Since Ida had died, Mary had been melancholy. She had started to feel the baby kick and that had picked up her lagging spirits. Dark Henry was at a loss of how to cheer Mary up, but kept loving her through her low moments. The mistress helped Mary a great deal, he knew the old woman mother-hen’d Mary, and he was pleased that Mary’s chores had been reduced.
Henry sat on a short stool before his wife. They had finished supper some time ago and were talking. Liza was bouncing her grandson, Samuel, on her knee as she watched the strapping young man rub Mary’s feet. Liza rolled her eyes; this poor boy was a goose for his bride. Liza was sure that Ida was rolling her eyes as well. She missed her friend, and knew one day she would see her again. Liza watched as Henry’s large hands engulfed Mary’s foot, rubbing the swollen ankle and toes.
Mary groaned in blissful response, the pain in her back had been competing with the pain in her feet. Liza had fixed an old herbal remedy to take the pain from her back. Liza also sipped the brew, tasting mint among the other flavors. It helped with all kinds of aches and pains and Liza was feeling the aches more and more each day. They had been discussing the young master’s upcoming wedding, it was only a few months away. The mistress had been in rare form, entertaining the Calhoun daughters and mother. It was peaceful in this home.
Liza said something silly and caused Mary to start laughing with abandon. Henry grinned. Liza had to look away, the sweetness of the couple broker her heart with joy. Without warning, Henry fell back, a shocked look on his handsome face, the front of this pants thoroughly soaked.
Dumbly looking down at his clothes and back up to Mary and then Liza, unsure of what had just transpired. Mary was just as stunned, “I…I think I just peed.”
Liza started laughing uproariously at their dumfounded faces. She hooted and stomped her foot. Great tears rolled down Liza’s broad face, she could scarcely breathe with the hilarity that had hit her. She even frightened her grandson, who started up a loud squall. This only provoked Liza to laugh harder and louder, both feet now stomping on the dirt floor.
The look on their faces was priceless, Liza knew they must think her mad. It took great strength and determination for Liza to rein in her laughter and it threatened to spill over again when she looked at Henry’s hurt and befuddled face. Her mouth quivering, she explained.
“Child, your water has broken. That baby is coming. Let’s get you ready.”
Henry shot to his feet, fear and panic clear on his blue-black features. This sent Liza over the edge and she had to hand over her grandson to Mary before she pissed herself. She left the cabin, assuring them that she would return shortly. The hilarious laughter following Liza out into the warm evening, leaving Mary with a crying baby and a panic-stricken husband. Her mouth began to quiver with the absurdity of the situation.
Fearing she would frighten her grandson more with her laughter, Liza bit down and stifled the burbling giggles. Liza was back within a few moments; she carried a small bag of herbs. It was down to serious business now, down to the business of birthing.
Mary was rocking a now quiet Samuel, she looked up when Liza re-entered the cabin. She spotted the bag that Liza had in her hands. Mary had seen her with this when Nan had been in labor. She handed Samuel over to Nan, who had been right behind Liza.
“All right Henry, get you out young man. This here is women’s work.” Liza grunted, as she moved the table back.
“You would just be in the way boy, git you off now.” She ordered, kindness taking the edge off her order.
Henry was torn between wanting to stay and argue and running hell bent for the smithy. He settled for kissing his wife and left her to go and pace outside the cabin. He could feel his heart hammering in his chest and he felt dizzy with fear and excitement. He stood by and watched as several other women went into his home. Some were carrying old quilts, while others brought clean rags. Nan left with Samuel.
Word had spread quickly and several more women came to the cabin to lend their help. Bethy was there, she had once been a strapping healthy woman, but had grieved herself into a shell. She cried still to this day for her Ellis. Word had trickled down over the years, they’d heard that Ellis had gone to New York as a printer’s apprentice. Henry thought Bethy would be happy for her son, going up north meant freedom, but Bethy would hear none of it, she wanted her son close by. They had given up trying to reason with her.
Henry moved around the cabin, looking into the door from time to time. He saw that Mary had changed into an old shift, and was sitting in their bed. Liza was speaking with her. He hoped that Mary would be alright, she was a tall sturdy woman, but Henry knew as everyone else did, birth was a chancy business. More than one strong woman had died in childbirth, he knew. Henry remembered the tormented screams of the husband and surviving children. He shivered and moved away from the door.
Patina was also there to lend a hand; she was pregnant as well and everyone knew it was Theo’s baby. Theo had been visiting her like a thirsty man visiting
