Fawn braced herself for another jolt, but nothing happened.
Eliza rushed back in, her cheeks flushed. “Hold tight. I sent someone for Doctor Fairchild.”
Fawn raised her head. “I feel a little better now that I’m lying down. Maybe the pains have stopped.”
Contrary to her words, another wracked her. “Oh, help me. Oh, oh, oh, oh!”
Eliza peeked into the hallway. “Doctor Fairchild! This way, and hurry.”
The doctor, a tall, thin man with a thick shock of dark curly hair, came into the room. He carried a black bag, which he immediately placed on the bed and opened. The doctor peered over the spectacles resting on the bridge of his angular nose and began his evaluation. “So, young lady, I understand you aren’t feeling too well.”
He removed his jacket, laid it on window seat and rolled up his sleeves.
Fawn rubbed her swollen belly. “I’ve been having really bad pains. Please do something. It’s far too early for the baby, I think.”
“When do you expect your child?”
“In late summer,” Fawn replied.
The doctor turned to the Eliza. “Miz Jamison, if you wouldn’t mind stepping outside. I’ll need to examine the patient.”
Fawn looked pleadingly at Eliza, “Doctor, can’t she stay?”
Eliza patted her hand. “I’ll be right outside the door, dear. Don’t worry. Let the doctor help you.”
The closing door made Fawn’s body tense. She didn’t like being left alone with a strange man. His penetrating gaze made her uncomfortable. She took a deep breath, stared at the ceiling, and tried to relax.
Dr. Fairchild leaned over her, placed his hands on either side of her stomach, and pressed. He moved them slightly and did the same thing, then once again, all around the perimeter of her baby. His pushing and pulling made her feel akin to a piece of dough being kneaded before baking, and she suddenly feared she might break wind. She gazed down the length of her nose at him. “What are you doing?”
“Trying to determine the size of your child. It’s difficult to tell, so I’ll need to do an internal examination.”
She jerked her head off the pillow. “A what?”
He straightened and adjusted his spectacles. “I need to look inside you to determine if you are in labor.”
“Labor?”
“Birthing pains.”
“Oh! I.... Oh, doctor, my stomach is cramping again.” She grabbed onto his arm, her fingers digging into his flesh. As the intensity of her pain increased, she dug deeper.
His eyes widened with pain of his own as he pried her hand from his arm. “Now, now. Relax and go with it. Don’t fight it. That just makes it worse.”
“How do you know?” she screamed. “How many babies have you had?”
As the pain subsided, she took a deep breath. Had she just questioned the doctor’s ability? She bit her tongue.
“Mrs....I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name.”
“Fawn. Just call me Fawn.” She refused to make eye contact and stared at the ceiling.
“Fine. Now, Fawn, what I need you to do is remove your undergarments.” He walked to the water pitcher, poured some in the bowl and lathered his hands with the bar of soap atop the stand. After he rinsed and dried, he turned an expectant gaze to her.
She felt herself flush. “I don’t wear any.”
His brows knitted together. “Well, then...” He coughed. “Just relax your legs. I need to feel under your dress…to check if the baby is coming.”
She covered her face with both hands. How in the world could he expect her to do such a thing? No one had touched her in her private place except Little Elk.
“Well, Fawn. I’m waiting.” He held up the hem of her dress.
She scrunched her eyes closed and balled her hands into fists. Taking a deep breath, she inched her legs apart. “Please just get this over with.”
He touched her womanhood. She jumped and stiffened.
“Relax, Fawn. It will just take me a moment.”
What if she locked her legs around his head and squeezed until his face turned blue and his tongue hung out? She almost laughed. Just the image helped her stop thinking about the invasion of her privacy.
Dr. Fairchild straightened and went to wash again. Her face was beet red because she felt the heat. She’d never seen a doctor in her entire life, and she hoped she never would again. He was nice enough, but it just didn’t seem right to expose her most intimate parts to a complete stranger.
She raised her head from the pillow. “Are you finished?”
“Yes. Just relax.” He picked up the same towel he’d used before and dried his hands. He turned and cast a smile at her that made her squirm. It was hard to look him in the face, knowing what he’d just done.
He sat on the edge of the bed. “Fawn, it doesn’t appear as though you have started labor, but I can’t be absolutely sure.”
She inched up on the pillow and propped herself against the wall. “Does that mean that my baby won’t be born early?” she asked eagerly.
“I can’t promise you that, but my guess is that you just ate something that didn’t agree with you.”
“But if that’s not the case, what do I need to do? I’m willing to do anything to save my child.”
The gangly man scratched a bite on the side of his neck. “Dang skeeters. They’ll eat you alive if you don’t watch out.”
“Doctor, about my baby?”
“I recommend you stay in bed for a few days and see whether or not the pains subside. They aren’t coming with any sort of regularity and appear to be lessening, am I right?”
She waited for another pain, but nothing happened. “You’re right. They seem to have eased, but now I have a very queasy stomach.”
“You do look a little green around the gills. Let’s just keep our fingers crossed about the pains and see how things go. You’ll probably feel better tomorrow.”
Relief swept over her, but she felt a little lightheaded. She nodded at the doctor. “If staying in bed a while is what I have to do, then I’ll do it. I just hope Eliza doesn’t mind.”
Doctor Fairchild opened the door and invited Eliza back into the room. “I’ve advised our young patient here that she needs to stay in bed for a couple of days—complete bed rest.” He unrolled his sleeves. “I understand from the colonel that she may be in need of a place to stay. Eliza, if you prefer, she can come and stay in the dispensary until he decides where to put her. She’ll have a place to rest, and I’ll be close by.”
He slipped on his jacket and picked up his black bag.
Eliza patted Fawn’s hand and looked at the doctor. “That won’t be necessary. Fawn is welcome to stay here as long as needed. I’m sure she’ll be much more comfortable, and Lord knows, have more privacy.”
“Well, as long as she follows my orders. Ladies, if you’ll excuse me, I have other patients to see. You know where to find me if you need me.”
* * * *
Aromas wafting from the kitchen made Fawn’s queasiness worsen. She was angry with herself for getting sick. Tears ran down her cheeks. She curled her fist and pounded on the downy soft bed. “I’ve really messed things up, darn it!”
Somehow, a positive thought ran through her mind. It was as if she felt Green Eyes put her arms around her and say, “Don’t feel that way. You certainly aren’t to blame for your predicament. And how is staying in bed a few days going to change things? You’ll just have to delay your escape. I’m not so sure you could plan something so quickly anyhow. You need a chance to look around.”
Fawn wiped her eyes. It wasn’t her fault. Maybe the tears were from relief. She prayed that was the case because she wanted to be with her Lakota family when that time came.
The door swung open, and Eliza bustled in c
arrying a dinner tray. Tendrils of damp hair stuck to her face, and bright red stained her cherub cheeks. She set an array of food before Fawn then plumped the pillows. “Here you go. You need to keep up your strength, so I expect to come back to an empty plate.” She started out the door but glanced over her shoulder. “There’s pie for dessert if you have room.”
Fawn ogled the bacon-flavored green beans, the fried-chicken drumstick that she’d love to gnaw to the bone and the flaky biscuit with butter drizzling from it. Despite the appeal, her stomach repulsed at the smell. She pushed the tray to the far side of the bed and settled back against the pillows.
She had an escape to plan and hopefully a husband waiting at home for her. Tomorrow she’d feel better. She closed her eyes to rest and let her mind wander.
A sudden cramping pain brought with it the need to use the privy. The doctor’s words flashed through her mind. Complete bed rest.
How? Her bowels had other plans.
Fawn fidgeted as the urge grew stronger. Unable to wait any longer, she dangled her legs over the side of the bed and took a deep breath to quell her rolling stomach before she stood.
Eliza walked through the door. “What are you doing? Get yourself back in that bed.”
“But...but I have to use the outhouse.”
Resting a hand against her own cheek, Eliza sighed. “Oh dear, I guess we didn’t think of that, did we? Surely the doctor didn’t mean you couldn’t get up to...to at least use the chamber pot.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Fawn grew tired of being in bed. Her stomach felt much better this morning, and she devoured her breakfast. Usually by this time, she would have already trekked to the river and finished her laundry, scraped and cleaned a few small animal pelts, and visited with some of her friends. She twiddled her thumbs and fought the boredom.
To her relief, Eliza entered the room carrying packages. At last someone with whom to talk. Eliza’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she tore into the paper wrapping. “Wait till you see what I picked out for you. I’m convinced that if you want to make any progress being accepted again, we need to get you out of those awful clothes and into something more decent.”
Fawn’s mouth disappeared into a thin line of disdain. It had taken a while to get used to them, but she certainly didn’t consider her clothing “awful.” As a matter of fact, doeskin was by far the most comfortable thing she had ever worn.
Eliza held up a red-and-white gingham dress with puffy sleeves and a lace collar. She fanned it out across the bed. “Isn’t this lovely? It will look wonderful on you.” She tore into another package and displayed undergarments. “And, of course, you’ll need these.”
Fawn grimaced at the feminine trappings. She certainly hadn’t missed their irritating and confining fit, but she cast a smile at Eliza. “The dress is beautiful. Thank you, Eliza. That was very kind of you.”
She pulled out some matching red ribbons, leaned over, and held them against Fawn’s braids. “When we let your hair down and wash it, we’ll pull it back on the sides and add these. What do you think?”
Fawn brushed Eliza’s hands aside. “I’m sure the ribbons will look very nice.”
Eliza prepared to open another bundle but stopped. “I’m sorry, but they didn’t have any women’s shoes left. I guess the influx of families moving into the Black Hills has depleted the stock.”
Acting disappointed, Fawn curved her lips into a frown. “Don’t worry. You’ve been far too generous already. I don’t mind wearing my moccasins. Besides, my dress will cover them.”
Eliza gave a flick of her wrist. “You’re right. No one will notice once they see how beautiful you look.” Still excited, she tore into another bundle and pulled out a dress rivaling Fawn’s eyes. Pressing the material against her own body, Eliza held out the skirt and waltzed around in a circle. “Isn’t this a beauty?”
She snapped her fingers. “Oh my, I nearly forgot to tell you. I met the doctor on the way back, and he asked after you. He said to tell you if you are feeling better and the pains are gone, you can get up and move about.”
“Thank goodness! I was about to go stir crazy.” Fawn slid out of bed and stood.
Eliza wagged a finger at her. “You take it easy. Doctor Fairchild said we should call him if the pains return.”
“Oh, I will, I will. I don’t plan to go hefting hay bales. I just want to move around.”
Eliza opened the armoire and hung the dresses inside. She pointed to an adjacent door. “Here’s where we keep the wash tub. If you would like to bathe, I can heat the water for you.”
Fawn couldn’t believe her ears. Hot water? A bath? “I’d love a bath. It’s been a long time since I’ve had such a luxury. Bathing in the creeks and rivers does the job, but the water is never very warm.”
“Then I’ll be back with hot water.” Eliza turned. She fidgeted with the lace around her middle. “Ah… there is another thing we need to talk about. Your name. You can’t very well go traipsing about the fort and expect people to call you Dancing Fawn. It’s... Well... It’s a lovely name but not very appropriate for a white woman at Fort Sully.”
Angry heat crept up Fawn’s neck. “Now wait a minute, Eliza—”
“Don’t get angry, dear. I’m only thinking of what’s best for you.”
Earning trust and being able to move about required her to play along. She nodded. “You’re right, of course. From now on you may call me Grace.”
* * * *
“My, you look lovely.” Eliza clapped her hands in glee. “I can’t believe the transformation. Why, Faw... Grace, your hair is beautiful. Much too pretty to hide in those awful braids. It looks so much better piled atop your head with those loose little tendrils framing your pretty face. I wouldn’t guess you were the same woman. And that shapeless thing you had on before hid your womanly attributes. I can’t wait until the colonel sees you. He’ll be so pleased at the change.”
Eliza followed Fawn onto the walkway where Private Riley sat in a chair leaned back on its rear legs against the side of the building. When he glanced in their direction, his chair dropped down so hard the planks shivered. He stood, touched the brim of his dirty cap, and gulped. “Land sakes alive. Jes’ look at ya. Who’d ever guessed that you was that same filthy white squaw we brung here.”
“Private Riley!” Eliza snapped. “You mind your manners, or Colonel Jamison will have something to say about it.”
“Yes, Ma’am.” He gave her a mock salute. “I guess I was jes’ plumb shocked.”
“Well, I understand, but we’ll have no name calling.”
“Yes um.”
“Now, I’m taking Grace on a tour, and I see no need for you to follow us around like a hungry bear. She’ll be fine with me. Where would she go? I’m sure she’s much too smart to set off on foot.”
Riley removed the stained cap from his head and scratched his scraggly hair. “That’s jes’ fine with me, Miz Jamison. I been needin’ to get me some clothes washed.”
“Very good, Private Riley. You do that.”
Eliza glanced at Fawn. “Shall we go?” She led her across the parade ground, toward the gates.
While walking, Eliza pointed out several points of interest. “That’s our brand new hand-pump fire engine. You know the fort has been plagued with fires in the past. Why, in 1869 the quartermaster’s storehouse burned to the ground, and about three weeks later, our hay supply burned. Of course, we’ve also had some fires set by those pesky Ind—” She caught herself. “No offense intended.”
“None taken,” Fawn responded. “I’m sure they must have had a good reason.”
Clearly, Eliza didn’t want to engage her. “You may be right. Who knows? But, let’s not dampen our spirits by arguing about it.”
A stunning sight stood beyond the massive gates. The sea of green before t
hem looked as though it had been sewn to a bright border of blue. Only a few wispy clouds floated lazily along in the sky. Fawn took a deep cleansing breath. “How beautiful. I didn’t really notice when we were riding in.”
Eliza pointed toward the bottom land. “Down there we have the post gardens. They grow better next to the river, and of course it’s much easier to keep them watered. And, over there, the riverboat landing. That’s how we get most of our supplies.”
Fawn pointed to the east. “What’s that?”
“The cemetery,” Eliza answered. “Would you like to walk closer?”
“I don’t think so.”
“Don’t be frightened. It’s really quite serene.”
“Are only soldiers buried there?” Her mind turned to Little Elk and the others who left to wage war on the blue coats.
“Oh no. Civilians are there as well, but have different markers,” Eliza explained. She glanced back at the fort. “Well, if you don’t want to see the cemetery, let me show you around inside. We have a chapel, a school, a bakery, and of course, the dispensary. Which would you like to see?”
Fawn’s mouth watered for something sweet. “I choose the bakery.”
* * * *
The bedroom grew dark as the sun dragged the daylight below the horizon. Fawn removed the chimney from the oil-burning lamp and lit the wick. She carefully replaced the delicate glass piece then picked up the water bowl and carried it to the door. She met Eliza in the hallway. “I thought I’d empty this. I think I washed off half the parade ground. This place is so dusty.”
Eliza reached for the bowl. “Let me take it for you. You shouldn’t be lifting heavy things just yet.”
Fawn thanked her and returned to her room. She perched on the window seat and stared out the window at the bounty of colors in the sunset. Her thoughts drifted. The scene was so beautiful, she wondered if Little Elk enjoyed the same magnificence wherever he was.
The porcelain bowl clinked against the table. “You seem to be a million miles away.”
Fawn hadn’t even heard her hostess return. She rose and rubbed her belly with both hands. “I was just thinking of home and my husband.”
White Heart, Lakota Spirit Page 16
