Gypsy - Lesley Pearse [9]
That was yet another matter Miss Clarkson had explained to Beth. She said it was absurd to keep young girls in the dark about something so natural, and ignorance was dangerous too as men could take advantage of it. So Beth knew how babies were made.
While she had found it embarrassing to discover that her parents had continued to perform that act after she was born, Beth’s real concern now was how she was going to broach such a delicate subject with her mother. But she knew she must, for if there was a baby on the way plans would need to be made.
A little later, once her mother was back indoors, folding up the dry washing, Beth studied her, hoping she was mistaken, for with the apron in its right place Alice’s belly wasn’t obvious; she just looked a bit thicker around the waist.
Beth had a cup of tea while she tried to pluck up some courage, for she anticipated hostility. But time was getting on, and once Sam got back her chance would be gone, for Beth knew she couldn’t discuss pregnancy with a male present, not even her own brother.
She took a deep breath and plunged right in. ‘You are going to have a baby, aren’t you, Mama?’
Beth wasn’t sure how she felt about having a baby brother or sister. But her mother’s reaction to her question made it quite plain she considered it a catastrophe. Her face crumpled, she put her hands over her belly as if to hide it and let out a wail of anguish.
Beth had half expected to be told to mind her own business, but she certainly hadn’t anticipated such a dramatic reaction. ‘I know it must seem awful now Papa’s gone, but Sam and I will help you,’ she said quickly, going over to her mother. She didn’t try to embrace her, for during the last three months when she’d attempted it, her mother had backed away as if she’d been scalded.
But surprisingly she flung herself at Beth, crying like a child against her shoulder. ‘I didn’t know how to tell you,’ she sobbed. ‘I’ve been so afraid of what was going to become of us.’
Beth just held her, so relieved that at last her mother was communicating with her that any other concerns seemed unimportant. ‘There’s nothing to worry about,’ she said soothingly. ‘We’ve managed all right so far, and we can manage a baby too. Maybe it’s just what we need to make us all happy again. Do you know when it will be born?’
‘December, I think,’ Alice said, dabbing her eyes with her apron. ‘But I’m too old to be having another baby. It’s bad enough having the shame of your father going the way he did — now people will start talking about us all over again.’
‘You aren’t too old,’ Beth said firmly. ‘And what does it matter what other people say? It’s none of their business.’
She made another pot of tea, and her mother blew her nose and admitted it was a relief to have it out in the open. ‘I’ve behaved very badly to you two,’ she admitted. ‘But I was that worried and frightened I couldn’t think of anything else. What’s Sam going to think?’
‘Just the same as me, that we’re going to have a baby brother or sister,’ Beth said calmly. She felt relieved that her mother’s odd behaviour had finally been explained. ‘I know everything looks a bit daunting now, Mama, but it will get better. And you’d better make friends with Mrs Craven again because you’ll need her help when the baby comes.’
Mrs Craven, among her many talents, had something of a reputation of being an excellent midwife.
‘That’s why I told her to go away, I was that scared she’d guess,’ Alice admitted. ‘It was too much for me after Frank going the way he did.’
Later that evening after their mother had gone to bed, Beth and Sam sat in the kitchen talking. Sam had looked horrified when Beth took him to one side earlier and, with a great deal of embarrassment, told him the news. He whispered that this was the last thing they all needed, but he did have the diplomacy not to show his feelings to their mother.
Now they were alone and he’d had time to think about it, he had softened a little. ‘I can’t say I