Alberda woke up at dawn just as she had every other day for the past fourteen years of her life. She dreamed of a day when she could wake up when she wanted and spend the day however she chose. She doubted that day would ever come.

The sweet smell of food flooded her nose and she sat up, thinking she must have been dreaming. Her mother sat on the edge of the bed, holding a small plate of deviled eggs, bread, and butter.

"Where did you get that?" She scooted to the edge of the bed and tore the piece of bread in half then shoved her half into her mouth.

"Leftovers from the party last night," Nan answered. She took the other half of the bread and ate. It wasn't often they received food like this. "Willamina snuck it to me last night, but I figured we should wait and eat it today. It'll give us strength."

"Bless that child," Alberda replied, mouth still full of food. She gulped it down and smiled up at Nan. The woman wasn't her biological mother, but had raised her so she might as well have been. She had called Nan 'Ma' ever since she was old enough to talk.

Between the two of them, the food didn't go very far but it was still more than they received most days. They ate quickly so they could begin their chores for the day. They were the only two house slaves, so it was a heavy workload, but they managed to get it all done. And as much as she hated to admit it, it was better than being a field slave.

She and Nan dressed and then climbed down the stairs from the attic and into the kitchen. They sneaked the plate down by hiding it in the apron of Nan's dressed. If Abigail or Theodore cough them, they could be accused of stealing it.

While Alberda focused on setting the table for breakfast that morning, Nan cooked. Abigail had requested a breakfast of porridge, eggs, toast, and bacon. They worked fast and soon the table was set for the Porter family to eat.

Alberda stood in the next room, washing up dishes. She was close enough to overhear the conversation at the table.

"Children, I have wonderful news." Abigail's voice traveled into the kitchen and Alberda couldn't help but listen in. Nan would box her ears if she knew what she was doing, but she paused, wanting to know the good news even though she knew it didn't involve her.

"What is it?" Elliot asked eagerly. The other children did the same, asking repeatedly until Theodore's loud voice quieted them. All grew silent until Mrs. Porter spoke again.
"I'm with child."

Alberda could practically hear the woman smiling. There was loud chatter as the family celebrated. The children were full of questions, wanting to know when it would arrive and if they would have a sister or a brother.

But her own reaction was entirely different. Part of her was excited for the family. Poor Abigail had wanted another child for so long. But the other part of her dreaded it, knowing the child would turn out just as spoiled and bratty as Evangeline and Elliot had. And she would be in charge of taking care of the child just as Nan had taken care of the other two.

With a huff, she finished scrubbing the last pan and put it back into its proper place. She couldn't help but hope that this baby would turn out more like its cousin than its siblings.

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Word Count: 603

I apologize for the short chapter, but I thought hearing from Alberda's POV would be interesting.

What do you think of the baby news? Let me know in the comments.

Thanks for reading!