The Midwife

by Carolyn Davidson

  “I told you last night that our bed was a place of pleasure and comfort. Tonight it will be comfort we seek there, Leah.” His wide palms gripped her shoulders and he urged her from the chair. “Come with me, wife.”

  She rose and turned to him, lifting her face, unmindful of the signs of her sorrow. “How can you comfort me when you have so much anger in you?”

  “The problems are put aside when we enter this room. If it cannot be thus, then this place is no longer sacred to our marriage. I told you how it would be, Leah. Didn’t you believe me?”

  She nodded, unable to speak, her eyes seeking out the message she yearned to find in his gaze. No tenderness met her search, but a quiet peace that, perhaps, pleased her more.

  She watched as Gar blew out the candles, two on her dresser, one on the table beside the bed. The curtains fluttered and tangled in the breeze, and Leah shivered as she settled against her pillow. Against cool sheets, she lost the warmth of her body rapidly—a warmth quickly replaced by the arms of her husband.

  He drew her against himself, tucking her bottom against his belly, and smoothing her gown around her legs. She was encircled by muscular arms, her waist held captive by one wide hand.

  She felt Gar’s voice rumble through her back as he spoke, the sound itself as much a comfort as the words he uttered. “Now rest. You have shed enough tears for the whole year, wife. What has happened is in the past. We will get beyond it somehow. Tomorrow, or the next day, when we go to town, we will face whatever is there for us to hear.”

  Her frustration was alive in the words she spoke. “How can you put it behind you, Gar? How can you just ignore what Brian has done?”

  “I have not ignored it. I will ponder it, Leah. Perhaps it is not all a big lie. There may be a kernel of truth in what he says. Eric is interested in you. Any fool can see that.”

  Leah drew in a shuddering sigh. “Your arms hold me as if you—”

  “My arms will not let you go, wife. Even when we are apart, when I cannot reach you with my hands, my power over you will be stronger than Eric Magnor or Brian Havelock or any detective from Chicago. You are my woman, and I have vowed to protect you with my life.”

  “I have brought you trouble, Garlan Lundstrom.” Her whisper was sad in the darkness, and she settled into his embrace, moving against his big body.

  “I will give you more than trouble, Mrs. Lundstrom, if you do not hold yourself still. Rest now.” His arms tightened, his hand sliding up to enclose the curve of her breast.

  She closed her eyes, feeling the pressure of each finger as he palmed the weight of her with tenderness, the tenderness she had thought was missing in his gaze. How much more welcome it was now, evidenced in the touch of his hand.

  Work took precedence over curiosity. Two days passed rapidly, the men working at breakneck speed to separate one large pasture into two, running fence and sorting out the occupants. Leah left the house, her steps quick as she anticipated the flavor of the early, young ears of corn that flourished in the field. The corn was high, the tassels turning rusty as the ears ripened.

  She smiled as she pulled the largest from the stalks before the sun burned off the early-morning mist. Then, stopping at the end of the row, she stripped the ears. She blew distractedly at the silk that stuck determinedly to her fingers and flew to tickle her nose, sneezing in the bright sunlight.

  “What are you up to?” Gar pulled his team up short, only a few feet from where she worked, and she shaded her eyes to peer up at him.

  “Just picking corn for dinner. I like it best when it’s young and tender. Later, when it’s big and bright yellow, you can have it for your stock.”

  He smiled, the first cheerful look she’d seen on his face since their quarrel, and the dimple she’d learned to watch for almost appeared. “Many thanks, Mrs. Lundstrom. My animals will approve your generosity. Climb up,” he offered. “I’ll give you a ride up to the house.”

  She lifted her apron, heavy with the corn she’d gathered, holding it by the bib and the two bottom corners. “I should have brought out a sack to carry it in,” she said, hoisting it to the wagon.

  “Do you have enough there?” He took it from her hands and waited for her to join him, then placed it on her lap.

  “Plenty. Two dozen and better.” She wrapped her arms around the bundle and settled back to enjoy the ride. “It was going to be a long walk, carrying the corn. I’m glad you came by.”

  He slanted her a sidelong look. “I’ve been sticking close, in case we had visitors. The men are at the far end of the new pasture, finishing up the fence.”

  She peered back, barely able to see beyond the big cornfield. “The corn’s too high to see the house from here, but I told Kristofer to ring the bell if anyone came. He’s watching the baby while she sleeps.

  “How did you know to find me out here?”

  “I always know where you are.” At her cynical snort of disbelief, he amended his statement. “Well, most of the time, anyway. At least lately. I’ve been watching the house, Leah.”

  For almost an hour she had put from her mind the worry she’d spent days mulling over. Now, in a few words, Gar had brought it to the forefront again.

  “Maybe tomorrow we should go to town,” he told her after a moment. “It is time to find out what the sheriff has to say.”

  “Yes, and I have eggs and butter ready to go.”

  “You needn’t work so hard at churning, Leah. The pigs will use up the extra milk. It makes for good meat in the fall.”

  “I don’t mind the work, and I don’t keep the money, Gar. I’ve been spending it on things for the children.”

  He drew up the team near the barn and turned to her. “I didn’t ask you to account for the money. If you churn the cream, you own the butter. You have little enough to show for the work you do here. I haven’t seen you in a new dress since the day we got married, and only the one nightgown.”

  “Are you complaining about my wardrobe?”

  His mouth pursed as he considered her words. “No, only that you deserve more than you take from me. You sew things for Karen and put new shirts on Kris, and still wear the same dresses day after day yourself.”

  She gathered up the apron, tying a loose knot to carry it with and holding it in his direction. “Here, take this while I climb down.”

  “Wait, I’ll help you.” With an easy motion, he swung from the seat, sliding to the ground and striding around the head of his team. His arms lifted to her and she stood before him. “Now, give me the corn.” She obeyed, watching as he placed it on the ground.

  Then his big hands circled her waist, and with little effort, he lifted her to stand before him. His palms were warm and strong as he drew her against the length of his body.

  “Do you still fear what will happen next?” he asked.

  “I only know Sylvester Taylor is a rich man, an influential man in Chicago. And if he wants to punish me for what he thinks I did, he may very well swear out a warrant for me.”

  “He has no proof, Leah.”

  “Neither have I, Gar. It’s his word against mine, and unless I miss my guess, he will hire a lawyer.”

  “We can do that, too.” He loosened his hold on her waist and turned her toward the house, bending to pick up the corn.

  “I won’t have you spending your money on lawyers,” she protested.

  “You don’t have a choice, wife. If we need a lawyer, we will hire one.”

  From beyond the house a horse neighed loudly, causing Gar’s team to toss their heads and respond in a like manner. “I was right to stay close this morning. Someone is coming.” Leah hurried to catch up to his longer stride as a horseman turned the corner by the back porch.

  “Sheriff.” Gar’s word of welcome was answered in kind as the lawman stepped down from his gelding.

  “Mr. Lundstrom…ma’am…I’m glad to see you both here.”

  Leah’s steps faltered at his words. “Is there trouble?”

  He held his reins
loosely in one fist, the other hand tipping his hat at an angle. “Might say that, ma’am. Got a wire this morning from Chicago. Seems like that fella there who’s been looking for you has decided to take you to court. You’re going to have to appear there in two weeks.”

  “What can he do to me?” Her legs felt weak beneath her, and Leah slumped to sit on the porch steps.

  Morgan Anderson looked apologetic, glancing first at Gar, then to where Leah sat. “He’s accusing you of neglect, ma’am. And manslaughter. I’ve been authorized to take you to Chicago.”

  “Is my wife under arrest?” The words were softspoken, but Leah’s quick glance at Gar’s face revealed a cold, calculating visage. Even at his angriest, he had never looked so fierce.

  “I didn’t say that.” Sheriff Anderson swept his hat from his head and slapped it against his leg. “I do think you might want to get yourself a lawyer, though. Maybe down in Minneapolis.”

  “What’s wrong with right here?” Gar asked gruffly.

  “About the only one in town worth his salt is Evan Dunwoody, the fella who works for Eric Magnor, over at the mill. Don’t know if he takes on other clients or not.”

  “Does anyone else know of this?” Leah asked.

  Morgan Anderson looked shamefaced, his mouth twisting as if he tasted something sour. “Pony Lathers,’ over at the rail station brought me the wire. I’d lay odds he’s already spread the word.”

  “Perhaps we need to consider going to Minneapolis, Leah.” Gar’s suggestion brought her attention. “We can ask Ruth to watch the children for two days.”

  “Can we do that? Or can I not leave here?” Leah posed the question quietly, aware suddenly of absolute silence in the kitchen behind where she sat.

  “I don’t see any problem with that,” the sheriff said. “I doubt you’d leave these children alone any longer than it takes to settle your business, either of you.”

  “Yah, you are right.”

  “I can be ready tomorrow, Gar,” Leah said. “I’ll ask Ruth after dinner if she can stay.”

  “Sorry to bring bad news, folks. Seems like you’ve had enough to take care of, without adding to your load.” The sheriff slapped his hat on and climbed into his saddle, turning his horse around. “Just let me know when you go, Mr. Lundstrom. I’ll be interested to hear what you find out in the city.”

  Leah watched as the sturdy gelding broke into a quick canter, the horse and rider disappearing around the corner of the house.

  “Your team is walking around to the back of the barn, Pa.” Kristofer came out the door to stand in the shade of the porch, his hands hanging limply by his sides.

  “Ach…” Gar spun to watch as the team he’d left untended disappeared with languid ease from sight, his words exasperated as he called to them. He set off at a trot, and Leah bent to pick up her corn, her enthusiasm for the early treat gone by the wayside.

  “Are you going away, Miss Leah?” Kristofer’s eyes were wary as he watched her, and he backed up to stand by the screen door.

  “Were you listening from the kitchen, Kris?”

  He nodded. “I didn’t mean to, but I heard you talking and I thought I shouldn’t come out while that man was here.”

  “We’ll only be gone for two days,” she said, “and Ruth will stay with you and Karen. Will that worry you, to have your father gone?”

  “I never been alone here before,” he said slowly, following her through the door into the house.

  “You’ll be all right,” she assured him. “Ruth loves you and the baby, and we won’t be gone long.”

  “Are you coming back, Miss Leah?”

  Leah closed her eyes at the bleak query, aghast that such a young child should fear losing a mother’s presence for a second time in his life. She was the only mother he was likely to have, and already she loved him with a fierce, protective yearning.

  “Yes, of course I’ll be back, Kris,” she assured him. “I live here now, with you and your sister. Of course I’ll be back.”

  And then she lifted her heart in a fervent prayer that those words would prove to be true.

  Chapter Thirteen

  “Who will take us into town?” Leah stepped from the porch, her small leather valise in hand. She’d worn the same dress the day she’d arrived in Kirby Falls, four years ago. A neat navy-blue jacket covered the white shirtwaist beneath, and she tugged it against her waist.

  It fit as well now as it had then, and she repressed a small twinge of pride at that fact. She hadn’t widened over the years, as women tended to do, and that fact was a source of consolation this morning, for some reason.

  “No one. I will leave the horse and buggy with Sten Pringle.” Gar gave her his hand, taking the luggage from her as he spoke. His own bag had come out earlier, when he’d gone to the barn to ready the black mare for the trip.

  “Benny would not let me help with the harnessing,” he told Leah. “He said I should not go to Minneapolis with the smell of a barn on my hands.”

  “Benny is a wise man.” Her gaze measured Gar thoroughly. “You, on the other hand, are not only wise,” she added, “but handsome as well.”

  His hair was like spun gold in the sunlight, his suit pressed, with barely an iron mark showing. He was more than handsome, he was magnificent.

  And to that he responded as she’d known he would. His face took on a ruddy hue, and he smiled, shaking his head in self-conscious denial of her words. “I am a farmer, Leah, plain and simple. Men who live in the city and spend their money on fancy clothing, those men are handsome.”

  He was becoming predictable, or perhaps she was getting to know him better. “Then maybe you are only a handsome farmer, Gar Lundstrom.”

  “You should have bought a new dress for this trip.” His hands were firm as he helped her into the buggy and placed the valise near her feet.

  “I am what I am, a farmer’s wife. I have packed another dress that is sufficiently new.”

  Ruth held Karen in her arms, just inside the screen door, and Leah lifted her hand to wave at the pair. “I will miss her.”

  “Yah, but not so much as she will miss you,” Gar said. “You are the sun in her sky, Leah.”

  Her eyes blinked, then teared without warning. She wiped a salty drop from her cheek. “I’ve never heard you say anything quite so…”

  He lifted the reins and cracked them in the air, sending his black mare into movement. “So foolish?” he provided.

  “No!” She shook her head. “That wasn’t what I was going to say. Your words touched my heart, Gar. I don’t think I’m easily moved to tears, but…” She swiped a second time at her face.

  “You could have fooled me the other day.”

  “And that was a rarity,” she said sharply. “I don’t usually spring a leak that way.”

  His head nodded. “True. I’d never seen you cry before. But it was good for you, wasn’t it?”

  “I don’t know. I’d just as soon it didn’t happen again.”

  Whether his small talk was designed to take her mind from the trip they were about to undertake, or simply Gar at his most garrulous, Leah took advantage. She enjoyed the news of his work with the three-year-old fillies and discussing the prospective profits from the young steers they were fattening for market in the fall.

  The sight of Sten Pringle signaled the end of their ride, and as Leah stepped down from her perch, she mentally marked it in her mind. Next would be the walk to the rail station and the purchase of two tickets to Minneapolis.

  She felt a twinge of self-consciousness as she slid her hand between Gar’s coat sleeve and chest. He was nicely muscled, his forearm long and sturdy beneath her fingers. She glanced up at him as they passed before the emporium. If pride was truly a sin, then she was knee-deep in its mire this morning.

  “Good morning.” Even Eva Landers could barely keep her eyes from the masculine presence before her, and Leah smiled at the other woman’s admiring glance.

  “Are you all dressed up for a reason?�
� Eva stood near the doorway, several pieces of mail in her hand.

  “We’re going to Minneapolis on the morning train,” Leah offered.

  “Let me walk with you as far as the hotel,” Eva said. “I have letters for Hobart Dunbar.”

  The men sitting on benches watched as they passed, their hushed whispers following the trio as they approached the hotel door. “Don’t mind the gossip,” Eva said quietly. “It will pass, Leah.”

  “I’ve always felt welcome here before, but now there are eyes watching us, and I don’t feel any warmth in them.” Leah’s good mood was gone.

  “Only a few folks have paid attention to Brian’s foolishness. And whatever that horrid man in Chicago has planned, I’m sure you’ll be exonerated of any blame.”

  Her staunch support brought a faint smile to Leah’s lips and she turned to hug her friend as they parted. Eva stepped inside the hotel lobby. From behind the desk, Lula Dunbar spoke loudly, for all to hear, as her gaze swept Leah’s traveling suit, framed as she was in the doorway.

  “Perhaps Gar Lundstrom will be sorry he married so quickly, once he finds out the truth in Chicago.”

  Leah’s breath caught in her throat and she stumbled, only Gar’s strong arm holding her erect.

  “Don’t listen to it,” he muttered. “She is trying to upset you. Come. We don’t want to miss the train.”

  Across the street, Brian Havelock sat on the steps of the barbershop, whittling at a piece of wood. “Enjoy your trip, Miss Leah,” he called out, his disdain apparent even from a distance.

  “You will not speak to my wife,” Gar said loudly, as if this insult were the final straw.

  “I was just being friendly. She likes friendly menfolk, I hear.” Brian’s chuckle was loud in the silence that contained the three of them.

  “Come on. You said we needed to hurry.” Leah tugged at Gar’s arm.

  Gar stood stock-still, his jaw a hard line, his forehead drawn into a frown as he considered the younger man’s indolent posture. “I cannot let him speak this way about you, Leah.” He took her hand from his arm and held it between his wide palms. “Stay here, please. I must settle this rascal’s hash, once and for all.”