by Lynn Landes
Anika wipes a stray tear and nods her head. “I will try,” she whispers.
“That’s all I ask.” He pats her shoulder and walks away giving her a moment of privacy.
Dropping to her knees on the ground, she places a flower on Rosie’s mound of dirt. “Father, hold her close in your loving embrace.” Delaney runs to her mother and gently lays a flower beside hers. Anika takes her hand and pulls her to the ground next to her. “Pray with me Delaney,” she pleads, and she bows her little head and listens.
“Father, help us to understand that you are in control and trust in your plan for our lives. We give ourselves completely to you. Guide us, protect us, and help us to forgive him.” Delaney stiffens beside her and tries to pull away, but Anika will not budge. “I will not let hatred plant a seed in our souls. Today we are free in our love for you and each other, knowing that your son paid the ultimate price to wash away our sins.” Turning to Delaney she clasps her face in her hands, “Only God is perfect, Delaney.”
“I hate Daddy, Mama!” Hazel eyes glare at her in defiance.
“It is okay to hate what he did to our family and us, but not the man. He was good once, Delaney. He was sick and lost… and now he is home. We will cry together, be angry together and then you know what?”
“What?” She whispers with tears running down her cheeks.
“We will heal together, I promise.” Delaney throws her arms around her neck and sobs.
Pastor Donegal watches with Mr. and Mrs. Parker and smiles softly. “God is good, it may not feel like it today, but we must trust in his plan.” Guilt rides all the members of the church on this day. The law did fail to protect them, and the church tried to counsel him many times, but war stains a soul. If one does not have strong faith, it is hard to survive the scars. He nods goodbye and returns to his wagon.
Clara wipes a tear as she watches Mother and child. She turns to look at her husband, “We have to help them.” He nods in a silent agreement, turning around at the sound of a horse riding fast in their direction and a familiar voice calls out for help.
“Dr. Parker, we need your help.” The rider pulls up short but doesn’t bother to dismount. “It’s Sue Ward, she’s taken a turn for the worse.”
Josiah glances worriedly at his wife. Anika and Delaney rode with them in their wagon, and he can't abandon them. Unfortunately, it isn't safe for the women to travel back to town alone. Sue Ward lives in Mt. Joy ten miles away, and that is a fast ride on horseback. In the wagon, it will take a longer.
Clara rushes to explain, and Anika calls out, “We will go with you, Dr. Parker. It isn't a problem.”
Relief rushes across his face, “Are you sure you can handle the trip?” Anika and Delaney follow Clara’s lead and quickly enter the wagon.
“I won't keep you from helping someone in need. You're my doctor, I will defer to your judgment.” Josiah looks over the young woman's swollen face and decides to chance it. Sue may not have much time, and he wants to be there to help.
“Right then. Let's go.” Climbing up next to his wife he turns to the young man. “William, ride ahead and tell them I'm on my way.” He doesn't wait he kicks the horse into a run, while they follow at a safe pace.
Josiah does his best to avoid the rough patches of the road as Clara explains the situation to Danika. “Glenn and Sue Ward own a farm in Mt. Joy, called Ward Farm and Orchards. She has always had a weak heart, but the stress of the war and pregnancy took a toll on her body. The twins were delivered two weeks ago.”
“Did they?” Anika can’t finish the sentence as she bounces along holding Delaney close.
“Yes, twins born a month early. Sue is not faring as well as the infants,” Josiah responds.
“That’s sad,” Delaney murmurs turning her face into her Mother’s embrace.
“What can you do Josiah, to help her?” Clara asks her husband.
“In truth, I've done all I can do. Now it is a matter of treating the symptoms and try to make Sue comfortable. Frankly, I'm surprised she has lived this long. It has been two weeks, but a mother's love makes one capable of amazing feats.” He says thinking of Anika and Delaney.
Clara blinks back tears and murmurs a prayer for the Ward family. Anika bows her head and lifts a prayer for them as well. Everyone has a burden to bare she thinks, pulling Delaney close for a hug.
The noon sun climbs high into the sky and the beauty of it kissing the emerald landscape takes her breath. Anika stares in wonder at the lush rolling hills of the countryside around them. Her pain is beginning to beat at her as they bounce along. She closes her eyes and bites her lip as Josiah calls out to her.
“We’re almost there, do you need to stop?”
“No, I’m fine.” The wind blows, and she inhales deeply, drawing in the smell of fresh grass.
“Oh Mama, look at all the trees!” Delaney shouts, startling Anika.
“Delaney those are apple trees. They are part of the Orchard,” Clara explains. Soon they come to a turn and travel a few hundred feet down the lane and pass under a wooden sign. “Ward Farm and Orchards.” In the distance at the end of the dusty road is a large two-story brick farmhouse. Two large dogs run alongside the wagon, barking and leaping at them as Dr. Parker slows the cart before stopping and leaps down. He rushes to the back of the wagon to grab his medical bag and turns to help his wife down.
“Dr. Parker, thank you for coming.” An older woman with white hair, nods to them and guides him inside as her husband snaps at the dogs and orders the stable hands to take care of the horses.
“Allow me to help you, ladies.” Tall, muscular and silver-haired, with skin aged from the sun and life, Allen Ward greets them with a warm smile. When he reaches out a hand, Delaney cowers back away from him and into her mother’s side.
Clara puts a hand on his arm and smiles, “That’s very kind of you Allen, but I haven’t gotten to hug this sweetheart all day.” She adeptly steps in front of him and reaches out for Delaney, who instantly reaches for her.
Allen glances back at Anika with a small frown and notices the bruising and widow attire. “Allow me to introduce Mrs. Coltrane and her daughter Delaney Coltrane,” Clara says making the introductions.
Anika takes his hand and is thankful for the help. When he grips her waist to lower her to the ground, she hisses and pales at the pain in her ribs. Swaying on her feet, he steadies her and waits for her to gather herself.
“Steady now,” Allen murmurs.
“Thank you,” she whispers, too ashamed to look him in the eye.
“Welcome to Ward Farm. Let’s get you inside. How does a glass of juice fresh from our orchard sound?” Allen asks Delaney. Her hazel eyes light up, but she waits for her mother to speak.
Anika smiles softly. “That would be lovely.” Pain is rippling down her back and legs from the trauma of the last few days. Tentatively, she follows them inside, thankful that he chatters and teases a smile from Delaney.
“Daisy will have my hide if I don’t settle you in the parlor. Please have a seat.” Allen glances worriedly at Anika. “Refreshments, coming up.”
“Let me help, Allen,” Clara offers, and they move into the kitchen. As soon as they are out of earshot, he glances at her with a question in his eyes.
“That woman has been sorely mistreated,” he states. Clara doesn’t bother denying the obvious.
“We were at the funeral for her husband and newborn daughter, Allen. The baby… came early and it was too soon.” Protective of Anika’s privacy she doesn’t fill him in on the details, but he doesn’t need her to. Only a blind man would miss the evidence of her face and movements.
“I’m sorry to call you away from that, have you had lunch yet?” He asks.
“Not yet, Allen, but don’t concern yourself.”
Allen is already calling to the housekeeper who comes instantly from the garden out behind the house. “Ms. Pearl, we will need luncheon served for four more, please.”
“Of course, Mr. Ward.” Pearl
hurries to prepare lunch while Allen grabs a tray and glasses for the juice.
“Tell me, how are the boys?”
“They grow weaker every day,” Allen replies hoarsely. “She can't feed them, and they reject every kind of milk we offer. I fear it is in God's hands now.” He adds biscuits to the tray, and they walk back to the living room.
Anika glances around the grand foyer and is instantly reminded of home. Born in Virginia, she grew up on a smaller version of this farm. From the heart of pine floors to the beautiful fireplace, she runs her hand over the mantle and sighs. Her parents died during an outbreak of smallpox. She was already married and a new mother when they passed. The pain in her body draws her from her memories, and she is thankful for the moments of privacy to relax. The wagon ride didn't help her ribs, though walking seems to help. A noise filters in through the pain and causes her to frown.
“Mama, do you hear that?” Delaney stands up and moves towards a hallway. Meowing, like the sound of a kitten in pain. Anika turns slowly, ignoring the waves of exhaustion and follows the sound.
Her heart clenches at the familiar sound pulling her out of the sitting room and down a corridor. The cries grow stronger causing her feet to pick up pace. Delaney follows her Mother, watching her stop outside of a door. It is cracked open and the cries have grown louder now. Trembling, she pushes open the door and watches as Daisy, Allen’s wife, struggles to calm twin infants.
“I’m sorry to disturb you,” Anika says, “It’s just that we heard the cries.”
Daisy sighs and places the baby back in his bassinet. “That’s alright. I’m Daisy Ward, Grandma to these tiny bundles.” Daisy’s hands are shaking, and she struggles to keep back tears as the baby whimpers and hiccups, finally sucking his fist.
“I’m Anika Coltrane, and this is my daughter Delaney.”
Anika steps to the side of the wooden cradle and glances down. Two tiny dark-haired babies, frail, whining and sucking on small fists. “They're tiny, Mama. Are they supposed to look like that?” Delaney whispers.
“No sweets. They were born early,” and looking at them Anika whispers, “So beautiful.”
“My daughter-in-law, Sue can’t nurse them. Her milk didn’t come. They’ve lost more weight, unfortunately, and they aren’t responding to the cow’s milk. We’ve tried every kind, but it only causes them pain.” Daisy explains and smiles weakly behind them as her husband and Clara join them.
Another mewling cry calls out, and Anika's body responds. Breasts heavy with milk and a heart laden with pain she glances down at Delaney when she takes her hand and asks, “Can't you help them, Mama?”
Anika takes a deep breath she and prays quietly in her heart before she makes the offer. No one moves, and it seems as if time stops still for a moment. A single tear breaks free rolling down Anika’s face.
“Yes, I can,” she whispers. Glancing at the shocked faces of those around her, she stiffens her spine and says, “What you need is a Wet Nurse.”
Clara gasps “No,” and steps to her side. “No, it’s too much to ask, Anika. You just lost Rosie.”
“I know,” Anika glances down at the two precious treasures, “but why should anyone else have to suffer such a loss, if I can prevent it.” Delaney looks at the adults when the boys start crying again.
Daisy stares up at Allen with a flicker of hope, but he shakes his head. “This isn’t our decision to make. We need to ask Glenn and Sue first.”
“I'm sorry, to be selfish, Mrs. Coltrane, but the boys haven't much time left. I'll go get Glenn.” Daisy runs from the room as fast her old feet can carry her. Allen moves forward and picks up one of the babies trying to soothe him.
Delaney reaches out and puts a finger in each tiny fist of the second baby, instantly calming him. He hiccups and tries to pull her hand into his mouth. “He’s strong for such a tiny baby,” she giggles.
Anika smiles and pats her daughter. “I learned with you just how strong a newborn can be. God fortified them for the journey of birth,” she explains.
“But they need nourishment to help them grow stronger,” a deep voice responds. Glenn Ward steps into the room and Anika loses all train of thought. He is massive, standing well over six feet two, muscular and blonde with a few days' growth of beard and red eyes from lack of sleep. Anika notices every detail, especially the red-rimmed sky-blue eyes and worried expression on his face.
“I’m Glenn Ward. My mother tells me you can help us?”
“I’d like to try,” Anika replies.
Glenn turns away from her to face Josiah. “Can you vouch for her health, Dr. Parker? Not to seem rude, but I have questions that need to be answered.”
“No question about it, Anika is very healthy. Her child’s death was through no fault of hers.” Dr. Parker insists. “Anika are you sure?” He asks, worrying over her state of mind. The baby screams out, and his sobs cause her to begin shaking again.
“It’s just milk,” Delaney snaps. “They need my Mama, why is that so hard to see?”
“Delaney!” Anika says mortified, but Glenn laughs, glancing down at the dark-haired spitfire.
“I agree. I don’t want to get Sue’s hopes up. I’ll tell her when she wakes. Let’s give it a try.”
Anika doesn’t know whether to be relieved or not. “I’ll stay and help with the boys.” Daisy offers.
Dr. Parker nods, “Sue should sleep for a while, Glenn. The morphine will help,” he explains.
Allen takes everyone downstairs to lunch, promising to feed Anika once the boys are settled.
“Delaney, you go with Mrs. Parker and eat. I’ll be fine.” She stands close to her mother, chewing on her lip with a distressed look. Anika settles into the rocking chair, while Daisy stands off to the side.
“Yes, Mama.” Clara leads her out of the room talking to her about cherry juice.
Glenn stares at this young woman with the bruised body and feels guilty, but the thought of losing his boys forces him to push down his feelings and trust in the Lord. Picking up his son he hands him to Anika, “This is Quinton, he was the second born.” Anika smiles softly as she finally gets to hold him. Quinton fusses weakly while she settles him against her.
“His brother’s name is Allen, after his grandfather,” Daisy says rocking and patting him softly.
Anika looks down at the tiny baby with dark hair and flashes for a second to her Rosie. She closes her eyes and pushes back the pain as Quinton turns his head towards her and begins fussing in earnest. He can smell the rich milk waiting for him, and Anika smiles up at Glenn with unshed tears in her eyes. “We’ll send for you when they are full.”
Glenn is shocked by the wave of pain he feels coming from her, and he nods without speaking and walks out quickly.
Walking into the kitchen, he takes Dr. Parker aside and asks, “Tell me her story.” Josiah pales and hesitates. Doctor-patient confidentiality presses on him, but he sees a chance here for Anika and Delaney.
“Tell him, Josiah,” Clara urges softly, while Delaney plays with the dogs outside.
Anika struggles to unstrap her gown and chemise while holding Quinton. “I wasn’t prepared to nurse,” she stammers.
“Let me get you a blanket and hold him while you get comfortable,” Daisy takes Quinton and waits for Anika to get settled.
“Thank you, I’m ready.” When Anika reaches for Quinton, Daisy gasps in shock at the purple and black bruising marring this young woman’s arms, chest, and ribs.
Anika glances up and blushes when she sees the horror reflected on Daisy’s face. All her shame is quickly forgotten as she lifts the baby to her breast. Quinton latches on and instantly begins to suckle as if he can't get enough and Daisy's heart almost bursts with gratitude.
“That’s right little one, take what you need,” Anika whispers as Daisy drapes a blanket over her shoulder and baby to keep his tiny body warm. He suckles greedily, and they laugh when he protests ten minutes later when she pulls him off to burp. Again, she feeds him for anot
her ten minutes and burps once more. Thinking it is best not to let him take too much the first feeding, she slows him down to his angry protest, which startles his brother Allen.
Daisy switches babies with her and walks with Quinton, praying he keeps the rich milk down. “Allen is bigger, but he seems to be struggling more than his brother.” Anika lifts him to the other breast and nods.
“I’ll make sure he takes his time, so he doesn’t get an upset tummy. Delaney used to drink so fast her stomach would rebel.” Quinton roots around for a minute before screaming and pushing away from her. His skin is cold to the touch and clammy from sweat, and his cries are weak. Not liking where this is going, she looks up at Daisy in concern.
“Daisy this is going to sound strange, but could you help me undress him.” Daisy nods and quickly strips him to his cotton diaper and hands him back to Anika. She lays him against her body, skin to skin, and wraps the blanket over them. Anika makes a shushing sound, and he stops fussing for a minute, before rooting around and latching on. Then, like his brother, he takes to her quickly. Anika sighs in relief. Her breasts were becoming engorged, and it is a relief to nurse. She stops every five minutes to pat and burp Allen.
“That’s amazing. How did you know to do that?”
“My mother was a midwife in Virginia. I used to assist her with the deliveries and follow up visits. She encouraged the mothers to use skin to skin contact with the newborns. It soothed them and kept them warm.”
“Does it pain you to feed them?” Daisy asks, watching Quinton sleep contentedly for the first time since birth.
“It’s actually a relief. It was becoming painful.” Lifting Allen to her shoulder, she laughs as he drapes over her and burps softly. Anika inhales his sweet scent and presses a soft kiss to his tender cheek. Daisy lays him beside his brother, while Anika moves to the water basin to clean up and buttons her dress.
“I'll get the family.” Daisy hurries from the room, struggling not to sob. She has never seen such a selfless act, and it was beautiful to witness. With a quick swipe to her eyes, she finds them on the front porch watching Delaney play with and the dogs.
