Mum is 40, unmarried, and now expecting a baby. We live in a small English town – there’s simply no way to avoid the gossip

I have the best mum anyone could ask for! She had me far too youngshe gave birth at just 16. All our relatives were horrified, but only my grandparents stood by her. As a result, I was born the calmest and happiest child in the world.

My entire family helped to bring me up. My grandparents made sure Mum could finish her education, so we never knew real hardship. Thanks to Mums hard work, we never worried about money and there was no fighting or drama over the household.

Eventually, I grew up, and at 16 found myself pregnant as well. Only my boyfriend behaved honourablyhe took responsibility and married me. I had my child at 17. That meant Mum became a grandmother at the age of 33. She didnt despairinstead, she was overjoyed. We raised the little one as a proper family, and I managed to finish my studies and later found a brilliant job.

Now, my own child is 12, and Im expecting again. Everything was going well. But the key word is was.

Not too long ago, Mum told me she was planning on having another baby. I asked her why. Turned out shed fallen in love with a man. The problem was, he was already married and had no intention of leaving his family. I was shaken. Nothing I said made any difference to her. She then explained she was already pregnant and had no intention of giving up the babyshe absolutely wanted this second child.

So, there we sat, both of us crying. Some of the tears were for Mums situationher lover wasnt going to leave his wife, wouldnt claim the baby, and certainly wouldnt support the child financially. If she wanted this baby, she would have to manage on her own. He already had enough children as it was.

In the end, Mum grew rather upset. I could have tried to comfort and support her more, but I just felt helpless. Shes in love, pregnant, and newly abandonedthings hardly get worse than that.

I keep thinking about the day when the babys borneven our neighbours and family friends will have a field day laughing behind Mums back, looking down on her. Shell be not only a single mum, but giving birth well into her forties. We live in a small town, so gossip spreads quickly.

I support her in every way I can. After all, if I let myself crumble under the stress or feel angry, she wouldnt copeshed simply break. My grandparents dont know anything yet about soon becoming great-grandparents again; Mums asked me not to tell them for the time being.

Sometimes I think she might consider not going through with the pregnancy. I honestly dont know whether to talk her out of it or support her decision. Im frightened for her, and my heart aches for Mum. Shes agonising over everything, but what can she do? Everyone else is dead set against her having this baby. Still, Im fairly certain she already loves the unborn child. So, what should we do? Say goodbye to the baby, or somehow give it a shot and raise it together? In the end, its up to her.

I told my husband everythinghes the only breadwinner in our house. Surprisingly, he took it all in his stride. He isnt afraid of any of the obstacles. He just said that if we already have two children, theres always room for a third. But even so, Im scared. For no reason at all?