Em. Chron. 4

Emily's Chronicles: Part 4: Scandal
By Trish and Tammy

Disclaimer: The following is a work of fanfiction. Emily of New Moon was created by L.M. Montgomery and is the property of her, her estate, and her heirs, not me. No copyright infringement is intended and no profit was made.

Isabel awoke early that morning. It had been more than a week since the evening the whole family had discovered that she was expecting, and she felt like a prisoner in her own room. She hadsuffered two more episodes of severe morning sickness early in the week, but since then had found herself feeling better and better until today she felt like her old self.

Dr. Burnley had come round late yesterday and had her declared fit to be up and around on the condition that she not overdo things, and take it easy. She knew that her plans for the day were probably not what he had in mind, but if she did not get back to work she felt like she would go crazy. All she had done the past week was lie in bed staring at the ceiling. When she wasn't thinking of Francis Carpenter, her mind was plagued with worry over all the horrible things the doctor had told her may happen to herself or the baby simply because she was a bit older than most first time mothers. She knew he hadn't meant to frighten her, he felt she had a right to know so she could take precautions. But it did make her wonder what the next seven
months would bring.

Isabel had no intention of doing anything that would jeaopardize the health and safety of her child, but she needed to go back to work. For as long as she could anyway. She needed the focus to take her mind off of her baby's father. She also needed the money. There would soon be another mouth to feed at New Moon, and one less person working. She was determined to teach
for as long as she could, or until she was found out. It was this thought that brought her up short. What would happen when the town, the parents, caught on to her condition. She knew she couldn't hide it forever, but she had some serious planning to do.

Isabel quickly changed into her good dress for school. She was about the give the back sash its normal good hard tug to tye it and then remembered. It was strange to think, she had been pregnant for two months and not known it, she traveled across the Atlantic, did the washing, cooking, and cleaning, walked all the way from Shrewsbury and nothing had happened. Now that she
knew that there was a little life inside her she was paranoid about every move. She decided to tye the sash a little loser than usual, and hoped no one would notice. Feeling energized but a bit anxious Isabel picked up the stack of books she would need for the day, opened her door, and headed for the back staircase.

She found the whole family seated around the kitchen table enjoying a breakfast of porridge and eggs. She took two steps into the room, and suddendly the conversation went silent. All eyes were on her. They undoubtedly could tell that she was going back to work.

Isabel decided to ignore the wide eyed stares. They weren't going to change her mind anyway. She wasn't hungry, but decided that she had better have a bite to start the day. She wasn't so much eating for herself right now.

"Good morning everyone!" Isabel smiled, and then turned to Jimmy. Laura had told her how worried he's been over her, and how angry he was at Mr. Carpenter. She felt a little ashamed over the way she had treated him in the past, but hoped she had found an unexpected ally.

Swallowing his food, Jimmy smiled back, and said with extra care:
"'Morning Isabel! How're you?"

He felt like he was walking on eggshells right now, and was always
checking on her to see if she was alright. He felt like, being the
only man in the house, it was somehow his responsibility to take the place of Mr. Carpenter and do what *he* should be doing... whatever that was. Jimmy wasn't sure. Frankly, the things Dr. Burnley had said had terrified him, though he wasn't quite sure if he knew he understood.

He wondered if he would be prepared to deal with it if Eve should get pregnant when they were married. He wondered if when the time camefor Isabel, he'd know what to do. He *had* delivered calves before, but would this be the same? So he was on overdrive trying to do everything right. Maybe he could ask Dr. Burnley more about it...? He was also very concerned about how Laura was really handling the news. It had only been a few weeks since she lost her own child. He decided to watch that situation very carefully.

Laura smiled genuinely at her cousin. "Good morning, Isabel!! What a big surprise it is to see you this morning!?! Elizabeth or I were going to take your breakfast up to you." She nudged her sister in a vain attempt to get Elizabeth to say something but the elder Murray held her tongue. She was very nearly in shock again.

"Good morning, Isabel!! How are you feeling this morning?" Eve questioned. Isabel noticed her sweetness with the same regret she had greeted Jimmy, she had not always been so kind to Eve either.

"Oh, I feel just fine this morning. " Isabel reassured them. "I guess
it's about time I get back to work. I feel like I've been gone for a year after all that has happened." She said smiling to herself.

"Jimmy," she smiled. "Could you possible drive me to school, and pick me up this afternoon? I don't think I should walk all that way anymore." Emily and Perry were all smiles at the prospect of Isabel finally returning to school. She was a strict teacher, but she handled the class well, knew the subject matter, and would be a welcome relief from Mrs. Stuart's sister, who had returned to be their substitute. You could cut the shock in the air with a knife. Laura and Eve seemed not to know quite what to say, Elizabeth had gone completely white, and Jimmy who was studying her
intensely, still hadn't answered her.

"'Course I can, Isabel!" He smiled at her again slightly stumbling over his words. He wanted to voice his displeasure at her plan, but did not. "I'll bring the carriage round when yer ready t' leave."

Jimmy hurriedly finished his breakfest and, putting on his cap and
coat, went to the barn to hitch the horse to the buggy. Perry,
finishing his food, and got up to follow.

"I'll help ya, Jimmy. Thanks for the food, Missus!" He said to
Elizabeth, grabbing another piece of toast before running after
Jimmy, school-books in hand.

"Gotta go... Wait for me Jimmy!"


After returning Isabel's greeting, as Laura is getting up from the table andtaking her emptied plate and silverware with her to place in the sink, shesays to her cousin, "You can have my seat. You're eating for two now, andyou must have your breakfast, Isabel. While you're eating, I'll make andpack your lunch."

Before making Isabel's lunch, Laura pours a cup of tea, then
sits the cup on a saucer down on the table infront of her cousin, and thenshe dishes her up a bowl of porridge. Sensing that Isabel still may not beover her morning sickness, Laura decides against adding fried eggs to hermenu. After scooping up the porridge with the spoon and placing them on a plate along with a few pieces of dry toast, she hands them to Isabel.

Isabel began taking small bites of the breakfast that Laura had prepared for her, and then realized she was more hungry than she had thought. The oatmeal and tea tasted especially good this morning.

Eve ventured to speak. "Huh, hmmm...that's wonderful, that you want to return to yourteaching job, Isabel. I, huh...huh, I'm also going to be accompanying you and Jimmy to town. We have some things to pick up at the store."

"Thank you, Eve." Isabel replied amazed that Eve was being so caring with her now, after she herself had been so hostile toward Eve in the past. "It sounds like we've all got a big a day ahead of us."

"You're welcome, Isabel," answered an agreeing Eve. "That we do."

As Laura is almost done making and packing Isabel's lunch, she turns aroundto the others, whom still seem stunned, from hearing of Isabel's plannedintentions, she remarks, "I've heard that silence is golden, but this *is* rediculous! You all should be happy for Isabel, for wanting to do more then just lay around in bed all doing nothing all day. Instead, you just sit there like bumps on a log. Right, Izzy and Eve!?"

"Right!" replying both Isabel & Eve at the same time.

Isabel began to laugh to herself. "No one has called me Izzy in years, since I was in school, really. Dr. Burnley's afraid that my having this baby will age me, I really think it is making feel years younger." "Thank you, Laura someone had to bring up the subject, and I agree with you, since I'm feeling alright, I see no reason why I shouldn't work for as long as I can. Besides,
we could certainly use the money, and I need to start putting a little aside for the future." She patted her stomach lightly and smiled as she finished her sentence.

"You're more than welcome." replying Laura. "And I couldn't agree with you more. Just don't over-do it on your first day out, Izzy. It wouldn't hurt for you to go on a half day schedule, for atleast a week." Laura wanted to say more. She wanted to tell Isabel exactly what she had felt when she had made her grevious mistake, and had fallen in the woods. She wanted to plead with her cousin to watch every step pay attention to every detail. However, she also knew that was not what Isabel needed now, and she held very worried tongue.

Oh, everything will be alright. Isabel assured them all, wanting to say words aloud more for her own peace of mind than theirs. She looked at Laura, understanding how difficult it must've be for her cousin to learn of her very own special news. She wanted to tell Laura how sorry she was about the ...accident, about how she wanted them to be closer friends, and how she was afraid her current condition would drive them apart. Most of all she was afraid Laura woulds begin avoiding her so as not to be reminded on what she had lost. However, Isabel held her thoughts inside. That was for a more private conversation.

Then turning to Emily, Laura advises, "Emily, I trust that you'll
help Isabel out, and see to it that she doesn't over do it now.

"Really, Laura, your're such a dear to worry about me, but I'm sure I'll be fine." Isabel thanked her cousin. "It looks like I will have a whole army of protectors. Really, I feel just great today, and hopefully that will continue. I think getting back to work will be the best thing for me right now." She said, wondering how many times today Francis would invade her thoughts. "I promise, I'll be very careful."

--------------

The Spring sun had become warm, but there was just a hint of cold in the wind off the ocean, as Jimmy and Perry drove the buggy round to the front of the house. Isabel stepped out onto the front porch of New Moon. The morning sun felt good on her cheeks, as did the morning air in her lungs after having been confined to house for over a week. She was carrying the small stack of books that she had brought from upstairs, and the lunch Laura had packed for her. Eve had wanted to carry them for her, but Isabel insisted that she not be treated any differently from before, at least for as long as possible. Jimmy and Perry had brought the buggy around and were waiting to help the ladies up.

As Eve waited for her future cousin-in-law to descend the steps before she started down, she remarked "Mmmm!!! Just get a whiff of this cool springy air!!! Betcha you're glad to finally be out in it, aren't you, Isabel?"

"I certainly am. It feels like the whole world has gone on without me." Isabel laughed with Eve, Realizing her whole world was about to change...

"Thank you, Jimmy." She smiled.

Noticing that although Jasper, the gray gelding was feeling frisky this morning, Eve (feeling concerned over Isabel's condition) did feel confidant that Jimmy would have no problem handling him...

When Isabel reached the buggy, Jimmy helped her into the front seat. "I guess he thinks it will be a smoother ride for me in the front." She thought to herself.

Perry assisted Eve in getting into the back seat of the buggy, she smiled and said "Why thank you, Perry." Eve said happily.

My pleasure. Perry smiled tipping his old hat to her as he hurried off to join Emily. They were going to meet Ilse and all walk to school together.

Jimmy walked around the back of the buggy, and stopped for a moment to smile lovingly at Eve, and she back at him. Gently placing her hand on his arm, she whispers "Jasper, I see, is feeling alittle frisky, I trust that you'll see to it he takes it easy during our ride in to town, Honey," gesturing in Isabel's direction.

Seeing Isabel so deep into her thoughts, Eve wanted desparately to say to her, "A penny for your thoughts?", but declined to do so. Instead, she settled back to also enjoy the ride. And gazing lovingly at the back of the man she loved.

Isabel couldn't help but envy the closeness the two of them shared. What was that nickname he had for her? His Queen of Romania. She smiled at that, and realized how deeply these two loved each other. For some reason that had never occured to her before. Isabel remembered how she had always been so concerned about the Murray reputation, and the imagined ruinatin of the family that she never stopped to think about the feelings Jimmy and Eve had for one another. That is not until she had those same feelings for someone. She then remembered how much she wished Francis were here with her. "How different things would be." She thought to herself, and then quickly tried to change the subject in her mind. There was no use in wishing for things that couldn't be. She doubted she would ever see him again. She had resigned herself to the fact that she would raise their child by herself. Well, at least she would have help from her relatives. She marveled at how well most of them were taking the news. She had expected to be thrown out into the street, or at least shipped back to Scotland to face the wrath of her father. But Laura, Eve, Jimmy, and Emily had rallied around her, and even seemed nearly as overjoyed as she was. Isabel laughed to herself when she remembered how over the past week, Laura and Eve had waited on her hand and foot without complaining. They were even secretly making her a new maternity smock for when she got a little bigger. but she wouldn't let them know she knew. Why ruin the surprise. She also remembered the way Jimmy had stuck his head into her room nearly every hour to see if she was alright or if she needed anything, and the way Emily was on cloud nine at the thought of a baby in the house. Even Elizabeth had been kind and protective, althought Isabel was certain that the elder Murray was keeping silent about something she desperately wanted to voice.

Through all of this Isabel was growing closer to her family, and them to her. She had never felt so much like she belonged somewhere before, or that she was truly accepted. At this thought she tried to shove the memories of her not so happy childhood with her father out of her mind. He had never accepted her, she was sure he would have preferred it were she who had died, and not his "wee angel." Well, she wouldn't think of that now, not at such a happy time, and she vowed that her child would never know feelings like she had felt. Before Isabel realized it, they were off to face the day.
___________________________________
The various Murrays were beginning to scatter to their respective responsibilities for the day. Elizabeth followed Laura into the kitchen after collecting several items off the breakfast table, still rather quiet. As the two women approached the sink, Elizabeth glanced out the window. The spring sun had become warm, but there was just a hint of cold in the wind off the ocean. While the days were getting warmer, evenings and mornings could still be rather cold in Blair Water. Turning around, Elizabeth watched Laura for a moment or two as Laura continued to bustle about the kitchen, noticing again how steady Laura had become in her absence. Laura had always been a good worker, never doing less than her share about the farm, but since coming back Elizabeth could see that something was different about Laura. In short, Laura had aquired a backbone. And thank goodness for that! Elizabeth was silently grateful that someone had been able to keep things going in the past week.

Laura noticed her sister's silence, and the pensive look on her face. There was a time when she would have never confronted Elizabeth, or asked to delve into the thoughts knowing what an intensely private person she was. However, the past months had somehow, through all the struggle and heartbreak, given Laura a courage she had never known before. Alright, Elizabeth, out with it. She ventured. You've hardly said a word all morning, and I can tell there's quite a bit you want to say.

"Laura, dear, I..." She began, but could not decide exactly how to continue. She was a bit surprised by Laura's newfound candor.

"Yes, Elizabeth," Laura replied, questioningly? "What is it that you want to ask me?"

Elizabeth obviously struggled to say what was on her mind. "I just wanted to ... apologize ... for leaving so much to you this past week. And I'm grateful you're able to take care of things here."

Laura smiled warmly. I'm just glad your back. She said. To find you alive after all these months...well, it's like a miracle.

I think the miracle is right here. Elizabeth said taking Laura's chin and holding up her face. Is this my quiet little sister? She grinned.

Well, a lot has happened. Laura's eyes seemed distant and sad. I guess we've all changed. But I don't think that was all you wanted to discuss. Laura needed to change the subject quickly, lest her sister see the true pain beneath her smile.

You're right. Elizabeth took a deep breath. It's Isabel. She began.

Yes, I figured as much. Laura said beginning to run water into the sink for the morning dishes. I'm worried about her too.

Hmm, Oh yes. Of course. I do hope that all will be well with her and the baby. Elizabeth had not truly meant that worry, although it had been on her mind since Dr. Burnley had warned them of the risks their cousin faced. She continued. ...And of course there is...well...I don't quite know how to put this. Elizabeth did not want to seem callous, but she was a very practical person.

Laura questioned. There is what?

Elizabeth decided to have out with it. There is also the Murray reputation to be considered. There is was said, and she had more to voice. I mean honestly Laura, to be unmarried and preg... , she could not even voice it. Well, Isabel's situation is one thing. But to insist on continuing to teach is unbelievable. What if she's discovered? What is something happens. Elizabeth could not even stand the image of her last statement.

Laura gave her older sister a comforting smile. Really Elizabeth. She said. Isabel looked fit at a fiddle this morning and I'm sure she will take every precaution. We should applaud her for her decision. What courage it must take. Laura continued. Besides she certainly will need the money. I've known Isabel long enough to know that once her mind is made up there's no changing it. Laura looked sideways at her sister. It seems pride isn't the only thing that runs in our family, there's also stubborness.

It's not her pride I'm talking about. Elizabeth raised her voice beginning to get angry.

Oh, come on now Elizabeth, as far as the Murray reputation goes. I think it can stand one small child. It has been through a lot worse. Laura said.

It isn't just the child either. It's the matter of the child's father. Elizabeth could feel her blood boil at the thought of Francis Carpenter. Ever since the evening he had burst into New Moon and berated her over Emily's writing she could barely stand the thought of him. He was a drunkard, and apparently worse, and now her very own cousin was not only in love with him. She was carrying his child. What Elizabeth did not -- could not, really -- tell anyone, even her own sister, was just how upsetting the past week had been. And, well, disappointing. Yes, that was just it -- Elizabeth had really started warming to her cousin. And then to find out that she -- with Francis Carpenter, no less! Elizabeth could not bring herself to be unkind to her kin when she was so desperately in need, and she was glad to help her for now, but neither did she feel exactly comfortable letting her guard down around Isabel anymore, either.

Elizabeth brought herself back to reality as she dried the dishes Laura was washing. Perhaps we should inform Uncle Malcolm of the situation. What she did not say was that perhaps he would order Isabel to return to Scotland, thus avoiding any knowledge of her predicament in Blair Water.

That is up to Isabel. It's her business, and we're not going to go sticking our noses into things between her and her father. Laura reproached her sister.

But really Laura... Elizabeth began.

Really, nothing. Trust me. I have seen a real change in Isabel since she returned. I for one would welcome the opportunity to be friends with her. Our relationship has not always been on the best of terms. I'm truly hoping for a fresh start. Anyway, she's the one who needs us now more than ever, and I will not turn my back on her simply because the particulars surrounding the birth of her child goes against a few laws of convention. Laura turned and handed the last dish to Elizabeth with a defiante air, almost as if saying I have spoken, not another word about it.' This shocked Elizabeth so greatly that she could not force another word from her mouth.
_________________________________
The ride to town was delightful, it was good to be out and about again, although Isabel wondered what Dr. Burnely would say when he found out that she intended to work as long as she could. At that thought, she remembered that she had an appointment with him this afternoon.

"Oh, by the way, Jimmy. I have an appointment with Dr. Burnley after school. Would it be too much trouble to take me over there? I could walk home from there if you need to do something else." Isabel asked.

It wouldn't be no trouble at all. JImmy assured her. And you ain't gonna walk home, I'll wait for ya. He informed her, as they pulled up to the schoolhouse. ----

There waiting for them in the schoolyard, what seemed to be the whole entire Blair Water PTA - with no children to be seen anywhere... Eve stood up, placing her hands on the back of the buckboard seat behind Isabel and Jimmy, whispered to them saying, "It doesn't look too good here, does it?"

"I don't like this..." Said Jimmy, slowly. "Who're all these people?"

As she recalled a similar scenario she was involved in, in Ida-ho, with her Nez Persces charges, remembering the sneering hateful faces of their white neighbor town folks. She loved her children, and couldn't understand why it was her fellow white race, held them up with such disdain and ridicule. They, after all, had done nothing to cause such animosity. Rising above it all, she chewed them out in the only way she knew how, by reminding them that Jesus loves all children; red, black and white. That they're all precious in his sight. She asked them all, if Jesus were an Indian, would they hate him too?
From her earlier experience, she drew strength from her belief in God, and his great love for all mankind.

Stepping down off of the buggy, she asked, "What, may I ask is going on? Where are your children? There is school today!"

Isabel was taken completely by surprise at the scene that awaited her on her first day back to work. She was also more than a little frightened. Where were the children? Why were there so many people here? And why did they look so angry? Did they know? How could they? She was certain no one but the family and the Burnley's knew, and none of them would tell anyone. For a moment she was glad that Eve had taken the initiative in what looked to be a very serious confrontation. Something in Eve's voice made Isabel think that she must have had experience with this kind of crowd. She was also glad that Jimmy was there, she knew he would protect her if need be.

After a few moments to recover, Isabel decided to join Eve and see what was going on. This was after all her school, and she did not like surprises where her job and her students were concerned. To Jimmy's dismay she quickly descending from the carriage, to stand beside Eve.

"Yes," Isabel repeated sternly. "What is going on here?"

"That's what we'd like to know!" A voice in the crowd shouted at her.

"What do you mean?" Isabel demanded trying to feign the courage that was quickly failing her.

"We don't want you teachin' our kids anymore!" Another voice in the crowd shouted.

"Yeah!" Shouted another voice.

"We ain't gonna have no loose woman teaching our kids." An angry woman yelled at her from a few feet away.

"Especially one that's got herself in the family way." Someone yelled, but she could see who it was.

"Yeah, who's the father?" Someone demanded.

I sabel could feel her heart sinking deeper and deeper with each attack. They did know. How did they find out? She had been so careful. She couldn't believe that the people in this town would be so quick to judge her. She knew most of these people, and they knew her. She wanted to yell back to them that they should know she wasn't that kind of woman. All she had been was a woman in love with a man whom she thought she could trust.

Jimmy had tied the horse up to the rail infront of the school and although Isabel was safely surrounded by her family, she had never felt more alone. She gave a quick thankful prayer that at least they were there with her, and that Eve had taken a stand to protect her. Faced with this angrythrong, she had never felt so tiny. As she moved away, the crowd took a step closer. Jimmy stepped infront of her as a sheild. She had still not made a noise, too afraid that it may come out a scream or a cry, and she wouldn't give them the satisfaction. As all this was going on, Eve was looking for the largest stone she could find. Pleased with her find, she placed it temporarily into her left hand, leaving her right hand free. Returning to a frazzled Isabel's side, she placed her index finger and thumb to her opened mouth, just as Yellow Feather taught her to do, to make an extrodinarily loud whistle. A whistle, that actually startled Jimmy , and caused a usually dostle Jasper to toss his head up in the air, to whinny, and to side-stepping nervously. Isabel was too so deep in her own thoughts that she barely even noticed the shrill noise that brought everyone to silence. Now that Eve had everyones' attention, she placed the stone in the palm of her right hand. Stepping out closer and into the crowd, Eve held out her upright hand, (thinking to herself, if it worked for Jesus, surely, it should work for her...) calmly speaking, she said, "Let ye who are without sin cast the first stone!" The PTA crowd backing off alittle, not knowing what to make of this sprite petite woman, stepping out bravely in their direction, uttering that all familiar Bible text. Seeing that she had their full undivided attention, Eve seized on that moment to come to the defense of her cousin-to-be, Isabel... "Well now, this is more like it!" said she. "I'm sure that all of you recall that scene in the Bible, for which this woman was about to be stoned for allegedly being unfaithful to her husband? Then Jesus stepped in, picked-up a stone and held it out to all them asking,'Let ye who are without sin the first stone! Seeing no takers, he said, 'Judge not, lest ye be judged!' Then he turned to the condemned woman and said, 'Go and sin no more.' Now I ask you, if Jesus can forgive that woman, you surely can forgive Isa...huh, Miss Murray?"

As Emily,Ilse, and Perry are approaching their schoolyard, they hear both angry and friendly exchanges among the adults - voices they also recognize as Eve's and Isabel's... Exchanging glances with each other, they ask each other at about the same time, "Hey! What's going on!?!" as they start running towards thee school. Nearing the clearing of their schoolyard, they don't see any of their fellow classmates, except Perry, standing on the ground next to Jimmy. "Wonder where the other kids are," they both wonder, to each other? They also see Isabel standing behind Eve, next to the buggy. Amazed, at the sight of Eve holding out her upturned hand, they see what appears to be a large object resting on the palm of her hand. "What's Eve gonna do with that rock," asks Ilse? "I don't know," replies Emily. "She isn't going to throw it, that I know." "Why does cousin Isabel look so frightened?" Emily wondered to herself. "Who's this Jesus, Emily," asks Ilse, "that Eve's talkin' about?" "We'll either have to ask Eve or Aunt Elizabeth," replied Emily, "Aunt Elizabeth keeps a Bible on the coffeetable in the parlor. We can look Jesus up in it. Let's go over to where Isabel is. She looks as though she needs us right now." "OK," Ilse agreed!
Jimmy was still standing beside Jasper, his arm over the animal's back trying to keep the scared horse from bolting. Jimmy looked like he was ready to spring at any moment.

From somewhere Isabel found the courage that had failed her a few moments before. Perhaps its was the reassurance of her relatives presense close by, or perhaps it was the ferocity of a mother protecting her child. Somehow she found the words to voice her raging emotions. After all she was Isabel Murray and no one had ever dared to approach her like this before.

"How dare you speak to me like this!" Isabel yelled. "You know me, and you know the kind of person I am? You know me and you know what kind of teacher I am."

"Then you're denying it!" A large man scoffed.

Isabel faltered for a moment. She didn't know what she should do. Why should she deny it? It would be all too evident soon enough. She was not the least bit ashamed. She thought a moment about what Malcolm might tell her to do if he were here. "No, I'm not denying it. You are absolutely correct. I am expecint a child." Isabel informed them, her head held high. "And I am not the least bit ashamed."

"And Mr. Carpenter is the father." An unknown voice in the crowd confirmed.

"How did they know that?" Isabel thought to herself. "What was going on here?"

As Isabel's mind raced to figure out what was happening. A crumpled piece of paper was thrown in her direction. It hit the ground softly, and Eve retreived it for Isabel. Upon opening the piece of parchment she could see that it was some sort of rought draft... of a letter. The words were mispelled, and the penmanship was not the greatest. Then she began to read it... Dear Mr.Carpenter I hope that everything is fine for you. I really miss your teaching manner and everythings! Thanks for encouraging me to write! I will always be gratful! Maybe you want to know what is happening in Blair Water right now? Well I have a big news...Cousin Isabel...I mean Isabel Murray is pregnant. Ilse and I just learn it ( well we were spying, listening to Dr.Burnley and Isabel conversation, I know it's not right...) But I think that we have to say it to you. I am not sure of anything here...but well I know that you and Isabel were in love...so maybe you are the father... Isabel recognized the handwriting. Another stunned silence rocked the crowd at Isabel's admission, they were anxious to see her reaction.

By now Jimmy had noticed Emily,Ilse, and Perry coming up the lane. As they are trotting over to where Isabel is standing, Eve continues speaking to the crowd... Isabel's eyes grew large as she realized what had just happened, and she threw a disbelieving look in Emily's direction. Emily recognizing the paper in Isabel's hands. She had thrown her first copy away of the beach and had thought of it washed away on the tide like so many things at New Moon. She even had romantic visions of Mr. Carpenter finding it on some distant shore and returning for the woman he loved. Emily grew silent and waited for her cousin to reproach her. But she did not. Isabel herself had thought of writing to Francis, but she no longer had is letter or address. She knew that Emily had saved hers, and several times began to ask the little girl to bring it to her, but each time stopped herself. How could she intrude on his life, especially when he had made his choice. Beside, how could she tell him this news through the post, what would she say, and what if he never answered. No she had no right to tell him.

Emily was ready to be punished like she had never been punished before. But Isabel only smiled. Perhaps this would bring her love back to her. Instead Isabel only smiled at her young cousin and whispered, "Thank You."

Turning back to the crowd Isabel announced. It seems you have a dilema as well. Who else in this town is qualified to teach me? She questioned and waited. No answer came.

"I will continue to teach for as long as I am able. Isabel vowed to the crowd. I don't see any suitable replacements standing in line, and I am the only experienced teacher in Blair Water. You know I will not tarnish you children. I care for them a great deal. And I will take great care not to make a spectacle of my... self. Infact, they will never know, unless you tell them.

Then she turned to Eve who was still boiling. Eve said... "I want you all to go home now!!! Tomorrow morning, the first thing, we expect to see nobody but your children waiting around for Miss Murray, when we return to drop her off. Do I make myself perfectly clear!?!"

As the Blair Water PTA is slowly despersing, and leaving the schoolyard, she sees the main source of whom needlessly caused the whole trouble in the first place - so does Jimmy and Perry. It is none other then Aunt Thom, standing beside the seesaw. Eve has such love in her heart, not only for her family, but for all others. As she starts over in Aunt Thom's direction, the older woman starts to bolt and takes off running. Running after her, Eve hollers, "No, Aunt Thom!! Please don't run!! I want to talk to you!!"

The crowd was beginning to disperse from around the schoolhouse. A few stragglers stayed behind to cast hateful looks at Isabel, and a few at Eve. Isabel was glad they were going peacefully, and that the rock still in Eve's hand had not been necessary. Her mind was reeling. The whole town either knew or soon would know, not only about her condition, but also who the father of her child was. She had hoped for at least the last part of her thought to remain a family secret. Her reputation was certainly damaged, but she could perhaps fix that in time. His name was already mud around Blair Water. For all that had happened, she still loved him with all her heart, and had hoped to spare him from this latest scandal.

Well, there was nothing she could do about that now. She wondered if he would receive Emily's letter,... and if he did, would he care. Maybe he would come running back to her admitting that she was the only woman he ever truly loved, and that he was ready to take on the responsibility of their family. Then again, she also had the terrible image of he and his wife getting a great laugh at her predicament. No, she pushed that image from her mind. She was certain he loved her, and would be with her if he could, but there was still that nagging question. Why, after all they had said to each other, after promising to get a divorce, why did he leave with...her?

Jimmy brought Jasper around from where the horse had stood, still a bit unsettled. However, Isabel noticed the way her cousin had with animals, and even as Perry was helping Eve into the back seat, the horse was quieting down. Jimmy gently helped Isabel into the front seat of the buggy, and then walked around and climbed up to take the reins.
Emily and Ilse were looking extemely proud of the way their small band had fended off the crowd and protected Isabel as they and Perry walked off to take care of their own business.

The adults drove off down the road toward New Moon. The day was already growing warmer in the late morning. Their quiet, peaceful drive to the school now seemed a hundred years ago. Jimmy, Eve, and Isabel sat for a while in a thick silence. No one wanting to be the first to speak. They all knew the meaning of what had just happened. Isabel was lost deepest in thought. She couldn't believe how people had turned on her, people she knew. She had known it was not going to be easy, but she never thought it could be dangerous. The looks on their faces still preyed on her mind. Their angry voices echoed in her ears. They had been so malevolent toward her, and for what, because on something still so small it couldn't possibly hurt anyone. Isabel didn't realize it but she was unconsiously clasping both hands over her stomach. Physically she felt fine. Emotionally, however she was in turmoil. Her first reaction was to protect her baby. She also thought of her family. How they had protected her, and how wonderful they were being to her, after all she had done. How she regretted the things she had done to them in the past. She was glad they were there, and she knew she would have to find someway to let them know it, to repay them for all their kindnesses. She had so many things she wanted to say, but couldn't bring voice to her feelings right now.

Jimmy and Eve, remained silent both not wanting to meet Isabel's eyes, trying to give her at least some privacy. Both were lost in their own thoughts as well. Suddenly they were brought to awareness by a rather unfamiliar sound...
Isabel was crying.

"Aaaah now, Isabel," says a consoling Eve. "Don't cry. What happened today, isn't the end that ends all. Infact, things really should get better from here on out. Right, Jimmy!?"

Yeah, You ain't gonna have no more trouble. I'll make sure of that. He said.

I never just thought that people could have so much hatred for an unborn baby. She whispered.

We're not going to let anything happen to you..either of you. Eve comforted her, putting her hand on Isabel's shoulder from the back seat.

Thank you, dear. Isabel tried her best to smile but it seemed false at a time like this. It isn't just that. She confessed as Jimmy brought the buggy to a halt in the shade of some trees for a moment. He wanted to give Isabel his full attention.

Then what is it, are you alright? Jimmy asked concerned.

Yes, I'm fine, I think. Isabel said touched by his worry. It's just that...well... She could hardly bring herself to say it. The truth was she was ashamed of herself. You've all been so wonderful to me, and I have been so horrible to you in the past. Her tears came more rapidly at that admission.

You was just scared, that's all. Jimmy said, in his uncanny knack for reading people. Malcolm brought you all the way over here away from your home and the people you knew, and then he left you here. I guess he's been pretty hard on you for yer whole life. Jimmy looked at her, never realizing the wounded heart that lay beneath the surface of her tough exterior. Now he understood that Isabel had felt she had to keep up her defenses lest anyone else hurt her the way her father had. That's all forgotten. We just want you and the baby to be ok.

You are all so very kind. Isabel said looking around at Eve, and Jimmy. Eve reached for her hand and squeezed it reassuringly as Isabel gave her cousin a kiss on the cheek. Thank you. She said.

You're part of the family. Of course we'll take care of you. Jimmy smiled. Now, let's get you home.

-----------------------------------------
As the Murray Party buggy rolls up between the New Moon house and barn, so early in the day...

A solemn atmosphere seemed to surround the small buggy and it's occupants. Isabel sat quietly lost in thought in the front passenger seat. It was obvious that her mind was racing, with the sounds and images of the angry crowd. Her eyes seemed far away, she was biting a little at her bottom lip, and her brow was furrowed as she kept her eyes on the passing ground. She did not have the same joyful exuberance as when she had left just a short time earlier. It was easy to tell that she was frightened.


A surprised Elizabeth and Laura come to first look out the diningroom window, then to each other in complete wonder. "That's very strange," remarks Laura. "Now why would they all be returning home so early?"A touch of worry found it's way to Elizabeth's heart as she noticed the look on Isabel's face. Whatever she might have thought of Isabel, she certainly wished her cousin no harm. Was something wrong with the baby? "Something's wrong --" Elizabeth Murray did not run, but she certainly moved rather quickly from the window to the door nearest the wagon. Anyone could see the concern and question in her eyes as she watched Jimmy drive as close to the house as possible.
--------------------------------
Elizabeth and Laura had seen how upset their cousins were upon
returning home so early. After hearing about the terrible morning
Isabel, Jimmy, and Eve had just had they did not want to take any
chances, and had practically forced Isabel to go upstairs and lie
down. Under much protest, and reassurances that she was alright,
Isabel did finally comply. Elizabeth promptly sent Jimmy and Eve to
bring Dr. Burnley to New Moon to see about his patient. Laura had
been kind enough to bring Isabel a fresh cup of tea to settle her
nerves, and took the chair by Isabel's bedside to keep watch over her
until the doctor arrived. The two women were quietly talking when
Elizabeth accompanied Allen to Isabel's room.

It was obvious that Isabel had been through a lot that morning.
Upon hearing the story Dr. Burnley was nearly furious when he learned that not only had Isabel decided to risk her health and that of her unborn child by returning to work, but that she also planned to teach as long as she was able. He wanted to give her a stern lecture on just what could happen, and how she needed to take care of herself, but then remembered who he was talking to. Nothing on earth could change Isabel Murray's mind once it was made up. Besides the last thing she needed now was more aggrevation. He would have to use some finesse on this
very stubborn patient.

Elizabeth and Laura quielty excused themselves as the doctor went about examining Isabel. Although Isabel lay quietly still on her bed, her mind was racing. The fact was that she wasn't entirely sure everything was alright. The problems of this morning had made her feel very tired, and emotionally drained. If this was what she would face by returning to work, maybe it would be just as well not to. But as her mind contemplated that possbility, her Murray pride began to swell within her.

"No," she thought to herself as Dr. Burnley was taking her blood
pressure and feeling her pulse. "They might as well get used to it.
I'm not going anywhere. It's better that I deal with this now, than
my child have to deal with it later." Her resolve to make a life for
herself and her baby was growing stronger each day.

When the exam was finished Dr. Burnley assured Isabel that she
was infact fine, but that he was still concerned about her seeming
refusal to take care of herself. He had saved one final card to play. The doctor reached into his bag and took out a stethoscope. He first listened Isabel's heartbeat, which was loud and strong as expected. To her surprise he then put the long ampliphier end of the device over a spot on her abdomin, and listened intently.The expression on his face did not change, it was stoic and intent. Several times he picked up the stethoscope and moved it to adifferent spot. Isabel began to grow worried as she watched from her pillows. What was he listening for, and what was he hearing.

"What? What is it? " she pleaded for him to tell her. But, he
mearly held a quieting finger up to her, and continued. Finally, he
stopped. Isabel didn't know why, but Allen began to smile at her.

Although his smile did relieve some of her anxiety, she still
didn't know what he had found. "Please, tell me what is it?" She begged.

At that Allen took the listening end of the stethoscope and
handed them to Isabel, motioning for her to put it on. She did as she was told, and listened intently for a moment, while he kept the
ampliphier on her stomach.

Then she heard it. A small quiet pattern of sounds came rushing
to her ears. It was the most beautiful music she had ever heard.

"Thub-dub,thub-dub,thub-dub,..."

Isabel layed there entranced for several moments, a wide smile
painting her face, until finally she was able to speak.

Half laughing, half crying with joy, she asked. "Is that what I
think it is?"

Allen smiled and nodded, it was her baby's heartbeat. Again, she listened, her mouth near hanging open in wonder. Although she knew she was pregnant, until now it had somehow seemed quite distant and far away. Suddenly it was very real. There was a tiny heart beating in time with her own, one for which she was sole protector. Now she realized what the doctor had been trying to tell her. She vowed to make sure that nothing would harm her child, not her job (which she still had no intention of giving up), not the town, not anything. Isabel realized the importance in the sounds she was hearing.

She also realized that there was someone missing from this scene in her life. Someone who should be there. The baby's father. How she wished Francis was there. How she wanted him to hear the little heartbeat she heard. As Dr. Burnley was packing up his things and leaving her room, she burried her face in her pillow and cried forthe second time today. However, this time she cried for a very different reason.

Dr. Allen Burnely closed the door to Isabel's room softly behind him, he knew she wanted to be alone, and could her the sound of crying coming through the door already. He could guess what she was thinking about, and why she was crying. He had certainly misjudged his friend Francis Carpenter. Not only had he left his wife, but what he had done to Isabel was inexcusable. Allen was glad he had been able to give Isabel some good news today.

He walked down the stairway, and informed her waiting family that Isabel and the baby were indeed alright. He could sense the releif on everyone's face. He suddenly remembered that he had other patients waiting for him back at his house, and excused himself quickly. But he did not want to leave without talking to Laura first.

"Laura, could I see you outside for a moment?" He asked her humbly.

Being alittle on the worried side, over her cousin's condition, a
weary but puzzled Laura wonders what it is Allan wants to talk to her about. Nodding in agreement, --"Yes, of course, Allan. Is there
something terribly wrong with Isabel, that you're not telling us
about?" as she steps outside with him, asks.

"Oh, no." Allen said "She and the baby are just fine. She really is
stronger that I originally thought. But, I did want to speak to you,
well ask you something." He fumbled with his hat as he spoke.

The doctor kept trying to begin, but seemed to trip on his words.

It was usually so easy for him to talk to Laura, why was is so
difficult now.

"Well." He sputtered taking a deep breath. "The town picnic is
coming up, and I was wondering if... if you might agree to accompany me?" He said that entire sentence in one breath and stood trying to catch it back, and looking at Laura hopefully.

Laura, breathing a sigh of relief, hearing it from Allan, that Isabel
and her baby would be alraight, replied--"Oh Allan, I was hoping you
would invite me. She reproached herself for the wide and hopeful grin that found its way across her face, then she realized he wore the same joyful expression as he left that day.

To Be Continued...