“We won’t, Granny,” answered Jonathan, smiling back at her.
As the burning candles flickered, Jonathan reached into his pocket, pulled out a small package, and handed it to Delphinia. Her face registered surprise.
“What’s this for?” she inquired.
“It’s a Christmas gift from me to you. I didn’t want to give it to you in front of the others.”
“You shouldn’t have, Jonathan,” she chided as she slowly untied the ribbon and removed the wrapping to reveal a beautiful gold thimble on which the initials DEH had been engraved. Her face radiated as she examined it and placed it on her finger. “It’s beautiful, Jonathan. I love it. How did you ever happen to choose a thimble?” she inquired.
“Granny told me about the quilt you and your mother stitched and how special it was to you. I figured sewing was important to you, and I’d never seen you using a thimble when you were sewing. Granny said she didn’t think you had one. The initials were Granny’s idea.”
“I’m surprised you didn’t have it engraved P-E-H instead of D-E-H.”
“To tell the truth, I wanted to have it engraved with P-H-I-N-E-Y, but Granny wouldn’t hear of it, and the engraver said it was too many letters for such a small piece.” He laughed.
“I’d better be getting over to my place. It’s getting late, and Granny will have my hide if I’m not out of here soon,” he said, rising from his chair.
At the door he reached down and placed his hand alongside her face and lightly kissed her on the lips. “Merry Christmas, Phiney. I’ll see you tomorrow,” he said and headed toward his cabin.
Delphinia sat on the edge of her bed staring at the golden thimble and remembering Jonathan’s kiss, still unsure she should trust any man again. If I were to trust someone, George would probably be the safest choice, she thought.
Chapter 10
Delphinia sat in the rocker, Nettie on one arm, Nathan on the other, watching their eyes slowly close in readiness for a nap. They had developed a real sense of independence, seldom wanting to be rocked anymore, except at bedtime. It was hard to believe that almost a year had passed since she’d left home. The birds were once again singing, and the aroma of blooming honeysuckle gave notice of spring’s arrival. New life had begun to appear in everything except Granny. Her health fell in rapid decline throughout the winter, and she lost the will to battle her debilitating illness any longer. It had been only a few weeks since her death, but life had taken a turn for the worse since her departure. Delphinia’s sense of loss was extraordinary. Tessie had grown more sullen and less helpful, the boys seemed rowdier, the twins fussier, and Jonathan tried to cheer all of them, with sadness showing in his own eyes.
Delphinia thought of Granny’s final words the morning she lay dying. “Remember I love you like a daughter, and the Lord loves you even more. Never turn from Him, Delphinia. I can see the peace you’ve gained since coming here, and I don’t want you to lose it. Nothing would make me sadder than to think my death would cause you to stumble in your faith.
“One more thing, my dear. Jonathan loves you, and you love him. I’m not sure either of you realizes it yet, but I’m sure God has wonderful plans for the two of you. You’ve learned well, and there’s nothing to fear. Jonathan will be close at hand whenever you need him,” the dying woman had said as she reached up and wiped the tears from Delphinia’s cheeks.
Shortly thereafter, she summoned Jonathan, and, in hushed murmurs, they said their final good-byes.
The services were held at the church, and everyone in the surrounding area came to pay their tribute. Granny would have been pleased, not because they came to honor her, but because some of them hadn’t been inside the church since it had been built!
Several days after the funeral, Pastor Martin came to visit and confided that the services had been planned by Granny. She had known it might be the only opportunity the minister would have to preach the plan of salvation to some of the homesteaders. Determined her death might provide eternal life for at least one of those settlers if they heard the message of God’s love, she had ordered, “Don’t talk about me, tell them about the precious Savior I’ve gone to join.”
There had been no flowery eulogies, no words of praise about her many acts of charity, or sentimental stories about her life. Pastor Martin had given an eloquent sermon based on Romans 10:9–13 telling all those assembled that Granny’s deepest desire had been consistent with that of her Lord. She wanted them to have the opportunity to receive Jesus Christ as their Savior. She wanted them to experience the joy of serving a Lord who would be with them in the times of happiness as well as sorrow. She wanted them to know the pure joy and peace that could be attained in service to the living God. Yes, he pointed out, there would still be sorrow, even while faithfully serving the Lord. He told them there was no promise made that their lives would be free of unhappiness and grief but, he added, the Word of God does say we will not be alone at those times. We have comfort through our Lord, Jesus Christ.
“That is what Jesus wanted you to know, and that is what Granny wanted you to know,” he had said as he finished the message.
The service ended more like a revival meeting than a funeral. The pastor explained to those attending that if they had not received Jesus as their Savior, nothing would make Granny happier than to use this opportunity to take that step of commitment at her funeral. When two men and one young girl stepped forward, Delphinia was sure the angels in heaven were singing and that Granny was probably leading the chorus!
It had been a unique experience for all of them. The burial had taken place, followed by a baptism at the river, and everyone had then returned to the church for dinner and visiting afterward.
Granny would have loved it!
The twins stirred in Delphinia’s arms, and carefully she placed them in bed, hoping they would not awaken. Hearing the sound of a horse coming toward the house, she walked to the porch and watched as George Martin approached, quickly returning his smile and wave. “It’s good to see you, George,” she welcomed as he climbed down from the horse. “Come in and I’ll pour you some coffee.”
“It’s good to see you, too. Coffee sounds good. I hope you have some time so we can visit privately,” he stated as they walked into the house.
“It appears you’re in luck. The twins are napping, Tessie’s gone to pick berries, and the older boys are with Jonathan,” she answered.
“I really don’t know how to begin,” he stammered, taking a sip of coffee, “so I guess I’ll just get to the heart of the matter.”
“That’s usually best,” she encouraged, leaning forward.
“Delphinia, I don’t know if you realize that I’ve come to care for you a great deal. We don’t know each other well… I don’t really think we could ever get to know each other very well as long as Jonathan’s around. Anyway, I’ve been called to another church and must leave here by the end of the month. I’d like you to come with me…as my wife, of course,” he stated.
“George…I don’t know what to say. You’ve taken me by surprise,” she said, her voice faltering. “You’re a wonderful man, but I don’t think I could marry unless I was sure I loved you. I don’t think a few weeks would assure us of that. Furthermore, I couldn’t just leave the children. That’s why I’m here—to care for them. I have an obligation to the bargain that was made, even if I wasn’t a part of it,” she stated, sadness evident in her voice.
“I’m not worried about the fact that you’re not in love with me. I think our love for each other will grow once we’re married. Your feeling of obligation to the Wilshires is admirable, and I certainly don’t want to see the children left without someone to help, but I’m sure we can overcome that problem. That is, if you really want to,” he said in a questioning manner.
“I’m not sure, George. I don’t think I can give you an answer so quickly,” she responded. I’m just not ready to trust a man again, she thought, especially one I don’t love.
“Please don�
�t think I’m placing pressure upon you, Delphinia, but I want to be absolutely honest. I’ve been calling on Katy McVay from time to time also. I would prefer to marry you, but if you’re going to turn me down, I need to know now,” he replied.
“You mean if I reject you, you’re going to ask Katy to marry you?”
“I am. I think highly of Katy also. Unlike you, I believe love truly blossoms after marriage. You are my first choice, but I want to be married when I start my new assignment,” he responded.
“Under the circumstances, I hope she will accept your offer and the two of you will be very happy,” Delphinia answered. Rising from her chair, she held out her hand to him. “I have truly enjoyed our friendship, George. I wish you much happiness and thank you for all the kindness you’ve extended. I am honored you would ask me to marry you, but I think we both now realize our thoughts on love and marriage differ enough that your choice should be someone else.”
“I’m sorry we can’t make this work,” he replied as they walked outside and he got on his horse.
“Good luck with Katy,” she called out, watching him ride down the path. Slowly she walked into the house and sat down in the rocker, contemplating the consequences of her decision, wondering if she should change her mind and go after him.
Voices from outside brought her back to the present, and the twins began to stir in the bedroom. Jonathan, Josh, and Joey came rushing into the room, concern and excitement evident as they all tried to talk at once.
“I need your help, Phiney. The boys can watch the twins,” Jonathan shouted above the boys’ chatter.
“Let’s find Tessie. I’d rather have her stay with them. What’s going on?” she asked, not yet convinced it was necessary to leave the twins in the care of their overanxious brothers.
“She’s gone to pick berries. I need you now. The cow’s giving birth, and she’s having a hard time. Come on,” he shouted, rushing to the barn to grab some rope and then running for the pasture.
Soon after Delphinia left the cabin, she could hear the cow’s deep bellowing, and she wondered what Jonathan could possibly expect her to do. She did not know anything about birthing children, let alone animals, and besides, couldn’t a cow do that without help? she wondered.
Nellie, the small black heifer, was lying down as Josie, the older brown-and-white cow, appeared to stand guard a short distance away. Jonathan was already at Nellie’s side, motioning Delphinia to hurry. Not sure what to expect, her gait had grown slower and slower as she approached the laboring animal. Nothing could have prepared her for the experience. The cow’s eyes were open wide, registering fear and pain. A low, bellowing moan came from deep in the animal’s throat just as Delphinia walked up beside Jonathan.
“I don’t know what to do. I think we should have Josh ride for Mr. Aplington. He’ll be able to help,” she offered, near panic.
“There’s no time for that. If we don’t get this calf out, we’ll lose both of them. I don’t want to lose the calf, but it’s probably already dead. I’ll hold on to Nellie while you reach up inside her and see if you can grab hold of the calf’s legs. If you can, pull with all your might.”
“I can’t do that! You want me to reach up inside the cow? That is the most absurd thing I’ve ever heard…not to mention offensive. If it’s so important, do it yourself,” she retorted, her face registering disgust.
“Delphinia, this cow is going to die! I don’t have time to listen to your nonsense. You can’t hold on to Nellie. Now reach in there and pull!” he commanded as froth oozed from Nellie’s mouth, and her tongue lolled to the side.
Going down on her knees, Delphinia closed her eyes and felt her hands begin to shake. “All right, I can do this,” she told herself, peeking out of one eye. Taking in a gulp of air, she thrust her arm high inside the cow. The assault was met by Nellie’s bellow and a flailing leg. “I thought you were going to hold her!” Delphinia screamed.
“I’m trying. Can you feel anything?”
“I think so…yes. Jonathan, hold her still! How do you expect me to take care of this when you’re not doing your part?”
He looked at her in astonishment. “You’re taking care of it?”
“I don’t see you doing much of anything,” she grunted, leaning back and pulling with all her might. “This isn’t working. I think it moved a little, but I can’t get a good hold.”
Jonathan grabbed the piece of rope he had brought from the barn and tossed it to her. “Reach in and tie that around its legs. Be sure you get both legs.”
“This isn’t a quilting party, Jonathan,” she rebutted. “Next, you’ll be telling me to embroider a lazy-daisy stitch on its rump.”
Her remark brought the hint of a smile to his face. “Make a loop in the rope, slide it around the legs, and tighten it. When you’re sure the rope is tight, try pulling again. Once you feel it coming, don’t let up. If you slack off, it might get hop-locked, and we’ll lose both of them,” he instructed.
All of a sudden, the heat was stifling, and Delphinia felt herself begin to retch. “Not now, Phiney. There isn’t time for you to be sick,” he commanded.
“I’ll try to keep that in mind,” she replied curtly, tying a slipknot into the rope.
“You need to hurry!” he yelled.
“Jonathan, you are not helping this predicament with your obtrusive behavior! How do you expect the cow to remain calm if you keep hollering all the time,” she preached at him. “I have the rope ready, and if you will kindly hold Nellie still this time, I will begin. Everything is going to be fine.”
His jaw went slack as she finished her short speech. Where had that come from? She seemed totally in command, and a calmness had taken the place of the near hysteria she had exhibited only minutes before. He kept his eyes on her and tightly gripped the heifer when she nodded she was ready to begin.
With almost expert ease, and over the vigorous protests of Nellie, she managed to secure both of the calf’s front legs. Being careful not to let up, she worked arduously, pulling and tugging, her arms aching as the calf was finally pulled into the world. The calf’s feeble bawl affirmed its birth. “It’s alive,” she said, tears streaming down her face.
“Let’s hope it stays that way, and let’s hope Nellie does the same,” Jonathan answered.
“They’re both going to be fine,” she replied confidently.
“Take your apron and clean out its nose, while I check Nellie,” he ordered.
“Yes, sir! Any other commands?” she inquired, watching the new mother turn and begin lapping her tongue over the calf in a slow, deliberate manner.
“Not right now. It looks like Nellie’s going to be a good mama. She’s got her a nice-lookin’ little calf,” he said, ignoring the barb she had given.
Delphinia sat back on her heels watching the two animals in wonderment. “There surely was a transformation in your attitude when you were helping me,” Jonathan commented. “At first, I thought you were going to be less help than Josh. One minute you were retching, and the next you were ordering me around and taking charge.” He laughed.
Turning to look at him, she quietly replied, “It was God who took charge, Jonathan. I merely prayed. But I knew that as soon as I finished that prayer for help, everything was going to be all right.”
“You’re quite a mystery, Phiney,” he said, slowly shaking his head. “First, you’re giving me the devil, and next, you’re praising God.”
“I’m not sure I’m such a mystery. I criticize you only when it’s needed.” She laughed. “I do know I fail to praise God enough for all He does. I sometimes forget we serve a mighty God and that much can be wrought through prayer. My mother taught me that when I was very young, and I watched Granny live it daily.” She reached up from where she sat and grasped his extended hand.
“Thanks for your help, Phiney. I couldn’t have done it without you. I’m sure if Nellie and her baby could thank you, they would.” Almost as if on cue, the tiny calf let out a warbling cry, causing
both of them to smile.
“By the way, was that George Martin I saw leaving awhile ago?” he questioned later, as they walked toward the house.
“Yes. He’s been called to another church and will be leaving at the end of the month,” she answered.
“George is a fine preacher, but I can’t say I’m sorry to see him leave,” he responded.
“You may be. He’s gone to ask for Katy McVay’s hand in marriage,” she told him, sure that that would take the smug grin from his face.
“Katy? Why would he be asking for Katy’s hand? I know he’s fond of you.”
“He asked for my hand,” she answered, saying nothing further.
“He what?” Jonathan pulled her to an abrupt stop. “What did you tell him?”
“I told him no.”
“So now he’s gone to ask Katy?”
“It appears so,” she answered and then related enough of their conversation to hopefully stop his questions, while watching his face for reaction.
“I didn’t know she had taken a shine to the preacher. They might make a good match,” he replied. “The less competition the better, as far as I’m concerned,” he mumbled under his breath.
“What did you say?” she asked, turning toward him.
“Nothing to concern yourself with,” he replied and began whistling as they walked to the house.
Chapter 11
With the coming of early summer, the days grew longer, and the beauty of nature began to unfold. The twins were able to play outside as Delphinia, aided by Jonathan, prepared the ground for her garden. Surprisingly, she found herself anxious to begin the arduous task, wondering if she would remember all that Granny had taught her. She felt challenged to prove she had been a capable student, worthy of the older woman’s confidence.
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