“Eh, Mrs. Doyle, I need, uh, I mean I need to, ah, where is your outhouse?”
“Mr. Capaccino. You are much too weak to go out in the snow just yet. I can prepare something that will make do.” Crossing the room, she picked up a blanket and returned to his bedside. She looked down on his face, bright red with embarrassment, and said, “Mr. Capaccino, I have already seen everything you have.” Handing him a jar, she held the blanket up as he relieved himself. Taking the jar from his hand, she went to the door and dumped it off the stoop.
After preparing a hot bath for Mr. Capaccino in her pig iron tub in the corner of the cabin, she helped him rise from the straw bed. She saw he was still unsteady, but was able to creep to the tub with her help.
“Mrs. Doyle, if you please?”
“Of course, Mr. Capaccino.” Modestly turning away, she found busy work in the kitchen. “Mr. Capaccino, I would be very pleased if you could join me for some tea and cornbread muffins when you are finished there.”
“It would be my pleasure, madam. Something sure smells good.”
Netty hurriedly set the table for the two of them. She slipped into her bedroom to give her radiant lush hair a quick adjustment, sweeping it up once more into a ponytail. Running to her bed, she lifted the covers to find Baby relaxing.
“Sister’s face is red. Does Sister need my help?”
“No, Baby, everything is fine. I will be talking to our guest until bedtime. Will you please stay here? This is where you will be safe.” Netty then remembered. “Baby, do you need to eat? I can try to figure a way to sneak you out the door?”
“No, Sister, tomorrow will be fine.” And with that, Netty skipped out to the kitchen.
She came upon Mr. Capaccino sitting patiently at the kitchen table, smiling expectantly at her. Her stomach did a flip flop as she quickly joined him. He’d shaved his beard and regained some healthy color in his cheeks, making him look like an eager young boy. But, as Netty well knew, he was clearly a man. Netty slowly poured the tea and passed the plate of muffins.
“Mr. Capaccino, can you now please tell me what happened to you? What were you doing on my land?”
“Mrs. Doyle, can you find it in your heart to call me Wil? I fear you know me much better than I intended.”
“Of course, Mr., ah, Wil, and you must call me Netty,” she said shyly, unable to meet his eyes.
“Well, Netty, I was just passing through. Thought I would take a shortcut to town. My mare and I ran out of provisions. I do believe we became a tad lost. Seeing a fire through the woods, I thought to hail my fellow travelers.” He shook his head ruefully. “Next time, I sure plan to exercise more caution. The ambush didn’t take long. As I rode into the clearing, I got yanked off my horse so fast I jerked the reins right out of her mouth. They sat me on the ground with a rifle on me as they divvied up my money and gear. I think the plan was to take my horse and shoot me, but they were frightened off by a voice in the nearby field. I assume that was you, Netty. One of the bandits clubbed me in the face as he ran. Luckily, they left my horse and a lantern. The fire was of no use. Having placed it under a snow-covered tree, the heat loosened the snow and quickly smothered the flame. We survived the night praying for your voice again, hoping you would find us. I do not know how long I was out, but my wish came true. You saved us, Netty.”
“Oh, Wil, how terrible.” Placing her hands over his, she sighed, “And your poor wife, Maggie, she must be beside herself.”
“Maggie? You know about Maggie?” Wil burst out laughing. He was laughing so hard, Netty jerked her hand back in surprise.
“No, no, Netty.” Still laughing, Wil announced, “I am so sorry, I am not married to Maggie. She is my horse. She is my girl, though.”
With unexpected relief, Netty refilled their cups and got up to stir the evening stew. Attempting to hide her embarrassment, she changed the subject. “Wil, would you care to check on Maggie after dinner tonight? I have to go to the barn to milk the cows anyway.” Netty had neglected to turn them out to pasture that morning, being preoccupied with her guest.
“I gratefully accept your offer, Netty. And, if you do not mind, I think I need to lie down now.” As Wil rose, Netty rushed to help him. Waving her off, he made his way carefully to the bed on his own. Easing himself down, Netty heard him take a deep breath.
“I must be really under the weather. I had the dangest dreams last night. I dreamed I saw a golden deer, or was it a cat? What a fantastic creature. Its eyes contained rainbows, Netty. Is that not a crazy dream?”
“That is what happens when you are sick with delirious tremors.” Netty held her breath. Wil didn’t question her explanation. He will only be here for another day or so, then be on his way, Netty told herself. Her secret would be safe.
Later, over a long hearty dinner, Wil and Netty got to know each other. Netty explained how she’d inherited the family farm, omitting the gruesome details, while Wil shared his dreams for his future. After dinner, Netty allowed Wil to clear the table. He seemed to be rapidly gaining strength. The dishes were soon stacked and put away.
“Wil, are you ready for a trip to the barn?”
“Yes, madam. If you do not mind, I thought I would look around and see if I could repay your fine hospitality with some work.”
“There is no shortage of work to be done on this farm, Wil.” Netty laughed, unashamed. Slipping into their overcoats, they headed to the barn.
“Sometimes I think it is time to hire some help. But I do not think I can afford to do that unless I expand my baking capacity to pay for it. There is only so much you can do with one oven.” Helping each other through the snow, they laughed together as they slipped in their heavy boots. Stopping in the doorway of the barn, Wil raised their lantern. He stared into Netty’s eyes.
“Gosh, you sure are beautiful. The color of your eyes cannot be real. They look like spun gold. How can that be?”
“It sounds like you are still delirious, Mr. Capaccino.” Laughing, Netty put him off. She wasn’t used to compliments and wondered if Wil was being forward. As wonderful as it felt to be in his company, she’d little experience with men. (Her husband certainly didn’t count.) Anyway, she knew she couldn’t have Wil around for long. It would only invite disaster for Baby.
Showing Wil around the barn, he pointed out many small improvements that could be made. He was thrilled to see Maggie. She didn’t hesitate to help herself to the sweet hay belonging to the Jerseys. They were completely unconcerned by her presence. After watering and milking the livestock, Wil helped Netty bring in the milk, depositing a large portion in her butter churn.
As Netty churned away, she learned more about him, his family, the unfortunate Lexa, and his boyhood town. She felt a bond with his story. His background was much like hers: a poor, honest, working class family, a closeness to his mother. He was smarter than her, she could see that. She felt a need in him, a searching or striving for a place he could be happy. A place he could put his feet up; his sanctuary. His ideas for increasing productivity and simplifying her workload impressed her with their simplicity and creativity. The idea tempted her, all right.
Saying goodnight to each other, Netty got ready for bed. As she undressed, she looked critically at herself. She was quite striking with her golden eyes and long gold and brown hair. The changing of her eyes had happened so gradually, she’d just accepted it without much question. Her hands slipped down to her bottom where the growth was becoming elongated and supple. It was easy to hide under her skirts for now. Yes, for now. Would it continue to grow? She no longer feared the growth would kill her. But she did fear the change it might bring to her body. And of course, how would she expose it to anyone? She refused to let anyone observe the freak she might become. That was unthinkable.
Before she snuffed out her candle, she played with Baby on the bed. She liked to tickle his tummy. He didn’t have the capability to laugh, but he loved to stroke her own face with his elongated leathery fingers. He loved tangling his golden c
rown of antlers in her hair. When they became too tangled, she would pick him up by his feet and shake him loose. He couldn’t get enough of it. Quietly, she soothed him down for sleep, murmuring love sounds to him as she drew the warm quilt over them, blowing out the lantern.
*
The next morning was sunny and warmer. Clearly, the winter was coming to an end. Her orchard would soon be sprouting leaves. Her tilling and planting would start all over. Bread must bake, pies to make, butter to churn, and winter repair money to earn.
Her little herd still needed her attention, immediately.
Wil hovered over the morning fire as she entered the kitchen.
“You look good this morning, Wil. I mean, you look recovered.” Her face flamed with self-consciousness.
“I feel good. How ‘bout I help you turn out the herd? I can check the campsite in the woods and see if anything was left behind.” Wil sounded eager and she needed to start getting some work accomplished.
“All right, we can bring lunch with us. I need to check my fence posts to assess what the snow brought down.”
“Netty, why don’t we bring a few tools with us? I can fix any damage we find.”
“Oh, Wil, I would be so grateful. Repairing the fences takes so long. I usually do not find the time until the fields have been planted. Now I shall not have to worry about the cows wandering.” Netty was secretly relieved that Baby would also have plenty of time to get outside to do his eating.
Netty packed a big lunch for them in a basket, adding large jars of fresh milk. Slipping in an extra generous slice of her rhubarb pie, she was reminded she must get back to her baking. A large order awaited and needed to be completed within a few days if she wanted to get it to town on time. She really didn’t have any more time to fritter away as she got to know her houseguest, pleasant though it was.
Loading up the tools from the barn, Wil tied their burden across Maggie’s saddle blanket. What a relief not to be forced to drag everything to the field. There’d be plenty to do once they arrived. Much would be accomplished if they were fresh, and of course, having Wil’s strong shoulders would make the job go twice as fast. They set off for the pasture, following the well-worn cow path.
Netty surveyed the pasture as the cows filtered in. She noticed the gate needed some reinforcing, its list was now quite pronounced. Scanning down the field, she counted the downed trees. Naturally, many of them had landed on her fence, damaging the rails.
“Do not worry, Netty, I can have some of those saplings trimmed out and that mess cleaned up in no time. I think we will be up here working for most of the day, though.”
They set to work. What would have taken Netty days of struggle, took no time at all with Wil’s help. She admired his skill. Everything he touched turned out perfectly. It sure was good to have a professional on the job.
The day wore on, with Netty and Wil only stopping for a very late lunch. While Wil gulped down her rhubarb pie, he commented on an idea he wanted her to consider. His plan should increase her oven space, if she allowed him to knock a hole in the kitchen wall to enlarge the room. He would also require most of the fieldstone from the pile she was accumulating for her boundary markers. It would increase her baking output fourfold, and she’d have much more room in the kitchen for her supplies. Netty loved the sound of his plan, but the ground-breaking would have to wait until the weather warmed up. In the meantime, Wil could help her get the fields ready for planting, maybe clear another field for a new crop. Netty’s thoughts swam with the possibilities. Wil sounded very ambitious. But Baby, what about Baby?
“I do not know, Wil.” Netty sounded reluctant. “I do not think I have the room to take on a fulltime live-in hand.”
“Netty, do not worry, I can bunk in with Maggie and the cows. The worst of the cold will soon be over.” He sounded so hopeful.
“Let me think about it, Wil.”
“Okay, Netty.” Standing, Wil brushed off the crumbs from his meal. “I think I will try to find the bandits’ campsite. Hopefully, some of my things might still be around.” Wil tramped off through the snow, leaving Netty alone with the cows.
*
Wil puzzled over the abrupt change in Netty’s attitude. He would sure love to work here. He found Netty sweet and earnest. Her cooking was fantastic and she was darn easy to look at. He sensed a reluctance to talk about her marriage. She kept mum about her husband. Where is he? She was perfectly clear about the farm being hers, but vague about her actual marriage status. And no children. He thought that was odd since she mentioned she’d been married for years. Well, he best mind his own business and hope she decided to take him on as a hand. A woman like her shouldn’t be alone this far from town, anyway.
Hoping for the best, he arrived at the bandits’ campsite. Not much remained except the cold ashes of their campfire. Scanning the area, he noticed they had dropped his saddle. What a relief to recover it, perfectly molded to Maggie’s broad back. He’d have had a hard time with her if he’d lost it. Bareback gets mighty uncomfortable with stowed gear and riding over long distances. Since they’d robbed him of all his savings, he had to find work to replace everything.
Meeting Netty had been fortunate in more than one way. That is, if he could convince her to take him on. Unfortunately, she didn’t seem to be the kind of lady that could be talked into things. She had a spine. He sure admired all the hard work she’d expended in putting the farm back in order; a monumental task. She sure is some woman.
Wil returned to the cow pasture, observing Netty rounding up the Jerseys. He loaded the tools onto Maggie’s back then, running to the gate, he held it open as Netty shooed the herd through.
Walking back down the worn cow path, they noticed the temperature drop remarkably. The snow that had seemed soft and slushy this morning, now crunched and slipped under their feet. Their breath made gusty little clouds in front of them as they hurried to the barn. The Jerseys, sensing the barn was close, broke into a run, desiring as much as Netty and Wil to get out of the freezing cold.
As Netty and Wil approached the barn with Maggie, they saw the Jerseys milling and shoving each other out of the way to be the first at the door, their hooves clacking on a thin layer of ice formed from snowmelt dripping off the roof. Reaching past Netty to open the barn door, Wil took his eyes off Maggie as he held her reins. Maggie snickered as she was bumped by one of the cows, her hooves flailing on the ice. As Wil opened the barn door, down she went, screaming as she fell, the thud bone-shattering. Wil gasped, his eyes unbelieving as he stared at the devastating break. He dropped down to the ground, cradling Maggie’s head as tears dropped from his anguished eyes to land on her steaming muzzle. Her eyes flared, wild with pain as Wil tried to calm her. He knew there was only one solution.
“Netty,” he screamed between sobs. “Get me your rifle.” Netty moved as if to run, but stayed glued to her spot. “Netty,” Wil screamed again. Rising to run for the rifle himself, he turned to the stoop and felt shock course through him as he saw the strange creature from his dreams in all its golden glory. The creature’s tail rose in the air and hovered. From the end of the tail emerged a fleshy bulbous hunk of something. As it wavered in the air, Wil was assailed with the smell of sulfur and the feeling of pressure on his chest.
“What the heck?” Wil screamed. He grabbed Netty and threw her to the ground, covering her with his body.
*
“Wil, get off me.” Netty squirmed underneath him. Her heart beat frenetically at her breast with the shock of seeing Baby on the stoop. She’d expressly told him to be back inside well before nightfall.
“Sister, Wil and Maggie needed my help,” the aura in her mind whispered, its susurrations swirling. “It is my mandate. I must heal.”
Netty scrambled out from underneath Wil, running to the stoop as he rose to his feet to stare in shock at Maggie. She was on her feet. And, as they watched in disbelief, she calmly walked into the barn to join the Jerseys.
Quickly turning back to the
stoop, Netty fearfully watched Wil crouch down in a defensive position, Baby tucked protectively in her arms. Before he could say a word, she rose and scampered into the cabin, slamming the door.
*
Wil stood dumbfounded. What just happened? He went to the barn to fill the water trough and examine Maggie. As he brushed her coat, he inspected her leg. Should I question my eyes? Did I make a mistake? No, that was crazy. He’d seen her pain with his own eyes. And he’d heard her screams. Looking into her placid eyes, it was as if nothing had happened. Left with no choice, he knew he must demand an explanation from Netty. He felt pretty sure the blame rested with that unnatural creature on her stoop. The same creature imagined in his dreams. Obviously, he must have caught a glimpse of it before while in his feverish state.
Wil let himself into the cabin, not seeing Netty. Softly, he knocked at her bedroom door. No answer.
“Netty,” he called softly. “Please let me in. I think we had better talk about this.” Slowly, the door cracked open and Netty swept into the room. Her eyes darted around, seeing nothing. She paced frantically around the kitchen until Wil grabbed her by the arms and sat her down. He could feel her trembling though her shawl.
“Netty, what happened? How can this be? Maggie’s leg is healed. It looks like it was never broken. Netty, please talk to me.”
“I am sorry, Wil.” Netty chewed frantically on her lip. “I do not know what to say.”
“What do you mean, you do not know what to say?” he shouted. “Why don’t you start with that creature? What is it? Can it hurt you? Where did you get it?”
Netty remained silent as Wil stood over her, spouting questions. She could sense his effort to keep his anger in check, but for how long? She knew an explanation about Baby must be proffered, but she didn’t know where or how to start. How will he understand? Will he keep my secret?
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