see what becomes of that action. I’m sure you’ve heard your father use that derogatory term quite often even as he looks at me with lust in his eyes. Let us be clear, once and for all, you will not approach me again. You will not presume to speak to me in any manner other than respect. I’ve given you enough leeway, considering you a spoiled child. A woman raises her hand, and a woman will answer for it in a manner that you will not like. Do it again or any of you, and I will show you what else I was taught in Paris.”
“Bra-va!” Marie clapped.
“Run along, ladies. I’m sure there are some young men about to herd like cattle.” Ophelia sat down. “You girls may want to reconsider who you choose to follow. The color of my skin may not rub off, but the dirt of her actions will—on you.”
Bettina stood with her mouth open while two of the girls she was with moved away slowly. People whispered, and it wouldn’t do them any good to be listed as one of Bettina’s group lest Euan found out. He may have not been in the town for long, but it wasn’t smart to offend the man who was to bring new commerce to the town, especially when it came to his soon-to-be wife.
Ophelia didn’t even look at the group as they moved back to the door, muted by her words. She raised her hand to the waitstaff, hoping for a fresh, hot cup of tea. After it was poured, she sweetened it with honey and stirred, waiting for her nerves to calm and her hand not to shake. It was a small victory, but one nonetheless. To keep her position as a teacher, Ophelia had bitten her tongue many times—not anymore.
“I hope you feel as good about that as I do,” Marie commented. “It was almost as good as an orgasm.”
Ophelia raised an eyebrow. “Almost?”
“It was good, but you’re not John, darling.”
That comment caused both women to laugh, and they finished their lunch in the relative peace of the afternoon. The note on the door wasn’t needed because Euan had not returned. By the time Euan came to retrieve her from Marie, they were sitting, relaxing in her office. The doctor assured him as a worried father that both she and the baby were fine.
“Did you have a good visit after the examination?” Euan asked after he settled her in the carriage and got Jupiter on the way.
“Very. We had lunch, and I was informed by Bettina that her father was in the process of getting me terminated from the school,” Ophelia replied. “Father Woodson rushed to let his friend know of our impending marriage.”
“I’ll speak to the headmistress of the school and—”
Ophelia placed her hand on his to stop him. “No, I won’t stay someplace I’m not wanted or I have to beg. If they don’t know my value, then I’ll be better off. I’m tired of being blackmailed into acquiescence. I am not ashamed of who I am.”
“Good for you,” Euan said, and she heard the pride in his voice. “I ordered a new covered carriage while I was out. I won’t have you or the baby in the elements next winter. I also have a priest coming from Quebec to marry us in a week. Hansel or anyone like him won’t stop us.”
“They certainly won’t.”
She was becoming accustomed to this new normal and in a place where she had tried to fit but never really did. Still, she worried about the future, especially for the child who grew inside her. She wished she could save him or her from the Mr. Hansel’s and the Bettina’s of the world. That would never be possible, so she would instead raise him with strength, determination, and pride.