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Nancy groaned. “I wish you hadn’t told me that!”
When it was time to put supper on the table, Jessica put the pie she’d made along with the soup, bread, and butter. “Can we have more jam?” Bertie asked.
Jessica smiled. “Of course, we can. I’ll get it from the ice box.”
George didn’t try to converse with Jessica, and instead glowered at everyone. Jessica would have thought he’d be happier after making love with her, but rather, he seemed more annoyed with everyone than ever.
After supper, instead of immediately starting the dishes as was her habit, Jessica took Nancy outside, and the two of them pulled the clothes off the line and put them into laundry baskets. When they were done, she sighed with relief. “Now Aunt Mary Sue can iron them all tomorrow.”
“And we get chicken and dumplings.”
Jessica laughed softly and nodded. “I like them a lot too!”
Chapter Eight
By late October, the apples had been processed and distributed to various family members. Jessica was able to put up all the vegetables she’d received as well. Nancy’s second dress had been made, and she wore it to school with pride.
All of the children had warmed up to Jessica, but their father was still difficult. He had no desire to be close to Jessica in any way, and it made her seriously consider going back to Beckham, where at least she was wanted. But she couldn’t leave the children.
She was attracted to George but deeply in love with the four children. Sally was sitting on her own and crawling all over. Mary Sue still came over at least once a week to iron the laundry, but usually more often. Jessica enjoyed providing suppers for Mary Sue and Maynard. It made her feel that something she did was worthwhile, even though George rarely showed any appreciation.
Mary Sue came over to help with the children one afternoon and found Jessica sitting on the sofa in the parlor, which was rare. Jessica was always doing something constructive, but simply staring off into space was unlike her.
“Are you all right?” Mary Sue asked.
“I…don’t know.” Jessica looked up at her friend. “I, well, I haven’t been feeling like myself.”
“What’s wrong?” Mary Sue asked, immediately taking a seat beside Jessica on the sofa.
Jessica sighed, looking down at her hands. “I have been throwing up whenever I change a dirty diaper. It’s never bothered me before, and now suddenly, I can’t keep my lunch in me. And I’ve gotten dizzy a few times while doing my chores.”
Mary Sue smiled, but just a bit. “You’re expecting.”
Jessica shook her head. “No, George and I don’t have that kind of relationship.”
“Not even once?” Mary Sue asked, feeling as if she was prying.
Jessica blushed. “Once, but it was when I first got here.”
“That’s just about the right time to start having symptoms. We should get you to the doctor in town, just to be sure.”
Jessica shook her head. “I’d rather see a midwife if you think that’s necessary.”
“I do think it is. I’m going to run and fetch Mrs. Daugherty. She’s the best midwife in the whole state of Wisconsin.”
Jessica nodded. “While you’re gone, I’ll put supper in the oven.” She was planning to bake potatoes with roast beef in gravy topping them. It was something her mother had made during the winters, and it was getting cold enough for them to appreciate a hot meal.
While Mary Sue rode for the midwife, Jessica put supper in the oven and two loaves of bread. She had a pie crust ready for apple pie filling, and she’d bake that as soon as the bread was done.
Thankfully the children were quiet, and before she knew it, Mary Sue was back with the midwife. “Alice, this is my sister-in-law, Jessica. Jessica, this is Alice Daugherty, the midwife I spoke to you about.”
Mrs. Daugherty sat down on the sofa beside Jessica. “Mary Sue tells me she thinks you may be expecting. Can you tell me about your symptoms?”
Thirty minutes later, after several questions and a brief exam, Mrs. Daugherty said, “I have to agree with Mary Sue. I think you’re expecting. I’d say about seven and a half months from now.”
Jessica frowned. It was the last thing she’d wanted to hear. She wanted her own children, but not with a man who would barely look at her. How on earth was she supposed to tell George she was expecting when it was obvious it was not what he wanted?
While Mary Sue was out taking Mrs. Daugherty home, Jessica took the bread from the oven and added the pies. She sincerely hoped that George wasn’t going to yell at her again. It seemed to be the only way he wanted to speak with her.
