Dillard Beach Mystery – 67

“When it comes to “nappies,” you can never have enough,” Rebekah warned Emma, smiling. “It is well you already know what to expect when your time to deliver has come. But you must be prepared for the unexpected. I have delivered dozens of children and not one the same as another, but I am sure all will be well with you. You are young and strong and I will be at your side. A few of the neighbor women can come to assist as well. Is there any one in particular you would want to ask?

Emma considered her question. “There is one woman, a Mrs. Fisk, who has been especially kind. She is a mother many times over. Five children and each one, a son. She seems a sensible woman.”

Rebekah gave a small laugh. “She would have to be to handle that chaos.”

“She has offered to come.”

“And welcome, certain,” Rebekah smiled. “The more support you have about you, the better things will be for both you and the babe. Have you prepared the groaning beer?” Rebekah asked.

“Charles started the beer while we were in Hyannis and brought a small barrel with us on The Caroline.“

“Well, then it is time he cracked the barrel open, Emma. You need to build up your strength. I judge from the looks of your belly, you will not have long to wait before your child is born.”

That evening Charles uncorked the cask of groaning beer and they all indulged in the warm, frothy liquid. Even Ezra had a small sip, though he did not like it.

“Are you ready to be a father, Charles?” Rebekah asked when they were all comfortably seated by the fire.

Before answering Charles looked at Ezra who was was seated on the floor busily playing with a small wooden toy. “I cannot say, Rebekah. I hope so. I watch you with Ezra and in spite of all that has happened to you, you are still kind and caring and patient. If I can be half so good with my own child, I will count myself well blessed.”

Rebekah studied her friend. She could see he was worried. “You have no reason to be concerned Charles. I have not known you long, but I believe you to be a man of good intentions. I can see Emma clearly loves you and Captain Chapman trusts you. Both are endorsements of your good character. The value the Captain places on your friendship is of no little importance to me. I have no doubt you will make a fine father to your children.”

Charles look down, his face flushed with pride. “I thank you for your kind words Rebekah.” He reached out and held Emma’s hand. “I pray I am worthy of your trust however many children we have.”

Emma laughed and looked at Charles. “How many children are you wishing for, husband?”

“As many as the good Lord means to send us.” He paused, glanced at his wife and continued. “I think half a dozen at least, if I had my way.”

Emma shook her head. “Not if I have anything to say about it,” her voice filled with humor.

“They will serve us well stocking shelves here at the trading post,” he teased. “I mean to make this trading post the biggest and most important on the coast. I can use all the help the good Lord sends my way.”

“At what cost to me and my person?” Emma asked. “You think having children an easy task?”

“Not at all, dear wife. But bearing my children is what you are meant to do.”

His voice grew less serious as he continued. “It is your path in life. The path you have freely chosen.”

Emma shook her head. “I would despair if I thought you honestly meant what you say.”

“But I do, Emma. I mean every word. You are my wife and it is your duty to bear me children. I intend to fill the house with them.”

Emma sat back in her chair, stunned.

“You should not be surprised at my words, Emma. You promised to love, honor and obey. I want children. A lot of children. I need them to help me in my work here in Saybrook.” He paused, then continued. “I think of it as creating a little band of worker bees.”

Emma looked at her husband, shook her head in wonder and sighed.

He suddenly grinned at his wife and laughed out loud. “Do not be alarmed, Emma. I am only teasing you.” He reached out and took her hand. “Be assured, I will be perfectly happy with just the one child that is on its way. As long as you and the child are healthy, I will be satisfied.”

“And Rebekah will see to that,” Emma added, looking at her friend.

Rebekah smiled at the young couple. “I see no reason to worry. Your delivery should be an easy one, Emma.”

It was several mornings later, while both women were busy with household chores that Emma was suddenly aware of a cramping pain in her abdomen. It came from deep within and quickly spread to her lower back. She cried out.

“What is it, Emma?”

“It is too early.” She grabbed Rebekah’s hand and squeezed as a second wave of pain spread across her body. She shook her head, trying to catch her breath. “I have been feeling these aches all morning, but I thought it was an upset stomach.”

Rebekah gave her a knowing smile.

Emma shook her head. “It is too early. The babe is not due for weeks.”

“Babies have their own sense of time, Emma, you should know this.”

“But I am not ready.”

Rebekah put her arm around Emma, and supported her as another wave of pain caused Emma to bend over and grab her belly.

As Emma leaned into her friend, Rebekah quickly looked about, and saw Ezra standing near the door, a frightened look on his face. “Ezra, go find Charles and tell him to come quickly.” Ezra did not move. “Ezra did you hear me? I need your help. Go find Charles. NOW!” she shouted.

Stunned at his mother’s demand, it took a moment for Ezra to move. Finally he nodded, “Yes, mama,” and ran out the door.

The next few hours were focused on Emma. Rebekah helped her friend up the stairs to the second floor bedchamber as Charles raced to find Mrs. Fisk. She arrived with several women neighbors in tow and quickly joined Rebekah in making Emma as comfortable as possible. Tea was brewed, groaning beer was poured and cakes were laid out as refreshment for all the visitors who would be dropping in to help.

“Did you put a knife under the bed?” one of the women asked. “That will cut the pain.”

“Done,” Mrs. Fisk acknowledged. She turned to Rebekah. “I know you are a midwife, but I brought my best herbs and tinctures with me as you might not have yours at the ready what with all your recent troubles.”

“That is most kind, Mrs. Fisk. I am sure your medicines will bring Emma comfort.” She turned to the other women who had gathered in the bedchamber. Mrs. Fisk and I will take care of Emma, but your presence and support of Mrs. Ballard is most appreciated. There is much to be done, but you have all been through this so many times I leave it to you to manage things.”

“Do not worry, miss,” one woman spoke up. “We know best how to help a woman bring her child into the world.”

The women agreed and promptly worked together, changing bed linens, heating the kettle and holding Emma’s hand throughout the day and into the evening. It was a long but uncomplicated delivery and after twelve hours of labor, Emma was finally delivered of a beautiful baby girl.

Word of the safe delivery spread to the nearest village and along the river. House and yard quickly filled with neighbors. Some brought food to share and all enjoyed pints of groaning beer. A fire pit was dug in the back yard and rabbits were roasted. The joyous gathering lasted late into the evening. It was not until after midnight and most of the well wishers had left that Rebekah and Mrs. Fisk were finally able to join the circle in the great room.

Charles stepped forward with pints for each. He turned to the small group of well wishers still gathered by the fire and raised his own stein. “Join me as I salute these women for their kindness and care in bringing my new daughter into the world.”

“Agreed!”

Rebekah smiled and was about to raise her own pint when she caught site of the tall, handsome figure of Captain Chapman standing in the doorway.

It was Charles who noticed Rebekah had turned and sat down abruptly, eyes fixed on the entrance to the trading post. He followed her gaze.

“Captain!” He raised a glass in greeting. “Welcome back!”

Everyone in the great room turned as one and greeted Captain Edward Chapman. He stood in the entranceway, a dark figure silhouetted against the moonlit sky. A wide brimmed hat shadowed his features until he took it off in one grand sweeping gesture.

Breaking the spell caused by his appearance, Chapman smiled, nodded and walked towards Charles. He put out his hand. “I believe congratulations are in order, sir.”

“A girl, Edward.” Charles said proudly. “I have a new daughter.”

“And Emma?”

Charles turned towards Rebekah. “Thanks to Rebekah and these neighbor folk, Emma is doing fine.”

“Good to hear.”

Charles offered Chapman a pint of beer and the two moved off to one side to talk.
Rebekah watched as they moved away. She was eager to tell the Captain of her troubles, but realized this was not the time. Her problems would have to wait until morning. She looked about for Ezra and found him sleeping on a bench by the fire.

“Come, sleepy head. Time for bed.” She helped the boy stand up and the two headed up the stairs to their bedroom.