The logical and reasonable side of Jasmine knew she needed to tell her employers of her condition. But the scared and stubborn side of her remained in deep denial. And it was the latter side that took over her decisions.
Jasmine didn't say a word to anyone of her pregnancy. Her breasts swelled even more somehow and her flat belly rounded and grew, but Jasmine merely did her best to alter her gowns, rather than seek out maternity attire. It seemed everyone, assuming she had given birth before and knew what she was doing, had decided to play along. One morning after running errands, Jasmine returned to find a stack of folded maternity gowns on her bed. The newly returned cook Betsy served her enormous portions. The maid Chelsea, who had returned with her mother the cook, insisted on taking over Jasmine's cleaning duties. But no one said anything to her.
The months went by. Jasmine paid off her debt and began to finally save for her trip. Every day, her savings grew larger. As did her baby bump. She developed other symptoms of her condition, such as swollen feet and back aches. Most upsetting to her, as she entered her third trimester, the former Lord Lake began to move and kick within her womb.
One morning in her ninth month of pregnancy, Patricia confronted Jasmine in the nursery.
"We need to talk about your condition," Patricia said after she closed the door. Jasmine stared resolutely at the embroidery she was working on.
"I know not of what you speak." The former Lord Lake kicked viciously, as though angry of Jasmine's denial. Jasmine began to slowly rock the rocking chair she was sitting in, as the motion seemed to calm the unborn babe.
"Oh, please. Listen. We have been kind and careful to follow your lead while your belly grew with Lord Lake's child. But silence is no longer an option. You are due to give birth any day and we must plan!" Patricia snapped. Jasmine sighed. She set aside her embroidery, rested her hands on her baby bump, and looked up at Patricia.
"Very well. I am with Lord Lake's child." The words left an ashen taste in Jasmine's mouth. "What do you wish to plan for?"
"Your birth, dense girl. Lord Lake sired many bastards before he disappeared. The cook's own niece was one such victim of him. After he disappeared, his widow mother took interest in the bastards she previously ignored, particularly the boys. While most assume your child is Lord Lake's, it will confirmed at birth when the child has red hair. And then the child's grandmother will begin breathing down your neck or even try to take your child from you."
"I see..."
"However, the witch midwife, a Royalist, can change your babe's appearance if you wish. Give the child black hair before anyone but you and her see it." Patricia sat on Jasmine's bed. "And there is yet another option for you. You are out of debt, building savings, and the roads are safe for travel. You and Bry could begin your journey to the Eastern Hills before you give birth. Simon and I would give you a gift of additional coin to help."
Traveling was tempting. Jasmine was desperate to find Anya, after all. She was also getting antsy remaining in one spot for so long, so close to the Capitol. And between what she had saved and what Patricia was offering, she could travel most if not the entire way. Even if she ran out, she could spend a few months in a small town, working as a seamstress or wet nurse. But...
"Pyotr is not close to the age of weaning," Jasmine pointed out. Patricia smiled.
"With the roads safe once more, we can find a new wet nurse for him." Jasmine nodded thoughtfully. She began to turn over the options in her mind. After a few minutes, Patricia spoke again. "I have a fourth option for you, if you are struggling to decide. If you wish to not have the child's grandmother breathing down your neck but worry about traveling in your state, my sister Elaney Copperstone recently gave birth and is in need of a wet nurse. She and her husband Dmitri live a half day's journey away in Sylverfird. They are both Royalists." Patricia leaned in. "In fact, Elaney once told me her brother's sister worked in the Prince's Harem."