Natasha's Dream

by Heather Greenis

  Natasha removed the diamond from her finger, holding it out for him.

  “God have mercy,” Nanny whispered in a barely audible voice.

  Stewart stood and approached her. He took the ring and held it for a moment, as if he had never seen it before. She looked into his face. His eyes were not that ice-cold blue. He wasn’t angry or upset. Perhaps they could part amicably, the way she always wanted. He squatted in front of her, pushed the ring onto her finger, and kissed it.

  “Do not apologize, and do not contemplate a life without me. We’ve discussed having a family. This wasn’t planned, but this baby shall be raised knowing its poppa.”

  Fighting tears, she smiled. The timing was awful, but Stewart was going to stand beside her.

  “I’m terrified,” she admitted. “I shall go into hiding until I give birth. You must return to school. Once you finish your education you can visit and become acquainted with your child.”

  “I also used the solitude of the ride to think. I will not take a passive role in my child’s life. It is time I step forward and assume the role of head of the household. I love you, and will love this child for all eternity. News of this pregnancy changes everything. We will be married, and soon. You are of legal age, and I have no wish for any financial support from your family. This child will be raised a Donovan. Momma and Vicki will assist in finding proper attire. With Poppa’s assistance, I shall arrange the church and minister.”

  Turning his attention to Nanny, he continued. “Would you be so kind as to inform Marcus and Joshua? Obviously Natasha’s parents will not be invited or informed of the event.” He turned his attention back to Natasha and placed his fingers under her chin. “Our dream is coming true. We shall be married and start a family all at the same time.” He knelt down and looked at her stomach, placing his hands around it. “I shall be a poppa,” he announced with excitement. He looked up at her and smiled before turning his attention back to her stomach. “With a humbled heart, I promise you little one, I shall be the best poppa possible. I love you, and I love your momma.” Stewart kissed her belly, and then took Natasha’s hands in his and kissed them.

  Nanny stood and bade them farewell. Her expression was not of elation, but concern.

  * * *

  Later that afternoon, Stewart’s parents and sister arrived for a visit while Natasha rested. Stewart told them the news. While concerned about the timing, they were ecstatic at the thought of a grandchild. Once Natasha woke she was congratulated and offered suggestions to help settle her stomach. Overjoyed, she was still glowing with happiness and contentment when they left for the evening.

  “I told you Momma and Poppa would support us. They love you like a daughter, Natasha.”

  Dear Diary,

  It began as one of my worst days and turned into the best day of my life. My dream is coming true….

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  The day Natasha was able to avoid staring into the basin, Stewart and Mr. Donovan spoke with the minister to arrange a date for the wedding. Natasha asked an ecstatic Vicki to be her attendant.

  On the day of the wedding Natasha arrived at the small white church at the edge of the city with Marcus and Joshua. They opened the door and stepped into the lobby.

  Vicki looked on solemnly as Stewart took his place at the front of the church. His parents were sitting in the front row, an aunt and uncle and cousins behind. The guests were informed the couple met at university and that Natasha’s parents were deceased.

  On the other side of the aisle Nanny sat with her sister, both glancing back and beaming with pride. Behind them were a couple of Stewart and Natasha’s school friends. Natasha whispered to Vicki, and her attendant began the walk down the aisle. She appeared older than fifteen in the long, shimmering yellow dress. A stunning young woman with beads and ribbons intertwined into her long blonde hair. As instructed, she took her place beside her brother.

  Natasha glanced down at her own gown. Weeks earlier, Mrs. Donovan and Vicki had brought three gowns for her to choose from. Natasha fell in love with her gown the moment it was held before her. The heavily embroidered bodice draped over her shoulders and onto her arms, giving the form-fitting garment a layered appearance. The dress flowed down to her waist, and tied at the back. The skirt continued to flow with layers of lace, camouflaging her slightly protruding stomach. It ended with a short train. Her hair was tied back and entwined with baby’s breath and pearls.

  Beaming within, she held her small bouquet of roses in her hands. She took a deep breath and watched as Joshua positioned his arm for her to loop around. She smiled, being careful not to damage the floral arrangement, and then held Marcus’ hand. Together, the three of them walked down the aisle toward the grinning man who would become her husband.

  When they reached the altar, Marcus leaned toward Stewart and teased him about their matching black suits. Then he placed Natasha’s hand in his.

  “You are loved,” Joshua whispered to her. “I do believe you will be happy with him.”

  “I shall. I know I shall.”

  Her brothers stepped away, allowing the minister to begin the ceremony. Vicki held both bouquets and listened with rapt attention as Stewart and Natasha recited their marriage vows.

  The ceremony was romantic and elegant. Pictures were taken of the couple as they gazed into each other’s eyes. Natasha suggested outdoor photographs at the river, and some photos included the newlyweds with Goldie. The event ended with a light meal at the Donovan home which Mrs. Donovan had prepared. It was the happiest day of her life. Natasha was content knowing Joshua, Marcus, and Nanny witnessed her marriage and supported her decision.

  Boxes, crates, and luggage were loaded into the wagon. The Donovans transported the newlyweds to their cottage to relax and enjoy their honeymoon. Natasha’s eyes were sparkling with anticipation as they travelled along the winding, tree-lined driveway. When the hideaway came into sight she squeezed Stewart’s hand, giddy with excitement. The single-storey stone building had a multitude of windows and an inviting porch that led to the front door. She had been told originally it was built as a summer home. Entering, the cottage had a large kitchen with plenty of counter space, shelves, and an oak table that sat in the middle of the floor. Looking onto the sitting areas, two large couches and three chairs kept the room inviting.

  Willard carried the suitcases into the bedroom, said farewell to the young couple, and assisted his wife back onto the buggy. Once alone, Natasha glanced at the kitchen and sitting room before working her way into the bedroom. With a double bed, two large wardrobes, two chairs, and a table for reading, it was a comfortable room in which to relax at the end of a busy day. Once she put their clothing away, Natasha assisted Stewart in the kitchen before joining him on the couch to relax.

  “It’s a perfect location for a honeymoon,” she said joyfully.

  “I love you, Mrs. Donovan,” he whispered.

  Natasha smiled and rested her head on Stewart’s shoulder. Exhausted from the day, she yawned, closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.

  * * *

  Waking, a bright moon illuminated their room. Her back was snuggled against Stewart’s chest. Uncomfortable, she attempting to roll over. Long folds of her clothes constricted her movement. Placing her hands on her thighs, she groaned. She was still wearing her wedding dress. She couldn’t recall going to bed. Their wedding night wasn’t celebrated properly. Unable to move with the weight of Stewart’s arm on her stomach, she lifted it and crawled off the bed.

  “Are you ill?” Stewart asked, stretching.

  “No, but I will be more comfortable in my dressing gown. I fell asleep on our wedding night,” she reminded him, chastising herself.

  She watched as Stewart propped himself up.

  “Yes. You were sleeping so peacefully, and didn’t stir when I carried you into this room. I didn’t have the heart to wake you. It was an exhausting day. We shall have a lifetime together. I set your dressing gown at the foot of the bed.”
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  Stewart helped remove her wedding gown. Once under the covers she snuggled in, resting her head on his chest. They both fell into a deep sleep.

  She woke as the sunshine poured into the window. After breakfast, Stewart changed into his bathing trunks. Grabbing blankets, pillows, and towels, Stewart gripped Natasha’s hand and led her out the back door. Stewart pointed out a beautiful bed of flowers that was situated beside a large rectangular garden for vegetables and herbs. A handmade swing hung from a nearby tree. Both could be viewed as a person sat by the wrought iron table and chairs just outside the door. Further back on the property Willard had dug a large hole and let it fill with spring water. There was a dock on the side. On the narrow end of the egg-shaped pond, a gradual slope allowed gently entry to the water. Natasha removed the towel that covered her swimwear, sat on the dock, and dangled her feet in the water. She leaned back and took a deep breath. Stewart joined her.

  “This reminds me of the day we first spoke,” Stewart whispered. He leaned over and kissed her.

  Natasha smiled in agreement. The day was perfect. They were married, and she was able to enjoy the freedom and fresh air away from that stuffy apartment. She wiggled her toes under the sparkling surface before she stood and dove in. When she resurfaced, Stewart was standing with his hands on his hips, infuriated.

  “Natasha,” he scolded. “You’re with child.”

  “Indeed, and our child is enjoying the water.” She pushed the hair away from her face. “Are you planning to join us?”

  He dove in after her. Natasha loved sporting in the water with Stewart. It was so wonderful to spend the entire day outside after being confined for weeks in the small apartment. She was happy to accept his help preparing supper. Afterward, Stewart set blankets and pillows on the ground a few feet from the pond. She fell asleep after embracing her new husband under the stars. Natasha woke before sunrise, slipped inside to retrieve her diary, and wrote while Stewart continued to sleep.

  Dear Diary,

  We are married. I love Stewart and the child growing inside me….

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  Marcus related the events to Stewart afterward. Nanny had been summoned to the castle. The king and queen wanted their daughter home and under their control. Nanny was led outside to the cast iron table and chairs where Anna was waiting, resplendent in a bright yellow gown. Harold had retired to his study, leaving the women to converse in private. Nanny adjusted the skirt of her pastel gown as she settled in the chair to Anna’s right. She removed two pictures from her purse as the twins watched, hidden from view. A photograph of Natasha in her wedding gown was placed on the table in front of the queen. The woman was livid her daughter had indeed married the young man without parental approval. The colour drained from Anna’s face as Nanny showed a second portrait. This one of Natasha with Marcus and Joshua on either side. Her hands clenched into fists.

  “The boys are to be summoned to the castle. Reprimanded.”

  Nanny remained calm. “Nothing would make those two happier than to be relieved of their royal duties,” she reminded her employer.

  Anna made no reply. Nanny rose and left the castle. Natasha’s condition wasn’t mentioned.

  Joshua and Marcus eavesdropped outside their father’s bedroom while their mother discussed her conversation with Nanny. “Natasha is to be forced home. Her marriage will be annulled,” he thundered.

  He vowed to regain control of the defiant princess. Surprisingly, Anna did not mention the twins’ involvement to their father. The twins returned to their wing.

  Fearful for Natasha’s safety, Anna composed a telegram to be sent in haste. She sent it to Nanny, knowing it would find its way into Natasha’s hands. She insisted Natasha return home immediately.

  After reading the telegram, Nanny questioned her own safety. She wrote a reply, warning Anna of the consequences of any form of retaliation. If she suspected she was being followed, she would inform the boys and ask for their assistance. She reminded Anna that her sons supported their sister’s position.

  The following evening, Marcus was about to open his brother’s bedroom door when he heard his mother’s voice. She was begging Joshua to abide by tradition, the wishes of his parents, and persuade Marcus to follow. Marcus could hear the discouragement in her tone when Joshua declared his unwavering support of their sister.

  The following day, the boys went to see Nanny and then onto the cottage to update Stewart.

  “Given Natasha’s delicate condition, I think it’s best we keep this information from her,” Joshua whispered. “She has suffered enough stress and turmoil.”

  “I’m optimistic your father will have a change of heart and accept our marriage.”

  “I hope you’re right, Stewart.”

  * * *

  While at the cottage, Natasha’s stomach blossomed. She was showing obvious signs of pregnancy when they returned to their apartment the following month. Time sped for the young Donovan family as they prepared for the new arrival. Natasha was kept occupied sorting through boxes of baby clothes and supplies from Stewart and Vicki’s childhood. Eliza and Vicki cleaned the acceptable garments and shopped for additional supplies. With Willard’s assistance, the bassinet and infant furniture was repaired and cleaned. Stewart began designing a nursery in the corner of their bedroom, going over every detail with Natasha. Goldie became her shadow from the moment the Donovans arrived until the time Vicki took her place on the buggy to return home.

  The apartment seemed lonely when it was just her and Stewart.

  As her pregnancy progressed, Natasha grew nervous about the actual birth. She knew very little about newborn babies, or about caring for a child. Natasha quizzed Eliza when they were together. Cherishing her time with her new family, she began inviting them to dine on Sundays.

  They were having a wonderful discussion one Sunday afternoon when Natasha placed her hand on her stomach. She looked at his momma.

  “That was the strangest sensation.”

  “The baby moved,” Eliza explained with delight.

  “Stewart, you must feel this.”

  Stewart shifted closer and placed his hand beside hers on her enlarged stomach. It felt as though her belly was a large body of water with waves rolling across the surface.

  “It’s amazing to think a child is living in your womb.”

  “This baby wishes to become acquainted with its poppa,” Natasha responded as a third movement rippled through her belly. “You’d almost think it is capable of hearing. It recognizes your voice.”

  Natasha extended her hand toward her sister-in-law to encourage her to feel the baby.

  “Patience,” she said. “We will feel movement again.”

  Vicki knelt in front on Natasha, and within a few moments her eyes lit up with wonder.

  Life was uneventful, normal, as Stewart informed her. Perfect. Her stomach continued to expand. The realization she would become a momma became more real each day. Natasha craved the outdoors, for the opportunity to leave the confines of the apartment. She chaffed at the restrictions, but she knew she could not risk being seen.

  Dear Diary,

  I will remain optimistic. Father will relent in his stubborn pride and accept our marriage….

  * * *

  Stewart and Natasha were sitting on the sofa, talking to Vicki and Momma when Natasha doubled over and gripped her stomach.

  “My word,” Natasha groaned.

  “The baby?” Stewart asked. He turned and looked at his momma. “Doc is not expecting this baby to arrive for two more weeks.”

  “I will go for him,” Mrs. Donovan responded. “Vicki and Goldie will remain here.”

  His momma arrived with Nanny and Doc within the hour. Natasha was taken into the bedroom. His poppa joined Stewart and Vicki when he finished working. The wait continued. A few hours later, the wail of a newborn broke the tense silence. Stewart rose from the chair and strode to the closed door. Placing his hands together, he stared at the ceiling.
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  “Dear Father in Heaven, I beg of you. Look after Natasha and our baby.”

  “Your momma was not quiet while giving birth to you or Vicki. I never questioned the pain she experienced during childbirth.”

  “Perhaps in Natasha’s mind it’s inappropriate to vocalize such emotions. What I would give to hear her voice. To know she’s well.”

  He returned to his poppa’s side and sat on the sofa. It seemed an eternity before the door opened. His momma was holding a small infant wrapped in a white blanket. She was beaming with pride.

  “Poppa, you have a daughter,” she told her son. “Natasha is eager to see you.”

  Stewart hurried to Momma’s side. He took his daughter into his arms and kissed her tiny forehead.

  “We created a child,” he remarked in wonderment. “I promise to love you, little one.” With gentle movement, he worked his way into their bedroom, leaving his momma in the parlour with his poppa and sister. Natasha was resting with her head leaning against pillows.

  “She’s beautiful. I’m proud of you.”

  Stewart placed their newborn baby in her arms. Natasha’s body tensed.

  “Oh my stars,” she winced as the child sought her nipple.

  “Relax,” Nanny said. “Bond with the child.”

  “I fear that may take time. I must remind you, I’ve never held an infant.”

  “Our child requires a name,” Stewart reminded her.

  He sat on the edge of the bed, extending his index finger. The baby wrapped her small hand around it. Natasha’s eyes were fixed on their infant. She never moved.

  “Please, take her in your arms. I’m tired. I wish to rest, and breathe.”

  Stewart gathered his daughter into his arms.