Everything Has Changed Now

Chapter 2 - An unexpected revelation and a hasty decision

Chapter Summary:

Penelope has an expected revelation after which she has to make a decision, and it has to be quick!

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Rae assisted Penelope to get into her bedchamber and offered her a glass of water then afterwards summoned the housekeeper to have someone prepare herbal tea to help soothe the nausea.

With anxious and concerned eyes, Rae seemed to be trying to say something to Pen. "What is it Rae? Is there something you wish to tell me?"

"Umm..yes Ma'am" Rae hesitated. "There was...umm... there is something I have been meaning to ask you for a few days."

"What? What is it?" Pen studied her eyes anxiously, stressed in case it might concern Colin.

"You have not had your courses for a very long time now and you are having nausea..."

Pen looked at her confused.

Her mother had told her nothing about it. Portia thought since her daughter had a love match then her husband would explain it to her and Colin Bridgerton did not seem the type to be unaware about these matters unlike her other son-in-law Mr Finch.

Regrettably Pen was totally unaware of what Rae was talking about. Colin had not shared the details with her...yet.

Regardless of how hard she tried to learn about the marital matters from her books or gossip, it was still concealed with much effort.

She gazed at her bewildered and Rae understood she was ignorant of the matter.

"If you did not bleed as you should have for the last two weeks and you are also having nausea, it might mean you are with child." "I did not ask in case you would not be or you were already aware of the situation, Ma'am."

Penelope gasped in shock. "How Rae?" "Are you sure?" her voice was shaking as her heart was racing.

She knew being with child was from love as her cousin Marina had briefly described but Pen was unaware of the signs that indicated the presence of the same.

"Ummm yes ma'am. Not bleeding when your courses are due and having nausea are two strong signs. Additionally, it would be a strong sign if you were throwing up." Just as she said that, coincidently Pen felt a sickness in her stomach and rushed to her chamber pot to relieve her stomach.

She came back to the bedchamber slowly with eyes on the floor, shaking, her hand on her stomach as she asked Rae: "What other signs are there to be sure, Rae?" "Please tell me so I can be absolutely certain", she felt desperate, her eyes were agitated.

"Well, you are already showing three strong corresponding signs, it could also relate further if you were having strong feelings such as deep anger or deep loneliness or any other deep feeling and perhaps the need to cry. A woman with child may feel these symptoms and many times shed tears unexpectedly. Have you experienced any of these as of late, Ma'am?", Rae asked with a concerned look.

Penelope remained immobile, as if unable to speak. She opened her mouth to reply but couldn't pronounce any words.

She lifted her eyes to look at Rae then slowly a tear rolled on her cheek as she slid both hands on her belly. She gasped for air and Rae immediately guided her to the bed.

"Are you well ma'am?"

"Yes Rae. Can you please leave me? I will let you know if I need you.", her voice barely a whisper.

"Are you sure ma'am?" Pen nodded and forced a smile. Her face was pale and her lips were trembling.

Rae left, looking back at her mistress not sure if leaving her alone in this condition was appropriate but she respected her choice.