Jasmine did her best to hide the symptoms of her condition. She knew she would be found out eventually, but the longer she put off the revelation, the longer she could pretend it wasn't happening. The longer she could pretend she wasn't pregnant.
After a few months, however, she could hide it no longer. The comely female form she had been transformed into was small, with a flat stomach. So when her belly began to swell even the slightest bit, it was obvious she was with child. Not long after Jasmine began to show, Patricia pulled her aside to talk to her.
"You are with child," she said. It wasn't a question.
"Yes, Mistress," Jasmine confirmed. "When Lord Lake- well, you know how children are created."
"Yes. I had hoped his seed would not grow within you, but it clearly has. Dear girl, I am sorry. Alas, such is the lot of many women." Jasmine merely nodded silently. "You will need new gowns as you grow larger."
"I see," Jasmine mumbled, already dreading the addition to her debt this situation would cause.
"I will inform the cook so she can provide you with more and heartier food. You are eating for two, after all." Jasmine stifled a groan. The cook, Betsy, was very overbearing. Her daughter, Chelsea, who served as the maid, was much easier to get along with. She was overbearing only with Bry and Pyotr, as she loved babies. "I do need to ask you something important about your condition."
"What, Mistress?"
"What would you like people to know about it?" Patricia asked. "Some outside the house have noticed and begun ask us the father. In fact, those questions are why I am speaking to you now. Otherwise, I would have allowed to share on your own."
"Is Simon aware?"
"Him and half the town," Patricia said, sounding apologetic. Jasmine groaned. "I know, I know. Now, we must discuss what we answer their questions with. The truth, or a lie."
"What do you mean?"
"Girl, do not act thick in the head, I know you to be much smarter than you seem. Should we share that you are pregnant as a result of Lord Lake's actions or say something else?"
"What else would we say?"
"Any lie. We could claim Bry's father put a child in you before he passed. We could also claim a royalist or even a proper royal had his way with you while you fled the Capitol."
"I see..." Jasmine rested her hand on her slightly distended stomach, thinking.
"So? What should we tell those who ask?" Patricia prompted.