Blood welled up in the three-inch incision he made in the lower right quadrant of Polly’s belly and positioned a retractor to hold it open. Sophie turned her head to watch Polly when the cut was made. There was no indication of pain.
“I was afraid of this,” Doctor Barlow said. “The appendix has ruptured.” He removed the inflamed organ. I’ve used a lot of carbolic acid but in these cases, a rupture is usually fatal for the baby as well as the mother.”
“What are you going to do next?” Sophie asked.
“I’m going to close the incision, and talk to the husband. He has a difficult decision to make.”
“Let me get him while you do this,” she requested.
She went out of the room. “She’s going to be all right isn’t she?” an anxious Seth asked about his wife.
“The doctor will be out in just a few minutes to talk to you.
“Hiram, I need to talk to you.” He followed her down the hall.
“What is it?”
“Doctor Barlow doesn’t think she’s going to make it. Her appendix has ruptured. He said when this happens, it’s almost always fatal for the mother and the baby.”
“This will be a terrible blow to Seth. I don’t know if I could take one like that, myself. What is the doctor going to tell Seth?”
“I don’t know, but I think you should be there. They’ve been like our kids all this way. They’re going to really need us now.”
Back in the room…
“Son, your wife is seriously ill,” the doctor began.
“How can having a baby make her seriously ill?” Seth asked.
“It wasn’t the baby. Her appendix was infected and burst. It spread the infection all over her belly.”
“She’s going to be all right though, isn’t she?”
“There’s a chance. It’s a small chance. In cases like this, it almost always means death for the mother and baby.”
“Oh God, no,” Seth wailed. Doc, I can’t live without her. She’s all I have. We didn’t come all this far to have her die.”
“As I said, she has a faint chance. Just in case the worse happens, you have a decision to make.”
“What decision,” Seth asked.
“If the infection gets into the blood stream, and it will, it could infect the baby. If that happens, in my opinion, your baby has no chance. I can deliver the baby now by cesarean and it has a good chance to survive. You have to give the permission.”
“Can I see her now?” Seth asked.
“She’s asleep now and probably will be for a few hours.”
“Can I wait until she wakes?”
“Yes, but the longer you wait, there’s a greater risk involved of blood poisoning.”
“I’ll wait.”
Four hours later…
Polly began stirring.
CHAPTER TWENTY-Six
She’s Gone
Polly’s eyes fluttered open. “I’m sorry to be so much trouble,” Polly told her husband, smiling wanly. “It was bad, the worst pain I’ve ever had. Is our baby all right?”
“It wasn’t the baby, honey. It was your appendix,” Seth told her.
“Oh. Well, it’s a lot better and doesn’t hurt so bad now.”
“Let’s give them some privacy,” Sophie said. “We’ll be right outside.”
It was quiet in the hallway. Then the sounds of crying came through the closed door. “He told her,” Sophie said.
In the room…
“It was infected, and it burst. The doctor said the infection might spread or might not.”
“What about my baby? Tell me. I have to know about my baby.”
“He said if the infection gets to the baby, it probably won’t make it. If he delivers it now, it should be all right.”
“What about me? I’m going to die, aren’t I?”
“We’re all going to die someday, honey.”
“Seth, stop beating around the bush and tell me the truth.”
“Doctor Barlow said the infection is almost always too much, but there’s a chance,” the weeping Seth told his wife.
“I want to hold my baby before I die. Tell the doctor to save my baby.”
He came out of the room. “She wants to have the baby now,” he told his friends. “I’ll tell the doctor.”
“Is it all right if I go in?” Sophie asked.
“Yes, she’ll want to see you.”
“Miss Sophie, if I die, will you make sure my baby is taken care of? You have two good children. Will you make sure Seth takes good care of it and raises it right?”
“I will, but the doctor said you have a chance.”
“If the worst happens, I’m worried about Seth. We’re all each other has left. Our folks are all gone, and he’ll be left alone.”
“You’re not alone and he won’t be either. We’re your family, so is Angie.”
“We both love you, Miss Sophie. You’ve been like a mother to us.”
“We love you too. You’ve been wonderful, good neighbors, and will continue to be. Seth’s gone to tell the doctor. We’ll be here for you.”
Doctor Barlow delivered a healthy, five-pound-nine ounce baby girl. She was named Martha Sophronia, after her mother and her elected grandmother.
Three days later Polly grew restless. Her respiration rate increased and she had an elevated temperature. Doctor Barlow recommended she stop nursing. He found a wet nurse to feed the baby. Five days after delivery, Seth was holding an obviously deteriorating Polly in his arms when she began talking.
“I’m dying Seth.” He started to say something, but she stopped him. “No, let me talk. I want you to promise you will take care of our baby. I want you to promise you will find a good mother for her and wife for you to love, one who will be a good mother. Promise me Seth.”
He didn’t respond, and she tightened her grip on his hand. “Promise me. You have to promise so I can go in peace. Promise.”
His voice choking, he said, “I promise.”
“One other thing. I want to be buried on our land. We went through so much to get here. I want to be where I can watch over you and Martha.”
That evening, with Seth, Sophie, Hiram, Angie, Jed and Mandy by her bedside, she took her last breath in the arms of her weeping husband.
“Seth, she was one of the bravest people I ever knew,” Sophie told him “Her struggles with being with child and traveling every day were met with a strength few people have, yet I never heard her complain.”
“She was still young. If we had stayed home, this wouldn’t have happened. It’s my fault for making her take the trip.”
“You can’t blame yourself. A lot of people have appendicitis. It can happen anywhere. No one knows why she was called home so young. So many people died trying to make a new life for themselves. She survived all of that and gave you a fine baby girl in her last act on earth. You have the responsibility to take care of her now.”
The next day, Polly was laid to rest near where their cabin would be built.
Jed and Hiram were filling the grave. Sophie rested her hand on Seth’s shoulder. “Martha can stay with us until you get settled. We’ll take good care of her. You come over anytime you want. She’s going to need her papa to love her. Is that all right with you?”
The sobbing man didn’t say anything. “Seth, is that all right with you?” she asked again.
He nodded.
“I expect to see you soon, Seth.”
Another nod. The grave was filled. Hiram knelt beside Seth. “It’s a loss no man should have to face,” he told Seth. “You don’t have to face it alone. We loved Polly too.”
Seth looked up. “I’d like to be alone with my wife.”
Hiram nodded. “We’ll be going back to town then. You know where we’ll be when you need us.” He stood, and patted the distraught man on the back. “We’re sorry you have to go through this.” He returned to his family.
“He’s in a bad way,” Hiram told his wife. “I would hate to go through what he’s facing
now. With a baby too. It’s almost too much to ask of any man.”
“I told him we’d take care of Martha until he gets settled,” Sophie said. “We can make room for the wet nurse until he’s ready to take her. It’s a responsibility he’s going to have to pick up though. The sooner the better.”
“He’s in no shape to do that now,” Hiram said.
No one had seen Seth all week when Friday, the day of the wedding came.
Chapter twenty-seven
A Wedding
First United Methodist Church, Salem…
It was 11:00AM when the Lewis family met at the church. They were joined by several of the regular members of the congregation.
“I’m Thomas Stovall, pastor of the church, and I’m happy to see you here this morning.
“We are gathered to unite Miss Angela Thornton and Mr. Jedadiah Lewis in Holy Matrimony. I’ve met with this young couple and have found they satisfy the tenets of the church and it is my honor and privilege to conduct the ceremony. Let us proceed.”
Angie was wearing her best dress, and carried a small bouquet of flowers picked that morning by Jed. She carried a Bible that had belonged to Polly Gilley.
Reverend Stovall read from his book of rituals and said, “Please join hands.”
Jed took her hand and fixed his eyes on her radiant face as the minister asked him to repeat the vow. “Do you Jedadiah, take this woman, Angela to be your lawful wedded wife, to have and to hold, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, so long as you both shall live?”
Jed in a strong voice said, “I do.”
“Do you Angela, take this man, Jedadiah to be your lawful wedded husband, to have and to hold, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, so long as you both shall live?”
“I do.”
“By the powers vested in me by the Lord God Almighty and the great state of Oregon, I pronounce you man and wife.
“Jedadiah, you may kiss your bride.”
It was a soft, tender kiss, one that ended with a whispered, “I love you, Angie Lewis.”
“I love you too, Jed.”
“Please join with me as I ask for the blessings of the Lord to rain down on you both and on your marriage,” After the prayer, he said, “May I be the first to congratulate you and offer my best wishes?”
“Thank you Reverend Stovall. We appreciate your making time for us,” Angie said.
“I guess I’m now officially part of your family,” she told Sophie.
“You have been a part of our family since you got here.”
Mandy hugged her. “You are the nicest thing that’s happened to our family since I was born,” she said laughing.
“I wouldn’t agree with that, maybe the second nicest, after Jed.”
“You’re talking about my brother?”
“No, I was thinking about my husband.
“I sort of hoped Seth would be here. I guess it’s still too soon. No one’s seen him have they?”
“Mrs. Hinchley told me this morning the room hasn’t been used. I will pack their stuff and take it with us. There’s no point in keeping the room if he doesn’t use it.
“Tonight will be our last night here. Where are you and Jed staying?”
“We will be at our farm,” Angie said, “and the latch string will definitely not be out.”
“Honey, I just thought of something, two things we should do while we’re in town,” Jed said. “We need to go by the land office and file a claim in your name, and the other is we need to go by the mercantile and pick up some things in case we want to eat.”
“Good idea,” Angie said. “I’m so excited I forgot about it.”
“I’ll help you with that part of it,” Sophie said. “I doubt you have much experience in it. By the way, you’re having supper with us tonight,” Sophie told them. “It’s not open for discussion. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to get started packing.”
“I’ll pack Polly and Seth’s room,” Angie said. “I don’t think there’s much in there.”
“I’ll help,” Mandy offered.
“You help Mama, it won’t take me long. My things are already packed.
Later…
“Jed, I’m ready to go to the Land Office whenever you are.”
An hour later, the addition of another section of land was made to Jed’s original claim. “Our farm is now larger than the one we had in Steubenville,” he told her.
“I imagine it’s larger than our dairy farm was too,” Angie told him. “Let’s get back to the boarding house so we can help get everything loaded up.”
“Papa, we need to get another wagon,” Jed told his father.
“You’re right. We already have the oxen and horses to pull it. Let’s go down to the livery and see what we can find.”
The used wagon they purchased needed repairs on the floor and sideboards. It had been poorly maintained, but the price was low. Jed would pick it up the next Monday.
The ladies were ready to go when they returned to the boarding house. It was time to move to their farms.
When they arrived at the main cabin, Jed said, “Let’s unload the things you’re going to use here and then we’ll leave after supper.”
After supper…
Angie went inside with Sophie and once inside, they moved away from the door. In a quiet voice, Sophie said, “This may be a little embarrassing for you, but I’m the closest thing you have to a mother now, so I’m going to tell you about it. You were raised on a dairy farm, so you know how things work. The first time is going to hurt a good bit, but it won’t last long. There will be some blood, but don’t worry about it. After the first or second time, it can be downright pleasurable.”
“It’s not embarrassing. Mom and I had the talk when I first started high school, but she didn’t talk about this part. I’m glad you brought it up. I never would have.”
Jed’s voice came from the outside. “Angie, are you ready?”
“I am now,” she replied, and smiled at Sophie.
* * *
Angie stepped onto the wheel and hopped to the ground in front of their cabin. “Wait, don’t go in yet,” Jed said.
“You need my help?”
“Sort of.” He scooped her into his arms and carried her to the door. She giggled all the way. “Can you get the latchstring?”
“I think I can manage it.”
He lowered her to the floor. “I’ll get the rest of the things and take care of the horses. Don’t go away.”
“I promise.”
Chapter twenty-eight
After the Wedding
She lit a coal oil lamp. He came back inside, and looked around nervously. He shuffled his feet, then went back to the door and pulled the latchstring inside.
It was the first time they had been shy together since they first met two thousand miles back.
“Are you uncomfortable about this?” Jed asked.
“Uncomfortable is not what I feel. Scared would be a better word. We took a big step into a new beginning that will last for the rest of our lives. After my parents died, I had to face the fact I was alone. Fortunately, some wonderful people came along that helped me face it. Now I’m married with a husband I’m responsible for, and I don’t know how to go about it.” She wrung her hands nervously. “I would say I’m nervous. I’m afraid I’ll make a mistake and mess things up.”
He took her in his arms, and pulled her into a tight embrace. He tilted her head back and looked into her emerald green eyes. “If mistakes are made, then we’ll face them and fix them together. Don’t be afraid.”
“I am a nervous to tell the truth. Marriage came at a lot younger age than I expected.”
He searched her face for signs of doubt. “I don’t want you to be nervous. Why don’t I just put my bedroll on the floor in front of the fireplace until you feel okay with us together?”
“That’s not what I’m talking about. I love you and want to be with y
ou. I’m totally inexperienced and I’m afraid I’ll disappoint you.”
The grin spread across his face. “I love you too much to ever be disappointed in you, honey. In any way.”
Her voice quavered a little shaky when she asked, “Would you help me with this?”
His fingers trembled, as he slowly unbuttoned the top buttons of her dress. He felt her shiver through his fingers. “We’re going to have a good life,” he said. “I’m going to try my best to help you make up for what you’ve lost.
The unbuttoned dress was pushed off her shoulders and fell to the floor. The next layer followed the first. “My turn now,” she said and began to unbutton his shirt. Unable to resist the temptation, she slid her hands inside the partially undone shirt and wrapped her arms around his chest.
“Um… You’re a lot more muscular than you look. This makes me go weak in the knees.”
He shrugged the shirt off, and let it fall to the floor, and then pulled the cotton undershirt over his head and flung it aside. She buried her face in his neck. Her warm breath on his neck sent waves of desire raging through his entire body.
She looked into the dark pools of his eyes, and removed her chemise. He pulled her to his chest and heard her sharp intake of breath when her breasts touched his bare chest. He felt the tips of her nipples singe the hairs on his pectoral muscles.
“Take me to bed,” she whispered.
“Are you sure?” he asked.
“That’s your silly question of the day. I have never been as sure of anything as I am of this.”
He turned the wick of the lamp down until the light faded, and returned to the bed. He removed his trousers and underwear. When he pushed the quilt down, his fingers brushed her breast, he recoiled as if he had touched a hot poker. “I’m sorry,” he said.
She found his hand and moved back to her breast. “There. Isn’t that better?”
“Yes. Oh yes, much better.” His voice was two octaves lower than normal. His mouth covered hers hungrily as she pressed against him. He realized she had removed the rest of her clothing.
[Oregon Trail Time Travel 04.0] Angie and the Farmer Page 11
