Miranda Takes a Stand

by Jordan Bollinger

  "I've made two nightgowns for each of the girls, but I'd like to have them try them on tomorrow. I kind of just made up the design, but if it works, Eva can make them several more each.

  "And, if you find them easier to deal with, later we can make lots more, in various sizes to use in the hospital."

  "That's wonderful," Victoria said.

  "Well, that remains to be seen. I'm also trying a very simplified robe. I'll finish the first two later tomorrow, once I get back from Miranda."

  "Well, you certainly have been busy. And, I slept the day away."

  "Oh, Victoria. You were extremely busy last night," Meg argued.

  Victoria looked as if she were about to disagree when Ann arrived with their food.

  After a rather leisurely and enjoyable dinner, Gus walked Meg back to her residence behind the workshop. They were just climbing up the short flight of steps to the porch, when Meg opened her mouth, as if she was about to speak.

  But Gus beat her to it. "It's all arranged. We will be married Sunday after services. Then, we’ll catch the train to Chicago. I've already wired the hotel and reserved a suite for us. It's got a sitting room with a fireplace and a private bathroom.

  "We might not be able to take an extended wedding trip, but I can still make it special for you."

  "It sounds expensive," Meg said.

  "Don't worry about it," Gus insisted. "In fact, you aren't to worry about anything from now on." Then he leaned in and kissed her. And, as she leaned towards him, he pulled her closer and kissed her harder.

  *****

  Meg was bent over her sewing machine, concentrating on her stitching when Eva bounded into the workroom. Smiling, she looked up and asked, "How did you enjoy your little vacation?"

  "Well," Eva sighed, "it was nice. But, to be honest, I like staying here. I'm especially looking forward to living here with Brian after we get married. I'll be able to supervise the girls in the workroom and keep house for my new husband at the same time."

  "Eva, are you sure about that?" Meg asked. "How will you manage both?"

  "I've already thought about it. I can start dinner before I begin work, or while I'm eating lunch, depending on what I'm planning for dinner. Things like laundry will have to wait for the weekend."

  "Well, you make me feel guilty. I mean your mother will still be keeping Gus' house. But, perhaps, I can get Gus to include your laundry with everyone else's. I'm sure a few more pieces won't make a difference."

  "There's no need for that," Eva insisted. "And Brian's already said he will help me with the dishes."

  "Well, we'll see what Gus says," Meg told her with a smile, knowing that he would make it clear to Eva that their laundry would be no bother, at all. "Now, I'm just finishing up the first robe I'm making," she said, holding up the plaid flannel garment. "I've cut the sleeve as part of the front and the back. It makes the garment go together faster. And, while it might not hold up under constant wear, it should be all right for limited use.

  "I've drafted out the basic patterns I used for the simplified nightgowns and this robe. I've also made notes about adjusting the sizes. So, I'd like you to make a few more of them for both girls, as soon as I finish the robes."

  "Yes, ma'am," Eva said. Then she asked, "But why? I thought you bought them each some night gowns yesterday."

  "Because Colleen has experience in opium addiction. And she said once they begin to go through withdrawal, they'll be so restless and sweaty they'll go through half a dozen sets of sheets and gowns a day."

  "Oh, then you'll need at least a half a dozen more each, won't you?"

  "Yes, you're right. But don't cut out any more." Meg corrected herself, adding, "At least until I come back from Miranda's. I want to check on the fit. Besides, I'm sure there are things for you to do on the other side of the workroom."

  Chapter Six

  Miranda stared out the back door watching the two girls as they walked around the yard. They had slept fitfully, but at least they'd slept. And, they’d eaten a good breakfast of scrambled eggs and toast, and cup after cup of hot sweet tea.

  However, even she could tell they were becoming restless. She looked over at Colleen, who sat at the table peeling potatoes and asked, "It's starting, isn't it?"

  "Yes, probably," Colleen answered. She placed the now naked potato into the pot of water and reached for another, before she continued, "I've noticed, too. I even heard them bickering while you were still upstairs.

  "I'm just hoping that they eat a good dinner. Every bit of food we can get in them now will be better for them."

  "Well, I'm sure the doctor and Meg will be out to see them soon. And, Kit will be with them. I think she'll stay out here, with us.

  "Later, when things get bad, Eva and Meg will help."

  Dropping another potato in the water, Colleen gave out a long, low sigh, before she admitted, "I stayed up for a long time last night, praying they don't go through as much pain as my brother did. Even though at least one of them is pregnant, they're still just children."

  Miranda caught the implication, but decided that until Victoria confirmed Lynn's condition, she would ignore the possibility. Although, it did make her think about how, after wanting children for so long, she might have a house full. The thought didn't make her unhappy, merely concerned about whether she was up to the challenge.

  She stepped out on the porch and called out, "Girls, would you like tea?" Lying, she added, "Colleen and I are going to have some."

  Kathy turned around and looked towards her. "I would, thank you, ma'am." Then facing Lynn, she asked, "You'd like some, too? Wouldn't you?"

  "Yes... I suppose so."

  "It's good to enjoy tea again, isn't it?"

  *****

  Gus finished his lunch, allowed Ma to refill his coffee cup, and let her sit down again before he asked, "What taradiddle did you tell Meg yesterday?"

  When she looked at him with doe-eyed innocence, he repeated, "Well, what fairytale did you spin to Meg?"

  "I don't quite understand..."

  Gus cut her off, "Well..."

  "I was just telling her how special a time it is in a young woman's life, to be newly married," she answered. Then she seemed to find her empty coffee cup fascinating.

  “I see..." he said, as he poured more coffee for her. “Except that I know you and Benjamin were married in November, not in the spring. And, you lived with his family above the feed and grain store they owned.”

  Ma added sugar and cream to her coffee before she stirred it so violently it sloshed all over the cup and table. “Well, yes. I suppose I did exaggerate... it's just... it's just that..."

  "Yes... what?"

  "Oh, that man!" she answered loudly.

  Gus frowned and said, "Oh, I see." He pursed his lips and then said, "By 'that man', I take it you mean Meg's father."

  "Yes, of course that's who I meant! I swear. I better never find myself in the same room with that man."

  "Yes, well, you might as well tell me what it is he said or did."

  Ma tried to avoid his eyes and as she sipped on her coffee. Finally, she admitted in a low voice, "I asked Margaret if she needed to talk about... ah... anything. You know, because her mother died when she was still young," she explained.

  "And..."

  "She told me that bas—I mean, that man, talked to her before she left Massachusetts."

  "And..." he encouraged, not at all sure he wanted to know what he'd said.

  "He said a husband had absolute dominion over his wife. And, then told her she must always submit to her husband, in all things. He made her feel as though she would become her husband's property," she ended angrily.

  "I'll speak to her. It will be all right," Gus insisted.

  "How can you? It's you she thinks will own her once you two are married."

  "I'll take care of it. I promise you. All right?"

  "I suppose."

  "In fact, I'm going to drive her out to Miranda's. I'll speak to her then."
>
  Meg was sitting in a rocker on the porch doing some hand stitching when Gus pulled up in the buggy. He'd already spoken to the doctor about taking Kit to Miranda’s with her. He'd even asked for her to take Eva, if she planned on going. He could bring her back, but he needed private time with Meg.

  Gus smiled at her and called out, "Hello. Aren't you cold sitting out here?"

  "I've only been out a few minutes. I would have gone back inside if I had gotten cold."

  He heard the edge in her voice as if she was already watching for signs he was trying to control her. Rather than confront her, he only answered, "Of course, you would. Now, are you ready to ride out to Miranda's?"

  "I am. But I'm not sure Eva’s ready. And I think she wants to go visit the girls."

  "Victoria will be bringing Eva out with Kit. Then, she can come back with us, since I believe Kit and the doctor are going to be staying for the night."

  "But, why?"

  "I imagine because she wants to get an idea of how the girls are doing."

  "That isn't what I meant." Meg said, then smiling added, "And I'm sure you knew that."

  "Well, perhaps, I want to have time alone with you," he told her, smiling.

  Her expression softened, as she replied, "I'll just go get the other gowns and things. I won't be but a minute."

  She didn't even take that long, and soon, she and Gus were heading back towards his place. Once they were outside of town, he turned the buggy around and took the side road that led to Miranda's.

  Even though it was cold, it was a lovely, sunny day, and Gus drew up the horse from its easy gait, stopped, and took her hand, "Meg, Ma informed me about what your father said to you about marriage... well, I suppose more about being a wife.

  "I don't know what he meant by 'having dominion over you', but I don't like it. I don't like it, at all. And, I'm not even sure what he meant by it. No, I don't like it. I don't want you to submit to me. I fell in love with you. And, part of who you are is... ah..." He swallowed hard, before he smiled and said, 'an independent thinker'."

  "You mean stubborn," she said.

  "I didn't want to put it quite like that, but... ah... well, yes. I suppose so," he responded, grinning.

  "But, I want to be a good wife. And Father said I was to be dutiful."

  "I know you want to be a good wife. Just as I want to be a good husband to you. And, while you might be concerned about being a good wife, I have no doubt that you will be."

  "But..."

  "Listen, Meg. Please, listen to what I'm saying. I love you. I want you to be my wife, my partner. I'm not looking for a possession. Please, trust me. You know that I would never hurt you."

  "Of course, I know that," Meg said, squeezing his hand. "I never meant to imply that."

  "I know you didn't. I'm just trying to make you see I don't expect you to give up your own mind. If I did, do you think I'd be so willing to have you keep your dressmaking business?"

  "No, I suppose not."

  "Well, let's just leave things at that, shall we?"

  "Yes, all right."

  They soon pulled up in front of Miranda's house and were greeted by all four ladies.

  "Well," Gus said smiling at the girls, "you two look as though you're settling in."

  Lynn blushed and turned away, but Kathy grinned back, and answered, "Yes, we are." Then gesturing to Lynn, added, "Don't mind Lynn. She's just shy. But she's happy to be here. We both are."

  Gus hopped down from the buggy, reached up and helped Meg to the ground.

  "Hello, everyone," Meg said as she walked up the steps. "I have some things for you girls. And, if they are comfortable, Eva and I will make you more." She pulled the nightgowns and robes from the basket she carried.

  "Now, before we do anything else, go try these on. Mr. Gunderson will stay outside until we call him in. That way, Miranda, Colleen, and I can see you in them."

  Then, looking towards Gus, she added, "You have something you need to speak to Jake about, don’t you?"

  "Ah... why yes, I do," he answered, before he retreated in the direction of the barn.

  A few minutes later, Lynn came bounding down the stairs. "The gown is a bit loose, but the robe is cozy."

  Kathy appeared in the sitting room, wearing her simplified nightgown and wrapper. But she was less enthusiastic about them. "Oh, Miss... the nightdress is big, but then I'll be a lot bigger soon, won't I?"

  "Yes, I expect so," Meg agreed. "You don't need to keep them on, but I will need you to try them on again for Dr. Thorne." Before she could finish speaking, the girls bounded upstairs, returning again a few minutes later.

  Once they returned, Meg picked up where she had stopped. "If she thinks they're a good idea, and you all find them comfortable, I will make them for the hospital."

  "Hospital, Miss?"

  "Yes, with any luck, Mr. Harding's old building will be bought by the town to become Manchester's hospital. A much better use for it, don't you agree?"

  "I'd like to burn it down," Lynn said, in a low voice.

  Kathy swung around and said, "No, Lynn. It's not the building's fault that... that... well, you know. And, a hospital would be a good thing."

  "I suppose," she agreed. But Meg could hear the anger and grief that she carried.

  Miranda moved closer to her, and stroking hair back from her eyes, said, "Lynn, we don't expect you to forget what you've been through. But, we're here to help you put it behind you.

  "We want you to have a good life from now on. A life full of possibilities."

  Before she could answer, Gus came in, announcing, "Victoria is here with Kit and Eva." But they were hard on his heels, bustling in. Kit was loaded down with more blankets. Eva buried under a stack of parcels wrapped in brown paper and tied up with string, and the doctor carrying her medical bag. And all of them bubbling with talk and laughter.

  Kathy popped up from where she was sitting to make a place for the doctor. She was giving Lynn a look, but Eva and Kit just deposited their burdens on the table, and pulled up more chairs.

  "Is there coffee or tea, Miranda?" Victoria asked. "It's freezing outside. We've been lucky so far this winter, but there'll be snow before Christmas. Take my word on it!"

  "I won't argue with you," Miranda exclaimed. "There's a little coffee left, but we can make some fresh, or a pot of tea."

  "Pardon me, ma'am," Colleen began, "but with seven of us, no, nine with the men, we'll probably need to make both." And she rose from her chair at the table and went to put on a kettle of water on to boil.

  "I'm sure you're right, my dear. I guess I've lived alone for too long," Miranda answered. "Well, I'll trust you to do just as you see fit." Then she turned to gather everyone's coats and carried them to the sitting room.

  She returned to ask, "Now, what should we do first?"

  "The first thing I want to do is to give Kathy a thorough physical exam. I think we need to get an idea of when this baby is due." Victoria reached out for the girl's hand and led her towards the stairs, adding, "We won't be long. Save us something warm to drink and some of that cake Ma sent yesterday."

  Once they had disappeared, Lynn said, "I'm sure I'll be next. Won't I?"

  Miranda reached out for the young girl's hand and squeezing it, agreed, "Yes. I believe so. Try to remember it's for your own good. We want to make sure there's nothing wrong with you. You've been under a great strain, too."

  Chapter Seven

  "So," Victoria began, "how have you been feeling, Kathy?"

  "Better, ma'am, but I still feel real tired. And... and I can feel the beginnings of that antsy feeling you warned about. But, for the most part, I feel well."

  "I see. Now, if you'd slip off your drawers, and lie down and let me examine you. I'm sorry if it seems a bit embarrassing and invasive."

  "Don't worry, Miss, I mean, Doctor. You can't imagine what we were ex—"

  "Yes, dear. I don't believe I can. But, they can't hurt you ever again. We will do everything we can to
help you and Lynn. But still, you need to do all you can to forget those things."

  "Yes, ma'am. I will."

  All the time they'd been speaking, Victoria had examined the girl who only flinched once.

  "There, all done," the doctor said. "Now, can you remember when your last monthly was?"

  After a moment, Kathy answered, "It was still hot. I remember that. But, honestly, mis—I mean, Doctor, I couldn't tell you for sure if it was July or August."

  "Well, that means either a March or April baby. And, to be honest, your baby is probably small and underweight, so his size isn't giving us a true idea of when to expect him.

  "I think we must get you free from the opium and fatten you up. Then, we might get a better idea of when this baby is due.

  "Now, you get dressed and go downstairs. And," she reminded the girl," please send Lynn up."

  Kathy was almost out the door, when she answered, "Yes, ma'am."

  The bedroom door opened and Lynn peeked around the edge of the door. "Kathy said you wanted to see me."

  "Yes, dear. Come in and close the door behind you. I wanted to give you a complete examination. So, if you'd slip off your drawers and hop up on the bed."

  "Do I have to?"

  "I'm afraid so, Lynn. Please. I promise I won't hurt you."

  "Yes, ma'am."

  "That's a good girl," the doctor said, as she took her pulse, before listening to her heart and lungs. While she was putting her stethoscope away, she asked in a nonchalant voice, "Lynn, with two older sisters, I'm sure you must know about your monthly courses. But, you're still very young. Have you started having them?"

  "Well, Miss, I had them two or three times, but it weren't regular like Lisa's."

  "About how much time between them? Just a rough guess."

  "Six or seven weeks, at least. And, I had pains something awful."

  "Yes, some young women do have a rough time of it. But most grow out of that much discomfort."

  Victoria looked at the young girl as she sat, quiet but anxious, on the side of the bed, smiled and said, "Now, could you lie back where you are. I know this is intrusive, but it won't take long."