If everything looked good, she would remove that piece of meat and place in an interior room to cool. Then she’d add a few pieces of wet wood to the fire to continue smoking the rest of the meat.
The smoked hams would need to cool for at least two days before they were wrapped in cheesecloth and set to hang for at least three months. They’d be ready just in time for Christmas. She’d then rotate the meat that was salt curing and make sure that the salt wasn’t getting wet, which would cause the meat to spoil.
Once she had checked on the shop, she would make any additional rounds in the afternoon and get home in time to take care of the animals in the evening.
Heather rubbed her eyes. She blamed her sour mood on lack of sleep. Jackson promised he’d be home within a week. That gave her two more days alone. She could live with two days. She pulled her buggy in front of Lauren Hale’s house. A young mother, she was expecting her first child and had all the fears that went with it.
Heather climbed out of the buggy and tied her horse to the post in front of the house. Grabbing her medical bag, and an old leather satchel that Dr. Woods gave her, she climbed the porch to Lauren’s door. Lauren must have been waiting for her, as the door opened before Heather could knock.
“I made some tea,” Lauren said, stepping outside. She rubbed her hands up and down her arms. “Feels like the temperature is dropping.”
“Let’s get you inside,” Heather said, guiding the young mother back into her home. “How have you been feeling?”
Lauren wasn’t due until January; she was just beginning to show in the belly. “I’m rather tired.”
“That’s to be expected.” Heather went to the stove and placed her hand close to the iron pot that was steaming. She grabbed two cups from above the stove and placed them on the table where Lauren was sitting. “Any sickness?”
“Usually in the afternoon.”
“It is different for everyone. Have you been eating?” Heather picked up the teapot and gave it a swirl before pouring the amber brew into the cups. She put the pot down and pushed a cup towards Lauren. Lauren pulled her shawl tighter around her shoulders.
Lauren Hale was a pretty girl. Heather knew Lauren was a society girl in Philadelphia, where her family lived. Unfortunately, she never fully adapted to the harsh conditions out west. The weather and harsh life had taken a toll on the young woman. Her dark hair was neatly braided and pinned around her head. Her skin was pale with a slight blush on her cheeks and lips. She looked at Heather with soft brown eyes surrounded by long lashes. Heather could tell Lauren had been crying.
“I’ve been eating some. It appears soup is the only thing I can keep down right now.”
“What kind of soup?” Heather asked, looking around the room as she sipped her tea. Lauren’s husband had done everything he could to make the house look like what Lauren would be used to, but she still didn’t appear happy. Heather was worried because melancholy wasn’t good for the baby.
“We have some leftover vegetables from last year, and I purchased a chicken from Mrs. Harvey.” Lauren gave a sigh. “I think I’ve boiled all the flavor from the bones.”
“I think there are some soup bones at the butcher shop. I need to go over there and check the fire. I’ll drop one off on my way back home.”
“You don’t have to do that. I don’t have any money to pay you. I wish Jonah had never left.” Lauren placed her head in her hands and began to cry.
Heather leaned over the table and put her hand on Lauren’s arm. “Now, don’t you worry about that. Consider it part of my fee for making sure that baby is born as healthy as possible.”
“It’s not that,” Lauren wailed.
“Then what is it?”
“I know Jonah went to find food for the winter. I’ve just never been alone before.”
Heather straightened in her chair. “I know, Lauren, but the men will be back soon, and you won’t be alone again.”
“It isn’t just that. We had a fight before he left. I didn’t want him to go on the hunt, and my last words to him were so hurtful and ugly.” Heather shifted. She didn’t want to pry, but there was no need as Lauren continued. “I told him he was a terrible husband that couldn’t provide for me and that I’d be headed back to Philadelphia before he returned.”
“Oh Lauren,” Heather said. She wasn’t sure what to do, so she simply refilled Lauren’s empty cup.
“I’m afraid I’ll never see him again,” she said, her shaking hands picking up the cup and taking a sip. “I didn’t tell him how much I really love him.”
Heather gave a slight smile. “I’m sure that he will be more than delighted to hear the words once he gets home. Then you can celebrate the baby.” Heather pointed to Lauren’s slightly round belly, “who looks like he or she is growing. You are larger than the last time I was here.”
Lauren instinctively placed her hand over her belly. “I had to let my dress out. I still have five months to go. I’m going to have to make a whole new wardrobe.”
Heather chucked, standing. “That sounds like it might be the best part.” She picked up her bag and looked at Lauren. “Now, why don’t I check
