“How is Nanny?”
“She passed in the company of her sister, Marcus and Izabella and me. Family.”
“No-o-o,” Hope winced.
“Thank you, Stewart,” Adam responded.
Once her father and Izabella left for their own room, Hope rested her head on Adam’s chest and sobbed. They talked well into the night, reminiscing about the friend they would miss.
* * *
Six weeks later, stomping in the hallway sounded like a herd of wild animals running.
“Papa. Papa.”
“You must slow down, Alex,” Izabella’s voice scowled. “You’re not to run while inside. Papa’s with your momma.”
Stewart looked at Hope, placed his novel on the table by the bed and stood. The patter of quick footsteps continued down the hallway.
“Apparently my grandson requires my assistance,” he informed his daughter.
“Papa.”
Stewart stepped into the hallway, saw Izabella, extended his arms to the small child and scooped him up.
“Unca Geg’s ’ere,” Alex stated proudly.
“I’ll sit with Hope,” Izabella informed him.
Stewart winked at Izabella and carried the young boy toward the staircase. When he reached the dining area, Stewart put Alex down, pulled his watch from his pocket, and looked at the time. Greg should have been heading home. He reached for Alex’s hand and was pulled through the dining area, into the parlour. Greg stood by the window, gazing outside.
“I’m not accustomed to seeing you at this hour,” Stewart informed him.
“I won’t stay long, but I require the services of an engineer. Are you able to assist tomorrow?”
Although Stewart did not go to the site on a daily basis, he still enjoyed watching the progress of his projects.
“Indeed I am. It’s pleasing to hear my expertise is appreciated. Bring Vicki and the children in the morning, and we can talk while we ride to the office.”
Stewart walked Greg to the door and then turned his attention to Alex.
“Papa must work tomorrow.”
“Work?” Alex whispered, as if keeping a secret.
Stewart chuckled, took Alex into his arms, and gave him a hug. “We shall inform Bella and Momma and Poppa.”
* * *
Awake before the sun rose, the pale moonlight dimly illuminated their room. Glancing toward Izabella, she was sound asleep, on her side, facing him. She stirred as he crawled out of bed, but didn’t open her eyes.
“Love you,” she whispered.
“And I you.”
Stewart dressed and left their room. Glancing into the nursery, he heard Alex breathing deeply. Working his way down the hallway he looked into the master bedroom. Hope was sleeping soundly, snuggled into Adam’s pillow. Turning, he walked toward the private staircase.
Adam sat at the dining table, reading the newspaper. He glanced up from his coffee cup.
“Good morning.”
“Good morning.”
“Ready for a day at work I see. I have errands in the city,” Adam informed him. “I will take Alex and Matthew along. They will enjoy their day together while Izabella and Vicki watch Tessa and entertain Hope. I will ask Tom to assist me with getting Hope outside if the weather is congenial.”
“The day is planned.”
Stewart walked into the kitchen, returning with a cup of coffee and his breakfast. He just finished his meal when Greg arrived. Sitting on the wagon, Greg handed Stewart the sketches and notes and guided the horses toward the site.
“You’ll have this solved within five minutes whereas I’m ashamed to admit I spent over an hour yesterday and gained nothing but frustration,” Greg informed him.
Stewart smiled at the serious expression on Greg’s face.
“I should be thankful you didn’t study engineering. You would be tempted to replace my services, and I’d lose my pay cheque. I can hear Poppa’s voice in my head. He often questions whether I earn my pay considering my lack of dedicated hours,” Stewart joked.
At the site, Stewart suggested three adjustments before he stood back and watched the men work. Appreciating the change from his regular routine, the morning hours disappeared.
* * *
Having been assisted outside, Hope was having a wonderful visit, enjoying the fresh air and laughing hysterically at Vicki and Izabella while watching the children. Adam returned after completing his errands and assisted Matthew and Alex from the buggy. The boys ran to play with the other children. Adam wandered toward the blanket, greeted the women, kissed Hope’s forehead and returned to the buggy to unload supplies. Izabella excused herself to refill their refreshments, leaving Hope with Vicki.
“Momma.”
“Yes, Matt.”
“Alex, Sammy, George, and I wish to walk by the trees.”
Vicki smiled and nodded.
“The fence surrounding the pond must remain locked,” Hope reminded her young cousin. “Tom is assisting Adam. I shall inform him Sammy and George are in your company.”
Pleased, Matthew ran off.
“I don’t recall seeing George last week,” Vicki admitted, looking at the two boys by Alex’s side.
“His parents passed when their buggy rolled. Two years Matt’s junior, he is very mature for his age. Alex bonded with George within hours. He possesses similar qualities to Matt. Sammy, George and Alex have become the best of friends.”
* * *
Shortly after their lunch break, the slight breeze Stewart had enjoyed gained intensity. Looking into the sky, it had turned a strange colour. A rather ugly gray green shade. The clouds were moving quickly from the west.
“Speak to the men. They’re to be on the road in haste,” he ordered anxiously.
“We don’t have time to spare, Stewart,” Greg responded, more concerned by the progress of the job than the sky. “With the unexpected delays we have experienced, we’re behind schedule. We were to be finished in two days. I’m considering overtime to complete—”
“At this moment, that is not a concern. I’m apprehensive about the incoming storm. I plan to be home with my family if unsettled weather occurs and wish the same for our crew. Together, we’ll look at the schedule tomorrow. Both Poppa and I will assist at the site if necessary. I’m capable of performing duties that require some physical labour.”
Twenty minutes later, Stewart and Greg were headed in the direction of the orphanage. Adam was closing the shed when they arrived. He waved and walked toward the women. Stewart and Greg joined him.
“It’s pleasing to see the colour in your cheeks,” Adam informed Hope.
“It’s been an enjoyable day with Izabella and Vicki. I do not recall as much laughter in months.”
“If you will excuse us, I require some assistance from the men.” Adam turned his attention to him and Greg. “If you’re not too tired from working.”
The men walked toward the orphanage.
“You’re concerned about that sky and the approaching storm,” Stewart remarked once they were out of hearing range of the women.
“Indeed, it is a strange shade of grey and green, and it’s coming our way. With approximately twenty children playing outside, the babies in the nursery, and our three children, we must get supplies into the storm cellar. I will retrieve the master list of children, speak with the doctor, and organize medical supplies if you and Greg would be so kind as to pull basic supplies from the storage room and kitchen. I’ll give Tom and the volunteers the option of returning to their own homes before returning to assist. I’m thankful the storm cellar is large. The building needs to be evacuated. Everyone, including the doctor needs to move to the cellar.”
Izabella’s hand touched his shoulder. “Have you looked at the sky?”
“Yes. We’re preparing the storm cellar. Do not speak of this to Hope. I don’t want her concerned.”
“I will help you.”
Adam went to the office. Greg, Stewart and Izabella headed for the storag
e room. Izabella organized crates containing blankets, towels, and basic supplies, and Greg and Stewart carried them into the cellar.
“We must begin organizing the children,” Adam informed them. He scanned the young faces from around the property. “I don’t see Alex or Matthew.”
“They must be close by,” Greg responded. “Matt would not leave Vicki’s sight without informing her of his whereabouts.”
“I need to speak with Tom,” Stewart stated.
* * *
The women were chatting when Greg and Adam rushed toward them.
“I don’t see Matthew or Alex,” Adam stated anxiously. “Have you seen them?”
“They went for a walk with two of the children—”
“Oh my word,” Adam exclaimed, scowling. “In what direction?”
The boys regularly went looking for critters and bugs, normal activities for boys their age, and she encouraged it. Matthew and Alex had bonded which thrilled the family. She could only hope the new baby would also bond.
“Adam?” Hope questioned. “Why the—”
“Which children? A fierce storm is approaching.”
A gust of wind caught the corner of the blanket, folding it over Hope’s lap. Hope tilted her head and looked at the sky. Vicki gasped. The beautiful blue sky had vanished. In its place, ugly green-gray clouds hung low and ominous. Alex! Terror swept through Hope. Tears filled her eyes and ran down her cheeks.
“The boys are with Sammy and George. They were headed in the direction of the woods,” Vicki responded in a strangled voice.
“The pond?” Greg cringed.
Vicki nodded, her eyes watering.
Adam’s focus shifted to Hope’s large stomach. It was no secret the forced inactivity had made her gain an incredible amount of weight with this pregnancy. More so than with Alex.
“Hope, I must assist you to the storm cellar in haste.”
“No,” she cried, placing her hands around her belly. “Find Alex. Bring the children back to safety.”
“Inform Stewart of the children’s whereabouts,” he ordered Vicki. “Once Hope and the children are safe, we may require his assistance.”
Adam and Greg ran in the direction of the pond.
Hope watched her father, Izabella, and Tom usher the children into the storm cellar. As prearranged, Tom’s wife Grace arrived with their children, put the horse into the barn, and joined her husband. Tessa sat nervously, snuggled into her momma. Hope reached out and held her young cousin’s hand. When the last child walked down the cellar steps, Tom ran to the barn to secure the door.
Poppa rushed back to Hope’s side with Izabella close behind. Vicki and Stewart stood on either side of Hope, assisted her to her feet, and led her to the cellar steps, speaking words of encouragement. Hope attempted to remain positive, but it was difficult. Four children were still missing in the blustery prelude to the incoming storm. Her baby, her little cousin, and two orphanage children. Greg and Adam were out there instead of being safe with the remainder of the family. If only she had looked in that direction when Matthew mentioned his desire to go walking, she would have seen the sky and denied them permission.
A strong gust of wind pushed her forward. Vicki and her father struggled to keep Hope on her feet. It seemed to take forever, but they finally reached the storm cellar. Looking down, she could only see the last step. The ground at her feet wasn’t visible. The five and a half foot depth looked twice the distance in the shadows. Without a railing to hold, the prospect of steep, narrow steps set her heart pounding. She hadn’t walked on her own since discovering she was with child. Adam always carried her. Recently, given her size, Tom came to their bedroom and assisted to get her outside. The orphanage steps were wide, allowing for three people. These were not. Tears swelled in her eyes.
“I can’t see those first steps.”
“It’s too narrow for me to walk by your side,” Stewart said.
“Stewart, there must be another way,” Vicki protested. “I was not restricted to bed rest, yet I would not walk down those steps while carrying a child.”
* * *
Stewart looked at his very pregnant daughter. I could lose both her and the unborn child if she falls—Natasha’s child and grandchild. There has to be another way. While loading supplies for the children and family, he remembered seeing some boards, left over from the renovation. Think Stewart, think. I lack the time to ponder. I have options. Using a board, Hope could sit and slide down on her bum. But what if she were to fall over? Given her weight, I cannot risk that. Hope could lay on the board and we could support and pull her down. Again, that is adding stress to her legs. Could that put stress on her pelvis? I cannot risk that. Hope must relax as much as possible. I will not put undue stress on my daughter or grandchild. I will instruct Hope to lay on the board and Tom and I will carry her down. Yes, that is perfect. He released his grip on Hope and told Vicki to take his place. He took young Tessa into his arms.
“I shall return,” he promised. He carried Tessa down the steps, leaving her at the base, in sight of her momma, aunt, and Izabella. “You must watch from here until your momma is able to join you.”
Bending to avoid hitting his head, he dashed in search of supplies. He found a suitable board, wide enough to support Hope, and of an acceptable length. With Tom’s wife carrying blankets behind him, he worked his way back and up the steps.
“The doors are secure,” Tom informed him.
“I require your assistance. I need to get Hope into the cellar in order to join Adam and Greg. Using this board, we will transport Hope.”
The wind howled.
“We must move with haste.”
The wind caught the board, pulling it from Stewart’s grip. Tom grabbed it, attempting to keep it secure. Working together, they struggled to place it horizontally on the ground.
“Using this apparatus, we will lower you into the cellar,” Stewart informed his daughter.
“Place the blanket over the board. I don’t want Hope to get splinters,” Vicki ordered.
Izabella took the large blanket from Tom’s wife.
“Grace, would you go down and sit with the children?” Tom asked.
The wind marred Vicki and Izabella’s efforts to place the blanket on the wood. The women squatted at either end, holding the wool fabric in place. Together, Stewart and Tom stood behind Hope and encouraged her to lean back into them and onto a supine position.
“Secure Hope with these soft cotton bandages,” Stewart ordered. “It should prevent her from slipping when we descend the narrow steps.”
Hope was prepared.
“Izabella, Vicki, go down. We need you to guide Tom and me.”
Tessa ran to her momma’s side once Vicki reached the bottom step.
Tom took his place by Hope’s head and gripped the board. Stewart descended a few steps, turned, and gripped the board by his daughter’s feet.
“Agh,” Tessa moaned.
“Shh,” Vicki assured her daughter. “Uncle Stewart will not allow Hope to be hurt.”
* * *
Completely trusting both her father and Tom, Hope bent her knees slightly and allowed the two men to lower her body to the board. Struggling to keep her eyes open with the howling wind, she noted the dark angry colour of the sky. Too dark knowing Alex, Matthew, Sammy, and George were still outside. She closed her eyes. Nana and Papa will be fine. They have a secure storm cellar. I followed Nana into the room many times in my youth. Papa is meticulous, keeping everything properly maintained. Another gust of wind threw dirt against her face. The storm is intensifying. The babies are in this storm. Opening her eyes slightly, her father was by her feet. She couldn’t see Tom, but knew the orphanage manager was behind her head.
“Relax, sweetheart,” her father reminded her. “Adam and Greg shall return any moment with the boys. You must hang on and keep your legs straight. We have to tilt the board to get you down.”
Her head and torso were tilted up. Alex would squeal with d
elight, but at this point in her pregnancy, it wasn’t an experience she would recall with pleasant memories. As the grade of the tilt was increased, her body shifted slightly, unexpectedly. She clenched the sides of the stretcher board with all her strength.
“I will not allow you to fall, Hope,” her poppa promised.
The board shifted. Looking at Poppa, he adjusted his positioning. Adam, I wish you were here. Poppa is not accustomed to physical exertion. I’m so large, I won’t be surprised to discover there are two or three babies growing in my womb. She closed her eyes and began praying. For the boys, for Adam and Greg, and to give her poppa and Tom strength.
Breathe. Deep breath and exhale. Her body slid forward. Her eyes snapped open. She bent her knees, desperate to stop the momentum. An unbearable, painful cramp seized her right leg. Reaching down to ease the pain, her body slid downward, rapidly. The baby, the baby! Hope clenched her eyes shut.
“Agh,” she squealed.
Everything stopped with a sudden jolt. Intense pinching pain gripped her forearms. Nothing she had ever experienced in her life compared to the burning sensation in her arms. Big strong hands gripped her. She choked on her tears. Tom had stopped her from falling. She fought to remain silent and not cry out. Excruciating. Make the pain go away. Something touched her bottom and her bare thighs.
“I’ve got her.” It was Poppa’s voice.
The tight pinching grip was released. Her arms felt like rubber, throbbing painfully. Dear Mother of God. She opened her eyes, ever so slightly. Izabella was pulling the skirt of her cream coloured dress over her knees and between her legs. How humiliating. Her poppa and anyone behind him had been able to see what should be hidden. Thankfully Izabella and Vicki had found large undergarments that fit around her balloon belly. Nanna altered them to adjust to her legs. She would be eternally grateful to Izabella for leaving her some dignity.
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