Angel of the Cove

by Sandra Robbins

  Simon’s gaze raked over her. “I’m glad to hear that. You do care about the people here, don’t you?”

  “I do, Simon.” She tried to swallow the lump in her throat, but it refused to budge.

  They stared at each other for a moment before Granny coughed. “Now back to the barn raisin’. We’ll be there early in the mornin’ with lots of food. When those men get to workin’, Anna, they can eat enough to feed a big army.”

  Anna laughed at the thought of what tomorrow would bring. “Will they build one of those cantilever barns like I’ve seen all over the Cove?”

  Simon nodded. “Yes. It’s what works best for us.”

  “I’d never seen anything like them before I came to the Cove.”

  “I guess the way they’re built does look kind of strange to folks who haven’t seen them before. I could explain how they’re built if I could draw it for you,” Simon said.

  “Let me get my journal. You can use that.” Anna jumped up and ran to the bedroom.

  She grabbed the book and her pencil and hurried back into the kitchen. She pulled her chair around next to Simon and plopped the journal down in front of him. “There’s a blank page in the back.”

  Simon opened the book and picked up the pencil. “This is how we start.” He drew two box-like figures side by side with a space between them. “First of all we build two long cribs about eighteen feet long, but we place them about fourteen or fifteen feet apart.”

  “Those are the parts you said looked like little houses,” added Granny.

  “Right,” Simon laughed. “Actually they serve as animal pens. The space between them is left so the farmer can pull into the barn to unload his wagon. Understand so far?”

  Anna stared at the drawing. “Yes.”

  “Next we place two long logs across the top of both cribs. We want them to extend, oh, about eight feet out from the top on either end of the cribs. Those are the primary supports, but then we place some timbers, purlins they’re called, on top of them from front to back across the full length of the barn. These with the bottom timbers are the supports for the whole second floor where hay and corn can be stored.” He glanced up from his drawing. “Still following me?”

  Anna nodded.

  He continued to draw as he spoke. “We put a heavy timber frame on top of these supports and line it up with the corners of the cribs. This frame supports the eaves and horizontal timbers in the loft. After we get the gabled room on, the loft runs out about six or eight feet on either side of the cribs. So we have a top-heavy barn with a wide space in the middle where equipment can be stored and wagons can pull in for unloading.”

  Anna studied the drawing and understanding began to dawn. “And with the loft sticking out on both ends of the barn, the rain drips off there and doesn’t go down into the cribs. So the animals and any grain stored there is protected.”

  Simon smiled. “That’s right. And the animals outside the barn can stand underneath the extended ends to get out of the rain.”

  Anna leaned closer to Simon and stared down at the drawing. “So the strange-looking barns have a real purpose behind their design. That’s amazing.” She glanced up at Simon, and the look in his eyes took her breath away. She gazed at him for a moment before she closed the journal and stood up. “Thank you for explaining it to me, Simon.”

  He scooted his chair back from the table. “Anytime, Anna.”

  Simon slumped in his saddle as he rode home from Granny’s house. Every time he went he argued with himself about the wisdom of being so close to Anna. He couldn’t hide how he felt, and he suspected she saw it in his eyes every time he looked at her. No matter how much he debated the matter, he knew he couldn’t stay away.

  Tonight, when she’d studied his drawing of the barn, she’d been so close his heart ached. He wanted to reach out and touch her hair as she bent over the drawing, but he didn’t dare. One false move on his part could undo all the repairs they’d made to their relationship, and he didn’t want that.

  Time—that’s what he needed. The Cove had a way of putting a lock on your heart and ruining you for life anywhere else. If he could just be patient, that would happen to her. And she would come to see it wasn’t just the Cove that had her under its spell, but it was a mountain preacher named Simon Martin.

  From now on he had to guard his actions more closely than ever. He’d almost lost his chance with her once, and he wasn’t about to let it happen again.

  The next morning the men were already hard at work when Granny pulled her horse to a stop at the Davis farm. As Granny tied her horse beside another buggy, Anna glanced around for Simon. Within seconds he emerged from the center of activity and ran toward them. His clothes were already sodden with perspiration and he wiped his arm across his forehead.

  “Good morning. I wondered when you were going to get here.”

  Granny closed one eye and peered up into the sky. “We’s not that late, Simon.”

  He laughed. “I guess not. It’s such an exciting day. I didn’t want Anna to miss a moment of it.”

  Anna reached in the buggy for Granny’s basket. “I’m sure we’ll get to see plenty. And I expect to astound everybody with my knowledge about a cantilever barn.”

  Simon reached for the basket. “Let me take that over to where the women have the tables set up. Then I have to get back to work.”

  Anna and Granny followed him over to a spot behind the house where the women had gathered. All kinds of food covered the table, and Simon set Granny’s basket down. Granny patted his arm. “Thanks, preacher boy, now you run on. I ’spect I can handle thangs from here on out.”

  Simon glanced at Anna and nodded. “See you later.”

  Anna watched him go before she turned back to the women. Martha Martin stood behind her, a half-smile on her face. “Hello, Anna. How you been?”

  Anna grasped Martha’s hand. “Fine, but how about you?”

  “I’m fine.” She let her gaze move to Simon’s retreating figure. “How are things between you and Simon now?”

  Anna’s heart seemed to skip a beat. “Wh-what do you mean?”

  “He mooned around for weeks after that Sunday we ate dinner at Granny’s. Wouldn’t tell me and John what was the matter, but I thought the poor boy was gonna up and die. Couldn’t eat hardly a bite. Then after the Fourth of July picnic, he perked right up.”

  Anna looked over her shoulder to see if any of the other women had overheard before she pulled Martha aside. “That day at Granny’s after you left, Simon and I had a misunderstanding. He came to Granny’s the night after the picnic and apologized for his behavior and asked me to be his friend again. So things are fine between us now.”

  Martha stared at her with wide eyes. “Anna, are you crazy or somethin’? It ain’t never gonna be fine between you and Simon until you admit your feelin’s for him.”

  Anna shook her head. “You’re wrong. Simon is just a friend. I’m going to New York and he’s staying here.”

  Martha glanced out to the barn, and Anna followed her gaze. At that moment John turned and looked her way. He smiled and waved. Martha’s eyes glistened in the sunlight. “Has any man ever made your heart hurt with love so much that sometimes you think you’re gonna bust?”

  Anna frowned. “I don’t understand what you mean.”

  Martha reached out and grasped her arms. “If’n you don’t ache with the need to see a man and be with him, then you don’t have love like you should. I’ve seen you and Simon together. I know you got that kinda love in you. It’s for Simon. But you’re the one who’s gotta see it.”

  Anna pulled away from Martha. “Don’t say that. I can’t love Simon. I’m going to New York.”

  A sad look flashed in Martha’s eyes. “Don’t turn your back on what God’s placed in your path, Anna. Let Him give you the blessing He’s got waitin’ for you.”

  Anna turned away. “I don’t want to talk about this anymore. Come on. Let’s join the other women.”

  Mart
ha sighed and fell into step beside Anna as they rejoined the group at the table. Pearl sat in a chair under a tree while Josie played at her feet. Anna walked over and knelt down beside Josie. “Hello, darlin’. How’re you today?”

  Josie looked up from digging in the dirt and smiled. She looked up at her mother and pointed. “An-na.”

  Pearl laughed. “She ain’t forgot you, Anna.”

  Anna stood up. “I hope not. But how are you feeling?”

  “Fine. Lavinia won’t let me do nothin’ yet, though. She tole me to set down in this here chair and not move.” Pearl leaned closer and whispered. “I love her like a sister, but to tell the truth, it’s time fer her to go home.”

  Anna chuckled and glanced over at Lavinia, who was dispensing orders to all the women present. “I see what you mean. But you’re really lucky to have someone who loves you so much.”

  Pearl nodded. “I know. Not like some people.” Pearl stared past Anna, and she turned to see who was approaching.

  Naomi Jackson was coming toward them, Eli held tight in her arms. Matthew walked beside her carrying a basket.

  Pearl started to get out of her chair. “I need to welcome her.”

  Anna restrained her. “You stay right where you are,” she insisted. “I’ll do it for you and bring her over here.” She hurried across the yard toward the three of them. “Naomi!” she called. “I’m so glad you came today.” She stopped in front of them and bent to stroke Eli’s head before she acknowledged the boy beside his mother. “How are you, little fellow? Hello, Matthew. It’s good to see you again.”

  The boy glanced up at his mother, then back to Anna. “Good to see you too, Miss Anna.”

  She pointed to Lavinia. “Why don’t you take that basket to the tall woman at the end of the table? She’ll tell you what to do with it, and, Naomi, you come with me to say hello to Pearl.”

  Naomi allowed herself to be led to where Pearl sat. When they got there, Pearl held out her hand. “I’m so glad you could come today. I would get up, but…” She cast a look in her sister-in-law’s direction, “I have strict orders to stay put.”

  Naomi grasped Pearl’s hand. “We’s glad to be here. My husband is powerful sorry he couldn’t come, but he’s not feelin’ good today.”

  Pearl nodded. “I know how men be. They act like babies sometimes. Now women, we jest go on and don’t say nothin’ bout how we feel unless our sister-in-law comes to visit.”

  Anna chuckled and leaned close to Naomi. “Lavinia takes over when she visits, but she has a heart of gold.”

  Pearl laughed. “That she does.”

  At that moment Lavinia’s voice boomed out above all the noise. “All right, ladies, they jest sent word from the barn that the men’ll be ready to eat in a half hour. We gotta git this here food ready.”

  Anna sighed and pulled Naomi toward the table. “Sorry, Pearl, we’ve got our orders. We’ll see you later.”

  Anna could hardly believe it as one dish after another appeared on the table until it was covered in a feast fit for royalty. She surveyed the display and had reached over to rearrange some dishes when a voice behind her spoke into her ear.

  “Will you sit with me while we eat?”

  She smiled at the familiar voice and turned to see Simon standing behind her. His face was red from the heat and the sun, but the gentleness in his eyes made her smile. “Of course. I’ll help serve, then find you as soon as I get my plate fixed.”

  He nodded and turned toward the assembled group. “Cecil has asked me to bless this food and the efforts of all our friends and neighbors gathered today. Shall we pray?”

  A thrill raced through Anna as Simon began to pray. “Lord, we thank You for the folks who’ve come together today with nothing on their minds but to help a friend in need. We thank You for their efforts this morning and for watching over us as we worked. For the blessing of this food You’ve provided and for the good women of this community who’ve prepared it, I thank You. Now guide us as we continue to live and work in harmony so we can live in Your will. Amen.”

  Anna didn’t open her eyes as soon as the prayer was over but stood there thinking about Simon’s last words. Live in God’s will. She wanted to do that, but how could she know the difference? She’d always thought it God’s will she should go to nursing school, but her talk with Martha made her wonder.

  Finally, she opened her eyes and glanced up. From across the table Simon stared at her, a questioning look on his face. She smiled and began to help Lavinia pass out plates to the men.

  When all the men had filled their plates and found places to sit, she joined the other women as they began to choose their food. With her plate piled high, she looked around for Simon and saw him sitting under a tree near the house. She walked over and eased down onto the ground next to him.

  He arched his eyebrows and glanced over his shoulder. “Have you seen who can’t seem to stay away from each other today?”

  “No. Who?”

  “Linda Mae and William. From what her father tells me, William’s become a steady visitor at their house. He thinks I may be asked to perform a wedding before too long.”

  She stared in the direction Simon had indicated and spied the couple. They appeared to be involved in deep conversation. Anna smiled. “I hope things work out for them.”

  “Me too. But enough about them. I want to enjoy this beautiful day and all the good food.” He picked up a large piece of cornbread from his plate and arched his eyebrows. “And I’m happy you’re here to share it with me.”

  Before she could say a word, she felt movement and glanced around to see Lucy and Ted Ferguson dropping down next to her.

  “Hi, Miss Anna,” Lucy said. “We seen you settin’ down over here and decided we wanted to eat with you.”

  Anna looked at Simon and laughed at the frown on his face. She turned back to the children. “We’re glad you did, aren’t we, Simon?”

  “Sure.” Simon grimaced before he stuffed a bite of cornbread in his mouth.

  Anna suppressed the giggle she felt welling up. “Where have you two been all morning? I haven’t seen you at all.”

  Ted took a big bite of ham and chewed. “We been playin’ hide-and-seek with the other young’uns. I ’spect I found the best hidin’ places on this here farm.”

  Lucy snorted. “Naw, you ain’t. I done found the best ones.”

  Ted doubled up his fists. “I done found ’em.”

  Anna reached out and touched Ted’s arm. “It doesn’t matter who found the best spots. I just want to enjoy eating with you two. Don’t you, Simon?”

  He sighed. “Sure.”

  At that moment Pearl walked around the corner of the house and stopped beside them. “Have you seen Josie?”

  The worry on Pearl’s face frightened Anna, and she stood. “No, can’t you find her?”

  Pearl shook her head. “She was right beside me digging in the dirt. Then the next time I looked she was gone.”

  Simon set his plate aside and rose to his feet. “Don’t worry, Pearl. She’s around here somewhere. We’ll help you look.”

  Anna nodded and glanced at the children. “Lucy, Ted, you can help too.” She pointed toward the back of the house. “You go that way and Simon and I will go the other.”

  Lucy and Ted jumped up. “We’ll find her,” Lucy said. “Come on, Ted. Let’s go.”

  Simon grasped Pearl’s hand. “Now you go back and sit down, Pearl. Anna and I will find Josie and bring her back to you.”

  A tear trickled from Pearl’s eye and rolled down her face. “Thank you. I jest ain’t hardly let ’er outta my sight since I lost the baby. So I’m gittin’ scared.”

  Anna hugged her. “Don’t worry. We’ll be right back.”

  Before they could take a step, Ted ran around the edge of the house. A look of horror masked his features. “Miss Anna, come quick. We found Josie.”

  Anna and Simon bolted at Ted’s words and ran after him. He raced across the field back of the house to
where Lucy stood at the edge of the pond.

  Oh, dear God, no, Anna prayed. Don’t let her be in the pond.

  She halted at the pond’s edge but Simon waded in, thrashing his way toward the little body floating facedown in the murky water.

  Chapter 18

  Josie!” Pearl’s wail, more piercing than any Anna had ever heard, ripped through the air.

  Anna glanced over her shoulder at everyone running toward the pond. As Pearl neared the water, she stopped several feet from the edge and sank to her knees. She clasped her hands to her chest and stared upward. Another scream tore from her throat. “Oh, God, don’t take my baby. Please, please, please, jest leave me one baby, Lord!”

  Lavinia knelt beside Pearl and put her arm around her shaking shoulders. Cecil, unmoving, stood next to his wife.

  Simon waded from the pond, the limp body in his arms. His anguished eyes stared down at Josie and then back to Anna. His lips moved, but Anna didn’t want to believe the words he spoke. “I think she’s dead.”

  The verse her father had marked in her Bible flashed into Anna’s mind. I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song.

  Lavinia pushed in front of her and reached for Josie. “Give her to me.”

  Anna reached out and grasped Lavinia’s arm. “No.”

  Lavinia whirled around, a surprised look on her face. “What’d you say?”

  Anna pointed to a grassy spot a few feet from the bank. “Put Josie down there, Simon.”

  Lavinia gasped. “Anna, she’s my niece. I’ll take care of her.”

  Anna whirled and faced Lavinia. “I said no. Now let me see about this child.”

  Granny appeared at that moment and pulled Lavinia away. “Fer once in your life, listen to somebody else, Lavinia. Git outta Anna’s way.”

  Lavinia, her mouth gaping, stared at Granny, but Anna didn’t have time to worry if she’d hurt the woman’s feelings. A child’s life was at stake.

  Give me strength, Lord, Anna prayed. Help me remember what Uncle Charles told me about the time he revived a boy.

  She dropped to her knees beside Josie, grasped her shoulders, and turned her on her side. With one hand on her back and the other positioned right below Josie’s rib cage, Anna pushed. A stream of water trickled from the child’s mouth. She pushed again, and more water streamed out.