Chapter Twenty

Late July… 1679

Emma arrived at the cottage by mid-afternoon. Philippa Pritchett was surprised at how young she appeared, but Rebekah assured her mentor that Emma was nearly twenty and had already assisted her with several deliveries. “I think you will find that Emma learns quickly, and is very thorough.”

“I would expect nothing less from a student of yours,” Philippa responded.

“But does she understand the making of tinctures and salves?”

Rebekah turned to Emma. “Emma, would you go to the shed and make a short inventory of the herbs we have on hand.”

With Emma out of hearing, Rebekah continued her report to Philippa. “What is most important, Emma seems to love the work as we both do and the women we have served these past few months seem most content with her. I think she will make a very good midwife.”

Philippa nodded and turned to Rebekah. “We should get started, then. No time like the present. Who do we need to visit this afternoon?”

Rebekah checked her diary. “I think it best if we look in on the Dawsons. Amelia is nearly full term. I wager she will deliver before sundown.”

The cottage door opened and Emma entered carrying a small basket of dried herbs. “We have a good supply of herbs I can use to make tinctures this afternoon.”

“I need to visit the Dawson farm instead, Emma.”

“Is it a fair distance to travel?” Philippa asked.

“Not so far.” Emma answered. “Just a bit up the road. The two sisters married brothers and settled in together on the same farm. One big happy family, you see.”

“No longer than a few miles of country walking, Philippa,” Rebekah added. “But perhaps you would prefer to take the wagon? I can drive the three of us if you like.”

Philippa agreed. “No need for you to take the reins, Rebekah. I will ask William to drive us to the Dawsons. He can explore the village and meet the local merchants while we work.”

And so it was decided. William was roused from his afternoon nap and with Rebekah, Philippa and Emma in the wagon, they drove the four miles to the Dawson farm. A small group of women were already milling about the front yard. Neighbors who knew Amelia was close to giving birth had arrived to prepare the house, serve the guests and help with the delivery.

“Is there always such a fuss made here when a babe is to be born?” Philippa asked.

“It is our way. Neighbors are most generous. They come to clean the house, tend to the children and assist as needed.” Rebekah turned to Emma. “Would you please see to the neighbors, Emma. Set them to preparing whatever food they brought with them. I will go to Amelia.”

“And what would you have me do?” Philippa asked.

Rebekah paused to consider. “I think what I really need is for you to observe both Emma and myself as we work. Tell me if there is anything we forget or overlook.”

“You want me to supervise?” Philippa asked.

“I am never without the need to learn more, Philippa. Your observations could be most helpful if any of my methods are ever questioned.” She thought of the recent remarks made to her by a few women at one of her recent deliveries.

“In that event, let me speak plain.” Philippa responded. “You look very tired and worn, my dear. I believe that babe of yours is closer to coming into this world than you think. Let Emma take the lead with this Amelia Dawson. Go find yourself a quiet spot in the garden and rest yourself for a bit.”

Rebekah hesitated. It was true she had been feeling more tired and anxious than usual. For the past day she had ignored a series of short, intense contractions she had been feeling in her gut. There was no pattern to them and the pain always passed within just a minute or two. It was probably a stomach ailment that would pass soon enough. No need to fuss about it. But she had to admit she was very tired.

“I’ll rest when we get home tonight. Amelia is my patient and I will see her delivered.”

Philippa said nothing but followed Rebekah and Emma into the house. She stayed in the background and watched carefully as Rebekah and Emma worked. Within two hours of their arrival at the Dawson Farm, Amelia delivered her fourth child without any difficulty. During the delivery, Emma had taken the lead and managed the birth with skill. Both mother and child looked to be strong and healthy. It was a time to celebrate. The good news quickly circulated among the neighbors standing outside. The new father quickly opened jugs of cider and both men and woman toasted the healthy delivery of another Dawson child.

Rebekah thanked the neighbors for all their help and would have stayed longer had she not noticed darkening clouds in the sky. She quickly found William amongst the men in the yard.

“We must go now if we are to make home before dark and miss the rain that is surely coming.”

Reluctantly, William agreed. He had been looking forward to drinking cider and feasting on good food but he knew it was more important to get back to the cottage before the rains fell.

On the ride home, Philippa quietly shared her assessment with Rebekah. “Your student did very well, my dear. She worked quickly and with confidence.”

“Emma deserves much of the credit.”

“And so do you as her teacher.” Philippa studied Rebekah closely. Every bump in the road seemed to cause her friend to wince in pain. “Are you feeling ill?”

Rebekah shook her head, “no.” “It’s just an upset stomach. I think it might be something I ate.”

Philippa stared at her friend and felt her forehead. “How long has this stomach ache been going on?”

Rebekah hung her head. “Most of the day. It started early this morning. Perhaps I ate a piece of bad fish?”

“Does the pain come and go in waves? With the time in between getting shorter?”

Rebekah stared at her friend. “You think I’m in labor?”

“I think there is a very good chance of it.” Philippa smiled.

“But I’m not due for at least a month.”

“You, better than most, Rebekah Howland, should know that your best guess at timing a birth is just that. A best guess.”

Emma leaned into the conversation. “Don’t worry, Rebekah. Let us get you home. All will be well.”

Philippa turned to her husband driving the wagon. “William, can you pick up the pace a bit? I think our Rebekah is about to give birth and I’d prefer it not happen in your old wagon.”

William turned in his seat and glanced back at his passengers. Philippa was holding a very pale Rebekah in a close embrace.

“Hurry husband. There’s no time to waste.”

William set the whip to the animal’s backside and the horse pulled away towards the main road. Within a mile of travel, it began to rain. Soft at first, then in steady streams. The travelers pulled whatever blankets they had with them up over their heads for protection and held tight to the sides of the wagon as William urged the horse to pull faster. After twenty minutes of soggy travel, the road had turned to mud. It was just after the wagon wheels had begun to slip in the rutted road that they finally turned the last corner into Dillard Lane towards Rebekah’s cottage. William pulled the wagon close to the front of the building and set the brake.

“Everyone out!” he shouted.

Emma and Philippa each took one of Rebekah’s arms and eased her out of the back of the wagon just as John Howland appeared at the cottage door. He carried a small lantern and the light was just strong enough for him to see Rebekah bent over in pain.

“Rebekah!” he cried out and reached out to her.

“She is all right, John.” Philippa’s clear voice cut through his fear. “No need to worry. We will see to her.” She pushed past the man who stood frozen with panic and entered the cottage.