Loretta and Martha had set the new sewing machines up on the second floor and hired three more seamstresses. Ellen and May would still sew but would also model when required. Annabel was specializing in trims and accessories since her hand skills were impeccable. Martha was about to share her news of the wedding with Loretta when her friend made an announcement of her own.
“Martha, I think I'm pregnant again.” Loretta revealed to her as they worked.
“What wonderful news Loretta does Austin know?” Martha was happy for her friend. Suddenly remembering Abraham's dream, a frightened look came over her face.
“Not yet, I want to wait another few weeks to be sure, Martha what's wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost.”
Martha recovered quickly and laughed with her friend. “No silly, I just realized that if I want you to be my Matron of Honor, I had better hurry and set a date before you are too fat to walk down the aisle.” Loretta looked at her friend and excitedly hugged her tightly.
“Finally, a date, finally; oh Martha I'm so happy for you and Jeremy. Yes let's do it soon so that I'll not be fat and rolly- polly. Wait until I tell Austin, he will be delighted.” Loretta spun her friend around and around the sewing room, laughing and giggling like schoolgirls. “Two wonderful announcements in one day.”
A date was set for two months time and just before the wonderful day, Martha realized that she had not had her monthly period for more than a month and with jubilation and excitement went to tell Jeremy he was about to become a father. Before she reached his office, Abraham's forgotten dream crushed her happiness and replaced it with dread. She froze with her hand on the door. This time Abraham will be wrong, nothing will happen to me or Loretta, she told herself. Refusing to think of it, letting denial overcome her fears she rushed excitedly into her lover's office. “Darling, I have wonderful news.” Martha looked at him with such love, he rose from his chair and took her in his arms.
“What news do you have my love? Lately everything seems like wonderful news to me.”
“I believe I am carrying our child Jeremy.” She looked into his eyes and felt her heart fill with his love. Jeremy was ecstatic. The woman of his dreams and a child of his own, what more could a man want? The two elated lovers decided to keep the pregnancy a secret, as it was socially unacceptable for an unmarried woman to be with child. She was happier than she had ever been.
The day of the wedding arrived in a flurry of activity. Finally, it was time for the ceremony. Austin and Jeremy waited at the front of the church with Isaac, Abraham and Ezekiel all dressed in black suits and matching vests. Pink roses in their lapels and most of St. Louis society seated in the pews. Phoebe, Max Smithson and Minnie Wells were in attendance from England. Phillip and Agatha sat in the second row dressed in their finest. Isabel was seated to their right looking around the church to make sure everyone noticed that she was seated in a place of importance. Agatha sniffled into her handkerchief.
Loretta and Martha were preparing to walk down the aisle. John McGuire stood outside the dressing room waiting for his daughter. He said a silent prayer to God thanking him for bringing his daughter back to him. He smiled as he pictured Lillian's face watching from Heaven as their lovely daughter married the man of her dreams.
Alone in the dressing room, Martha told Loretta of her pregnancy and swore her friend to secrecy.
“I can't believe it, both of us pregnant at the same time. This is wonderful; I'm so excited. The babies will be just like siblings or twins only a few months apart.” Loretta babbled, “Oh this is so exciting, I will have trouble keeping this a secret.” Martha, who wanted only to enjoy every moment of this dream wedding, walked towards the door, her finger on her lips to hush her excited friend. One final stroke of her hair and she opened the door. Loretta stepped out, dressed in full length Lilac and lace, preceded down the aisle by the tiny Annabelle in a paler Lilac creation. Martha's gown was a new design without the hoop skirt. It was a thinner silhouette with a bustle in back and a long train flowing from the back of the bustle. The color was ivory, in silk with small pearls decorating the sleeves, high neckline and bodice. Her bouquet was made of pink and white roses, chosen from her garden to ensure Margaret shared this day. There were strands of pearls falling softly from the flowers. Martha's face shone with happiness. This time she was truly marrying the man she had waited her entire life for. John took his daughter's arm and together they walked down the aisle. Both of them chose to think of this as Martha's first and only wedding and her bright future with Jeremy. Lord, at last I will have the marriage I have always wanted and a child of my own. Thank you.
Isaac had eyes only for Annabelle, smiling adoringly as she approached the front of the church. Abraham and Ezekiel smiled admiringly as their mother came into view. Austin watched his wife coming down the aisle and was filled with feelings of adoration and love for her and the child she carried. Agatha reached over and squeezed Phillip's hand; he kissed her cheek lovingly. Jeremy was happy beyond belief that he was about to become Martha's husband and not only father to the three boys but to his own child as well. No church had ever been as full of love as the parish in St. Louis on that day. As Martha stared into Jeremy's eyes she knew that her dreams were coming true. This was the man she was meant to be with, the man she loved with all of her heart. Martha became Mrs. Whittaker for the second time but this time she had the man and the life that dreams are made of.
A magnificent party followed the wedding and all congratulated the bride and groom. The boys practiced calling Uncle Jeremy, ‘Papa’ because ‘Father’ reminded them of Jebediah, whom they just wanted to forget. John got to know his grandsons and was a big hit with all of them. John invited Isaac and the boys to Graystone to ride the horses and go with him on the foxhunt. Abraham just wanted to go and see the horses and Ezekiel informed him emphatically, that Austin told him ships make you sick so he would stay here, thank you. John laughed and laughed and was very happy to be here with these wonderful youngsters. The Carruthers enjoyed meeting John and Phoebe and the four exchanged stories of Martha and the boys.
Phoebe, Max and Minnie decided that Martha had done a wonderful job of raising the boys. Everyone agreed that Jeremy and Martha made a stunning couple. Minnie, holding Abby, was staying in St. Louis until her second grandchild was born, however the other three were returning to England the following week. Martha and Jeremy were going on a short honeymoon to Chicago where they could both combine business with pleasure. Martha kissed Agatha and whispered a ‘Thank You’ as she left the party for her honeymoon. Her friend was crying and smiling all at the same time. She was so happy for Martha and Jeremy.
Train travel had become much more desirable since the invention of the Pullman car. Jeremy and Martha boarded the train and entered the Pullman Palace car. Lamps with silk shades, leather seating and chandeliers with electric lighting gave the car the feel of a luxury hotel. Fresh gourmet meals were prepared and served making the trip most enjoyable.
“Oh, Jeremy this is so beautiful. Have I told you how happy I am?”
“Only five times in the past hour but tell me again my darling. I want you to have the world.” Jeremy kissed his bride, he was so proud of her. After they finished a wonderful meal they returned to their private compartment to relax. Jeremy noticed that Martha was deep in thought. “Martha, is something on your mind? Please share it with me.”
Martha was hesitant to discuss Abraham's dream with Jeremy but it was nagging away at her and she wanted to clear her mind for her honeymoon. “You will think it silly, but Abraham had a very disturbing dream.” Jeremy was reminded of Abraham's reference to his being the man in the dream back in Wyoming. That mystery had never been cleared up and now Martha had his full attention.
“Nothing you say is silly, now what is this about.”
“Abraham has dreams that seem to come true. He dreamt of you before you arrived in Wyoming. He dreamt of a fire at the church and he dreamt of Jebediah's shooting. He never gets exact deta
ils but his dreams are like premonitions and very disturbing.” Martha looked at Jeremy and hesitated to tell him of the latest premonition.
“That explains his referring to me as ‘the man in the dream.’ I wondered what he meant at the time but there were other things to think about then. What has this to do with us? What did he dream?” The concerned look on Martha's face told him that this was not something trivial.
“He dreamt of a woman giving birth, only the child was born and the woman died. Oh Jeremy he couldn't see her face and now both Loretta and I are pregnant. What if something happens to one of us, I'm so frightened?” Martha cuddled into Jeremy for support. She shuddered to think of either herself or her friend in jeopardy.
“He didn't see her face, that means it could be someone else. Let us not look for trouble my darling. I searched for you for years and I'll not let anything happen to you now. Austin feels the same way about Loretta; now don't worry about this. You'll just upset yourself. This could be nothing more than a dream.” But Jeremy was worried too now, the boy seemed to be able to predict the future and Jeremy prayed that it was not Martha or Loretta that he dreamt of. Jeremy prayed for the safety of his new family and his friends as he held his new bride in his arms. He wanted only beautiful dreams for Martha; she had experienced enough nightmares to last a lifetime.
Chapter Twenty- four - The child is born
“Austin go for the midwife and stop fidgeting.” Minnie took charge of her daughter-in-law who was obviously in labor. “Take Abigail to Martha's and tell her to come right away.” Minnie started the water boiling and tried to make Loretta as comfortable as possible. The woman was huge with child and Minnie was worried about the size of this baby. She prayed as she made the preparations that Loretta would come through this without difficulties. Minnie was very fond of Loretta and the two were closer than ever now that they had spent several months together. Isabel Langley was in New York visiting some friends and Martha was the only other person Loretta wanted in attendance at the birth. Martha, pale with worry, arrived after the midwife and held her friend's hand. Loretta was sweating and writhing in labor. Martha prayed like she never prayed before for her friend and herself. Let the baby be born healthy and let Loretta come through this with no difficulties, please Lord spare my dearest friend.
The birth was taking longer than it should and the midwife was growing anxious. Jeremy and Austin paced the sitting room as the hours dragged on. Screams of pain could be heard from the bedroom and both men were worried. Jeremy could not push Abraham's dream from his mind. The boy had asked to come with him but Jeremy told the boys to look after Abby and he would come for them when the baby was born. Finally after what seemed like hours a baby's cry was heard from the other room. Minnie carried her new grandson out into the sitting room and presented Austin with his son.
“How is Loretta?” the proud father inquired as he held his son in his arms.
“I have to get back in there, now keep the little fellow warm. Congratulations Son.” Minnie kissed Austin's cheek and returned to the labor room. Loretta was losing blood and the midwife was doing everything she could to stop it. Martha, who felt useless, was crying. Minnie was praying. Loretta was lying white and still on the bed and Martha was afraid, very afraid.
Austin wanted to see his wife but was kept out of the room for several more hours. Minnie emerged and prepared a meal for the men and the children who were now in the flat. Martha walked into the sitting room and gave Jeremy a mournful, worried look. He rushed to her side at the sight of her pallor and made her sit and drink some tea. No one noticed Abraham as he slipped into the bedroom. The startled midwife looked at the boy and was about to gesture for him to leave, but the look on his face stopped her. She nodded for him to approach the bed and Abraham walked slowly towards the deathly pale Loretta. He sat in the chair vacated by Martha and took her hand in his. The midwife watched as the young boy seemed to will the woman to open her eyes. His look was distant. The midwife was sure she was hallucinating, as a bright glow seemed to surround the pair. She crossed herself, muttering under her breath. She watched stunned for several minutes as the boy concentrated with all his might on the ashen woman who the midwife knew, was slipping away.
Loretta lay very still but the look on her face was calm and almost peaceful. Abraham, after several minutes, kissed her forehead, rose silently and slowly walked from the room. The midwife stood speechless and immobilized at what she had just seen. She watched this mysterious boy leave while she prayed to the Heavens convinced she had just witnessed a visit by an angel. Loretta let out a low moan. The stunned woman went to her and checked the bleeding. It appeared to have stopped and Loretta slowly opened her eyes. A thankful, but mystified midwife wiped Loretta's face with a cool cloth, then raised a glass of water to her parched lips.
“My baby?” Loretta smiled and although she was very weak, inquired in a quiet whisper.
“I'll bring him to you and you have an anxious father waiting to see you as well.” The confused but elated midwife left Loretta and summoned Austin.
Austin carried David to his mother and was devastated by the pale, lifeless figure lying on the bed.
“Here is David, our beautiful son my dearest.” Austin supported the baby as Loretta fed him. She fell asleep very quickly but Austin, with a tear stained face, sat and looked at his wife, his heart full of fear. The midwife told him of the large loss of blood and that only time would tell if his wife would recover. She did not tell him of the mysterious visit. Austin held his son; his other hand on Loretta's and prayed for his wife with all his might. Loretta was his life; he could not bear to lose her. He looked at his son and tears trickled down his face as he considered raising his son and daughter alone.
Over the next week, Minnie cared for young David and Abby and Jeremy, Martha and Austin took turns sitting with Loretta who seemed to drift in and out of consciousness. Even Annabelle came and sat with her for a few hours each day. Martha reassured the boys that all would be well, praying that she was right. Martha was getting close to her own delivery date and she did not want the boys to be apprehensive about her delivery. Only Abraham seemed unconcerned. This made Martha feel more confident with the situation. She was so worried about Loretta that it was affecting her health. After trying to keep up the façade, she finally told Jeremy that she was not feeling well. He insisted that she stay home and rest and he and Austin took over her times with Loretta. Agatha sat with Martha and together they prayed for Loretta. Abraham arrived at the Wells flat one afternoon with flowers for Loretta.
“Can I sit with her for a while?” Abraham looked very concerned and Austin, who was exhausted with worry and lack of sleep, needed a break.
“Of course, Abraham just call me if she needs anything. She sleeps most of the time, thank you son.” With that Austin left Abraham and Loretta alone. The young boy took Loretta's hand and again, tried to use all of his will to make her well. He had used this technique with the animals on the homestead and knew that if he concentrated he could send healing energy to the ailing beasts. It had worked on Bo. Perhaps he could do it with people and he loved Loretta. He sat with her for over an hour and Austin smiled when he found him slumped over exhausted and asleep, his head on Loretta's shoulder. But Austin was more surprised by something else he saw in that room. His wife was awake and smiling at him with the most beautiful smile he had seen in weeks. Her color was much better and she looked radiant. He rushed to her side and without disturbing the sleeping boy; Austin kissed his wife and thanked the Lord for this miracle. Loretta smiled down at Abraham unsure of why he was there but feeling thankful and strangely, spiritually connected to the boy somehow. Within days, Loretta was walking around the flat and Austin and everyone else were extremely thankful. Abraham was jubilant but remained humbly silent.
“The food looks wonderful, Mother Minnie what would we do without you?” Loretta was grateful for her mother-in-law and looking forward to this party. Her health was improving by the day an
d she was almost back to her bright, and chatty self. Minnie assured her that everything was under control and not to overdue it.
Austin was playing with Abby on the floor, waiting for the guests to arrive. The baby slept in his cradle by the window. Austin looked at his wife and said a silent prayer of thanks. The past few weeks had been torture for him, never knowing if Loretta would survive the night. Now his family was on the mend and he had two wonderful children. He was very grateful.
A small gathering took place to celebrate Loretta's recovery and David's birth. Food, drink and good music provided the family with a renewed hope for the future. Martha was very relieved and felt her health improve immediately upon Loretta's recovery. Now she had her own delivery to think about.
Baby David was six weeks old when his future best friend, Anna Lillian Whittaker was born. She was a healthy and bubbly seven-pound baby with chestnut hair and green eyes. Mother and baby were doing well and Jeremy, the proud Papa handed out cigars to everyone he met. Anna's brothers were most impressed with their new sister and happy that their Mama had come through the delivery with no problems.
Martha sat rocking her daughter. She stroked the tiny head covered in dark brown fuzz and took in every feature on the sleeping baby's face. “You will never want for anything my love. Your father and I will protect you and love you for your entire life. I promise, I'll make sure that all of your dreams come true.” Her heart was filled with more love and contentment than she thought she was capable of. How far I have come since that dreadful day that I boarded “The Salvation.” Her child had been born surrounded by love and her family and friends were safe. Tears of happiness pooled in her eyes. Jeremy appeared in the doorway and smiled lovingly at his wife and child. The baby screeched, breaking the serenity of the moment. Anna Whittaker was demanding attention and would continue to do so for years to come.
Dreams and Nightmares Page 25
