Em Chr 3

Emily's Chronicles: Part 3: Isabel's Dilema
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.

It was beginning to get dark as Jimmy and Eve pulled the buggy up to
New Moon. Perry, who was loafing around outside the barn, looked up
and came quickly over to help. Jimmy helped Eve down from the
carriage.

"Perry," He said, "Can you help get the horse stabled, after we help
Eve get her luggage to her room?" He and Eve had been retreiving the last of her things from the inn just outside of town. She had just arrived back into Jimmy's life only a few days before Isabel's return to Blair Water, and there was still much to be done to properly move her into her new residence at New Moon.

Perry complied, and they carried Eve's luggage up into her room.
Jimmy and Eve went into the kitchen to discuss their future plans, as
Perry made sure that the carriage was put away, and the horse stabled.

Jimmy and Eve talked for a while about their plans for their future
home, and what they would need to get from town. They had already decided to build a structure as big as New Moon, on a plot of land Malcolm had given to Jimmy before he had left. They were thinking of starting a kennel to breed the finest collie dogs on the island. Suddenly, they heard
a carriage approaching up the drive.

"Excuse me a moment, Eve." Said Jimmy. "I think they're back."

He went to the window, and looked out, Eve following him closely.

Eve and Jimmy, look out, as the buggy carrying the four Murray
women pulled up infront of the kitchen window. First to disembark from
the buggy, is Emily, who they see scampering off in the direction of Dr. Burnley's house.
Second to disembark, is Laura. As she enters the door, she spots Eve
and Jimmy. To Jimmy, she says, "Isabel isn't feeling too well.
Would you please go help her out of the buggy, and up to her room?"

"What's wrong, Laura?" Asked Jimmy.

But Laura either didn't notice, or was too busy to respond. Jimmy hurridly rushes out the door to the buggy.



Both Eve & Jimmy look at each other questioningly, wondering what's
wrong with Isabel, shrug their shoulders. "Is there anything I can
do to help," asks Eve? "What's wrong with Isabel?"

"We don't know, Eve." replies Laura. "On our way home, we had to stop and
let her out, and the next thing we heard, was her wrenching. Sounding like
she was vomiting."

"Vomiting," exclaimed Eve! Going over to the window to take a
closerlook at Isabel, as Jimmy is helping her down from the buggy, and
noticing her wan pale face, "She does look pretty bad, doesn't
she!?"

Laura standing next to Eve, agreeingly says, "She sure does."

Outside, Jimmy scratched his head wondering what could possibly be wrong with Isabel. She was usually as strong as anyone he could think of, and full of energy. Tonight however, he was afraid she would faint at any moment, and he moved quickly to get her out of the buggy.

Elizabeth considered the situation for a moment. Then, noticing
Laura at the window, she called,

"Laura, come help me...with our packages!"


Obviously, Isabel was hiding something, but Elizabeth would not
suffer the indignity of discussing it in public, whatever *it* was. Oh no,
especially with that scamp of an Emily having run off for Dr. Burnley before
anyone could stop her. The girl's heart might be in the right place...but
what of pride? Then again, the world seemed to be turning on it's head
lately. Thank God Dr. Burnley is almost family and could be trusted to
keep his peace during emergencies.
Elizabeth gave Isabel another hard look, as though if she stared
hard enough she could discover the cause of Isabel's illness. But just
then Laura approached the buggy, her face yet a mixed expression of
shock and confusion.

"Laura, Emily's gone off for Dr. Burnley. See him in when he gets
here, won't you? And for pity's sake, don't let anyone else upstairs!
I'll see Isabel to her room and stay with her until Dr. Burnley arrives."

With that, Elizabeth resigned herself to whatever might come, and along with Jimmy offered Isabel support getting out of the buggy and into the house.

"What's wrong?? She don't look so good..." Asked Jimmy, unnoticed, having been pushed aside by Elizabeth.

I don't know, Jimmy Laura said. Then she remembered something. Something she had not thought of in a long time. The last time she was violently ill the way Isabel had been tonight. It had been a few months ago, and there had been a very specific reason for it. Let's just hope everything is alright. She turned her worried face away from Jimmy. He could always read her like an open book.
_________________________________
No sooner had Elizabeth settled Isabel into bed -- still having said nothing yet to Isabel other than the simplest commonplaces necessary to their task --
than she heard Dr. Burnley's voice downstairs, demanding to know
what the devil Emily was talking about?

Indeed, that was the question of the hour, was it not? Elizabeth
would have appreciated some word from Isabel, but she apparently had gone
mute. Yet something in her eyes longed to speak...


At Laura's requests Jimmy didn't follow up the stairs. He grabbed his hat off the peg as he went by, out of force of habit, and began nervously fiddling with it in his hands. Then, noticing it he'd grabbed it by mistake, he put
it back on the peg, and entered the parlor again.

"I don't know what's wrong..." He said. "She don't look too good to
me...

"I'd better go help..." He turned, about to go up the stairs.

Eve caught him by the arm. Whatever is wrong. I'm sure they will tell us as soon as they know. She tried to comfort Jimmy. Let's let Dr. Burnley do his work. Alright. She smiled.

Mmmm, I still don't like it. Not at all. Jimmy conceded.
-----------------------------------------------------

Although she did not say it, could not say it, Isabel was eternally
grateful for the help her family had given her so far, and she feared there
would much more required in the future. She lay in her bed hearing Dr.
Burnley's footsteps coming up the stairs, followed by Laura's voice informing
him of this afternoon's events. How could she have been so weak as to cause such a scene on the side of the road? She prayed no one had seen.
Isabel looked at Elizabeth, looking at her questioningly. Did she
suspect what Isabel herself was almost sure of? She wanted to speak to her, to thank her, to tell her the reason for her current state. However, she
knew if she opened her mouth, she only cry. She just wanted to be alone for
awhile. To take in the possibilties of what she feared was about to become
common knowledge. She didn't want to talk to anyone, didn't want to be
examined. She already knew in her heart what it was, and although her brain
was fitful and racing, her heart seemed relaxed, almost joyful. At that
moment all she wanted was Francis Carpenter.

Elizabeth could hear voices downstairs, and wondered just *what* Laura was
saying to Allan that could be taking so long.

Finally, a pair of footsteps could be heard coming up, then down the hall
towards Isabel's room...

When the sharp knock came at the door, Elizabeth believed herself
ready. Opening the door slightly, she confirmed that it was indeed Dr.
Burnley, alone, at the door. Where could Laura be? Elizabeth hoped
devoutly that she would keep everyone else -- especially Emily and Perry --
out of the way.

"Allan, thank you for coming..."

"Elizabeth," he nodded gruffly, then turned his attention to
Isabel. "Well, what seems to be the trouble here?"

Elizabeth considered staying in the room, then deemed it best to
leave. Allan could be trusted to inform the other Murrays later, and
Isabel looked increasingly uncomfortable.

As she left, she heard him repeat the question, "What's wrong,
Isabel?" There was silence until she closed the door behind her, and
then...*what*? Elizabeth, standing in the hallway, heard some peculiar
sounds...yelling? or was that crying? Then, remembering herself,
Elizabeth took two stately steps away from the door, near enough to hear if
she was called, but far enough that no one could accuse her of
eavesdropping. Allan would surely tell her everything, if Isabel would not.
--------------------------------------------------
Allan Burnley could plainly see that Isabel Murray was extremely upset
when he shut the door to her room. She looked as though she had been crying, although he knew she would never admit it. It was almost as if she already knew what the cause of her problem was. He crossed the room to her bedside, and was his usual kind self as he greeted her with a smile.

"Hello, Isabel. They tell me you're not feeling well." He said, taking
her wrist to determine what her pulse was. It was racing. This concerned
him. Was it the result of an ailment, or of worry?

"Oh, yes, I made quite a common scene on the rode coming home." Isabel
murmured as she tried to turn her face away. If the truth be told she wanted to get up and run away. Far away to someplace where no one had ever heard of her, or the Murrays, or Francis Carpenter. "Really I don't know what all the fuss is about. Honestly, you'd thing a person has never been under the weather in this house before." She was trying to change the subject anyway she could, but she knew it couldn't wait for long.

"They are your family, they're concerned for you." Allan reassured her.

"Yes, I know." She smiled. Never expecting this level of concern from
people she had been so malevelant to at times. "But, I don't deserve it."
She could no longer hold back the tears.

"Why do you say that?" Dr. Burnley asked, shocked at the sudden candor
from someone he had always known as distant and stoic.

"I know what wrong with me." She declared. "I wish it weren't, I've try
to talk myself out of believing it. I know what it is going to do to those
kind people downstairs." She sobbed.

Allen was growing increasingly confused. What was she talking about?
Had she made some horrible discovery about her health while away in Scotland. He did not expect the words she spoke next.

Isabel steadied herself for the verbalization of her terrible secret, took a
deep breath, and finally spoke...
"I think. . .I'm sure. . .that is. . . I'm. . ."

"I'm in the family way!" She blurted out.

Allen almost fell out of the chair he had taken beside her bed. Isabel
Murray, pregnant? Surely it was a mistake. She was the most virtuous, most rightous woman in Blair Water. He couldn't believe it. Then he remembered someone.

"Mr. Carpenter?" Allan asked. He remembered hearing about the evening that Mrs. Carpenter found her way to New Moon, only to find the mister on bended knee in front of Isabel ready to propose. He also recalled Ilse rambling on about their tragic romance, and some business about a long afternoon spent spying on them outside the lighthouse.

Isabel nodded her head at the mention of Carpentar's name, but could not
make the words come.

Allan caught his breath, needing time to take it all in.
"Well, I don't mean to be indelicate, but you are over 40, maybe what's
troubling you isn't a pregnancy. How long has it been since your. . .?"

"About 2 months." she knew what he was going to ask.

He wanted to wince, but held it in, that was about the length of time
Carpenter had been gone from Blair Water.

"What, beside, that and your scene on the road, are your other symptoms?" He asked.

"I feel faint all the time, I'm dizzy, and tired." Isabel choked. "They came on my when I was in Scotland."

Yes that would be about the right time, Dr, Burnley thought to himself.

Well, let's just check to make sure. He said standing up and opening his
bag.

-A little while later------

Allan finished putting his things back into his bag, and sat down on the
chair beside Isabel's bed. "Well. . ., you're right. You are pregnant. About
two months along."

To her amazement Isabel did not feel like crying at the confirmation of
her suspicions. She was also more at ease than she thought she would be.
Dr, Burnely had been kind, and clinical through the examination, and she felt
she could talk with him.

"If I might ask, is there anyway for you contact Mr. Carpenter. . . with the news" He began.

" I don't even know where he is." Isabel interrupted.

"Surely there is someway. He has a right to know." Allan said.

"But, I have no right. . ." Isabel cried.

"He was going to marry you, surely he loves you, and will come back if
you told the details of your situation." Allen tried to sound hopeful. I imagine he will be thrilled.

"I'll no have him comin' back to me out of pity. I won't ruin his life,
too." Isabel began to cry again.

"Alright," Allan said quickly changing the subject. "I don't want you
getting upset. There's one other thing. The matter of your age. You're not
exactly the youngest mother-to-be I've ever treated. There is a good chance
you won't have an easy time of it."

Isabel knew he was right. For the first time she allowed herself to stop
worrying about her reputation and think about the baby she was carrying.
When she pictured herself holding her child, hearing it laugh and cry she
suddenly knew what the important part of the whole situation was. "I'll do
anything I have to to bring my child into this world healthy."

"I knew you would." Allan smiled at her a patted her arm reassuringly.
"For now that will be bed rest. You are not to get out of this bed for
anything but the most urgent necessities. I'll be around to check on your
tomorrow."

"Alright!" She smiled, and settled herself more snuggly into her bed.

" I'll send someone up with a bite of supper for you." Allan smiled. "I'll
have to tell them, for your sake, you'll need them. I'm sure they'll take
great care of you."

"I know. I'm sure they'll be very good to me... us." she corrected herself,
putting her hand over her abdomin. "Thank you."

"Let me know if you need anything at all." He reminded her, as he quilty left
her to ponder the extent of what he had just told her.

______________________________
Aunt Thom saw New Moon in front of her at last. Stealthily,
she crept from tree to tree, making her way along behind the barn and
towards the side of the house. She could see a light on in one of the
upstairs rooms, and hear the voices of everyone coming from the
parlor in the front. She realized she'd have an easier time of things, since
it looked like everyone was in there.

"I'll bet anythin' she's up in that room with the winder!" She
thought. "I'm gonna find out what she's been a'doin', by hook or by
crook. If she's been up to no good, she ain't gonna be workin' at
Perry's school fer long!"

Keeping in the growing shadows and coming closer, she noticed that
there was a trellis that ran up the side of the house, nearly to the
window above. She got an idea. Moving closer, she grabbed ahold of
the
trellis and began to climb! It wasn't easy for someone of Thom's
size,
and she feared at times that it might break, but she made her way up
bit by bit until she could just hear the voices within. Leaning
out precariously, she strained to listen closer.

"Jackpot!" She thought.

She recognized the voices of Dr. Burnley and Cousin Isabel within:

"They are your family, they're concerned for you." Allan
reassured her.

"Yes, I know." She smiled. Never expecting this level of
concern from people she had been so malevelant to at times. "But, I don't
deserve it."
She could no longer hold back the tears.

"Why do you say that?" Dr. Burnley asked, shocked at the
sudden candor from someone he had always known as distant and stoic.

"I know what wrong with me." She declared. "I wish it
weren't, I've try to talk myself out of beleiving it. I know what it is going to do to those kind people downstairs." She sobbed.

Allen was growing increasingly confused. What was she talking
about? Had she made some horrible discovery about her health while away in
Scotland. He did not expect the words she spoke next.

Isabel steadied herself for the verbalization of her terrible
secret, took a deep breath, and finally spoke...
"I think. . .I'm sure. . .that is. . . I'm. . ."

"I'm in the family way!" She blurted out.

"Ha, ha! So she *does* have a bun in the oven!" Tom thought, stifling
a chuckle. "I knew she was high and mighty in her ways, but I didn't
know she was no *tart*! There goes the *famous* Murray pride everyone
talks about!"

She leaned closer, hoping to hear who the father was. But, in her
triumph, she'd forgotten how perilous her grip was. Suddenly, one of
the slats on the trellis broke, and she lost her grip! She fell with
a
loud crash, landing in one of the Murray's prized roses.

She looked up, fearing that someone had heard, and scampered behind a
nearby bush. But, perhaps being preoccupied in their own dillemma,
noone inside had heard her fall. She surveyed the damage she'd done
to
the Murray's house and garden. Where it had broken, the trellis hung
loosely from the wall. And below, the Murray's once beautiful flower
border was now crushed and broken.

"Oh, well! Perry can fix it." She thought. "Good thing noone heard
me!"

But not everyone was inside. Perry had just finished stabling the
horse as Jimmy had asked, and putting away the carriage. He'd heard
another buggy pull in a moment ago, but had been too preoccupied to
come see who it was; he assumed it was Elizabeth and the rest,
finally
returning after having gone into town.

"Whew!" He said. He was tired after his chores. "I'm glad t' be done!
Maybe now I can finally eat. I could eat a horse!"

"Uh... sorry!" He added apologetically to the horse, stalled nearby.

As he walked across to the house, he noticed another carriage, and
recognized it as Dr. Burnley's.

"Now, I wonder what he's doin' here?" He thought. "Maybe they invited
Ilse over for dinner, but that don't seem much like Miss Isabel or
Miss Elizabeth..."

His thoughts were interrupted suddenly, though, when he heard a loud
crash from the side of the house! Quickly, he rounded the corner of
the house to investigate. There was Aunt Thom, not more than two
meters from the house, trying in vain to hide behind a bush! She
noticed him in annoyance.

Perry was so flabbergasted, that for a moment he couldn't even speak.

"Aunt Thom!" He said, coming over to where she was hiding. "What...
What are ya doin' here???"

"I was tryin' to see what they was sayin', before ya came an' made a
mess o' things!"

"You were- You were *spying*?!" He choked in amazement and anger.

"Now, if you'd shut yer trap fer a minute, I'd explain! I *had* to
see
what was goin' on! You see.."

Pulling him nearer, Aunt Thom quickly explained what had happened,
and
what she'd heard. Perry stared at her in disbelief.

"No... It ain't true! And you shouldn't be spyin' on people, Aunt
Thom!"

"Chop my liver if I'm lyin'!" Replied Thom.

"Emily's cousin Isabel, with... with a bun in the oven?"

For a moment he just stood there, then he started to laugh.

"Be quiet, will ya!" Hissed Thom. "Do you want t' get us caught!"

"This I gotta see!" Said Perry. He made his way to the trellis, and
was about to climb, when Thom pulled him down by the seat of his
pants.

"OW!"

"Perry Miller, you stay down here! Now, this is important. I don't
wantcha to breathe a word o' this to another living soul, ya hear?
This is between you and me!"

Turning, she said:

"You ain't heard the last o' me, Isabel Murray!"

Before Perry could reply, Aunt Thom stalked off (at a surprising
speed) into the woods. Perry thought about following, but by that
time
it was getting really dark. And he realized everyone inside might
need
him, so he made his way back towards the house. But he wondered what
Aunt Thom was up to...
-------------------------------------------

In all the commotion no one had seen Emily and Ilse sneak upstairs. Emily knew that the wall between Isabel's bedroom, once her very own, and Laura's was paper thin. She did not tell Ilse that she knew that because of the long nights spent listening to her Aunt Laura cry on the other side. The girls slipped unnoticed into Laura's small bedroom and pressed their ears up against the wall. They could hear every word.

The first voice they heard was Isabel's, "I'm in the family way!" Came through the wall as clear as a bell.

Emily and Ilse gasped. Looking at each other they both nearly cried out, A baby. At the same time. The noise of their voice in the quiet room shocked them back into silence.

Next, they heard Dr. Burnley confirm the identity of the father of Isabel's child. "Mr. Carpenter?"

Emily's grin grew wide with joy. It's Mr. Carpenter's She smiled.

Then they waited for what seemed an enternity. What's going on in there? Emily questioned.

You don't wanna know. Ilse assured her, remembering the times she had peered down into her father's exam room through the grate in her floor. She did not want to fill her best friend in on all the specifics just then.

Then finally, confimation. "Well. . ., you're right. You are pregnant. About
two months along." The familiar voice said.

"If I might ask, is there anyway for you contact Mr. Carpenter. . . with the news" He began.

The girls looked at each other, hanging on every word. " I don't even know where he is." ... "But, I have no right. . ." Isabel cried.... "I'll no have him comin' back to me out of pity. I won't ruin his life, too."

She's not going to tell him! Ilse chirped.

Oh how tragic. Emily said very much disturbed.

Then through the wall came Dr. Burnley's voice once more. There is a good chance you won't have an easy time of it."

Oh, Ilse. Emily said worried. Poor Cousin Isabel. Something could go very wrong, just like Aunt Laura.

And Mr. Carpenter will never know. Ilse chimed.

Ilse we have to do something. Said Emily nearly frantic.

I know, but what. Ilse searched her brain.

I know, come on. Emily grabbed her best friend's hand, and together they ran from the room.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Elizabeth was growing impatient -- and incredibly worried, though she was
loathe to admit it. What could possibly be taking so long? She began to
pace, step, step, step, step, stop. Look up, look at the door, turn away,
step, step, step, step, peer down the staircase. Elizabeth hated being kept
in the dark.

Finally, having reached the end of the hall for the umteenth time, Elizabeth turned and made her way back towards Isabel's door. The crying had stopped, and Allan's deeper voice held some gentle notes. This also worried Elizabeth -- but she had no more time to think about it, thankfully, for Allan opened the door himself just then.

To her horror, Emily and Ilse dashed out of Laura's room and past the two adults, down the stairs as fast as their little feet could take them!

"Emily Byrd Starr! Ilse -- !"

But they were gone, and a hand reached to bring Elizabeth's attention back to Allan Burnley, who had the most indescribable expression on his
face. "Elizabeth, let them be for a moment. Isabel --"

"Isabel, *what*?" She was suddenly breathless. "Allan, what's wrong with
her?"

Dr. Burnley sighed as he closed Isabel's door behind him. Just how much did
Elizabeth know about Isabel and Francis Carpenter, anyway? Drat these
women. "Isabel is expecting."

Elizabeth, already a wreck from worry and then seeing the two girls rush out of their hiding place, absolutely froze. "Expecting? A child? *Isabel*?"

"Yes, that usually means a child," Dr. Burnley returned
gruffly. "Elizabeth! Don't you dare turn faint on me!" For indeed, in the
flickering candlelight Elizabeth suddenly looked much paler than
normal. Glimpsing a stool waiting nearby, Dr. Burnley snatched at it
and forced Elizabeth to sit. "Shall I have Laura bring you some water?"

"Please," Elizabeth gasped.

Dr. Burnley went quickly over to the stair railing and called for Laura in an urgent tone. Laura could you please bring some water?

Below the muffled answer of was heard along with scurrying footsteps. Then Allan returned to his second patient of the night.

Elizabeth sat speechless at the news. Surely the world must stop spinning soon? Suddenly she had one clear thought, or rather two -- Emily and Ilse knew about this! "Allan, where were those children -- I mean, how did they get up here?" Elizabeth simply could not ask just how much those girls might have heard, or possibly seen.

"Blasted if I know." Elizabeth was too stunned already to be shocked by
"blasted," as Dr. Burnley began checking Elizabeth's own pulse. "They nearly knocked us both over running out of that room. That's the least of your
worries; Isabel's condition isn't going to hurt *them* as much as...ah,
there's Laura. Best I tell you both at once what kind of care Isabel will
need."

Laura was indeed just reaching the top of the staircase. What a sight for
her, thought Elizabeth, I can't believe this is happening. How --? For that
matter, who? Elizabeth stared rather blankly at Laura as she approached, then turned helplessly towards Dr. Burnley.

Should I take this into Isabel? Laura smiled still worried, holding up the glass.

No, it isn't for Isabel. Allen said taking the water with a grin of thanks and handing it to Elizabeth. Should I tell her? He asked the elder Murray, seeing that she still hand not yet completely come to herself.

"Yes. You tell her." Ah, that water was good. "Thank you, Laura." Yes, the
world was starting to stabilize again. Elizabeth registered mild surprise to
find she was still grasping a candleholder in her other hand, knuckles white
as bone. Dr. Burnley gave a subtle cough and, prepared somewhat by Elizabeth's reaction, gently took Laura by the arm and explained Isabel's story to them both.
_______________________________________
While Laura and Elizabeth were being related the news upstairs, Jimmy had
been pacing back and forth in the entry hall, as if he were going to
wear a hole in the carpet. Eve tried followed his footsteps nervoulsly trying to persuade him to sit down, but to no avail.

"This isn't good... I don't like it at all..." Jimmy said.

He felt very confused. Why didn't they want him upstairs, so he could
help? Somehow, in the back of his mind, he felt like he should be
doing *something*...

Meanwhile, Perry was just entering the house again, through the front
door.

"Hi Jimmy!" He said, as he took off his coat. When he saw Jimmy, lost
in thought, he added: "Um... is somethin' wrong?" He thought he could
guess, but he tried not to let it show.

"Yeah... Somethin's wrong with Isabel!" Jimmy replied. "Noone knows
what it is, but she don't look too good. Dr. Burnley came, and he
went up there with Elizabeth. Now Laura's gone up just a minute ago with water, and she ain't come back down. Why didn't they take me, too...?" His glance kept wandering up the stairs.

He paused for a moment, looking to the floor, as though he were
considering. Then, turning towards the stairs, he said:

"I gotta go up there! Isabel needs my help..." Usually Jimmy and Isabel were at each other's throats, but when a Murray was in trouble, Jimmy was always the first to lend a hand, when he was allowed to, which he had not been tonight.

"Uh... I wouldn't do that if I was you, Jimmy..." Said Perry. "It
might not -uh- be a good idea..."

Suddenly, everything was put to a halt when Emily and Ilse came
crashing down the front stairs!

"Where are you goin', Sparrow?" Asked Jimmy, barely getting out of
the way, as Emily and Ilse evaded them.

"Hey, Emily! Ilse? What...?" Perry tried to ask, as they ran right
past both of them and out the door.

"Where's she going' to?" Jimmy asked, worriedly. "They oughtn't to be
goin' out at this time o' night! Specially now when Isabel's not well. I gotta go bring 'em back, now..."

But Perry stopped him.

"Don't worry, Jimmy!" Said Perry. "I'll go get 'em!" Quickly, he
grabbed his coat and ran out the door in pursuit, slamming it behind
him.
___________________________________
The sun had gone down about an hour before Dr. Burnley finally
came down the stairs to where Jimmy was still pacing nervously. He looked tired and worried as Laura, and Elizabeth followed solemnly behind him. Eve remained at her place on the sofa taking in the scene quietly. Jimmy's mind was still racing with all the excitement, activity, and unanswered
questions. Sparrow had just come crashing down the staircase a few minutes before along with Ilse, and Perry had taken out after them to who knows where.

As the group reached the first floor landing of the dimly lit hall, they must have read Jimmy's expression.

"I'm glad t' see *you*!" Said Jimmy to them all. "Well, what's goin'
on? Is Isabel gonna be okay?"

Allen took Jimmy by the arm and led him into the parlor. It
somehow seemed that there was a need for privacy in breaking such news, but in his concern for his patient and her family he forgot that there was
really no need for more privacy since only family was there.

"Have a seat, won't you Jimmy?" Allen said motioning toward the
sofa. Jimmy was about to raise an argument about wanting to be informed,
but Eve stepped forward and coaxed him to the sofa beside her. Elizabeth, still in shock, dropped down onto the desk chair in the corner. Laura remained standing, feeling that she may be of some help to the others.

Allen sat down in the stuffed chair by the sofa and faced
Jimmy. He wondered what this Murray's reaction would be. Taking a deep
breath he finally decided that beating around the bush would not help the
situation, and besides, in her current state he thought Elizabeth might blow
and that it was best to have out with it before things got any worse.

"Jimmy, your cousin Isabel is. . .in the family way." Dr. Burnley finally
announced.

Jimmy's eyes went wide. He looked questioningly at Allen.

"She's... gonna have a *baby*??!" After taking this in for a minute,
he gave Allen a sidelong glance. "Not *Isabel*! She wouldn't do
that..."

"I'm afraid it is true." Dr. Burnley confirmed. "She's about two months
along, which explains her recent bought of sickness." He was trying to be as
delicate as he could. But, the family deserved to know the truth, and the
details. He hardly knew where to begin.

Allen went on to explain the story to the family. . .

"She said her symptoms came on her while she was in Scotland, which would be about right." he continued.

Jimmy listened attentively, but his mind was in a whirl.

"Jimmy, do you remember that she was almost engaged to Mr.
Carpenter?"

"Yes." Answered Jimmy. "It they was pretty close, when he
came t' dinner a while back. He was goin' to ask her to marry him, then, but his..." Jimmy trailed off.

Allen he gave Elizabeth a meaningful look, recalling how Mr.
Carpenter's wife had shown up, and Isabel's distress at that. He
wondered if she'd prefer it if this were not known, at the time-being.

"I was told that the two of them spent a. . . well a rather long
afternoon alone together in the lighthouse. They thought they were going to be able to be married." Allen reminded him.

"Maybe he knows about Mr. Carpenter's wife showin' up, then..."
Thought Jimmy. He felt relieved at Dr. Burnley's discretionary manner
in presenting things, but he still felt confused.

Allen felt that he was somehow not being as clear as he wanted to
be. He was skirting several issues, but the presence of ladies was causing him to choose his words carefully.

"Mr. Carpenter is the father of Isabel's child." There it was said,
Allen thought to himself.

Jimmy sat stunned, not believing what he was hearing. How could
this be true? Isabel having a moment of weakness, and this being the
result. She must be terrified.

Then Jimmy felt rage at Mr. Carpenter, remembering his wife. He stood
up angrily, and said hotly:

"Well, who's gonna help Isabel with her baby, then?! He can't just
*leave* her like that!"

Dr. Burnley continued. "More importantly is the issue of Isabel's
health, and the child's. She is not a young woman. That causes special
concerns, especially with a first pregnancy."

"Will she be okay, Doc?" Jimmy asked, tensely.

"You will have to watch her very carefully. She must not have any
undue exertion either physical or emotional. You will all need to take
very special care of her." He informed them.

"Alright." Jimmy answered resolutely.

"For now I've ordered her to stay in bed for at least the rest of
the week. We'll see about after that." Allen said. "She will likely be quite aggitated until she comes to terms with all of this. You need to keep her calm, and you need to show her that you accept this without judgement." Allen stole a sideways glance at Elizabeth as he spoke the last sentence.

"I know that she is very stubborn, so you may end up protecting
Isabel from herself." Allen said. "Do you all understand?" He asked looking
around at the Murray's .

Jimmy nodded in agreement.

Of course we will take care of her, and the baby. Laura smiled, Allen could tell from the far away look in her eyes that she was thinking of another child. One who, but for a tragic fall, would be greeting the world only a few months earlier than Isabel's will be.

There was a powerful silence as everyone let all the things that Dr.
Burnley had said sink in. Jimmy's slow mind was racing now as he
tried to think of what the future would hold in store for all of them. He
wondered if and how it would change Isabel to have a child. She'd
always been so stern before, but when he'd seen them bring her back
today... She'd seemed so vulnerable, somehow. Seeing her like that
made him feel much differently towards her than he ever had before.
He thought about what it would be like to have a baby in the house.
It could almost be like having a little sister or brother for Emily, and
that might be a good thing for her...

Of course! Emily! He'd been so occupied with all the news, that he'd
almost forgotten about her. How would they break the news to her? And
shouldn't she be there so they could explain it now? But the girls
had run out, a while before... He'd sent Perry out to fetch
them and bring them both back. But hadn't they been gone a long time
now...?

"Excuse me..." He said ackwardly, breaking the silence. "But ain't we
forgettin' the children? I sent Perry to fetch them back when both
the girls ran outside, a while back. But they ain't back yet, and
it's dark out now."

Seeing everyones concern, he got up suddenly.

"I'll go find 'em." He offered.

"Oh the girls," exclamed Laura! "I almost forgot about them too!
Please do go after them, Jimmy. Eve and I can take care of things
here. Can't we, Eve?"

"Yes we can, Laura," said an agreeing Eve. "Don't worry about things
here, Dear. Finding the kids, are your only worry."

An odd look crossed Dr. Burnley's face at this moment, but the others were so caught up in sending someone out for the girls that everyone missed it. After a few moments Allan finally felt composed enough to voice his thoughts.

"Ahem...well, I don't know where the girls went to, but I think I know why
they ran out..." The other Murrays looked at him expectantly.

Rather calmly, he said, "Elizabeth and I caught them eavesdropping on Isabel and myself during her examination, from Laura's room. I didn't know they were there until after...well...so they already know about Isabel's pregnancy."

Well, I'll bring them back. Jimmy vowed. We need to talk to them about this.

The room suddenly grew very silent. Things were so *different* from before she went away. But I will *not* be weak again in front of them, I won't. Someone will have to speak to those girls when they get back. It's not *my* place to say anything about Ilse, but Emily, at least should know better.

Elizabeth straightened herself and looked coolly around the room, determined
not to let on just how much she wished Jimmy would get back or someone would say *something*, anything to make the world start turning again.


After thanking them both, Jimmy pulled Eve aside for a moment into
the entry hall with him, and said to her privately:

"I'm awfully sorry for all the trouble, Eve, when ya just got back...
I hoped we could spend more time together! Thanks for bein' so nice
about it all."

It alright my dear. She smiled sweetly. After all this will be my family too soon.

He embraced her quickly, and putting on his coat and cap, ran outside
to find the children.
__________________________________

Since by now it was completely dark out, Jimmy decided to look for them
on foot, since it would be dangerous if he wasn't able to see them on
horseback. He limped along quickly. He could hear the waves crashing
gently below, and that made him worry about the children, since he
knew from experience that easy it could be to fall in this
darkness... The shadows of the trees looked like vague, ghosly shapes
as he passed them. He felt relieved when he heard voices up ahead. He
made his way towards them as quickly as he could.
__________________________________

Perry had done his best to try and catch up with Emily and Ilse, as but they were already a good ways ahead of him. It had become completely dark, and he could hear the soft sound of the waves on the shore nearby. He stumbled onward, through the trees.

"Hey! Where are ya goin' to, Emily? Wait a minute for me there,
girl!" He yelled, as he ran along the beach to catch up with them.

"Perry Miller you are as fast as a turtle" complained Ilse

"Oh... Thanks, Ilse!" Responded Perry sarcastically, when he'd
finally caught up with them.

"It's dark as pitch out here! And why'd you come runnin' past me and Jimmy without a word? Perry asked catching his breath. Besides... Jimmy told me
t' bring you two back to the house..."

Emily looked at Perry, wishing that he had not come after them. Perry, you on back to New Moon. She said. Ilse and I have something to take care of. We'll be back as soon as we can.

Now just what in the world do have to do out here in the pitch dark? Perry asked.

Please, we can't tell you. Emily begged.

This got something to do with your cousin Isabel? Perry's words made Emily stop in her tracks.

Yeah, that's right. I know you were evesdropping, I know why your rushed out a the house, I know your big secret, and I know that Miss Murray's gonna have a baby?


What, how do you know? Ilse yelled, her posture signally a vague threat.

I just know. Perry wanted to keep Aunt Thom's name out of it. She was already distrusted enough by the Murray's and certainly they would have to law down on her if they found out she's been snooping around New Moon.

Emily eyed Perry suspiciously. She had known him long enough to know there were things he did not tell, and that there was no way of prying them out of him once his mind was made up.

Oh Perry, it's horrible. Mr. Carpenter is the father and Cousin Isabel doesn't even know where he is.

Well, then how do you think you're going to help. Perry asked, eager to be heading back.

Cousin Isabel will never write to him. But he should know. I'm sure he'll come back to her. Emily pulled a pencil and pad of paper from her pinafore pocket. She always kept something to write on close by incase inspiration struck.

We'll write to him, and tell him the news ourselves. Emily beamed.

Ilse chimed.

Perry looked increasingly annoyed and exsasperated. No, now ya got no call to go poking yer nose into things that ain't none o' yer concern. He said. If Isabel don't want Mr. Carpenter to know about the baby, then that's her business. He lectured.

Perry, how can you say this is none of my business. Emily questioned. Cousin Isabel's baby is a Murray, and that makes it my business. Beside I'm sure she really does want him to know. It's just her pride getting in the way. That's all.

Well, answer me this. Perry continued. If she don't even know where he is, how in the world are you gonna find him to send him a letter?

Emily said, the plan already unfolding in her mind. How many Francis Carpenters do you suppose there are on the island? I'll just address it to him and the mail service will take care of the rest.

Perry had to laugh. Emily was always so serious and believing when she had a plan in her head. He had to admit it, it just might work.

He paused for a moment, thinking. But if Miss Murray gets wind of this, I didn't know nothin' about it. You got that.

Don't worry, Perry, if our plan works, she'll be thanking us. Ilse grinned.

Er killin' us, one. He grimaced.

Oh stop thinking like that, come on lets get to work. Emily smiled. There was just enough light by the full moon to make out her lines on the paper.

She worked carefully choosing everyword with the greatest consideration. Finally her great work was done. There what do you think? She said reading it to them...

Dear Mr. Carpenter,

I hope that everything is fine with you. I really miss your teaching
and everything. Thanks for encouraging me to write. I will always
be grateful. Maybe you want to know what is is happening in Blair Water right
now? Well, I have big news for you. Cousin Isabel...I mean, Isabel
Murray is pregnant.

Ilse and I just learned about it (well, we were sort of spying -
listening to Dr. Burnley and Isabel's conversation). I know it is
wrong, but I think that we have to tell you.
I'm not sure of anything, but well--I know that you and Isabel were
in love...so, maybe, you are the father.

I think that Isabel won't write you, so I took the chance by writing
you myself. I think, that if you are the father - you will want to
come back to Blair Water, because Isabel will need your support, and
she will need you. I'm hoping for an answer.

Sincerely,

Emily Byrd Starr

Emily, that's a great letter, but he'll ever be able to read those chicken scratchings. Ilse said pointing to the paper.

It's the light, I can't see too well. Emily said tearing the sheet from her tablet.

Oh here. Perry offered. I got some matches. Just hurry up. He lit the new paper for Emily as she copied the letter, striking stick after stick as the fire died out of each one. No sooner had Emily written her last name did they hear Jimmy calling for them over the dune.

Oh, we're gonna get it now. Ilse said her face feigning tears.

Jimmy's gonna be so mad at me. Perry fretted. He sent me to fetch ya, and here I am conspirin' with ya.

Just answer him, then. Emily said, feeling guilty about lying to Jimmy, but not wanting to get Perry into trouble.

What, oh yeah. Perry suddenly realized her meaning and hollered out. I found em Jimmy, they're over here.

Jimmy quickly made his way over to the face voice in the night. We have you two been, and why did run out of the house so fast? He did not give them time to answer. Come on, Elizabeth wants to talk to you at the house.

I know, Jimmy. Emily smiled not understanding the seriousness of the situation. Isn't it wonderful Cousin Isabel is going to have a baby.

I know. Jimmy tried not to let his worry show. You gotta come back now, so we can all talk about this. Let go. He motioned for them to walk ahead of him, not wanting to lose them again, and they complied. Emily did not see the first draft of her letter fly from her hands and go skidding down the beach. All she could think of was sending the good copy off to it's intended reader in the morning before school.
______________________________

Isabel lay in her bed resting her eyes. She could hear murmurs
downstairs through the closed door of her bedroom. The family was
undoubtedly discussing her predicament. Her mind itself could barely take in
what had just been confirmed to her. A baby! She was going to have a baby.
What were the words Dr. Burnley had used? "Mother-to-be." She was going to be a mother. She had given up that dream so long ago. Now here it was
actually happening to her. She thought she should somehow be more upset than she was. Infact, when it was just a possibility in her mind she *was* truly terrified. This was not a situation in which respectable woment usually
found themselves. But, now that it was true, all she felt was true joy. All
she could think of was the life she was carrying inside of her. It was her
own child, and it was *his* child. Her mind flooded with thoughts of Francis
Carpenter. If he were there with her they would be married by now, and they
would spend the news wrapped in love, dreaming of their future family. As it
were she didn't even know where he was. Was he alright? Was he drinking? Was he with...that other women. Isabel beamed with the knowledge that *she* was carrying his child, not his wife. Isabel was his true love, and he hers. Of that she was certain. They should have been together. She wanted him there with her, to share her joy.

What would the reaction be of the news. She could scarecly imagine how
Elizabeth would react, and what about Laura. Then there was the town's
reaction. She would have to quit her job. Isabel wondered if she could hide
her pregnancy a few more months. They could use the money as New Moon. But what would happen when she was discovered. She knew that Malcolm would have to be informed. How would he take the news? Would he be happy? Or would he accuse her of being no better than Meagan Moore. A woman she had desparaged all her life. But maybe now she could see the other side of things. But truly, to Isabel, none of that mattered. All she cared about was her child, and the hope that Francis would return to her.

She pulled the covers aside and looked down at the front of her gown.
She placed her hand on her still flat stomach, and did something she hadn't
done since she was a child. Turning her head she could see the night sky
filling with stars. She made a wish...

"Oh, Francis, my darling." She whispered."Please come back to me, I need
you."

Finally, Isabel settled back and closed her eyes, falling into a deep and
much deserved sleep.

___Somewhere --------------------------

Francis Carpentar was laying across his bed sleeping one off. He had
started drinking again almost immediately after he had left Isabel's side.
He needed her to keep his mind straight. Without her, he was nothing.

From somewhere in his dreams he could see Isabel's beautiful face smiling at him. How he longed to be with her. She was calling to him. . .

"Oh, Francis, my darling." She whispered."Please come back to me, I need
you." She repeated.

He awoke, calling her name.

To Be Continued.....