“Yes, they will appreciate having you back,” Sheila assured her. “And the farm is in good hands.”
“Somehow, I know that.” She said, managing a weak smile. “Thee can’t see them now, but thee will have a lot of flowers when spring comes. There are roses and other things that grow wild. There are some trees too, and when the snow melts, thee will see them.”
“I’ll do my best to take care of everything, Emily.” Sheila told her. “And I’ll write and tell you how things are.”
“Would thee do that?” She was so happy at this news it almost broke Sheila’s heart.
“Yes, of course I will.” She insisted. “I’ll get Paul to draw you some pictures too, or I’ll get a camera and take them myself.”
“She laughed and they were soon laughing together, the emotions being spent.
While the men talked and toured the farm, and the children either slept or played, Emily and Sheila had a cup of tea in the kitchen, and talked as women do of family and what it would take to keep Sheila’s part of the farm going. She wrote down a few things on a tablet of paper Emily had, and she put them in a kitchen drawer for later use when Emily was gone. In her own quiet way, Emily surrendered her home to Sheila’s keeping, and Sheila knew that they would always keep in touch.
When they returned to the Becker farm, Mike and Lyddy were still there, talking and laughing with the family.
“So is it settled?” Mike asked as they entered and joined them around the fire.
“Yes, it’s settled, and it’s a great farm,” Alan said leaning back in his chair with a sigh. “I think we’ll be very happy there.”
“I do too.” Sheila agreed, opening her arms to little Sera, who reached for her as she lifted her from the floor, holding her close.
“I think our Sera has found a new friend.” Lyddy said giving Sheila a smile.
“And so have I.” Sheila agreed. “I have a lot of new friends.”
They sat on then, and talked of the farm and of the other ones around it. “It will be good to be so close to both of you.” Sheila said looking at Barbara and Lyddy. “I’ll need some recipes.”
“This is amazing!” Barbara and Lyddy said together. “I never thought this would happen.”
Barbara added squeezing Sheila’s hand.
“No servants?” Alan asked with a teasing smirk.
“Not a one.” she said returning his smirk. “This time, it’s my house to run as I wish.”
“and thee will do a fine job.” Paul said fervently.
“When we get settled in, we’ll have everyone over after meeting some Sunday,” she told them. “And somehow, we’ll fit all of you in.”
There were chuckles around the room.
“We’ll add on a bit. Alan said firmly. “We’ll make room for everyone.”
So the talk went, until it was time for supper, and the three women worked to put it on the table.
Mike and Lyddy remained a little while after the meal, but then left to put their two children to bed, and do the evening chores.
The next day dawned warm, more like April back in Newport, and Sheila chose a spring dress to celebrate the occasion. It was not every day they bought a farm, and she wanted to commemorate it.
After breakfast, they took the team and a buggy, and drove to town. They found the bank and the land office and before they knew it, the farm was theirs. Emily and John met them at the bank and then signed the deed to the land at the land office. John handed it to Alan just outside the building. “Welcome to Mapleton North Dakota,” he said cheerfully.
Alan shook his hand and thanked him for the welcome. When they had gone, telling the Scotts that they would be leaving the next day for Fair Hill and that they should take possession then, The Scotts took a walk through their new town, to see what it contained, and if they could meet any of its inhabitants. They told Carl and Bess the news at the general store, and were warmly welcomed by both of them.
“I keep dress goods and anything else thee needs,” Bess told Sheila as the men discussed the farm implements.
“I’ll need a few things, I think,” Sheila said and they went back to the sewing section. She chose a few bolts of cloth and patterns, and Bess cut what she would need for each one. They added the thread and other notions, and then Bess stopped beside a machine. “Has thee ever seen one of these?” She asked. “It sews much stronger seams than anyone can sew by hand. She demonstrated with a cloth lying nearby.
Sheila was intrigued and decided to add it to the purchases. She knew that Barbara and Lyddy could probably not afford one of these, so this way they could all use it.
Alan chuckled when he saw her things on the counter, and the boxed up machine.
“You are making yourself at home,” he said, taking up the box. “Can you manage the rest?”
“Yes, I can carry this.” she agreed, and she took up the sewing supplies.
They put them in the buggy and instead of taking them to the Becker farm, drove to their new home.
“Can we leave these here?” Sheila asked as she knocked on the door and Emily opened it.
“Thee certainly can.” Emily said warmly and she and Sheila found the perfect place for the machine and set it up before they left. There was a spinning wheel nearby, and carding tools as well. “Does thee knit?” she asked when they had the machine set up, and Sheila noticed the other things.
“Yes, I learned from Amy Becker, that and crocheting.”
“Thee will have plenty of wool then, and can sew and knit and crochet whatever thee will need.” She said looking about her at what was turning into Sheila’s sewing room.
“I believe the house is in good hands.”
They found the two men discussing farm machinery when they came out the kitchen door.
“It’s time to start planting now,” John was saying. “I’m sure Mike and Paul will help and Barbara and Lyddy will see that thee has a garden.” He added, turning to Sheila. The remaining snow was melting fast in the warmth of the sun and They knew that as soon as the ground was dry enough, the busy months of planting and cultivation and harvest would begin. Sheila had noticed that trunks were already being packed with clothes and other personal items and she knew this must be a bittersweet day for Emily.
They left them to their packing soon after this, and returned to the Becker farm.
Sheila told Barbara about the sewing machine while they prepared dinner.
“I’ve seen them in the Meyers’ store, but never tried one.” She said self-consciously.
“Well, now you and Lyddy can use this one.” Sheila told her. “I got it for all of us.”
“I can see thee is going to spoil her.” Paul put in as he entered from outside.
“Just a little,” Sheila said ruffling his hair. “And you too.”
He gave her a hug, and a kiss on the cheek. “As long as we can return the favor.” He said softly. “It is so good to have thee and Uncle Alan here.”
12
The train took the Travis family east the following day, and The Scotts took possession of the farm. Alan and Sheila walked the whole of it that afternoon, marveling that they now owned land in North Dakota.
Do you think you can handle the chickens?” he asked as they stopped at the house.
“I did it in Fair Hill,” she reminded him. “And if I need any lessons, I’ll ask Barbara or Lyddy.”
He grabbed her hand as they stopped at the steps to the house. “Sheila, I never would have believed this would happen,” he said and his face was wreathed in smiles.
“I wouldn’t have either.” she admitted, “But I’m glad it did.”
She made them a simple supper that evening from things Emily had left, and then they settled in for their first evening alone. This was their first time alone. When they lived in Newport, there were always the servants. And when they were in Fair Hill, there was always someone on hand. But now, here in this cozy house, they could truly begin their lives together. They sat near the fireplac
e in the living room, Alan reading a book, and Sheila doing some spinning, using up the wool that Emily had not taken with her.
“this mantelpiece needs a clock,” he commented looking up.
“Yes, we will gather a few things to make it more ours,” she agreed. He looked at his watch and then put the book aside.
I think some sleep is in order,” he said rising. “Tomorrow morning will come early.” she agreed with him, and put down her work.
The sun was just rising as they woke and dressed, each of them taking up the chores they needed to do. Sheila got the eggs and started breakfast while Alan fed the sheep and horses. Breakfast was just being set on the table when he reentered and washed up.
“Looks great!” He said taking his place. “You’re a great farmer’s wife.” She squeezed his shoulder as she passed to take her chair. “I had a good teacher back in Vermont.”
After grace, they ate and talked of the coming day. Alan planned to talk to Paul and Mike, needing to map out the coming months and what work needed doing when. Sheila had plenty of work to do in the house, and looked forward to it.
When Breakfast was finished, and the dishes washed, Sheila asked Alan to bring in the boxes that Paul had brought them. These were the things given to them in Fair Hill.
“I will unpack them and put things away.” she told him as he gathered them all in the living room.
“Let me know if you need help. Don’t carry anything too heavy.” he warned gently. She smiled and hugged him. “I will be careful,” she said. “I won’t do anything that might harm the baby.”
So she set to work, and she found a treasure trove inside. There were a few things for the baby, each marked as to who had made it and she felt as if all of her friends in Fair Hill were right there with her as she put them away in what would be the baby’s room. She also found handmade things from some of the men, including a clock for the mantle in the living room. She put it up there and got it going, so that she and Alan would have it to enjoy.
One of the boxes, marked as being from Andrew, contained a cradle for the coming baby. There was a note tucked inside. “Dear Alan and Sheila,” she read when she opened it. “This is from both Jeremy and me. We made it with much love, and hopes for the future for all of thee. God be with thee out there.” It was signed Andrew Becker.
Sheila went to find Alan. he came to her swiftly, seeing her tears, and asked if she was all right. She brought him inside, and showed him the cradle and the note.
he hugged her after reading it. “That is very special,” he said feeling his own eyes fill with tears. “They are fine people.”
He took the cradle to the baby’s room too, and was amazed at all of the things she had already put there.
They finished opening the gifts together, and arranged them throughout the house. Sheila was thrilled to have quilts and other household goods from the women of the meeting, and marveled at how well they were taken care of, even here.
As she worked, she had made a list of who had sent each gift, so that thank you notes could be sent. She set to work on those as soon as everything was in its place, and the packing boxes had been removed by Alan.
So the days passed, and they settled in to caring for the farm and fitting into the new community.
Sheila learned quickly that the old adage about many hands making light work was true. She fell easily into a routine. Barbara, Lyddy and Sheila soon became a trio, all of them doing the work of all three farms. It was easier for all of them that way, and the work was done amid chatter and good fellowship. It was as if three farms became one, and three families became one. The children spent as much time at the Scott farm as they did at home, and the gardens were planted, tended, and harvested. The canning for the coming winter was also finished, and each of them had a good store of food in their cellars for the coming winter ahead. The men too worked together, tending the fields and harvesting the wheat when the time came. The men from Fair Hill were part of a threshing crew who went from farm to farm to help get the wheat ready for taking to the flourmill in Fargo. Both Alan and Sheila grew strong and hardy as they worked under the summer sun, and Sheila felt better than she had in years.
As the summer passed, she could do less and less of the heavy work though, as she neared the time for giving birth. She grew very large, and Barbara watched her carefully for swelling feet and hands as she worked almost as hard as the others. Often, when she saw Sheila’s weariness, or signs of swelling. She would insist that she stop and rest, putting her feet up on a footstool that Alan made for her.
“Thee has to guard against high blood pressure,” Barbara told her one day as she brought her a glass of lemonade. “Thee needs to stay off thy feet more.”
“I know you’re right, and I will. there’s just so much to do.” Sheila said taking the glass with a grateful smile.
“And Lyddy and I can do it.” “We helped one another when we were carrying children too. “It will not be much longer now, and thee has done very well so far. I wonder though if thee is having twins.”
Sheila’s face went white. “You’re not serious!” she said in surprise.
“Yes, thee is very big for one child.”
“Do you think I’ll be able to give birth here safely?”
“I think so. Thee is healthy. this swelling is normal as long as thy blood pressure doesn’t go up.” ‘If there is any doubt, we’ll get thee to a hospital beforehand.” “We won’t take chances.”
“You’re a good nurse.” Sheila said setting down the glass now empty.
“I had a good teacher in doc.” Barbara reminded her. ‘I’ve been writing to him about thee too. He asked to hear how you are.”
“Oh, he’s such a dear person.” Sheila said remembering. “He was so gentle with me always.”
“Yes, he should have remarried.” Barbara said fondly. “But I think he was damaged too much by the war.”
““Oh, I did not know that. Was he wounded?”
“No, not physically, but emotionally. Father Becker carries a lot of emotional scars too.”
“He keeps them hidden most of the time.” Sheila said.
“Yes, but once in a while, they are there.” Barbara agreed.
Sheila went into labor on a crisp day in the middle of September. The pains started while she was washing dishes after breakfast. Alan was already outside, so she rang the bell that he had put up for her to call him from his work.
He came quickly, knowing that she would not ring it at this time without a good reason.
“I am in labor,” she told him as he entered the kitchen to find her seated at the table. “The pain has just begun, so it will be a while. But could you go and get Barbara?”
He hovered beside her for a moment, then put a hand on her shoulder.
“Do you want me to help you upstairs?”
“You can when you get back,” she told him. So he went and found Barbara just tidying up the house after breakfast.
“Sheila says she’s in labor,” he told her as she met him in the kitchen.
“Has it just started?”
“Yes, she says it will be a while, but she asked me to bring you back.”
Paul came from the living room and spoke quietly.
“I’ll keep the children here,” he said. “Thee go to her. Alan, thee can be here with us if thee likes.”
‘I think I want to be closer to Sheila than that, Alan answered. “She’s going to need help climbing the stairs at home, and I may need to do some fetching and carrying.”
“Yes, good point.” Paul agreed. “The two of thee go then, and if thee needs me, come and let me know.”
So they returned to the Scott farm, and found Sheila calmly waiting.
They helped her up to the bedroom, and Barbara saw her safely in bed and comfortable.
“I think it will be a while yet,” Sheila said, settling back against some pillows.
“Yes, probably.” Barbara agreed. “I can read to thee if thee likes, or br
ing thee some handwork.”
Sheila thought the handwork sounded good, so Barbara brought it and some of her own, and they talked as they worked.
Meanwhile, Alan continued his chores until they were finished, then came back inside and went to sit with them.
“I promise I won’t be in the way, but I want to be a part of this,” he told Sheila.
“You aren’t the least in the way. I want you here.” Sheila said squeezing his hand. “I don’t think I can do this without you.”
“No, thee will be a lot of help, Uncle Alan,” Barbara agreed. So the day passed, and Sheila progressed well. About six hours in to her labor, the pains became sharper and closer together. Barbara examined her and said that the baby was coming.
Barbara gathered and cleaned the few instruments she would need, some scissors and some string, some towels and a basin for the afterbirth.
She asked Alan to sit behind Sheila against the headboard of the bed, and support her while she pushed to give birth. He held her in strong arms, while she worked hard with Barbara to give their child life.
When the baby emerged, Barbara waited a few minutes, holding the crying baby until it was time to cut the cord. Then after tying it with the string, she had Alan cut it with the scissors.
She then laid the baby on Sheila’s chest, and Sheila softly touched her son and spoke comforting words to him.
“Thee has a son,” Barbara told Alan, who stood watching his wife and child, lost in wonder.
Barbra took him back then, and cleaned him up, then wrapped him in a blanket after diapering him.
She then handed the blue bundle to Alan.
“Congratulations, father.” she said smiling.
Sheila looked on, a soft smile lighting her face.
“You look so good holding him.” she said dreamily. “What shall we call him?”
“I don’t think we’ve come up with a name yet, have we?” he asked, looking down at his son and feeling like he would burst with pride.
“I think we should name him for his father.” Sheila said reaching out to touch her husband’s hand.
West From Fair Hill (A Refuge in Fair Hill Book 3) Page 10