by Joy Redmond
He led her into the kitchen, where wooden cabinets with glass fronts lined two walls. She opened a cabinet door, picked up a plate, and ran her hand over it. “Is this real china?” she asked.
“Yes, it is. That set has been in the Morgan family for generations. My great-grandparents brought it over when they left Ireland and came to America. A few pieces have gotten broken over the years, but there are still plenty of pieces left.”
“Then I need to pack them and put them away so no more will get broken. If I broke one, I’d simply die,” Anna said.
Tom took the plate from her hand and put it back into the cupboard. Then he tilted Anna’s chin upward. “Sweet, things are to be used. What’s the point in having something if you don’t put it to use? Don’t worry about breaking anything. I want you to enjoy everything I have.”
“Well, I can’t take the chance,” Anna protested. “I’ll box them up and we’ll use them for special occasions. We can use old dishes for everyday, okay?”
“Whatever you say,” Tom replied, leading her over to the gas stove. “It’s your kitchen now.” He turned a knob, struck a match, and lit a burner. As the flame leaped up, Anna gasped and hid behind Tom. He laughed and then hugged her. “It won’t hurt you. Go ahead, turn the other knob, strike a match, and light it.”
Anna’s hand trembled as she lit another burner, and she jumped again as the flame shot up. Tom covered her hand with his. “Now you just turn the knob this way and the flame gets higher. Turn it this way and the flame goes down. You adjust it according to what you’re cooking.”
“I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to cook on this,” Anna said with a combination of awe and embarrassment.
Tom shut off the burners and led Anna to a tall wood-and-metal box. “This is an icebox. You put food in it so it doesn’t spoil. The iceman delivers a fifty-pound block of ice every week and puts it in the top bin. As the ice melts, it runs down a tube in the back and drips into a pan underneath. You have to remember to empty the pan every day so it won’t run over and ruin the linoleum.”
“You don’t say,” Anna said in amazement. She bent down and ran her hand across the floor. “Linoleum...it’s pretty. I sure wouldn’t want water to soak it up. How do I keep it clean?”
“With a wet mop – oh, never mind, I’ll show you later,” Tom said. “Let’s look at the rest of the house.”
Anna held Tom’s hand and followed like an excited child. They walked back into the living room, took a right, and Tom pushed open another door.
“This used to be my grandparent’s room, but now it’s the guest bedroom, and it hasn’t been used in a long time. I don’t get much company since my parents died and my brother moved out.”
“I’ll clean it up and get all the dust out,” said Anna. “Then we’ll keep the door open so I can just look in. This place is like a palace.”
“Not quite, but it’s ours,” Tom said with a smile. “Now we’ll go upstairs. That’s the best part, I think.”
They held hands as they climbed the staircase. At the top of the landing, Tom said, “The room straight ahead is our bedroom, but before we go there, I want to show you the room on the other end of the hall. It was mine and my brothers when we were growing up.”
Anna’s head was spinning as Tom led her down the hallway. Then he opened a door and stepped aside. Anna gasped as she saw the elegant furniture and a small fireplace. She wanted to touch everything, but Tom took her hand and led her out of the room.
As they entered the master bedroom, Tom said, “This is our room, sweet. Take a look around.” Anna covered her heart in amazement as she saw a bed with a headboard that was almost as tall as the ceiling. She ran her hand over a handmade quilt spread across the footboard. She also touched the dark-stained bureau, amazed by the feel of its glossy finish. She stared into the mirror above it. It wasn’t wavy or cracked and didn’t distort her image like the one back home. She instinctively ran her fingers through her coal-black hair as she admired herself in the mirror’s crystal clear reflection.
A few moments later, she turned toward Tom and said bashfully, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to let vanity take over. It’s just that I’ve never seen such a clear reflection of myself.”
“Well, now you know just how beautiful you really are,” Tom said, putting his arms around her.
“I think I’ll be too scared to sit or lay on anything. I’ve never seen furniture this beautiful. And it looks brand new. I don’t want to ruin anything.” Anna looked at Tom, her eyes wide.
“You’ll get used to everything, and I want you to enjoy it all. That’s what material things are really for. And nothing is new. Everything in the house belonged to my grandparents and parents.
“I understand. But it’ll take some time. Right now, I know what Pa meant when he used to talk about being a fish out of water.”
“Do you want to go outside and look around, or are you too tired?” Tom asked. “It’s been a long trip, and I don’t want to hit you with too much too soon. It’s just that I’m so proud to be able to share what I have with my new wife. Make that what we have. Everything that’s mine is also yours, my love.”
“I think I’d like to rest for a while before I bust wide open,” Anna replied. “I’m a bit overwhelmed, and I need to use the outhouse. Can you point me in that direction?”
Tom smiled. “Oh, I guess I forgot to show you something else that you’re going to like. Come downstairs with me.”
Before they reached the kitchen, he opened a door and said, “The bathroom’s right in here.”
Anna looked through the door and was dumbstruck to see a bathtub, sink, and commode. “You mean we’ve got an indoor outhouse?” she asked, her voice rising.
“I guess that’s one way to put it,” Tom replied, stifling a laugh.
Anna went into the bathroom, shut the door, sat on the commode and softly cried for a few minutes, lifting her head to the sky and whispering, “Thank you, God. Every dream I wrote down on paper and put in my hope chest has come true. I’ll try to be worthy of it all – but most of all, thank you for my wonderful husband. You’ve blessed me more than I ever thought was possible.”
They ate a light supper that night, made from whatever Tom could find in the pantry. Then Anna wanted to take a bath in the claw-foot tub, so Tom helped fill pans of water and set them on the stove to heat. They filled the tub, and Tom backed out of the bathroom and shut the door so Anna could relax and soak.
Anna picked up the bar of Ivory soap, dropped it into the water, and couldn’t believe it floated. Lye soap sunk to the bottom of the creek if you dropped it. The Ivory soap made her skin feel soft and silky, too.
A few minutes later, Tom gently tapped on the door. “I’m going to take your trunk up to our bedroom. Then I’ve got to unhitch the horses and do the barn chores. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
“Take your time!” Anna called back. “I’m enjoying this, so take your sweet time!”
As Tom turned to go, he said, “I know Larry and Sally Thompkins will be glad to know I’m home. I’m sure they’re tired of doing my chores for me. Larry and Sally live on the farm across the way. I’ll introduce you to them tomorrow.”
“Okay, that sounds fine.” Anna replied as she scooped water with her small hands and let it trickle down her body.
Tom chuckled and went on his way.
After her bath, Anna went upstairs and unpacked the trunk, neatly placing her clothes in drawers and hanging her dresses in the armoire. Then she spread her nightgown across the footboard.
She went back downstairs, sat on the sofa, and felt a bit lost in such a large house. As she waited for Tom to finish his chores and come back inside, her mind traveled back to her little cabin, her family she had left behind, and a tear rolled down her cheek. By the time Tom came through the front door, it had gotten dark.
“Why don’t you turn on the lights?” he asked.
“I didn’t know where to find any oil lamps or candles,”
she said, sounding a bit annoyed. “You didn’t tell me where they are.”
Tom laughed. “Anna, all you have to do is flip this switch on the wall.” He walked to the front door, flipped the switch, and the room lit up. “It’s called electricity, sweet.”
Anna stood, put her hands on her hips, and raised her voice. “I know what electricity is, Mr. Smarty! I just didn’t know you had it!” Then she marched out of the house and sat on the front porch swing, calling, “I think I like it better out here anyway!”
Tom walked outside and sat beside her. He gently took her hand. “I didn’t mean to laugh at you, Anna. I wasn’t thinking. I’m sorry.” He kissed her forehead. “Are you about ready to go to bed? I’m an early riser and it’s been a long day.”
Anna squeezed his hand. “I’m sorry I got in such a huff, but you’re right. There’s a lot for me to adjust to – and I miss my family. I’m happy to be your wife, but I’m a little homesick, too. After a good night’s sleep, I’ll be in a better mood. What time do you want breakfast?”
“I usually eat about six, but you can sleep in. I’m used to making my own breakfast. You can sleep all day if you want to,” Tom said, rising from the swing and extending his hand.
“I’ll have you know I’m no lazy bones,” Anna protested. “I’ll be up and I’ll have your breakfast ready by six, but I’ll need flour and lard to make biscuits. I could also use some eggs and milk.”
“Everything you need for biscuits is in the kitchen, and I’ll bring in fresh eggs and milk after I’ve done the chores. How does that sound?” He gently kissed her lips.
“It sounds perfect.” She smiled. “Truth be told, I can’t wait to cook for you. I just hope I don’t burn up everything until I get used to an open flame.” She squeezed his hand. “Now let’s go to bed. I am tired.”
Hand-in-hand they climbed the stairs, and Tom flipped on the light as they entered their bedroom. Anna picked up her nightgown, and then flipped off the light as she undressed, slipped the nightgown over her head, and climbed in beside Tom. They snuggled in the darkness, and Tom was asleep within seconds. She listened to the comforting sound of his breathing, and then placed her hand on his chest to feel the rhythm of his heartbeat.
As she closed her eyes, she saw a vision of herself, holding a beautiful little girl with bright red hair. Anna smiled. “We’ve already started our family. Life can’t get any better. Thank you, God,” she whispered into the sweet darkness. Soon, she drifted off to sleep.
* * * *
Every week, Anna wrote to Ma and Pa, describing her house, the farm, and what a wonderful life she had. When she received a reply, she could visualize the smile on Ma’s face as she shared in her daughter’s happiness.
Two months passed, and one day Anna made the trip down the long driveway to the mailbox and pulled out an envelope that had no return address. The handwriting didn’t look like Ma’s, but the letter was postmarked Fulton, Tennessee – the same postmark as was on all of Ma’s notes.
Anna hurried back to the house, sat down on the swing and opened the letter. It was from Aunt Mabel
My Dear Anna,
I hope this letter finds you and your new husband doing good and adjusting to married life. We all miss you around her, but we’re happy that you have found your true love. It saddens me to half to be the bearer of bad news, but your ma and pa have departed this world. A falling tree crushed them while they were cutting timber. They died in each other’s arms, the way they would have wanted to go. The funeral service will probably be over by the time you get this, but know we all send our deepest sympathy and all our love. Your brothers are bearing up.
Love, Aunt Mabel
With tears in her eyes, Anna stuffed the note into her apron pocket and whispered, “I already knew, Aunt Mable.”
When Tom came in from the fields, Anna told him about the tragedy. Tom offered to take her back home, but Anna refused. She said that she’d already told them goodbye, and it was good enough. There was no point in visiting a graveyard.
Before Tom headed back out to do the evening chores, Anna said, “I need to tell you something about me that you don’t know. Please hear me out before you say anything.”
Tom eased himself into a chair at the kitchen table, looked into Anna’s eyes, and listened attentively as Anna did her best to explain her gift of sight and how visions appeared to her, but he made no comment.
When she finished, Anna said, “I know you probably don’t believe me, but time will prove it to you. Soon I’ll be notified of the death of my brother, Billy Joe. I saw that in a vision the day we left my family.”
“Whatever you say, sweet.” Tom shook his head slightly, rose from the chair, and then headed for the back door.
As the door closed behind him, Anna said, “Time will tell, husband.”
Two months later, a note arrived from T.J.
Dear Sister,
You were right. Billy Joe went missing and his body was found at the bottom of the ravine, just like ya said he would be. The sheriff done some investigating, and well, seems that he and that scrandal, Morley Nelson was drinking, got to scuffling around, then that jackass pushed Billy to his death. Morley done admitted to it, so now I’m just waiting to see what’s gonna be done to him. I hope I get to see him hang. I miss ya and Billy Joe was always talking about ya.
Your brother, T.J.
Anna wiped her tears, stuffed the note into her apron pocket, and whispered, “I already knew, T.J. I miss you, brother. May Billy Joe rest in peace.”
When Anna told Tom about it that night, Tom again shook his head, but this time he said, “Lord, maybe there is something to your visions. I’m sorry I doubted you. Do you want–”
“No. There’s no use," Anna said. She knew what he was about to ask. "A person can’t ever go back home. Ma and Pa are gone, Billy Joe is gone, T.J. and Howard have their own lives, and Aunt Mabel is getting on up there. The old cabin is probably falling down.” She sighed deeply. “My home is here with you now, and whatever lies in our future. I am home, Tom.”
* * * *
In spite of the two tragedies, Anna continued to adjust to her new life. She made friends with neighbors and church members. She attended the quilting bee at the little country Baptist church, every Thursday. As the ladies pieced the quilts, Anna told all about her life in the mountains of Tennessee. The more she told, the more she felt as if she were back in her little cabin, doing chores, and fighting with her brothers. Being able to tell her stories to people who seem deeply interested help her overcome her homesickness.
Three months later Anna was thrilled to announce to all her friends that Dr. Wilson had confirmed her pregnancy. “Our bundle of joy will be arriving by late January, maybe early February. Tom and I couldn’t be happier.”
In late fall, Tom built a fire, and Anna saw he had told the truth. The fireplace was even more beautiful when there was a fire going. It was a magnificent sight. In fact, Anna suggested that they sleep on the floor in the living room so she could fall asleep while enjoying the romantic glow of the fire. Tom agreed, and hurried upstairs to get some blankets.
As December arrived, Anna was getting large – and becoming more and more miserable, to the point where she wasn’t sure she’d ever want another child. Being pregnant wasn’t much fun as far as she was concerned, and she wondered how other women managed to bear so many children.
On Christmas Eve, Anna went into labor and between contractions, she told Tom, “I think you need to go get Dr. Wilson.”
Tom replied, “I won’t be able to make it in the wagon. The snow is too deep, but I’ll throw a saddle on old Blake and ride as fast as I can make him go. You go lie down, try to stay calm, and I’ll be back with Dr. Wilson as soon as I can.”
“Okay,” Anna managed to say as she headed for the bed. She watched as Tom grabbed a heavy coat from the hook on the back of the bedroom door. She could hear his footsteps as he ran downstairs. When she heard the front door close, she wished him G
od’s speed, picturing him hurrying out into the snowy night.
* * * *
By the time Tom and Dr. Wilson arrived back at the house and entered the bedroom, Anna was propped up in bed, holding a baby close to her breast but staring straight ahead, her eyes glazed.
Tom rushed to her side saying, “Anna, sweet, are you okay?”
Anna blinked, as if returning to reality, and then whispered, “Oh, Tom, the baby didn’t make it. It was just too early.”
“No!” Tom cried, reaching for his lifeless son.
Anna clutched the infant tightly. “Stop! You can’t take him yet.”
Dr. Wilson walked to the other side of the bed and said softly, “Anna, dear, you need to give Tom the baby. I need to check and make sure you’re all right.”
Anna turned her head toward Dr. Wilson. “Nobody is taking my baby yet, and you’re not going to touch me! Go away and leave me be!”
Dr. Wilson looked at Tom and motioned toward the door with his eyes. When Tom followed him into the hallway, the doctor said, “She’s suffering from hysteria. Let’s give her time to work through her grief – in her own time and in her own way. I’ll stay here until she comes to terms with her loss. Then I’ll help you bury your son.”
Tom patted Dr. Wilson’s shoulder. “You go on back home, Doc. I’ll bury my son. Thanks for coming.”
Dr. Wilson shook his head. “If that’s the way you want it. I’ll check back tomorrow. If you need me before then, come and get me.”
“Thanks, Doc,” said Tom as he reached into his back pocket and pulled out his wallet.
Dr. Wilson held up his hand. “You don’t own me a dime!” Then he headed downstairs.
Tom checked in on Anna, who hadn’t moved from where he’d first found her, then went back downstairs, put on his heavy jacket, and went out to the barn to begin building a tiny coffin. When he had finished, he took the coffin and a shovel and left them on the back porch before going back into the kitchen. Then he went upstairs, where he found Anna still clutching the baby and staring into space.