He asked: ‘How did you learn the words?’
‘From other girls, when we were young. But I never said them to a man, until you. I feel as if I spent my life in prison, then you let me out.’
‘I’m glad I did.’
She became more serious. ‘I have something to tell you.’
‘Good news, or bad?’
‘Bad, I suppose, though I can’t bring myself to feel sorry about it.’
‘Intriguing!’
‘I’m pregnant.’
‘Good God!’
‘You thought I was too old. It’s all right, you can say it. I thought so too. I’m forty-five.’
She was right, he had imagined she was past conceiving; but women were not all the same.
Arabella said: ‘Are you angry?’
‘Of course not.’
‘What, then?’
‘Don’t be offended.’
‘I’ll try.’
‘I’m happy...happier than I can tell you. I’m overjoyed.’
She was surprised. ‘Really? Why?’
‘For sixteen years I’ve lived with the sadness of my only child dying before he was even born. Now God is giving me another chance to be a father. I’m thrilled.’
She put her arms around him and hugged him. ‘I’m so glad.’
Spade enjoyed the blissful mood as long as he could, but they had to face the difficulties that loomed. ‘I don’t want you to get into trouble,’ he said.
‘I don’t think that will happen. People will be too busy talking about my age to wonder who the father is.’ Her face showed that she was more worried than she pretended.
‘What will you tell the bishop?’ he asked her. ‘You and he don’t...’
‘Not for at least ten years.’
‘I suppose you could make it happen...’
She looked disgusted. ‘I’m not sure he’s even able to do it nowadays.’
‘Then...’
‘I don’t know.’ She was afraid, he saw.
‘You’ll have to tell him something.’
‘Yes,’ she said gloomily. ‘I suppose I will.’
