14 November, 1784
Rocca Sorrentina

My mind is much relieved. I never would have believed it possible, but I think I can be quite pleased with what lays ahead for Gabriel and myself. Of course, it is still possible I have reached a false conclusion regarding my current condition, but all the signs are there, as they have been in the past, and one important sign is not present as it normally should have been with some regularity. Of course, it would have been nice to have my suspicions confirmed by the village physician but I am starting to believe that the man must drink a little (or possibly a great deal). How else can one explain his office and shop left standing open day in and day out and, yet, him nowhere to be found. If he were located some place other than this small island village, the apothecary would no doubt have been robbed! It is only the insular nature of this community that protects one who seems to have no interest in protecting his own business.

You may wonder what has given me such relief in the absence of medical attention. It was a consultation with a woman of this place, a Lady Emira. Well, actually, I do not know if she can be properly called Lady, but she most certainly behaved as one in my presence. so that is enough to warrant the title. Lady Emira is one who reads the tarot. Oh I know! You no doubt think of that art as gobbledygook and you are welcome to your opinion, but I assure you Lady Emira is no charlatan claiming to predict the future. What she does with the cards is more akin to what a painter does when he shows you the inside of your own heart on canvas. I spent but an hour in this lady's company and found that I am most anxious for another child, this one born of real love between its parents. Until the cards asked me just the right questions, I was not sure that, at this stage in life, I could be happily accepting of such a condition. Now, I am prepared to embrace a son or daughter in loving arms.

Of course, it will be months before the happy day. Between now and then, I must wait and be wary of anything that might put this child at risk. And, of course, I will not tell Gabriel the news until the news is more obviously clear. Then it will not require my telling at all, I suspect. That will be some months still. In the meantime, I will keep this secret and support Gabriel in the many professional opportunities that have come his way since our arrival in Italy.

Now, since it is obvious the local physician will be of no use to me whatsoever, I must seek the counsel of a female healer. How does one find such a woman? Having lived at the very heart of civilization until now, I really have no idea how one procures these necessary services in so... rustic ... a world as this one.