The Courageous Brides Collection
Page 31
Father told Mr. Humphries about several of the leading citizens he would introduce him to the next day. Finally, the men retired to the den to smoke.
Mother stood. “I’m sure you’re tired, but I insist you visit with me in the parlor and tell me more about Charlotte.”
They sat on opposite ends of the sofa. Elinor recounted the headaches often lasting two days or more.
Mother changed the subject. “Since Mr. Humphries wants to settle here, we hope he will ask to visit with you again. We expect you to be friendly to him.”
“I’m very busy with my friends’ wedding plans, so I can’t get involved at present.”
“Can’t or won’t? You know your father has forbidden John’s apprentice from Ohio to see you?”
Elinor stood, startled by the news. “I didn’t know. Why?”
“William is the son of a farmer, not a plantation owner and lawyer. Mr. Humphries can take you to parties around the area. He wants to be a senator someday.”
“I have no desire to see him again.” Elinor walked to the door. “I’m going to bed early and plan to sleep late tomorrow, so don’t wait breakfast on me.”
Her hands shook as she closed the door and climbed the staircase. What a mess. She wished she could return to Aunt Charlotte’s.
Elinor turned and tossed in her bed, wanting the sweet release of sleep that wouldn’t come. Her brain raced. Not only did her parents want her to see a slave-buying lawyer, they’d forbidden William to see her again. How could they be so cruel?
Arising, she threw open a window to let in a breeze. After lighting a lamp, she pulled her Bible off the nightstand and read from the book of Psalms until she finally found peace in the twenty-third psalm.
She fell asleep with the comforting words restoring her soul and preparing her for what God had planned.
William gathered up his few belongings from the small room that had been his home the past month. The place he had planned to stay for three years. Tonight he must give Doc his answer, for William couldn’t agree to not see Elinor again.
Carrying the cloth bag he’d arrived with, he opened the door into the kitchen.
The doctor glanced at his bag then motioned to the table, set for a late supper. “Please join me. I can see you’ve made your decision, and I respect you for it. Let’s eat one final meal before you go. I’ll miss your company and will send word to the inn if I hear from any colleague who wants an apprentice.”
William sat down at the now-familiar table to a meal of greens and boiled eggs. “Thank you for all your kindnesses.”
“You’re welcome. What do you plan to do in this area?”
“I’m going to work for my meals and room at the inn by helping with an addition they’re adding to the back. I hope to do odd jobs for others in town to earn a little more money.”
“You’re a hardworking man, and I’m proud to know you. I wrote an excellent recommendation to all those I contacted.”
“Thank you. I couldn’t have asked for a better doctor to learn under. You’ve taught me more in a month than many could learn in a year of medical school.”
“You’re going to make a wonderful doctor.” Doc looked over the table at him. “I was going to take a delivery out toward Ruddles Mills tonight, the road I showed you yesterday.”
William nodded as he peeled another boiled egg. “I remember.”
“Since this is your last day here, and there are a few more hours in it, how about you do one last job for me?”
“I’d be honored to, sir.”
Doc gave him further directions then extended his hand for a shake. “Use my buggy since you’re still working for me. Tell the Coopers I’d like cash if possible, and you can keep anything you get. You’ve earned it.”
“Thank you again, and I hope we’ll still talk sometime.”
“I’ll make sure of it.”
William took one last look around the small house then left with his clothes in one hand and his doctor’s bag in the other, glad to have something to keep him busy this first night without Doc.
Chapter Seven
Mr. Cooper opened the door and welcomed William into the farmhouse. “You must be the new assistant Doc said he might send. I’ve heard mighty good things about you from him and others.”
“Thank you, sir.” He handed over a glass bottle. “Doc Peck told me to make sure you got this.”
“Thanks. It’s a new medicine that helped arthritis patients like my mom. She’s been paining a lot here lately, and I want to make her days as comfortable as possible. Like she did for me when I was a young’un.”
“I understand. Might I have a look at her while I’m here?”
“Follow me. We moved her bedroom downstairs last year so she wouldn’t have to climb steps.”
Seeing the diminutive lady, William winced at her bent back and neck.
She lifted her head a few inches, and brown eyes twinkled. “You’re the new doc, eh?”
He winked. “And you’re my new patient, eh?”
She cackled. “Sure am. And glad to meet ya.”
He sat down, and they conversed for several minutes. Doc had taught him one could often learn more from a conversation than an exam. Standing, he lifted something out of his bag. “Could I listen to your heart with my stethoscope?”
“Looks like a horn to me.”
He laughed. “It does. But instead of making musical sounds louder, it helps me hear your heart and lungs better.”
“I like newfangled things, so listen away.”
He placed the horn part against her back. “Take a deep breath, hold it, then blow it out for me.”
She complied.
After listening, he said, “Your lungs are clear of fluid.”
“That’s good, right?”
“Correct. Now let me listen to your heart.” He placed the instrument against her chest. “Your heart beats nice and steady, too. So the pain is your main worry?”
“I don’t worry none. The Good Book says not to. But what my pappy called the rheumatiz does pain me right smart.”
“Dr. Peck sent a new medicine for you to take three times a day, so try it, and let him know if it helps. Are you still drinking willow bark tea?”
“Yes, a couple cups a day.”
“Good, keep it up, and Dr. Peck will be by to see you soon.”
“You’re not coming back, sonny?”
He sighed. “I’m not sure how long I’ll be around.”
“That’s disappointing.”
I agree. “Maybe things will work out, and I can come back.”
“I’ll pray on it.”
“Thank you.”
Mr. Cooper walked him to the door and pulled out a silver dollar. “I sold cattle today, so I have cash money. I figure a young doc like you can use a little cash.”
“Thank you, sir, but this is too much.”
“Nonsense. Your visit cheered Mother up, so it’s worth it to me.” He grabbed something off the hall table. “Here’s a loaf of homemade bread she wanted you to have.”
“Give her my thanks, and I’ll come back to visit if I’m still around.”
The man slapped him on the shoulder. “God speed.”
William climbed into the buggy, the good wishes and promises of prayers lifting his spirits. He hated to leave this area and all the nice people.
Stars twinkled overhead. Elinor came to mind, and he wished he could stay in this area for another reason—the girl who’d won his heart.
God, You know what I want, but I’m putting it all in Your hands. Your will, not mine.
Stilling his heart to listen to God, he rode in silence until the horses spooked. “Whoa!” The horses stopped.
A moan of pain came from the woods. He grabbed his medical bag for the second time that evening then rushed toward the sound.
The waxing moonlight led him to a woman on the ground with a man kneeling beside her. “You gots to push, Nelly. Don’t give up.”
William cough
ed to warn them of his approach. “May I help? I’ve had doctor training.”
The man’s ebony eyes blazed. “White doctors don’t help the likes of us.”
“I’m an apprentice doctor, but I vowed to help anyone in need. Is your wife in labor?”
The woman’s groan answered his question.
Not waiting for an invitation, William dropped to his knees beside her and grabbed her hand. “Squeeze as hard as you can while you push.”
After what seemed an eternity, her grip loosened on his hand, giving them both some blessed relief from their pain. He nodded at the man and held out his hand. “My name’s William, what’s yours?”
“Henry. Can you help my Nelly?”
“It’ll take all three of us. When another contraction comes, I want her to squeeze your hand while I check the position of the baby. Do you have a blanket we can wrap the babe in?”
The man untied a burlap bag and produced a blanket. William drew his knife from inside his bag then placed it in his pocket.
Moans pierced the air again. Henry grabbed Nelly’s hand, and William pressed on her stomach. The pains were close together, and the baby was in the correct position. If Nelly could push a few more times, the child should be born soon. If someone came along, all three of them could be arrested. Or worse.
After a couple more pushes, William instructed Henry to prepare to catch the baby in the blanket. He needed his hands free to cut the cord.
One more push.
The whites of Henry’s eyes shone brighter than the moon as he cradled the babe. A soft cry grew into a lusty one. “Your son has great lungs, Henry.”
The man’s face melted with wonder as he wrapped the cloth around him. “My son? Nelly, you hear that? We gots us a son.”
Nelly reached out, and Henry placed the small bundle in her arms.
William grinned. “Henry, unbutton her dress so the baby can suckle. That should help expel the afterbirth.”
Soon, the baby nursed while Henry watched over his family.
William kneaded her stomach several times then checked the placenta when it released, like he’d learned from Doc’s books. Throwing the mess in a hole, he covered it with earth. They needed to depart soon and not leave anything suspicious behind.
He glanced at the happy family, mother and father leaning over and smiling at the child. The peaceful scene reminded him of a Nativity painting he’d seen. And like the Holy Family, this family would soon need to flee.
A dilapidated barn he’d passed back a ways came to mind, and William loaded up his bag then checked the scene one more time. A moonbeam fell upon his knife. He snatched it up and wiped it on his pants leg as he stood. “We need to leave, Henry.”
“We don’t have nowhere to go, just these woods.”
“Nelly can’t travel tonight. There’s a barn nearby where you might hide until I find better shelter. My parents live in Ohio. If we can get you across the river, they’ll see you on to Canada.”
“Nelly, this man gonna help us get to Canada where we’ll be free. God done answered our prayers good now.” The big man scooped his wife and baby into his burly arms and carried them to the buggy seat. “I’ll walk or run.”
William climbed into the buggy then covered both passengers with a black blanket. He turned the horses back the way they’d come an hour or more ago. “You need to follow at the edge of the woods, Henry.”
“Yes, suh.”
Happy the moon now hid behind clouds, William drove slowly so Henry could keep up. When they reached the barn, Henry carried his family in his arms and settled them in the barn on some old hay. The barn smelled musty, not used much. All the better.
“We better set you up in one of those stalls over there.” William pointed. “Stay low and quiet until I come tomorrow evening. I’ll whistle five times like this.” He demonstrated.
“Yes, suh. I’ll listen for you. And we’ll be quieter than a mouse.”
“I’ll be right back. I remembered something in the buggy.” He jogged there and back. “Here’s a loaf of bread a patient gave me. It should keep you from starving.”
Henry’s eyes widened. “Fresh bread? Glory be! But what will you eat?”
“The hotel has food. Do you have water?”
The man patted a leather pouch around one shoulder. “I just filled up at a creek a little ways afore the pains hit, so this should be enough for her to make lots of milk for our son.”
“I’ll be praying for your safety.” And for God to show me where to find help. “See you tomorrow after dusk.”
Henry nodded. “Thank you. Yous a fine doctor and a fine man.”
“You’re welcome. God had a hand in me being out tonight, and He’s got us all in His hands.”
“Amen.”
As William turned to leave, Henry spoke again. “Me and Nelly talked while you was gone. We want to name our baby boy Courage for you and the others who showed courage helping us on our way.”
William nodded but felt unworthy of the praise. He prayed all the way back to Cythiana, where he dropped off the buggy and horses at the livery. He didn’t know any abolitionists here but recalled Elinor’s desire to join such a group. Could she help him? Would she? She was supposed to arrive home today.
God, please continue to lead me on Your paths, and keep the slaves safe.
Elinor was dreaming of heaven and of God preparing a banquet for her there. The banquet room glowed brighter than any light on earth.
She awoke, saddened about the dream ending. What was that sound—like something hitting the roof? Or her floor.
Standing beside the bed, she listened again. A rock landed a few inches from her feet. She tiptoed to the open window then peered down at the yard bathed in moonlight. What was he doing here in the middle of the night?
“Elinor, can you meet me by the willow tree? I need your help.”
She’d never done anything like this before but didn’t hesitate. “Yes.” She wrapped a robe around her gown but left her shoes off. Sneaking down the stairs, she tried to remember which steps squeaked.
The wet grass chilled her feet, a new sensation, but she didn’t stop. When she reached the tree, a shadow stepped out from under it. “William?”
He reached out and pulled her under the tree. “We can’t be seen.”
Warmth spread through her at his touch. “What’s wrong? Did you get my letter about my father not wanting me to see you?”
“No, but Doc told me. I quit working with him because I wouldn’t agree to those conditions.”
“But you have to become a doctor.”
“God will provide a way.” He looked into her eyes and lowered his voice. “Do you know any abolitionists who would help me hide two slaves and a baby?”
Her heart stuttered. “Abolitionists, no. But my slaves will help us.”
“We’ll need a place to keep them a night or two until I can get them to Ohio.”
“Shug and I found a hidden room in the cellar when we were little. Only the slaves and I know about it.”
God be praised! Elinor has a hidden room. “Will your slaves help us even if they might get in trouble?”
“I think so. I’ll ask tomorrow morning.”
“Good, and I might need Joseph to help me get them here from a barn a few miles away. We’ll also need to take food and water. Can you send word to me at the hotel through Shug?”
“Yes.”
His face scrunched into a frown. “I don’t want to ask you to do anything you don’t want to do. This could get us all in deep trouble.”
“I’ve been praying for courage to do what God wants me to do to help the slaves. You’re an answer to that prayer.”
And you’re the answer to my prayers in many ways, Elinor. He wanted to pull her into his arms, kiss her, and tell her he loved her, but that would have to wait. “We both better get inside. We have a lot to do tomorrow. Tell Shug to come to the back of the hotel, where I’ll be building an addition.”
“
I will. I’m sure Dottie and Joseph will help, too.”
“Would he know where we could borrow a buggy? I won’t risk involving your uncle by using his.”
“I’ll ask.”
“Thank you.”
“Pleasant dreams.”
“You, too.” William nodded, although he doubted he could sleep.
He didn’t. After walking to the hotel, he lay on the cot in his room and prayed and planned until the sun peeked through his window. He arose and wrote to his parents.
After eating breakfast, he measured and cut the wood for the hotel addition. Later, his stomach told him it must be noon, and a look at the sky confirmed it. Entering the back door of the business, he asked for a jug of water and two sandwiches. He would save one in case Shug couldn’t bring any food. If Joseph couldn’t find a buggy, William planned to run to the barn—maybe five or six miles each way. He and his brother had often raced to see who could run the longest.
As the afternoon wore on, his energy lagged with each nail he hammered. Shug’s appearance behind a tree at the edge of the house bolstered his strength. He walked in her direction then turned his back and sanded a piece of wood as he spoke. “Did Elinor tell you what I need?”
“Yes, sir, Mr. Chandler. We’s all willing to help—me and my mama and daddy. I’ll leave this note from Miss Elinor behind this tree, and my daddy will be back with a buggy and food and water as soon as it’s dark.” She slipped away before he could thank her.
Grabbing his water jug, he sat down on the backside of the tree then unfolded the letter and read:
My friends are all willing to help and are cleaning out the room. You may bring the package tonight. Send a note when you know further plans. E
William marveled at Elinor’s astuteness. He’d been too tired to think of telling her to disguise her message, but she’d done so anyway.
Time to eat supper, grab a nap, and be waiting for Joseph. Tonight would be another late one.
Chapter Eight
The pickup at the barn and the trip back to town went better than expected. William shouldn’t have been surprised after all the prayers he and others had lifted up.