“Perhaps not.”
Mrs. Turner took over the conversation again. “Rest assured, despite your
difficult circumstances, you are capable of being a good mother if you decide you want to be. How far along are you?”
“The doctor on the ship estimated about three months. I think closer to four
now.”
“How are you feeling?” she asked, turning professional.
“Pardon?” Katerina replied, not exactly sure what she was asking.
“Nausea? Fatigue? Soreness?”
Oh, that. “The nausea has finally passed, thank the Lord. Fatigue, definitely.
It's hard to get up in the morning. I'm only sore in… two places.”
“I know what you mean,” Mrs. Turner said, taking in Katerina's pink cheeks.
“That's normal. Don't let it worry you. Oh, and here's one other thing that shouldn't concern you. You may be… close to your husband as often as you would like. There's no harm in it.”
“Good to know.” Katerina put her hands on her burning face.
The midwife chuckled. “Unfortunately, there's no modesty allowed for
expectant mothers, Katerina. You'll cope. Do you understand the delivery
process?”
“Um, no. I didn't even understand the conception process until Christopher explained it to me on our wedding night.”
Mrs. Turner made a sound that resembled a laugh choked down.
She must have been imagining how that conversation went. I think I mighthave to hide under the sofa.
Even if Katerina's ignorance amused the midwife, all she said was, “Ah.
Well, there are some things you should know about what's coming. We should discuss that now, so you have time to prepare. Oh, and I'll be happy to deliver your baby if you would like. Doctors are becoming more popular, and if you prefer, I can recommend a good one, but most of the time they're not necessary.”
“Oh, no. I would rather have you. It's better. The last thing I want is a strange
man looking at me at such an intimate moment. Childbearing is women's
business.”
“Yes. That's how I felt too.” Julia agreed.
“Well we're all in agreement then,” Mrs. Turner said, smiling. “And I'll be happy to answer any questions you have in the meanwhile. Just come and see me
or send a note anytime.”
“I'll do that. Thank you.”
The visit proved to be a turning point for Katerina. Although the idea of motherhood still terrified her, she was willing to trust her friends to help her through it. In the privacy of her mind, she admitted to herself she would rather
not be doing this, but it was too late. Now she just had to do the best she could
for her little one.
By the end of April, her lower belly had a visible curve. As she watched her
body change, the reality of the little person inside her dawned more clearly every
day. She also began to experience strange sensations in her innards. Curious what it might mean, she invited Mrs. Turner over for tea.
“Well, look at you, dear,” the midwife said. “You're starting to show nicely.”
“I'm supposed to have a birthday party next month,” Katerina fretted. “I hope
I'm not too big. I don't want to be uncouth, putting my belly on display.”
“I think, with the right dress, you might just be able to get away with it,”
Mrs. Turner replied.” I'm not sure why pregnancy is considered rude. A woman
