Daniel came for breakfast every day and played with Jake while Gwen packed him sandwiches, fruit, cookies and drinks to bring to the woods for the day. He talked endlessly about the different varieties of trees, and how just the right angle of his cut had sent natures beast hurdling to the earth. The people who lived in the row houses caught the fever, and whenever they were not working for Thomas McAlister, they showed up to help Daniel in the woods.
In the evenings, he came to sit with Gwen and relayed the stories he’d heard, both the horrors and the blessings, the former slaves had shared with him. Daniel especially enjoyed their music. Its melody rang out as natural as the air they breathed, and the massive trees seemed willing to bow their heads as a sacrifice for the greater good.
Gwen laughed as she refilled his coffee cup. “You have quite the imagination, Daniel McAlister.”
“How so? If you believe that I am following God’s call in this endeavor, then why shouldn’t you believe He can also convince the trees to be willing sacrifices and allow them a role in this humane effort to rebuild His world?”
She studied him over the rim of her cup. “I’m impressed to hear quite a spiritual angle, Daniel. Tomorrow is Sunday, a day of rest.”
“Exactly, and I have a plan, should the good nurse be willing to co-operate.”
“Pray, tell.”
“After church, I would like to take you to a watering hole that I’m told was my favorite spot as a youth. We can picnic and put our feet in the cool water. Arthur has given clear directions as to the specific location, and he promises we will not get lost.”
“What of Jake? Should I call for the nanny?”
“I was hoping we could bring him along. We’ll take that cozy hamper for him to sleep in. Just think of all the trouble he can get into when he’s awake.”
“Yes, like plunging into the water and never surfacing again,” Gwen said. “Perhaps he is too young.”
“Surely, two sets of eyes can watch one little boy. He needs to see more of the property other than this tiny section we call our home.”
Our home. Gwen clung to that for a moment, then she chided herself for such silliness. “Our home” meant Daniel and Jake—nowhere did Gwen fit into the picture.
Yes, they should bring the boy. Daniel needed to spend all of his free time with the lad if he were to build a solid relationship. The early years were the most important for building a bond to last a lifetime.
“You’re right. I’m being far too cautious. The boy needs to be a boy.”
“Jolly right! Now, you’re catching the spirit.”
Gwen was pleased to see his excitement but at the same time, feared her job might soon come to an end. The ghosts of his lost memory did not haunt or restrict him from moving forward now. He managed any lingering limp from his leg injury as if it did not exist. His spirits were high, and he’d even developed a somewhat workable relationship with his parents. She’d accomplished her goals. It did not appear the man would ever regain the memories he’d lost, but it was enough that he’d resolved to start fresh and plan for a future.
She should be on top of the world, yet her heart ached, and she could not stop wishing she’d never have to leave that place.
Chapter 8
The church was enormous by anyone’s standards. White boards covered the outside of the building, and double doors stood open to welcome the congregation. Tall stain-glassed windows on each side pictured the agony of the cross on the left and the risen Christ on the right—the gospel in a nutshell for the world to see. Its pinnacle reached heavenward, and a tower, open on all sides, was perched on top. Inside the opening, a bell swung a steady, welcoming ring calling the worshippers to gather for service.
Gwen entered with the family, having been formally invited by Mrs. McAlister to sit in their pew. The most likely reason being that she would mind the little one and ensure he did not cause a disturbance during the service. She scanned the room for Arthur and found him sitting in the balcony with the other carriage drivers who had transported their employers to church.
Daniel noticed her staring, and leaned over to whisper. “I’m told it’s the new preacher’s doing. Came from the north to replace the old one that retired. Not too many churches hereabouts welcome the two races to sit under the same roof—even if they are working. At one time, they tolerated a sparse number of them out of necessity, simply because their status as wealthy landowners seemed to require someone to drive them to church. Nowadays, most of the congregation encourage their colored employees to attend an evangelical work they started up down the road. Truth is, if they send them away, they are not required to pay them for loafing around an hour while not actively working,”
“So, for those who continue to employ help on the Lord’s Day, keeping the balcony open suits the needs on both sides. The few gathered up there appear to be happy.” Gwen said.
“They are a seven-day-a-week religious bunch, I’ll say that for them. They’d find a reason to praise the Lord anywhere on God’s green earth. When they can’t go to their own church down-the-way, they don’t mind being up there—claim they are closer to heaven.”
She smiled. “I hope working side-by-side with former slaves will eventually break down some of the barriers and chip away at those out-dated principles that your family seems to boast of.”
“Don’t put me in the McAlister box, Nurse Gwen. I don’t fit in well.” He turned to face the altar as the organ started to play a hymn.
Voices harmonized to offer praise to God, and Gwen’s heart rejoiced as she tuned into the distinctive tones of the worshippers in the balcony. This was a place of hope, where new beginnings could flourish and spread a united gospel message throughout the country. She prayed that man did not thwart God’s plan of accord for His children.
The service was just what she needed. When the preacher began his message, Gwen was attentive, and Jake laid his head in her lap and fell fast asleep. God had sent his son to die for people who did not deserve His mercy and sacrifice, but love for His creation compelled Him. Gwen compared it to the many human fathers who had sent their sons to possibly die for their country during times of war in a definite act of love. The only difference being that man’s sacrifice did not provide eternal freedom from the curse of sin. Only Jesus could provide that freedom, and His willingness to go to the cross for mankind was a one-time deal—accept or reject—the choice was in the hands of mortal men now.
A father’s job was not easy. She glanced at Daniel and was pleased to see him listening attentively to the preacher’s words. He was now a father, whether he liked it or not, and would face uneasy decisions in the future. She prayed that God would soften his heart to accept His message of unfailing love.
As soon as the service was over, friends gathered around them, and when young Jake became the center of attention, Gwen noticed the discomfort of the family that had not yet accepted him as one of their own.
Gwen scooped up the boy and excused herself. As she passed by the stairs winding upward to the abandoned balcony, she picked up the infant and began to climb. At the top, she put the toddler down and peered over the railing. The congregation continued to visit while Pastor Harris shook hands with those departing the building. She pivoted, and peered at the four rows of hard benches that ran half the width of the sanctuary and could almost feel the history of enslaved worshippers seeking a moment of peace from their troubled lives in this secluded spot. It grabbed her soul in such a way that she felt tears gathering in the corners of her eyes.
She jumped when a hand rested on her arm.
“What are you doing up here?” Daniel asked.
“Visiting with ghosts of the past, I suppose.”
“Did your family own slaves?”
“No. My father works in town and hires a couple of men to assist him, but I did know others over the years.” She smiled and brushed away the wetness from her cheek. “Arthur sits up here,” she said, her voice flattening.
“Minding the
buggy is his responsibility, and sad to say, he’d have to work the rest of his life to pay it off should some scallywag steal it. They draw lots to see who will stand guard just outside the door while the rest gather up here.” Daniel chuckled. “I’ve heard it said that the rafters shake when they get together with their own kind; a rather unruly and free-spirited congregation.”
“Are we not all free spirits?” Gwen asked.
“They worship differently, and many of the fine upstanding folks here consider it disrespectful, to put it kindly.”
“God loves all worship, be it inside His House, in the fields or in our homes. Life is an act of worship, Daniel, not to be confined inside a building or in the bondage of tradition.”
“You’ll get no argument from me,” said Daniel. “Maybe its all that stiff-laced tradition that turns me off. You, on the other hand, are to be commended—I appreciate a liberal thinker. But I should advise you not to converse with my father quite so openly on this subject.”
“I have no interest in pussy-footing around what your father thinks, but I do care about your well-being; physically, emotionally, and spiritually as you move forward.”
“God put my views on the subject in the land of lost memories, so it’s His fault I have no opinion in the matter.”
“Listen to yourself. Surely, even a hardened heart cannot swallow that lie.”
“Ah, yes. You think its so easy to just figure it all out again, make new decisions.” His face grew hard. “Well, I am tired of starting everything new. You have no idea how the past haunts me.”
She reached for his arm. “You’re right. I have never walked in your shoes, but many men have returned from war to the old lives they knew, only to find that all the rules have changed. Rigid principles and world views need to be re-evaluated by the entire nation. Perhaps it might be easier to look at your plight through fresh eyes, ones not tainted by the memories of what doesn’t exist anymore.”
His glare softened. “You are wise for one so young. The school did indeed send me the right nurse. I apologize.” He glanced at Jake, who sat quietly on the floor, playing with a piece of wood. “Are you ready for our picnic?”
“I am,” Gwen said. “The weather is perfect, and your son and I are happy to join you in a little bit of fun.”
Outside, Daniel took the reins from Arthur. “Why don’t you take the afternoon off? Spend some time with the family. I can drive my own buggy to the lake.”
“Do you recall how to get there?”
“I will manage,” Daniel said. “I rode at leisure yesterday and spotted the place, but an uneasy feeling lurked in the morning mist. It’s rather odd, don’t you think?”
“The past is full of horrors you are not privy to—some of them not worth seeking, but as boys, we experienced plenty of pleasant memories there. Perhaps a few of those will come to light.”
“You sound as optimistic as Nurse Gwen.” Daniel shook off the premonition and reached for her hand. “Let me help you up.” When she sat on the covered bench, he scooped the toddler off his feet and twirled him playfully in the air before handing him to Gwen.
The boy giggled. Gwen was pleased to see that the day was off to a good start. She caught Arthur’s confusion at the arrangement and winked. It might have been nice to have him along, perhaps to spark a forgotten memory, but when she saw him glance longingly down the gravel road, she grinned.
“Arthur, I believe I still hear singing from the church in the woods. You might catch the tail end of your service if you hurry.”
He brightened. “Thank you. I shall leave you to enjoy your afternoon alone.” The young man scurried away and was soon out of sight.
Daniel joined them on the seat and hit the lines on the backs of the team. They started, and Jake squealed with delight.
“I like Arthur,” Gwen said.
“He does seem to be a nice chap—a great source of information and help for me in my current venture, with the tree-cutting and fixing up the row houses.”
“I’d bet that if you asked your father if he could work with you full-time, the job would get done faster and with added pleasure.”
“My father does not take to change easily. He depends on Arthur at the house.”
“And have you asked or even told him of your growing vision for the plantation?”
“Forestry? It sounded good at the onset, but I chickened out. I’m not ready for him to laugh me out of the house.”
“Your father took the initiative to hire a nurse so that you could return to the land you will inherit someday. I think that sounds like a man open enough to listen to new ideas. The horizon is changing, and wood will be a rare commodity, needed to rebuild our country.”
Daniel laughed. “Perhaps you should speak to the man. You seem to have it all figured out.”
“Hardly. Look at me: I went to school to learn nursing skills, and it turned out my first charge is quite capable of healing himself, should he wish to.”
“You consider your skills to be wasted here?”
“What do you think? You barely limp anymore, and you do not hide in the chalet like a whipped puppy.”
“You take charge of my son and do a fine job. I appreciate that.”
“A child who is also healthy and not in need of a nurse but a nanny,” Gwen argued.
“Do you want to leave?” His eyes darkened, and she feared for the frantic loss that swam within the depths of them.
“I didn’t say that.”
“Good. You had me worried for a minute. I’ve grown quite accustomed to our routine and am not eager for it to end.”
Gwen wasn’t sure if he had meant for his inconvenience or that he’d actually miss her. She had a growing concern that in her case, she would miss the man and his son more than the McAlisters might miss her.
The river came into sight, and Jake squealed and pointed while jumping his little bottom up and down on the seat between them.
“Well, the lad seems excited,” Daniel said.
“We shall have to watch him carefully. Children don’t know the dangers of water.”
He grinned at her across the youngster’s head. “He’ll be fine. It’s Sunday, and you deserve a day of relaxation as well.”
Gwen breathed in the fresh air and let the cares of the world flow from her mind. The wonderful escape was all the remedy she needed—that and enjoying God’s creation with good company.
Chapter 9
On the grassy meadow, Gwen spread out the ample feast Arthur had brought that morning from the kitchen at the main house. Daniel perched Jake on his shoulders and headed for the water’s edge. The river pooled calmly in the sheltered section, ill-affected by the raging currents beyond. She could understand the child’s attraction to this piece of paradise, and she could almost hear the distant echoes of youngsters at play in days-gone-by. Now, Daniel’s son would enjoy his special place. Gwen reveled in this positive sign, father and son engrossed in activity with each other, all while snuggled within the safety of the private inlet.
A song of praise filled her lips as she placed the plates on the blanket. When all was ready, she stood and stretched. They had removed their shoes, and Daniel swung the child back and forth, allowing the tips of his toes to touch the cool water. Each contact made Jake squeal, and their laughter filled the quietness of the afternoon.
“Lunch is ready,” she called, reluctant to intrude upon the bonding miracle but unwilling to share their meal with the pesky flying bugs hovering nearby.
With Jake on his back, Daniel trudged back up the small grade to where she as waiting. He placed the lad on the blanket and plunked down beside him.
“Look what we have here, son. The good nurse has laid out a feast for us to devour.” He took off his hat and grinned at Gwen. “This place is medicine to my soul. I should have come here sooner.”
“No odd feelings as in yesterday?” she asked.
“None. Must be the company I’m keeping.” He winked at Gwen, and she felt the
color rush into her face.
“God’s timing is perfect in all things,” she said as she joined them on the ground. “Perhaps you were not ready to receive His peace until today.”
The boy reached for a leg of chicken, but Daniel held his hand back. “Now, Jake, my boy, if you hadn’t slept through the entire morning service, you’d know that we need to give thanks for God’s bounty.” He glanced at Gwen. “Perhaps you will do us the honors.”
“I’m glad his father did not sleep,” she said playfully. “Your turn will come to pray, so prepare your heart, sir.” She bowed her head and said a simple prayer of thanksgiving for the food, the company, and His creation.
“You make talking with the Almighty sound easy,” Daniel said as he plunked a chicken leg on Jake’s plate. “Can he eat this without choking?”
She moved his hand aside. “Let me take it off the bone.” Just as quickly, she pulled back. “Perhaps you should do it for your son. It’s good practice.”
For every two helpings Daniel had scooped on his plate, he placed a smaller amount of food onto Jake’s. The child stared at the process but kept his hands clasped together in his lap. When Daniel urged him to start, the child attacked the food and soon had more on his clothes, the blanket, and his face than he had managed to get into his mouth.
“My father would say the boy has no manners. Is he old enough to be taught?”
“I am attempting to train him, and I hope he will soon master the use of a spoon. Unfortunately, he did not come to us with manners that would pass your father’s inspection.”
“He’s a boy—let him make a mess while he can.”
“I love this spot. Arthur said you came here together often as boys. Does anything spark a memory?”
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