West From Fair Hill (A Refuge in Fair Hill Book 3)

by Faith Elizabeth Cummings

  “Yes, but Molly overdid a little, and needs to rest.” Doc told them. “I want her to stay at her farm where she can be comfortable.”

  Amy agreed that this was a good idea. “Does thee want to leave her with us then, or what does thee think is best?”

  “I think her being here is a good thing, Amy, but maybe having Alan with her was too much. Can you fix him up a separate room?”

  “Of course, we have plenty of space.” Amy replied. “I’ll put thee in the room right beside hers, Alan, so thee can check on her when thee likes.”

  Alan agreed to her suggestion and helped her move his things from Sheila’s room while she continued to sleep.

  “Is this natural sleep?” Alan asked Doc when they came back downstairs.

  “No, she’s back in her catatonic state.” The doctor answered. “Remember how she was when she was found in the storm?”

  “And there’s no knowing how long it will last?” Alan asked with a sigh.

  .”No, the last one lasted 3 months or so.”

  “Do you think I should take her back to Newport?” Alan asked after a pause.

  “No, not right now. I will stay and see how she is the next few days and then we will decide.”

  “It might help you to know what may have caused this one,” Alan said, seating himself at the table. Amy and Andrew had left them to themselves, so Alan told Doc about what he had read in the journals. Doc sat silently staring into space for a few moments when Alan finished, and then with a sigh, he reached out and squeezed Alan’s hand.

  “You have your hands full, man,” he said evidently commiserating.

  “Yes, and I kissed her goodnight last night, it just was an impulse, but if I had thought about it first, I might have kept it from happening. Having her so close was something I’ve never experienced, and the way I feel about her, well, it seemed like the most natural thing in the world at the time.” Alan admitted.

  “And it was a natural thing. After all, she is your wife, and you love her. She might even have welcomed it at first, but then all the memories came back, and she couldn’t handle them.”

  ““No, evidently not.” Alan said miserably. “I wouldn’t harm her for anything.”

  “I know you wouldn’t,” Doc assured him. “You just have to be strong and pray for her to grow stronger too.”

  Alan nodded his understanding, but said nothing.

  So Doc spent the next week at the Becker farm, helping to care for Sheila and watching her carefully.

  She continued as she was and showed no signs of improving. Doc had to return to work, but he said he would come every day to check on Sheila and that they could reach him at any time. Alan kept a vigil beside Sheila’s bed and only rested when Amy could take his place, or to join the family for meals and worship. AS the time passed, and he continued to care for Sheila, he felt more drawn to her than he had ever felt since the first time he saw her. He found himself praying that God would let her recover so that they could have some happy years together before their lives ended. Sheila deserved to be happy after what she had been through, and he wanted to be the one to make her happy.

  She came to herself 3 months later, after constant prayers by those in the Meeting and constant nursing from Alan and Amy.

  Fall had arrived in Fair Hill and the last of the harvest was being brought in. There were apples and other wonderful things from the garden. Amy was canning and preserving things for the winter to come, and her daughter-in-law, Martha was always eager to help. She was going to be a mother for the first time in a few months, and so the generations would go on.

  Jeremy, whom Alan had known since he was a boy, was looking forward to the baby and taking over more and more duties on the farm.

  Sheila’s reawakening came on a crisp fall day at the end of October. The family and Alan were all seated around the fire in the living room, talking about the day and life in Fair Hill when they distinctly heard a bell ringing from upstairs. There had been a small bell on the bedside table near Sheila in case she woke and wanted anything, so now all of them looked at one another for a moment when they heard it ringing from the floor above.

  “I’ll see to her, Amy,” Alan said rising, and he climbed the stairs quickly, wondering what might await him at the top. He found Sheila sitting up against some pillows on the bed, looking about her but seeming very normal.

  “How are you, Sheila?” he asked, sitting on the edge of the bed and taking her hand in both of his. “I’m fine, Alan, how long have I been here?”

  “Do you remember where you are?” he asked gently.

  “Yes, we’re at the Becker farm in Fair Hill. But it’s fall, if I am not mistaken,” she added, pointing to the window, “And I thought it was summer when we arrived.”

  “Yes, it was. You had another episode of loss of consciousness,” he said, wishing he knew how else to explain her illness.

  “Oh, Alan, I’m so sorry. I must have been such a burden.”

  “You will never be a burden to me, Sheila,” he insisted, touching her face to turn it toward him. “I love you, and I will always be here, no matter what happens.”

  “But what about the Beckers?” she asked, meeting his gaze with directness and a bit of her old hauteur.

  “They have taken care of you, just as I have.” he answered. “Amy has seen that every one of your needs has been met. And All of us have been praying. The meeting is praying too, and many of the ladies have been by to see you. Molly has been here to sit with you often, as have many of the others.”

  She seemed to be at a loss for words, but was evidently not lapsing back into her usual state. She sat silently looking around her, and then out the window and then back to his face.

  “I don’t know what to say.” She finally admitted.

  “There’s no need to say anything. Is there anything I can do for you?” he asked.

  “Would it be all right if I went down and sat with the family?”

  He assured her that it would, and helped her dress, then carried her down and put her in a chair near the fire.

  Everyone was very surprised and happy to see her there, but kept their excitement muted so as not to startle her.

  “I don’t believe thee has met Jeremy and Martha,” Amy pointed out after Sheila had been given a cup of tea and was enjoying it with a few cookies. Both of the young people spoke to her, and shook her hand in greeting.

  “You’re going to have a child soon, Martha?” she asked quietly.

  “Yes, before too long.” Martha agreed with a smile. “It’s our first.”

  “I’m very happy for you both.” Sheila said smiling back and taking another sip of tea.

  Doc arrived soon after and was surprised to see her up and sitting with them, taking part in the conversation which flowed around the room.

  “You look much better, Sheila,” he commented after greeting her warmly. “I’m very glad to see you up and about.”

  “I hope it is for good this time.” Sheila said fervently. “I truly do not like losing big pieces of time like this.”

  “I can imagine it’s difficult.” He agreed with a brief smile. “But hopefully, this will be permanent.”

  6

  AS the weeks passed, Sheila spent more and more time with the family until her schedule was normal again, no resting during the day and good sleep at night. She grew stronger each day and began to learn to help around the house. Amy was a patient teacher and Sheila was an eager pupil, though she was not sure why. She had never had to learn how to do housework, as there had always been servants to do it for her. But in these new surroundings, she felt almost compelled to help. She knew it was not necessary for her to help in order to remain there. NO one had ever suggested that. But she also knew that she wanted to contribute something in return for all the care that she had received and was still receiving from the family. She understood now why Barbara had become such a part of this family and the community. Fair Hill was unlike any place she had ever known. NO
one treated her any differently than anyone else there, yet she felt somehow important and cared for. It was a different kind of importance than she had felt in Newport though. It was not based on what she could give monetarily or what strings she could pull to make things happen. It was based simply on who she was and the fact that they considered her a child of God. She had never thought of herself in those terms, but everyone here did, and she soon began to wonder more about it.

  Alan and Sheila were growing closer too. They had many long talks and, when the weather allowed, they walked about the farm or took drives through the area. Sheila felt as if they were courting again, only this time was so different. She was not keeping secrets from him now, and he knew all there was to know about her relationship with her father and her past isolation. He was always willing to listen when she needed to talk or to be with her when talking was more than she could manage. She never knew before what a kind and loving man she had married. She told him many times how sorry she was that their marriage had been so abnormal up to this point. But he always said that they would have a new start now, and that things would get better and better the more they worked at it. She found herself wondering how anyone could be so patient and forgiving.

  Meanwhile, as Alan and Sheila grew closer, fall brought cooler, shorter days to Fair Hill, and Martha drew nearer to the birth of her child. Although she and Jeremy had been married for a few years, this was their first child, and the family looked forward to this new grandchild with excitement and prayers that all would go well. The baby would be born at home, even though there was a good hospital in Newport. Childbirth was an ordinary part of life, and unless there was a concern about complications, all children were born at home. Doc would be present, but Amy and Lisbeth would help Martha in the birthing process. Martha told Sheila, on more than one occasion, that she could also be present if she wished, as she thought of her as part of the family. Despite Sheila’s trepidation, she was looking forward to being at least nearby when the baby was born. Jeremy and Andrew would be waiting nearby, but not in the room.

  The day arrived at the end of November. Martha woke early with the first pains of labor, and sent Jeremy to get his mother. Sheila was awake early, which was her habit now, and she heard his urgent summons. She rose, noting that Alan was already up, and dressed quickly, wanting to be of any help she could. She met Amy as they both left their rooms at the same time.

  “I can start breakfast if that would help,” Sheila said, hardly believing what she was saying. Amy had been giving her cooking lessons, and she did feel confident, but she had never fixed a meal for the family.

  “I would appreciate that if thee feels able,” she said with a squeeze of Sheila’s hand.

  “I believe I can,” Sheila answered, and started downstairs to begin the process.

  When the family, except Martha, gathered in the kitchen, breakfast was ready and she put it on the table. She felt even more confidence when everyone ate the food and said it was very good. When she tasted it, she realized that they were not saying it just to boost her confidence. It was good, and she was proud of her progress.

  She took a tray to Martha, and she ate most of what Sheila brought her.

  “Thank thee for this, Sheila,” she said with a smile as Sheila came to take the tray down for her. “It was very thoughtful of thee to do this for Mother Becker.”

  “I was glad to do it. She has done a lot to help me. It’s the least I can do.” Sheila told her.

  The day wore on slowly, and a quiet pervaded the house, as Martha worked to deliver her child. Doc stayed with her to monitor her progress. Jeremy remained with his father in the living room until Doc came down from upstairs and asked him to come up and see her. Amy’s face became pale as she watched them climb the stairs together, and Sheila knew she feared for both Martha and her child.

  “Does thee think she’s not doing well?” Andrew asked his wife quietly.

  “I don’t know, but I don’t think she is,” Amy answered shakily. “I can’t believe this is happening.”

  Alan and Sheila joined them and soon they were praying together, deep in a silence that Sheila had begun to find unique.

  Andrew spoke out of the stillness, praying aloud for Martha and for her child. No matter how many times Sheila heard this kind of simple heartfelt prayer, she never got used to it. The people of Fair Hill truly believed that God was a personal God, meeting their needs and giving them strength for the hard times. After his prayer ended with amens from all of them, the silence resumed and deepened. Suddenly, it was as if someone was tapping Sheila’s shoulder urgently, insisting that she participate in this small meeting for worship. She hesitated for only a moment, then, almost without her volition, began to sing a hymn she had learned from her mother when she was quite small. The words came without hesitation and the family joined her singing. She felt somehow that the tension was easing, and somehow lighter than she had felt in her entire life. When Andrew broke the meeting, He held her hand for an extra moment.

  “Thee had a song for us today, Sheila, just when we needed it most,” he said shakily. ““I believe the Holy spirit is prodding thee.”

  “Yes, I do too.” she answered simply. “I will be praying about this.”

  “Good, I will too,” he said with a smile. “And if thee needs to talk with someone, just let us know.”

  Doc and Jeremy came down soon after this, and both looked worried.

  “She’s not doing well,” Doc said anxiously. “We may have to take her to the hospital in Newport.” “I’m not sure what is going on, but there seems to be a problem.”

  “Is it safe to move her, doc?” Amy asked fearfully.

  “I think we have to take the chance, Amy, or we might lose her.”

  Jeremy shuddered, and Andrew reached out a hand to steady him.

  “She’ll be all right, Son, she’s in God’s hands.” He said quietly.

  Jeremy said nothing, he was much too emotional to speak.

  Doc carried Martha down from upstairs and they made a bed for her in The carriage that Alan and Sheila had brought to Fair Hill, as it was the most well sprung, and could provide a smoother ride for her. then they started out for Newport. The rest of the family, including Alan and Sheila, followed, hoping for the best, and praying all the way there.

  Martha was soon resting in the hospital, being attended by nurses and doctors. Doc was also there, as he often worked in the hospital these days. Jeremy waited with the others in the family waiting area, pacing the room in agitation and fear.

  It was hours before the door opened and Doc came in, taking a chair beside Jeremy.

  “I think we’re going to lose them both.”.” He said flatly, and everyone could see the defeat in his face. “We’ve done all we can, Jeremy, but Martha is Hemorrhaging now. We are trying to stop it, but it does not look good.

  “What about the baby?” he asked tremulously.

  “We delivered the baby through emergency surgery, trying to save one or both of them, but he is very small and is not doing well. The nurses are doing all they can, keeping him warm, and watching over him, but he isn’t breathing well, and seems very weak.”

  “What happened, Doc, she was so healthy!”

  “I don’t know, Jeremy, sometimes these things happen for no apparent reason. But we’re still trying, and we’ll do everything there is to do!”

  Jeremy thanked him, and assured him that he knew that everything possible was being done.

  “Can I see them?” he asked after a pause.

  “Yes, that’s why I’m here. I wanted to tell you all how things were going and bring you back to see them. Andrew and Amy, you may come too.”

  They all rose and started for the door.

  “What about Alan and Sheila?” Amy asked.

  “We’ll wait here,” Alan said gently. “We’ll be praying.”

  So the family left them and followed Doc down the hall to where Martha and her son waited.

  7

&nbs
p; When the family entered the small room, Martha was resting against some pillows, her baby son nearby in the arms of a nurse, wrapped in warm blankets. A nurse also stood beside Martha, taking her pulse.

  Jeremy took her free hand, and Martha looked up and smiled wearily.

  “Has thee seen the baby?” She asked quietly.

  “I haven’t seen him yet, but he’s right here, and I will in a minute,” he answered, bending to kiss her face. “How is thee, Martha?”

  “I will be fine,” she assured him, but he could see the pallor of her face, and the worried attitude of the nurse. The other nurse then came forward, holding the bundle out to Jeremy.

  He took the baby into his hands, and held him close. The tiny face was uncovered, and he looked very small and helpless as Jeremy held him. He seemed to struggle to breathe and Jeremy handed him back to the waiting nurse.

  “What will thee call him?” Martha asked after a pause.

  “We’ll name him Robert, for thy father,” he answered, trying to keep his voice steady.

  “Robert Andrew?” she said looking at Andrew for a moment.

  “Yes, Robert Andrew,” Jeremy agreed, and Andrew smiled his approval.

  “That’s very nice,” Andrew said taking Martha’s cold hand, and squeezing it gently. “I thank thee.”

  “He is very small,” she said giving him a smile and then looking again at Jeremy.

  “Yes, he is very small,” Jeremy agreed. “But he’ll be all right.”

  “I’m very tired,” she said after a pause. “Will thee all pray with me?”

  They gathered around the bed, the nurses joining them, and they all prayed together for a recovery for both Martha and the child. Then Jeremy told her that he would sit with her, but that Amy and Andrew must return to Fair Hill. Martha said goodbye to them, and thanked them for coming. Amy bent and kissed her pale cheek, telling her that everyone would continue to pray for Robert and for her. Then they left them and returned to where Sheila and Alan waited, feeling quite sure that they would not see either of them again in this life. Doc was waiting with Alan and Sheila and said that he would bring Jeremy home when things were resolved. So the Four of them took the carriage, leaving doc’s buggy there for him and Jeremy. When they were on the way, Andrew told Alan and Sheila how Martha and the baby were.