The Secret of Fair Hill: A Refuge in Fair Hill Book 2

by Faith Cummings

  "Thee means I could just go up and get my things and go with thee back to Fair Hill?" I asked in surprise.

  "If that is what you want to do, yes," Paul answered. "But we will all understand if thee decides to remain here for the sake of thy education. I know thee wishes to become a nurse. For that, thee needs a good education. Perhaps it would be best for thee to stay here and finish, then go to nursing school and then come back to Fair Hill. We want thee to do what is best for thee. We will support thee in whatever thee decides to do."

  "What does thy mother say?" I asked after a pause.

  "They told me quite firmly to let thee do what was best for thee, no matter what I wanted." Paul admitted.

  "And what does thee want, Paul?" I asked, my gray eyes meeting his and probing deep.

  "I don't want to make this decision for thee," he answered. "I think thee should decide before I tell thee what I want."

  "Thee wants me back in Fair Hill, doesn't thee? Why?"

  "I asked him the same question," Alan put in with a little smile. "He said he missed you."

  "He must have missed me a lot to come all the way out here," I said, a smile playing about my lips.

  "And thee must have missed me too. Thee wrote and said as much," he countered. "We have given thee much to think about. Perhaps we should give thee time to think." "That's not a bad idea. We could find a hotel," Alan said rising. "I'll send a messenger to tell you where we are."

  "I don't think there's any need to think about this," I said hurriedly. "I have given much thought to this entire situation. I want and need this education. But I also want and need to be myself. If that means giving up all this, then that's what it means. I want to live as a Friend. It is more important for me to be the person I truly am than to take the things Aunt Sheila is offering. Besides, Uncle Alan thee knows I wouldn't be here at all if I hadn't become a member of the Meeting in Fair Hill. Aunt Sheila was content enough to have me in Fair Hill until then. Since I wasn't under her roof, it was all right. But she couldn't bear anyone knowing that a relative of hers had become a Quaker. That is the only reason she sent me here. She doesn't care in the least whether I become a nurse. In fact, she probably won't like it."

  "I know she doesn't want you to go to nursing school. That's beneath you, according to Sheila," Alan agreed.

  "Yes. I can have all her money and fine things if I am the person she thinks I should be. The Beckers, on the other hand, only expect me to be myself. There's no choice here, Uncle Alan. My parents always told me to be honest with myself so that I could be honest with others. That's what I'm not doing."

  "Go and get your things then. This young man will be very happy to have you back." Alan said hugging me. "And so will I."

  I rose and went to Paul. "Thy parents know I might come back with thee and they don't mind?"

  "Mother probably has thy room all dusted and ready for thee," He answered squeezing my small hand. "And Lisbeth was very excited to hear thee might be coming home." I left them then to go and bring down my things.

  "I think she's doing the right thing," Alan told Paul as the door closed behind me. "I know she was truly happy in Fair Hill."

  "This doesn't have to mean she can't become a nurse," Paul answered. "Doc can help her. Who knows what may happen after she finishes school. If God wants her to be a nurse, she will."

  "I believe that too, son," he said. "That's why I'm here. It will all work out for the best." A servant brought my trunk to the carriage and we all left the school.

  "I think we should find lodgings for tonight and start back in the morning, does that meet with the approval of both of you?" Alan asked as we drove away from the gates.

  "I think that's a good idea, Uncle Alan. It's too late in the day to start out now," I sat between them, gazing with interest at the sights of New York City passing our window. "It's going to be boring for thee in Fair Hill after all this," Paul commented, feeling a little dazed by all that was going on around us.

  "I long for that quiet routine back in Fair Hill," I told him wistfully. "I've had quite enough of this commotion." We slept in a hotel that night and started back to Vermont early the following morning. Our journey back was filled with my accounts of life in New York and Paul's accounts of life in Fair Hill while I was gone.

  We arrived home on the eve of Mike and Lyddy's meeting for Marriage. Amy was at the McIntires, helping with last minute preparations when we reached Fair Hill. "Lisbeth's gone with her," Andrew said after greeting me with affection and telling us where Amy was.

  "That's all right. I'm just glad to be home," I said happily.

  My Uncle stayed an hour then left to return to Newport. "I'll tell your Aunt of your decision," he said to me on the front porch. "You just settle in and don't worry about her." I kissed him goodbye and reentered the house. "I'm going up to wash and change into something more appropriate," I said heading for the stairs. "I'll be down soon.

  "What was her decision then, son? Is she giving up on becoming a nurse?" Andrew asked, somewhat disappointed.

  "I don't think so. She just said she didn't think she should have to be dishonest with herself and with others to get the education she needs. "She doesn't want to become a nurse at the expense of her integrity. She believes that if God wants her to be a nurse, He will make it possible."

  "I can't argue with that," Andrew said simply. "She's right. I'm glad thee brought her home."

  "So am I. I missed her more than I realized," Paul admitted. "It's like getting part of the family back."

  "I agree." he said, taking a chair at the table and pouring another cup of tea. "Thy mother will be happy too."

  The morning of Mike and Lyddy's Meeting for Marriage dawned clear and warm for April. It was First Day. There would be a regular First Day Meeting, during which Mike and Lyddy would become husband and wife according to the Friends' customs. Following this Meeting, there would be a celebration at the home of Ruth and Isaac McIntyre. Amy and Sarah had worked with Ruth to make sure the extra cooking and baking was finished on time. There would be a typical meal followed by a cake in honor of the marriage. Mike and Lyddy would live with his parents until land became available for them in Fair Hill. Everyone was up early. We planned to stop at the McIntires on the way to the Meetinghouse to make sure all was in readiness for the celebration. When we reached the Mcintire farm, the family was just emerging to go to the Meetinghouse. Lyddy and her four brothers were getting into the wagon while Isaac and Ruth were descending the porch steps together. "I just thought we should stop and make sure all was ready," Amy said.

  "Believe it or not, all is ready, thanks to thee and Sarah and of course God," Ruth laughed as she allowed Isaac to help her up on the wagon beside her daughter.

  "And Lyddy looks beautiful too," Andrew said smiling at the young woman beside Ruth.

  "I don't think I've ever been so scared, Uncle Andrew," Lyddy admitted soberly.

  "It's only Mike, thy best friend in all the world, " Paul told her, climbing down to go and give her a hug and a brotherly kiss. "I can't tell thee how happy I am for both of thee. This was planned so long ago by the Lord that it seems overdue. Thee must not worry for a minute, Lyddy. Mike loves thee very much."

  "I know, and I love him too, but we're going to be responsible for one another after today and I want the very best for him."

  "And that's what he'll have with thee as his wife," he assured her quietly. "I think every man in Fair Hill envies him. Thee knows that, doesn't thee?"

  Her eyes were dancing with merriment as he asked this. "Does that include thee, Paul Becker?" She asked, laughingly.

  "It does, most assuredly include me, Lyddy McIntyre." He said

  She knew he was only half teasing. "I wish thee and Bets were going to be with us," she said sadly.

  He put a hand on her chin and lifted her face, then gazed deeply into her quiet brown eyes. "Thee mustn't think about Betsy today or me for that matter." He said firmly, his love for her in his face as he spoke. "Th
ee must only think of thee and Mike and thy long and happy life together. Does thee understand?"

  She put up a hand to brush a few tears from her cheek. "I understand," she said simply. "And I love thee for thy support. Thank thee, Paul." he bent and kissed her cheek lightly then released her and went back to his family's wagon in silence.

  When we reached the Meetinghouse, most of the others were already gathered there. We entered and took places as usual, Lydia choosing to sit between Sarah and Ruth. The Meeting for Worship proceeded as usual then with some silent time for centering our thoughts and emptying our minds before anyone spoke. Only when we were open could we expect to receive anything from the Holy Spirit. Some spoke then, bringing up their concerns or those of the Meeting. But others spoke giving words of encouragement or advice to the couple about to be married. After Meeting had been in progress for about forty-five minutes, Mike rose from the bench where he sat with his father and went to the front of the Meetinghouse near the facing bench. There he waited nervously while Lyddy also rose and came to stand with him. They turned then to face one another in full view of the assembled Meeting. They joined hands and Mike spoke.

  "I, Michael Hansen," he began in shaky tones. "Take thee Lydia McIntyre to be my wife, Promising, with divine assistance, to be unto thee a loving and faithful husband as long as we both shall live."

  Then Lyddy, a few happy tears falling unheeded from her eyes repeated. "I, Lydia McIntyre, take thee, Michael Hansen to be my husband. Promising, with divine assistance, to be unto thee a loving and faithful wife as long as we both shall live." After this, they exchanged simple gold bands and sealed their vows with a light kiss. Then the clerk of the Meeting rose and read their marriage certificate to the assembled Meeting after which the couple signed it. When worship was concluded it also would be signed by the clerk of the Meeting and everyone else present as witnesses to the marriage. Mike and Lyddy were then seated and Meeting for Worship resumed.

  Most of the Meeting was present at the McIntyre farm after the Meeting for worship. Gifts were given there and a hearty meal enjoyed by all. Though Mike and Lyddy were now living with his parents, it was generally assumed that eventually they would have their own home. The gifts, therefore were practical household goods that they could use then.

  "It was a beautiful meeting," I said as we drove home. "I like the idea of two people who love one another simply giving themselves to each other. It was a far cry from what I grew up with in Wisconsin. In the Lutheran church the minister has to tell them what to say and when."

  "Yes, those vows that Mike and Lyddy took are traditional too," Paul told me quietly. "Every couple says the same thing unless they want to add something original." "They may say the same thing but they decide when and how it will be said," I replied. "And I like that. Betsy and Sean were there and I don't think she was too happy." I touched his arm as I spoke, knowing that it had been difficult for him too, seeing Betsy there with Sean.

  "Unfortunately," He began. "She made her decision. There's no changing things now."

  "That doesn't make it any easier for thee, though, does it?" I continued, my face full of understanding and concern.

  "Having folks about who understand helps," He answered, giving me a slight smile. "Thanks."

  Spring grew busy after Mike and Lyddy's Meeting for Marriage. The planting was done. The last of the maple sap was harvested and made into syrup. The days became long and busy for everyone in Fair Hill. Time passed very quickly. I divided my time between finishing school and helping Doc Wilson as I had before leaving for New York. Doc told the family that I was learning fast and would soon know all he could teach me. Before anyone knew it, summer was upon us, bringing with it not only fresh vegetables from the garden but hotter weather. As summer went slowly on, Paul struggled with his feelings for Betsy. He saw her at Meeting and every now and then in town when he went for supplies on Seventh Day. She was evidently expecting a child now. She changed in ways that had nothing to do with her coming baby. She did everything as if she expected at any moment to be reprimanded. She seemed frightened and very uncertain. A few times when Paul saw her with Sean or with her father, he thought he saw bruises on her face. Paul could never get close enough to be absolutely sure. One Saturday after seeing her again in town with Sean, Paul went to talk to Lyddy about her. Lyddy and Betsy were still friends. Perhaps Lyddy would know.

  Paul found her helping Sarah make jam out of some wild raspberries. "That looks good enough to eat right now," He said coming into the warm fragrant kitchen.

  "I'll send a jar home with thee if thee likes," Sarah said, giving him a hug. "What brings thee here?"

  "I'd like a word with Lyddy if thee can spare her for a moment or two," Paul said. "What's wrong?" Lyddy asked, seeing his face. "Thee looks as if thee saw something thee didn't like."

  "I think I did, but I'm not sure. I'm hoping thee can tell me."

  "What did thee see?" She asked, coming to the kitchen table. Lyddy sat for a moment, and beckoned him to do the same.

  "I just saw Betsy Murphy in the village," He said, taking the offered chair.

  "Was she with Sean?"

  "Yes, they were getting a few things at Karl Meyer's store just like I was. But Lyddy, I think I saw bruises on her face. I don't think it's the first time I have seen such bruises. Has thee ever seen them?"

  Lyddy looked worried. "Yes, Paul, I have seen them often and not only on her face." "Has thee told anyone about this?" Paul asked, rising to pace the kitchen floor in agitation.

  "I've thought about talking to Molly O'Connor about it, but no, I haven't told anyone yet."

  "Does thee not think that someone ought to talk to them?" He asked, surprised that she had done nothing. "There's a baby to think about, and Bets herself."

  Lyddy rose and took his arm. "Paul, if thee goes and talks to the elders, Sean will accuse thee of lying. He would do the same if I went because he knows that we went together to talk to Jared Johnson before."

  "So we watch and do nothing?" Paul was evidently angry. The arm she held shook under her hand.

  "I'll send Mike if thee wishes but we can do nothing. Paul, thee must keep thy anger in check and not raise a hand against Sean. Can thee do that?" She asked sternly. "Thee must remain distant from this for thy sake."

  "I'm afraid I can't leave it all up to Mike. I'm going to Molly myself. If thee will not come with me then I will go alone."

  "But thee will not go to Sean or to Betsy thyself?" She insisted.

  "Not if Molly agrees to help. If she doesn't I'll probably do something."

  "If she doesn't, thee must go to Jared and let him go to them. Thee must not go thyself."

  He would not promise not to go to the Murphy farm but she did get his word that if he went, he would take Mike or his father with him. Paul left them then and went to the home of Molly O'Connor. He found her putting up things from her garden. She was somewhat surprised to see him but invited him in and took off her apron to sit with him for a time in her parlor. "I don't want to keep thee from thy work, but I have a rather important matter to talk with thee about," Paul said as they seated themselves with glasses of cool water. She leaned back comfortably in her chair and smiled her warm smile.

  "I have taken everything off the stove. Nothing will be harmed by my giving thee a few minutes. I can tell thee is upset by something. Is there illness in the Meeting?"

  "No, but there is a serious problem," Paul began. He told her what he had seen in town and about his conversation with Lyddy. "I realize that it would not be best for me to go and talk to them, but something must be done before she or the baby is harmed further. I know she chose to marry him to please her father but does that mean she must endure his abuse the rest of her life?"

  "Thee must try and remain calm," she said putting a cool hand over his clenched fist as it lay on the arm of his chair. "Thee must not take out thy anger against Sean. Thee should keep thy distance from him and let others handle this."

  "Will
others handle it?" Paul asked directly. "Will they be talked to by the elders and will Sean be disciplined?"

  "I will talk to Betsy myself, Paul and I will ask Jared to go and talk to Sean. If that doesn’t result in change, then the Ministry and Oversight will decide what disciplinary action can be taken."

  "Thee will go soon and talk to her?"

  "I will go right now if thee is finished with what thee wishes to say." She told him. "I am as concerned for her well being as thee is, Paul and for the little one."

  "Thank thee, Molly," Paul said. "I want thee to know that this means a lot to me."

  "I know it does. I'm sorry that things have turned out like this for Betsy," she said as they rose. "I'll go now and talk to her if she's back from the village. If she is not, I will wait for her. But thee must not go to the Murphy farm. Will thee promise not to do so, Paul?"

  "I will not go," Paul promised. He went back to his father's farm, hoping this would be the end of the entire incident.

  When Molly reached the Murphy farm and explained her errand to Betsy, the younger woman seemed very angry. "Molly," she said in firm tones, "This is a family matter. It should not concern the Meeting."

  "I have never known too many family matters to be separate from the Meeting," Molly replied firmly. "Living according to the beliefs of the Society of Friends is a lifestyle not just something one does on First Day. Betsy thee knows better than that. We are all concerned about thee and thy baby. If thee is being mistreated, thee can come to the Meeting for help. Why doesn't thee come and ask for it or accept it now that it has been brought to thee?"

  "I'm all right, Friend Molly," Betsy said slowly, looking down at the floor, unable to meet Molly's open gaze.

  "Thee is not all right. I can see it in thy face. Thee can't even look at me when thee speaks. Let us help thee Betsy before something happens to thee or thy child."