by Alice Addy
“Look at these dishes. Fine, they are,” Dora said. “And there’s Sunday china over in that cabinet . . . Hand painted in France, it says. This here stove is a little old, but they took mighty good care of it. Emily, you can cook anything on this stove,” she proudly declared.
Emily grinned. “No, Dora. You can cook anything on it. I’ll boil water.”
The women all laughed, for they knew she was a fair cook, herself, and just trying to be humble.
Patty asked, having come from the bedroom, “Have you seen that brass bed? It’s as fine as any we have at the hotel. Who were these people?”
Eve thought about that and she felt an inkling of apprehension. Who were they, indeed, and why had this property never been offered for sale? Why had no one come forward to make claim on their belongings? Emily would be devastated if, for some unforeseen circumstance, she couldn’t purchase this farm. Eve promised to keep her concerns to herself until she could find the answers.
“Well, ladies. I hate to be the one to break up the party, but we all have to go home. We still have a hotel to run, you know,” Eve announced. It was three thirty and they must be back by five o’clock.
They all grumbled and slowly headed out to the buggy. No one wanted to leave just yet—especially Emily. “I could move in right now, girls. Never in my life have I ever felt so at content. This is my home and you’re all welcome, here, anytime. But I guess I should actually buy the place, first.” She grinned.
It took no time at all to reach the outskirts of town. The women were startled to see the hotel coming up on their left. They had talked the entire return trip about what they could do to help Emily. She would make a list and tackle each project in order, until they were all completed. It was her dream list, she stated.
Tomorrow, Emily would go with Eve to the bank and see what information they could obtain about the owners. The farm had been abandoned for so long, that neither woman expected any difficulties.
*
The next afternoon, as the women were walking back to the hotel, Eve spied Pearl trying to cross the muddy street. Her body was incredibly large now, and so cumbersome, that she had to struggle simply to maintain her balance. At this time, however, she failed to do so, as she fell heavily into the sticky, thick mud
“Emily—Pearl!” Eve shouted, as she pointed and started to run with Emily close on her heels.
“Darling,” she yelled. “Are you all right?”
Before the two women could reach the little pregnant woman lying prostate in the street, a very nice looking gentleman had her by the shoulders and was lifting her to her feet. He placed one arm behind her knees and one behind her back, and swooped her up. Holding his precious burden close to his chest, he whispered something in her ear and headed straight for the hotel.
Dora had seen everything from the hotel window and had ordered Cassie to get a blanket to cover the settee.
Directing the helpful young man to the sofa, Dora said, “Over there, son. Put her down, gently—gently now.” The older woman was already sick with worry. “Is she all right?”
“I think so, ma’am. She said her boot got stuck and it caused her to lose her balance. Thankfully, the mud is soft, ma’am. I think the child is unhurt.”
“You a doc?”
He smiled. “I’m studying to be, ma’am.” Then he turned his attentions to Pearl. “How old are you, if you don’t mind me asking?”
Looking around the room at the inquiring faces, she muttered softly, “Almost sixteen.”
“My God!” several voices said in unison.
Dora spoke up. “Pearl, you’re just a child, yourself. Who did this to you? I think it’s time you told us. He needs to be dealt with.”
The young girl started to cry. “I told him I was seventeen, so it isn’t really his fault. He was just so handsome, and I loved him. I still do.” She unconsciously rubbed her wrist. He’s very sad, most of the time, and I thought I could make him happy. I did for a while, until I started to get sick. He didn’t like that. He’s not ready to be a Pa. Besides, he’s in love with another woman that broke his heart.” She sniffled. “At least I’ll have his baby to love and to love me back. No one’s ever loved me before.”
That was all Dora could stand to hear. Her heart was breaking for Pearl. “You are so wrong, child. I couldn’t love you more if I’d given birth to you, myself. We all love you, here, at the Birdsong. Don’t you ever forget that.”
Cassie reached out for Pearl’s hand. “We’re almost the same age, you and I. We can be sisters, if you want. I ain’t got nobody, either.” As she grasped the thin little hand, Pearl cried out.
“Let me see that wrist, ma’am,” the doctor demanded. “I believe it’s been broken and was never set properly. Who did this to you?”
Pearl bit her lower lip and shook her head.
Eve explained to the doctor that Pearl had steadfastly refused to identify the father of her child, and since he was more than likely the one who hurt her, she would never reveal his name.
“Don’t you have any hunches?” the young man asked the woman who seemed to be in charge.
“I’ve wracked my brain, but can’t think of a soul. However, she did say more about him today than ever before. We know he’s handsome, sad, and he’s been jilted by a . . . oh, no. It couldn’t be. It’s too preposterous!”
Eve turned to the girl resting quietly on the settee. “Pearl, I know you do not want to reveal the man’s name, but if I guess correctly, will you tell me if I’m right?”
The girl thought for a moment and then nodded.
“Is he a gambler, Pearl? Is his name Sam Garrison?”
Pearl looked as though she had been struck. Tears filled her eyes; she had never wanted to hurt him by revealing his identity. Slowly, she nodded. “Yes, it’s Sam, but please don’t blame him.”
Eve was overcome with such incredible rage; she thought she might pass out. The doctor helped her over to a chair.
“Can I get you some water, Miss . . . I’m sorry. I don’t know your name. I’m Blake Donovan, and you are?”
“Eve . . . Eve Birdsong. And I’ll be fine in just a moment. I need to catch my breath. You see, . . . that . . . that skunk has been harassing me for a very long time; he thinks he’s courting me. Sam is delusional. He’s done criminal things to my family and to me. I believe he’s insane and I know he’s a drunk. He’s dangerous, and we need to protect Pearl and her baby from him.”
Blake was quiet for a short time and then he asked, “Do you have a room I could take for the duration of her confinement? I’d like to deliver this child.”
Eve smiled. “I will give you a room and all your meals. She means a lot to us, Dr. Donovan, and I want the best for her. Thank you.”
That evening, after supper, Pearl retired and Dr. Donovan went out.
As the women gathered around the kitchen table, they all had questions concerning the revelation of Sam Garrison. They really didn’t know too much about Sam, other than he had once worked for the Six Gun, built the Paradise with Eve, and then disappeared. People in town whispered about his drunkenness, his raging temper, and his fixation on Eve Birdsong. He made no secret that he wanted her to be his wife—at any cost.
Emily was flabbergasted. “How did Pearl meet such a man?”
“She worked at the Tumbleweed,” Dora said, sadly. “She had no one and she was hungry. They gave Pearl her first pretty dress, and some of the men were nice to her. Told her she was beautiful. Some said they loved her. When I think how lonely that poor child was, it nearly breaks my heart.” She dabbed her eyes with the corner of her apron.
Patty put her arms around Dora’s broad shoulders. “You’ve made up for years of abuse, Dora. She loves you as much as you love her. You’ve given her a second chance. And don’t forget, she has all of us now, even a handsome young doctor waiting on her.”
They all smiled.
Dora sniffed a few times and then stood to go to her room. “That Dr. Blake sure is
a fine lookin’ man, if I do say so. Almost as fine as your Ty Fenton, wouldn’t you say, Eve?”
Eve roared with laughter. “No one is finer than Ty, Dora. But I guess the doc is a close second. What do you think, Emily? You find him handsome?”
Emily grinned. “He’s pretty enough, but not nearly as pretty as about sixty acres of prime farmland.”
Patty giggled. “Then, I guess it’s left to me to entertain the good doctor. I’ll do my best. Good night, all.”
None of the women heard Blake Donovan return to the hotel that evening. It was very late, as he crept silently up the stairs, determined to wake no one. He vowed the women must not know where he had been or what he had been doing.
The train pulled in at precisely noon, and nine, very weary travelers disembarked. Their destination was the famous Birdsong Hotel. Soon, Eve was consumed with welcoming the new arrivals, and cheerfully checked them in. She made it a point to ask her guests what they liked and didn’t like, and what services they were expecting.
Patty, having traveled extensively, and having stayed at some of the finest hotels in the world, appointed herself concierge. She loved helping the guests get the most out of their stay. When she spoke French, they were suitably impressed. They would go home and tell all their friends and neighbors about staying at the International Birdsong Hotel. It made Patty chuckle to herself, for it was so easy to please them. She knew that, for some, this would be the only time they stayed in a hotel, and she wanted to make it most memorable.
She and Emily helped Cassie make up each room as if royalty was coming for a visit. Fresh flowers graced each dresser, compliments of Emily’s green thumb. Beautiful paintings—reproductions of many hanging in the Louvre—adorned the walls. Cassie added the homey touches with her beautiful pillows and window treatments. As the last room was made ready, the women stood back and admired their handiwork.
“I sure do love it here,” Cassie sighed. “I don’t ever want to leave.”
Patty nodded. “I think our guests are lucky to have rooms here. It’s first rate, and I should know. Oui?” They all laughed and quietly closed the door.
Dr. Donovan was checking on Pearl, when Patty noticed his hands. His right hand was red and swollen, as if it has been crushed in something. Then she noticed the slight bruising on his jaw. These injuries were obviously the consequence of fighting. Whom would he be fighting? she wondered.
Cassie breezed in after running an errand to the post office. They had many requests for reservations. “It’s good news, everyone. We’re full!” she giggled, as she spread the letters across the front desk.
“Did you all hear about Sam Garrison?” She went on, not waiting for a response. “Someone beat him to a bloody pulp, late last night. He’s never gonna look the same. He’s telling folks he fell under a horse, but nobody believes him. He really made someone mad!”
“Good enough for him,” Eve remarked. “Too bad he didn’t break his fool neck.”
Dora said sternly, “Don’t say nothin’ to Pearl. Remember, she thinks she’s in love with the snake, and it would only make her feel sorry for him. We don’t want to push her into his slimy arms.”
The women all agreed that she would never hear it from their lips.
Patty smiled knowingly. So, the doc’s been administering a little justice in his spare time. He was quite a man and a good one to have around the place, she decided.
After Sam received his comeuppance, things returned to normal. Everything was going along remarkably well, for a change. No drama. No upsets. Dr. Donovan was close by, most days, but kept to himself no matter how hard Patty tried to befriend him. She started to call herself, Patricia, again, and tried to make an impression on him with her knowledge of languages.
That didn’t work. He said he only spoke English, and not too good, neither.
She talked of her travels, her exploits in Italy and France. She talked of art, and music. Surely they would find something in common.
He said he’d never had time to travel and boats made him sick. He went to a museum, once, but thought it a waste of time, since no man could paint a picture as beautiful as nature did, everyday.
Finally, she had to admit defeat. Maybe he just didn’t like petite redheads. Tall, voluptuous brunettes were probably more to his taste, she grumbled. She had occasionally caught him stealing a glance at Emily. He never approached her, but Patty could see that he admired the beautiful woman.
One evening, after everyone had retired for the night, a cry of pain echoed down the halls. Dora was on her feet in an instant, with Dr. Donovan running just behind. Eve had a good idea what was happening and asked Cassie to go to the kitchen and start heating water—lots of it.
Emily looked white as a sheet. “Is it Pearl’s time?”
Eve nodded.
“I’ll go to the kitchen with Cassie and start the coffee. I can’t be of any help up here. I just can’t,” she shrieked, as she turned and ran down the stairs.
“That was odd,” Eve whispered to herself.
“Oh, Dora, I’m so scared,” Pearl cried. “I don’t know how to do this.”
The older woman took her hand and tried to reassure the young woman. “Pearl, I delivered three babies and it hurt like hell, but in the end, it was worth it. Nobody told me how to do it, neither. I guess it’s just natural. Women have been havin’ babies since the beginnin’ of time. You’re young and you’ve got me and Dr. Donovan to help you, so don’t you worry about a thing. Just concentrate on that beautiful little baby you’ll soon be holdin’ in your arms.”
The frightened girl nodded and tried to smile as a contraction stole her breath away.
The doctor instructed her in all that he knew about childbirth. “Don’t hold your breath, Pearl. Try to breathe and take your time. Go with the pain, not against it.”
“Easy for you to say, doc,” she grimaced.
The pains assaulted Pearl at regular intervals, with each one stronger than the one before and lasting slightly longer. She tried to be strong and not cry out, but sometimes it could not be helped. Hour after hour, her small body was being forced apart.
Dora had changed Pearl’s gown twice, and it was already soaked in perspiration. Pearl didn’t seem to be making much progress, and it worried Dora. She watched the young doctor pace back and forth, observing his young patient writhing on the bed. Clearly, he was not pleased with her progress, either.
Looking at Dora, he motioned toward the door.
“I’m worried,” he said in a whisper. “She’s getting weaker and the baby’s in trouble, as well. Pearl needs our help. Are you willing to do what has to be done?”
Dora’s eyes misted over. She nodded. She would do anything to save Pearl. “Yes, doctor. You just tell me what to do.”
Returning to her bedside, Blake spoke up, “Pearl, we’re going to get you up on your feet, and you’re going to walk.”
“What?” Dora gasped. “She cain’t get up and walk.”
He flashed Dora a stern look. “You said you’d help. If you’re not willing to do that, then kindly send someone else in here.”
At that moment, Eve entered the sweltering room. “Is there anything you need?” she asked.
The doctor smiled at her. “Yes. You can help Dora get Pearl on her feet. She’s going to walk about the room for a while.”
Eve never questioned his orders. What did she know about having babies?
With one woman on each side of her, Pearl put her feet on the rug and stood on wobbly legs. Forcing a smile for Dora’s benefit, she whispered, “I don’t think I’m dressed for a walk about.”
They all laughed.
“I think you look absolutely beautiful, Pearl,” Eve said. I can’t wait to hold your little baby in my arms and sing to him or her. It’ll be over soon, dear. You’re almost there.”
They let Pearl crawl back into bed after walking about thirty minutes. The exercise seemed to help make her more comfortable . . . that is until the backbreaking la
bor set in.
Eve had to leave the room. She couldn’t stand to see Pearl in such agony. Surely, this wasn’t the pain endured by all women, or there would never be any children born. She knew in the pit of her stomach, that this was not going as expected. Once she was in the comfort of the kitchen, Eve poured herself a cup of coffee, and lost her courage.
Resting her head upon her folded arms, she cried. She sobbed great heart rendering tears for the small girl in the grips of unbearable pain. There was nothing she could do to help. Eve’s shoulders shook with the power of her tears.
“Poor Pearl. Poor, poor child,” she muttered, over and over. It seemed the girl had never had a chance in life and this was one more hurdle for her to cross.
Emily and Cassie sat silently, watching Eve fall apart. They gave her time to come to grips with what was bothering her.
Finally, Emily had to ask, “Is there something wrong with Pearl? Do you know something?”
Eve shook her head. “I don’t know. It just seems to be taking a long time and Dora and the doctor look very worried. Pearl is so brave, but she’s worn out. I’m so very scared we’re going to lose her. Poor little Pearl’s never gotten any breaks. She’s been cheated out of so much.”
The women were silent for a long time.
“I don’t think Pearl thinks she has been cheated,” Cassie mused. “She told me how happy she’s been, here, with all of us. It’s the nicest home she’s ever had. I know she’s in love, and even if we don’t understand it, or approve of it, she’s still in love. And every time the baby moves, she smiles and says how blessed she is to be having a baby all of her own—a baby to love and to love her. Eve . . . Pearl feels fortunate. She has all of us to love and care for her. She told me these have been the best months of her entire life, and if this is all there is, then it’s enough for her.”
Eve threw her arms around Cassie. “Oh, Cassie, I love you so much and I love Pearl, too. I just don’t want to lose her.”
Emily joined in the hug. “Maybe we won’t lose her, Eve. She young, and I don’t think Dora will allow anything to happen to her.”
