“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

with child is a beautiful thing.”

“So Christopher keeps telling me. I'll have to talk to Mme Olivier about it.

She's a genius. She'll be able to create something suitable, I'm sure.”

“No doubt,” Mrs. Turner agreed. “Now then, I can see you have something on your mind. What's worrying you?”

“I have a funny feeling in my belly,” Katerina said. “I hope it doesn't mean

anything is wrong.”

“What does it feel like?” The midwife asked.

“It's hard to describe. It tickles.”

“Does it feel like bubbles?”

“It did for a while. Now it's more like soft thumping, as though someone were tapping a finger. Oh, there it goes again.”

“Where?” She placed her hand on Katerina's belly. Katerina guided her to the

spot where a rhythmic little impact was repeating.

The midwife giggled. “Oh, how lovely.”

“What is it?” Katerina asked.

“Your baby has hiccoughs!” she exclaimed.

Katerina gasped. “What? That's the baby?”

“Yes, dear. You're well into your fourth month. It's not surprising you can feel it.”

Katerina placed her hand on the spot. “Goodness.”

She was still in awe when Mrs. Turner left. Alone in her parlor, she

experienced a growing awareness of a sensation she hadn't expected this time a