EC13

Emily's Chronicles: Part 13: Secrets and Shadows
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.

***New Moon***
Inside the barn everyone breathed a collective sigh of relief as they
heard the buggy pull away. Now they could work on sobering up Mr.
Carpenter without worrying about Isabel. Jimmy walked over the window and
peered out making certain the coast was clear. He still did not like the
idea of Isabel traveling such a distance in her condition, and hoped she
would be alright. However, he knew it was for the best, and knew that
Sarah would take excellent care of his cousins, he smiled as he thought of
Emily and Ilse living it up in the city. They would enjoy this time away.
He thought how strange it seemed now to think of Isabel the way she was when
she first came to Blair Water. He remembered some of the heated
disagreements they had.

They very nearly hated each other. She was a strong and determined
person, very much used to getting her own way. He remembered her also as
being filled with anger. The kind of anger that grows out of a lifetime of
disappointment. Jimmy realized now that Malcolm was the cause of much of
Isabel's discontent in the past. It had done her good to be away from her
father for a time. He knew that she loved her father very much, and he
also knew that she could never seem to do anything to please him. She had
changed in his absence. Although she was still quite a formidable woman,
he had seen that anger replaced by other softer emotions. He remembered her
heartbreaking at Francis Carpenter's leaving New Moon with the woman he was
married to, her joy at learning that she was going to be a mother, her
determination to keep her baby safe, and the closeness that was developing
between her and the family. The truth was he had grown to genuinely like her, and felt almost as close to Isabel as he did to Laura, Elizabeth, and Emily. Becoming a
mother was changing Isabel. Having Eve in his life was changing him. They had both
grown to realize just how similar they were.

Jimmy looked over at Mr. Carpenter, now beginning to toss on the cot, he
felt his anger at him subsiding a bit. He realized that his man must truly
love Isabel. He had nearly done himself in, because he could not be with
her. He thought that the drinking must have been the only way he could
stand to be apart from the woman he loved. Jimmy remembered how miserable
he felt when Eve had been torn from him. If Francis Carpenter had been so
miserable at being denied Isabel, that he would have soon drank himself to
death than live one moment without her, Jimmy knew that he truly loved her.

It was with this realization that Jimmy decided that, once he was cleaned
up and himself again, he was sure that Mr. Carpenter would be a good husband
to Isabel, and a good father to the baby. He was happy he could bring him
back to his cousin, even if their reunion would have to be delayed a while
longer.

Coming back to himself from deep in his thoughts Jimmy heard Dr.
Burnley shouting orders. "Set him up. Get a pail."

Jimmy ran back to the cot to find John and Elizabeth hoisting Francis
upright while he emptied the mostly liquid contents of his stomach into a
bucket that Perry had sat beside the bed.

***Charlottetown***

The evening of their arrival in Charlottetown Isabel sat in Sarah's
garden enjoying the last hours of twilight after dinner. The buggy had
pulled up to the small house on the quite side street in the midafternoon.
The ladies, Emily and Ilse included for that was how they envisioned
themselves on this trip, had unpacked and taken a light lunch. Then true
to her word, Sarah had insisted that Isabel visit Dr. McIntosh just as a
precaution. Isabel did not protest. She was glad that Dr. Burnley had
recommended someone, and felt better about being away from home knowing
that there would be someone to call if an emergency arrived.

When they had entered the doctor's waiting room, Isabel had been
immediately aware of some of the ladies staring at her growing figure, and
then at her ringless left hand. She wished he had worn gloves, and was
glad Sarah was there to draw her attention away from prying eyes.
She heard the inmasked gasps as the doctor's nurse announced the "Miss"
infront of her surname, as she called her into the examining room. She
reminded herself that these people did not matter to her, and she was there
for a very important reason. She laughed, as she realized that Emily and
Ilse thought it wonderfully scandalous to be escorted around town by an
unmarried pregnant woman, and their fiesty new friend.

Dr. McIntosh had been very kind, and had not remarked on anything
beside her medical condition. She liked him immediately. They made polite
small talk regarding their mutual acquaintence of Dr. Burnley, and the
doctor went aboout checking Isabel's condition. She was relieved when he
announced that she and the baby were both in fine health, and that the trip
had done her no harm, infact he agreed with Allan, that the rest would do
her good. He assured her that she could call on him at any time, if she
needed anything while she was in Charlottetown.

This evening the roses and jasmine in Sarah's garden made a fragrant
backdrop to the soft orange glow just disappearing in the western sky.
Isabel sat reading the little book of love poems that Francis had given
her. She had not been able to part with it. Many times over the past few months
when she had felt so overwhelmingly lonely for him, it somehow brought him
closer to her. In the shadows of the yard, Emily and Ilse were playing
princess under the branches of an old Oak tree. Sarah was busying herself in the house, writing to the family at New Moon, reporting the clean bill of health that Isabel and the baby had both received today. Isabel realized that she did feel better. She relaxed, and could take a few moments to rest. Although she was still anxious at what progress the
men were making, she and her baby had needed this trip more that she
realized.

Isabel's thoughts were quitely interrupted as Sarah brought out a tray
of tea and layed it on the small table infront of the bench on which she
was lounging. Sarah smiled, and sat down beside her. She poured a cup of
warm tea for Isabel, and then one for herself. Tonight was a perfect night
for friends to chat.

"Here you are, Isabel." said Sarah, as she offered her sister-in-law to
be, a cup of tea. "Does your father know yet that you're in the family
way?"

Isabel layed the book of poems on the bench beside her, and took the
cup that Sarah offered with a whispered, "Thank you." Sarah noticed how
Isabel's eyes grew distant at the mention of her father. At New Moon, she
had learned how this man had treated Isabel reprehensibly throughout most
of her life, could also tell that even through all of that, Isabel loved
him very much.

"I finally got up the courage and wrote to him a few weeks ago."
Isabel informed her. "I have not yet heard anything back." She took a sip
of tea, and stared at the dark liquid swirling in the china cup. She did
not want Sarah to see the disappointment on her face.

"I really rather doubt that I will hear anything from him. He probably
doesn't care." Her eyes grew even more distant as if she were seeing
images from the past infront of her. "He never has cared about much of
anything where I am concerned." Finally she looked up at Sarah, giving her
a brave smile, trying to signal that it was something to which she had
grown accustomed to.

"I wouldn't give up too soon, if I were you." replied Sarah. "For all you
know, your father's letter may still arrive at New Moon, and be there
waiting for you when we return. Just keep thinking those positive
thoughts, dear."

Isabel gave Sarah a grateful smile. "Well, you could be right. After
all it is a long way to Scotland and back." She did not want Sarah to know
that she held out little hope that her father would even speak to her
again.

As the ladies sat in the pale evening light sipping their tea, and
watching the two girls play Isabel turned to Sarah and put her hand on the
younger woman's forearm. Her eyes were serious, and a bit troubled.

"Sarah." She said. "I just wanted to tell you how badly I feel that you
and Eve have to be separated from the men you love, becuase of me. It
isn't fair to you, but I am eternally grateful." Her eyes were about to
fill with tears at the thought of what her families, old and new, were doing
for her and her baby, and for Francis. She couldn't have known just how much her
family was doing.

"I don't know why it is, but what with our mail service today," suggested
Sarah, as she's trying to humor Isabel. "...it always seems to be slow.
Now, as for thinking that you're the cause of keeping John and me apart,
that just isn't so. You have heard of that saying--'Absence makes the
heart grow fonder', haven't you? We really haven't been aprt for too long.
That's also how you should look on yours and Francis's separation too. You
shouldn't fret so, because it's hard on you and (pointing to her stomach)
the wee one there."

Isabel smiled and stroked her hand up and down her side. She knew of
course that Sarah was right. "I am trying not to worry, but I suppose I
can't help it. It's the not knowing that is frightening me." She admitted.
"Not knowing where he is, or how he is, or if I will ever see him again."
Isabel gave Sarah a brave smile. "But you and John have been so
wonderful to me..." She said, and then smiled down at her waist. "...to us. You have quickly become true friends. I could not ask for a better aunt and uncle for my
child." Isabel took another sip of her tea, and then settled back to watch
Emily and Ilse playing a short distance away, thinking to herself that
someday, it would be her own child she watched at play. She hoped that her
baby's father would be there with her.

Still a bit lost in thought, and without turning her attentions from her
young cousin and her friend Isabel sighed. "Really, I am glad I came. I
feel so relaxed and peaceful here." She said to Sarah. "I did not realize
how much I just needed to get away for a while."

"I'm glad you feel that way, Isabel dear, about feeling so relaxed and
peaceful here." Replying Sarah. "What I'm trying to say, is that you
shouldn't really worry so much about Francis, because I have this feeling
he's in a very safe place where no harm will befall him." She said,
reassuringly to Isabel. "I also feel that you will be seeing him soon."

"I think you're right." Isabel smiled broadly and turned her head in the
direction of New Moon, and looked far off into the sky. Strangely, today
she had begun to have the feeling the feeling that Francis was safe, and
well.

Smiling back at Isabel, Sarah said--"I know I'm right! Now I want you to
have nothing but sweet dreams tonight...sweet dreams about Francis.
Alright!?"

"I have a feeling, that my dreams will be exactly that." Isabel smiled.
"Sweet, and about Francis."

She was almost certain that they would be together soon. Infact, she had not felt
so hopeful in a long time. She had heard stories of the Murray second
sight, and had seen both Emily and her father display behavior that could
only be explained as such. She had never believed in it much, and had never
experienced it herself. Isabel was far too practical for that. She took
after her mother in that respect. Perhaps it was her maternal instincts
beginning to take hold, or the fact that she was too afraid not to
believe, but her feeling of certaintly that she would soon be with the man
she loved was so strong that maybe, just this once, when she needed it she was
being blessed with that very Murray trait.

The ladies sat finishing their tea and converstation watching the sun
fall below the horizon. The past two days had been extremely eventful for
both ladies, although in different ways. Sarah did not want Isabel to
overdo things, and seeing her veil a few yawns urged her to go to bed.
Isabel agreed, she was quite tired after the trip today, the doctor's visit, and
all the excitement of yesterday. Sarah too was feeling fatigued from the
days events and called for the girls to get ready for bed as they walked in
from the yard. Emily and Ilse, masking some yawns themselves ran over to
meet their chaperones. They knew, that they would spend the next few hours
whispering in the darkness about the day had held. Isabel and Sarah
smiled at each other, they knew it too.

The noises of the house one by one disappeared as Sarah, Isabel,
Emily, and Ilse settled down to a night's rest. Sarah had given the girls
Hattie's old room. She didn't feel it would be right to ask Isabel to
sleep in that bed. Isabel lay in bed in the guest bedroom feeling the baby move.
She was happy to be here. Francis had been in this house. This was his
family, somehow being here made her feel closer to him. She was still comforted
by the contented, hopeful feeling she had become aware of in the garden.
She drifted off to sleep, this time thinking wonderful thoughts of the future.

Gradually the noises from the street subsided, and night fell over the
quite neighborhood in Charlottetown.


***New Moon***

Laura and Eve stood in the kitchen at New Moon busily finishing
cleaning the breakfast dishes, and beginning to prepare for lunch. With so
many people at New Moon there was much to do, especially since Elizabeth was
being kept busy in the barn. It had been three days since Isabel, Sarah, and the
girls had left for Charlottetown. They had received a letter yesterday
from Sarah assuring them that all was well. This had set their minds at ease.
Everyone was glad that Isabel would be spared any aggitation over the scenes that would
arrise.

Mr. Carpenter had slept for the better part of the past few days.
However, early this morning he had awaken is a cold sweat, half out of his
mind, yelling for Isabel and trying to get up. It took the weight of
Jimmy, John, and Perry to hold him down. In that state, had Isabel been there,
he may have hurt her and not even know it. The family was still out in the barn
trying to get him through this first bought of drying out, when...

Around 9 a.m., that morning, Teddy Kent rapped on the backdoor of the New
Moon cottage. Inside, Elizabeth was just preparing to head out again to
the barn. As she opened the door, Teddy said--"Good mornin', Miss Murray!"

Surprised at seeing Emily's friend, she replied--"Good morning to you too,
Teddy. What can I do for you?"

"Nothin' really, Miss Murray. Uh...uh, is Emily around?" he asked.

"No she isn't. She's in Charlottetown with our Cousin Isabel and Ilse."
said she.

Knowing that it was none of his business, he then replied--"I was at the
store in town, and since I was comin' this way anyhow, the Stuarts asked
me to drop this letter from a Mr. Malcolm Murray off here. Will you please
see to it, that Miss Murray gets it?"

"Sure thing, I will. Thank you for dropping it off, Teddy." said
Elizabeth, smiling at him. As he left for home, she laid it down on the
hall table, where their incoming mail is kept.

Elizabeth crossed the dirt yard to the barn considering what may be
written in that letter that Malcolm had sent to his daughter. If reading
it were to upset Isabel then Elizabeth vowed that an equally upsetting
note would cross the Atlantic back to Uncle Malcolm, from her. She had much to
tell the old man about the way had treated his daughter over the years,
but had decided to hold her tongue so far.

She reached the barn in a bad spirit, it would be nice to have things
settled down around New Moon. She hoped things would get back to normal
soon. Elizabeth tugged on the stiff door latch, and entered the barn uncertain
of what she would find. After the scene earlier she was ready for anything.
The first thing she saw was Perry tending to the morning chores. 'Well, at
least someone is keeping the farm running,' she thought to herself.
Peering further into the darkened space Elizabeth saw that Jimmy, John, and Dr.
Burnley were tending to a still dilerious Francis Carpenter. He had ceased his
yelling but was still calling for Isabel. Elizabeth realized that in spite of
everything he was going through he had only ever mentioned Isabel. Through
all of it, she was foremost on his mind, even if it was not to clear at
the moment. 'He must truly love her.' She thought to herself, suddenly seeing
that once well again he would take care of her cousin.

"How is he now?" Elizabeth questioned already able to tell that the
patient was not much improved.

Dr. Burnley looked up at her over his shoulder. "Not good. He'll be
lucky to get through this. He's got alot more ahead." He reported.

John sat on a crate beside his brother. Laying a hand on his shoulder
he talked to him as if he could hear or understand. "Come on, you have to
get better now. You have to get better for Isabel and the baby." The concern
in John's face was growing by the minute. He had helped his brother dry out
before, but he had neer been this bad. He was beginning to get worried.

Just then, Francis began illucinating, for which in his deliriums, he
began to seeing all kinds of creepy-crawlies running up and down the walls, and
on him, causing him to scream out...

Elizabeth jumped as if someone had shot her. Her face showed complete
confusion as to what to do. She was not accustomed to situations that
took her by surprise, and she did not like it. All she could do was stand
there and stare questioningly at Dr. Burnley who was struggling to hold down the
patient. Jimmy grabbed Francis's arms, and John his legs. The men were
barely a match for dilerious strength that struggled against them.

"Can't you see them? They're all over." Francis yelled.

"See what?" Jimmy in total confusion.

"It's the dilerium." Dr. Burnley yelled. "He's hallucinating." He
suddenly rememered Elizabeth standing in the corner in horror. "Perry!"
He yelled.

Perry jumped to attention, he had been at the ready a few feet away in
case he was needed. "Yes, Sir!" He answered.

"Get Miss Murray out of here." Allen ordered.

Perry took Elizabeth by the arm and carefully walked her over to the
door. She could not take her eyes off of the scene being played out a few
feet away, and was too horrified to resist. "Now, ya come on now Missus,
this ain't no place for a lady." Perry humored her, he knew he may very well
face her wrath later for grabbing her and throwing he out of her own barn.
None the less he gently shoved her through the open door and shut the door.

"Well! I never!" mumbled Elizabeth to herself, as she walked back to the
house. As she opened the screen door, she was met by her sister, Laura.

"How do you like that?" she grumbled. "I was practically thrown out my
own barn!"

"Really?" asked Laura. "Mr. Carpenter, must really be having a terrible
time in there, sis. Having alcohol withdrawals, from what Allan told me,
causes terrible things to happen to you. Put yourself in Mr. Carpenter's
shoes for a change."

"Well, perhaps you're right, Laura." said Elizabeth. "I guess that under
the circumstances, I should be a little more tolerant of Mr. Carpenter's
withdrawal shortcomings. He does, after all, love our cousin, and like it
or not, he is the father of her baby."

"That's right." said Laura in reply. "We should also exercise a great deal
of patience, as well too. And in the meantime, don't forget the sacrifices
John, Jimmy, Perry, and Allan are making now, helping Mr. Carpenter to get
through this episode in his life."

"Thank goodness, Isabel and the girls aren't here to see what's going on."
replied Elizabeth, as she shook her head.

"Yes, they're much better off in Charlottetown, with Mrs. Carpenter."
agreedLaura.

As they were talking, Eve came down the stairs--

"Good morning, ladies!" said a cheerful Eve. "How are you two this
morning? And how is Isabel's Mr. Carpenter?"

"Good morning to you too, Eve." replied the Murray sisters, at the same
time.

"I was just out in the barn, Eve, and Mr. Carpenter still doesn't look
good. While I was in there, he began having delirious illucinations, then Dr.
Burnley ordered me to leave." explained Elizabeth.

"Wow! It's that bad, is it? Guess that it would be futule for me to go
out and check on Jimmy?" remarked Eve.

"I'm afraid so, Eve. Jimmy is alright." said a reassuring Elizabeth.

"Would you two like to have a cup of tea?" asked Laura.

"Sure!" answered both Elizabeth and Eve.

Pouring the tea into the cups and saucers, Laura had took from the
cupboard, she picked up the filled cups and handed them to Elizabeth and Eve, "Here you two are."

"Thank you, Laura." they both said. As they continued to chat.


As the door closed Perry could hear Dr. Burnley's voice. " We'll have to
tie him down, he'll hurt himself. Perry tear some strips from that old feed
sack over there, and bring them here and tie them to the corners of the
cot, hurry."

Perry did as he was told. He quickly ripped the burlap into wide pieces
and ran over to the others. It took all four of them to get the fabric
tied around Francis's wrists and ankles.

He had somehow realized what they were doing and had taken it as
threatening. "No, I have to get away!" He yelled as they worked, and continued to struggle. "I have to help Isabel! Where is she?" He begged.

"Isabel is fine, and she needs you to get well." John tried to calm him,
to no avail. His brother continued to fight them.

There was nothing the men could do now but wait and try to keep him
comfortable. John was visibly upset, Jimmy was glad the Emily had not been
here to see this. He knew how much she idolized Mr. Carpenter. Perry
seemed far away in his thoughts. Perhaps remembering others he had seen suffer
the same fate. Dr. Burnley was busy checking his patient as best he could. Then remainder of the day was to be no less harrowing.


***Charlottetown***

Isabel had awakend that morning a bit unnerved. She still felt confindent
that she would soon be reunited with Francis Carpenter. However, for some
reason she could not explain, she felt a bit nervous and unsettled. Sarah had insisted that a ladies day out on the town shopping for the baby would calm her nerves.
It did help to distract her. The two women and the girls spent the day
wandering through shops of Charlottetown. Although ever prudent and
frugal of nature, Isabel used some of her salary that she had saved to buy
several nice things for her forth coming little one. It would be getting cold when
the baby was born, and it would need some woolens. She found a few lovely
coats and hats just right for a newborn, and a bolt of fabric she could
make larger ones from for the next winter. There was a child's clothing shop
near the center of town, and Isabel delighted in the fine little outfits that
filled the displays. She purchases a few ruffled treasures that
especially caught her eye. There were also some toys, other assorted paraphenalia
necessary for a new baby and its mother, and even a few children's books.
Sarah had insisted on buying Isabel a lovely bed jacket as a gift. Something
special for the new mother. Even Emily and Ilse spent a little of the
money they had brought on a tiny pillow with a thistle, the symbol of Scotland,
emroidered on it for the baby. Isabel was delighted, and hugged the girls
tightly. The ladies even purchased a few nice dresses and pinnafores for
Emily and Ilse.

They little traveling party decided to indulge in lunch at one of the
large hotels in town. The girls had never seen a place so grand. They
felt like princesses as they watched the people come and go in their finery.
This was a far cry from Blair Water. There fine linen table clothes draped over all the tables which were laden with beautiful china, silver, and crystal. The girls felt like real
ladies giving their order to the waiter, and Isabel let even let them choose
something sweet from the pastry display when they were finished with their
meal. She even indulged herself. Emily was sure that when she became a
famous writer she would lunch in a place like this everyday, and of course
Ilse would come too. What a wonderful day this was.

After their lunch, they browsed in a few more shops, and then returned
home to Sarah and John's house in the late afternoon. Isabel retired for a
small nap upon returning. Emily could hardly contain her excitement,
running up the stairs to record the events of the day before she forgot even the
slightest detail, Ilse accompanies her to make sure she didn't overlook
anything. The remainder of the day was spent with a light supper, and
relaxing in the garden.

As night fell once more over the small house, the day's noises were fast
disappearring, and Emily could feel the excitment of the adventure catching
up with her. Her eyes grew heavy as she lay in Hattie's old bed. She
looked over at Ilse who had already fallen fast asleep. Emily herself could no
longer fight sleep, and drifted soundly off.

She was unsure how much time had passed when she openned her eyes again,
or even what time it was. She had been dreaming, dreaming of her cousin
Isabel, Mr. Carpenter and their baby. The dream shadows were still in her
head as she peered sleepily around the room . She had a funny feeling that
there was someone else in the room. She knew this feeling, she had
experienced it before, once when she had talked to her father, several
times when she had seen Malcolm's Wee Angel, when she had spoken to Ilse's
mother, and even once when she thought she was talking to Aunt Elizabeth's spirit
when everyone thought she was dead. There was someone in the room, but
she also knew that it was someone who would not hurt her. As her eyes grew
accustomed to the darkness she could make out the image of a woman
standing at the foot of the bed. For a moment she thought it might be Sarah or
cousin Isabel, but it was not. The woman was rather tall and thin. She bordered
on pretty although she was certainly no rival for Isabel, she did have an
interesting face. Emily had seen this person only once before, but she
recognized her immediately, it was Hattie, Mr. Carpenter's dead wife.

"Tell...Francis...that...he...is...forgiven, Emily." said the ghostly
apparation of Hattie Carpenter.

"Tell...him...it...is...alright...for...him...to...marry...Miss...Murray."

Emily stared at the apparition in front of her. She was unsure what to
do. "What?" She questioned.

"I didn't say anything." Ilse mumbled beside her. "Go to sleep Emily
Starr." She rolled over and buried her head in her pillow.

Hattie moved toward the door, and motioned for Emily to follow. Emily
quickly jumped out of bed and followed the image down the hall to where she
disappeared into Isabel's room. Emily was suddenly afraid. Why had Hattie
gone in there? What was she going to do? The young girl silently turned the
doorknob of the guest bedroom, and entered without making a sound.

Isabel lay sleeping soundly in the bed, not a care in the world it
seemed. Hattie was bending over her. The face of the woman that Emily saw
stared down at the woman her husband had loved. She lightly touched
Isabel's arm, and then her middle. Isabel did not stir. Turning toward Emily,
Hattie spoke in whispers that only the girl could hear.

"He loves her." Hattie smile was lovingly distant. "She loves him. She
has his child." Hattie looked directly at Emily. "They were meant for
each other, and will be greatly blessed."

Hattie walked toward Emily and put her hand on the child's cheek. The
touch was not cold and dead, but warm and seemed full of life. "Your
mother and father wish me to tell you that they are always with you, and love you
very much." Hattie said tenderly. She then turned and exited the room the
way she had come.

Emily stood in the middle of the room for only a few moments, but it
seemed like forever. She could barely believe what had just happened. She
was brought back to herself by the sound of Isabel stirring in her sleep.
Emily quickly went to the door, and turned the knob as quietly as she could. She
stepped into the hall, half expecting Hattie to be there, closed the door
without a sound, and soon was back in her bed without realizing she had
walked there. Her mind was too full. Her heart nearly wanted to burst
with joy as she thought about the words Hattie had spoken. She was certain now
that Isabel and Mr. Carpenter were going to have a long and happy life
together. She was also certain that her parents were watching over her.
She had always felt them near, now she knew. She closed her eyes, and drifted
off into a deep sleep. This time she dreamed of her father and mother.

The next morning Emily could hardly wait to get down to breakfast. She
had so much to tell everyone. Ilse had already dressed and gone down to
the kitchen. Emily hurried to put on her dress and pinafore, and could barely
manage to lace her shoes through her excitment. She ran loudly down the
stairs, glad that Aunt Elizabeth was not there to scold her for such
unladylike behavior. Isabel, Sarah, and Ilse were already sitting down to a
breakfast for porridge, toast, jam, and tea. Sarah had even boiled some
apples with cinammon for the feast. Emily plopped down in her chair to a
disapproving look from her cousin. Elizabeth may not have been there, but
Isabel had not intention of bringing an unruly child back to New Moon.
Emily
tried to ignore the reproach as best she could and finally blurted out...

"Guess who I talked to last night!" Her smile was as wide as her eyes.
She was sure everyone would find the news fascinating. She could not wait
for them to answer. "Hattie Carpenter!" she grinned.

The table went silent, and all eyes fell on Emily. Isabel who was
taking a sip of her tea at the time, nearly choked. Emily could see her face go
white. "Emily Starr. That is hardly funny." Isabel said barely able to
find a voice, her eyes never moving from her young cousin. How could Emily bring
up such a subject now, and in this house, under these circustances.

Emily was unsure whether her cousin would storm from table or burst
into tears. The girl felt her disappointment burning. She had thought everyone
would be grateful for this news, especially when she told then what the
woman had said. Even Ilse was staring at her in disbelief. She looked from
Isabel, to Sarah, to her best friend, unsure what to say next.

"Oh! What I meant to say, was that I was visited by Mrs. Carpenter's
ghost." said Emily. "She told me that she forgives Mr. Carpenter for what
he did to her, and that it's OK for him to marry you, Cousin Isabel. She
also said that he loves you, and that you two were meant for each other. She also
knows that you are going to have his child. And that's not all she said."

All three women looked at each other, and then Isabel asked, "What else did
she say?"

"She said that my mother and father told her to tell me, that they will
always love me...they love me very very much." replied Emily, as her eyes
began filled with tears.

"Oh Emily darling," said Isabel. "I'm sooo sorry. I didn't realize..."
Isabel knew that Emily sometimes had visions, just like her father. Given
her newfound feelings of hope and connection to Francis, perhaps it did
happen just the way Emily said.

"That's alright, I didn't mean to upset you." Emily smiled bravely. "I just
wanted to
tell you that everything is going to be fine."

"You know, dear. I think I truly believe that." Isabel said, her face
looking more peaceful than Emily had seen in a long time.

***New Moon***

Over the next weeks nerves ran high at New Moon as Francis Carpenter
drifted in and out of coherance. At times he would manage to sleep
fitfully, at others times he would spend hours yelling at the top of his
voice, often his wrists and ankles had to be tied to avoid hurting himself or
someone else. Always, though, as he fought to rid himself of the habit that had
dominated so much of his life, he called out for Isabel. It was evident
that she was his main concern. Finally, one morning he awoke exhausted and
starving, but lucid.

"Where is Isabel?" Where the first hushed words he spoke.

Jimmy and John were nearly as tired as Francis. They had allowed
themselves very little sleep over the past weeks. They had watched over the
patient with great care, John because he was his brother, Jimmy because he
knew Isabel needed him. Today they were relieved to see that everything was
going to be alright.

"Isabel's gone." Jimmy said in his straightforward way, not realizing
how his statement sounded.

"What do you mean gone. Where did she go? Why?" Francis begged
urgently. Had she been here all along? Had the ordeal so disgusted her that
she had fled? Had she returned to Scotland, how would he ever find her
there? He tried to sit up, but was too weak.

John put his hands on his brother's shoulders to keep him from
struggling. "Don't worry. Sarah took Isabel to Charlottetown with Emily and
Ilse to do some shopping for the baby." John smiled calming his brother.
"She never knew you were here. If she had she would never have left."

"Yeah, Dr. Burnley said it wasn't good for her to be around here with
you...sick like you were." Jimmy informed him.

"Then she's alright?" Francis asked.

"She's fine. She's seen a doctor there, and Sarah wrote us with a clean
bill of health for both mother and baby." John informed him happily.

"Thank God." Francis exclaimed, relaxing back down onto the cot. His
relief was clear on his face.

"You better write yer wife, and tell her to bring them back now." Jimmy
told John happily. He missed Emily, and was certain that Isabel would be
wanting to get back home soon.

"I'll do that right now. You stay here ok Jimmy?" John said smiling
broadly and patted his brother's shoulder. "Isabel's going to have a
pleasant surprise waiting here for her return. You just rest."

As he left the barn he asked Perry if he wouldn't mind going to the house
and telling Elizabeth that all was well. He then realized that not only was
his brother in desperate of cleaning up, that he, Perry, and Jimmy were not exactly fit
for proper company. "See if she wouldn't mind preparing a few baths while you're
at it." Laughed John.

"Will do." Perry laughed and was off like a shot toward the house.

Jimmy helped Francis sit up on some extra pillows, and got him a fresh
glass of water. "You just lay here, and let me know if you need anything."
He said, and making his way over to his workbench he returned to the project
he had been trying to make time for over the week, restoring the Murray
cradle. He wanted it to be ready when Isabel returned.

"What is that you have there?" Francis asked hoarsely. As Jimmy moved
aside and turned to answer his question he could clearly see the precious
object for the first time.

"This here's the Murray family cradle. I got to fix it up for Isabel.
For the baby. Elizabeth gave it to her." Jimmy informed him.

"It's beautiful." Francis said in awe realizing that it was his child
who would soon be occupying the little antique, his and Isabel's. He
yearned to see the woman he loved, the mother of his child. He needed to tell her why had not come back to her, and hoped she would understand. He wanted more than
anything to make her his bride.

Without looking up from his work, Jimmy asked as blunt as ever, "You
gonna marry her?" It was almost as if he were reading the other man's mind.
In Malcolm's absence he wanted to make sure of his intentions.

"I want nothing else in this world...If she'll have me." Francis
informed him.

"She'll have you. She loves you." Jimmy said, nodding his head.

"And I love her. More than anything or anyone." Francis eased his mind.

Jimmy nodded his head as if he had heard something that pleased him.
"That's good." He agreed, his face conveying more sentiments than his word.
At that he turned and looked Francis Carpenter straight in the eye. "Don't
you ever hurt them." He ordered.

"You have my word, I would sooner give my life than let anything hurt
them." Francis vowed. "I will never cause them any pain again." He knew
what Jimmy wanted to hear. "And I will never touch another drop. I won't
need to." He assured Isabel's cousin.

At the house, Perry knocked on the back screen door. He could see the
ladies inside going about their daily house work.

"Oh, Perry come in were just doing a little cleaning. Is everything
alright in the barn?" Elizabeth came to the door and pushed it open for the
boy to enter.

"As right as rain." Perry beamed as he stepped in the kitchen. " Mr.
Caprenter is up and wide awake." He announced proudly.

"Oh, good. What a relief." Elizabeth sighed. It had been a hard couple of
weeks on everyone. She was happy that Isabel could soon return home to the
man she was waiting for.

"Boy, I'll tell ya, you can say that again, Missus." Perry agreed. "Anyways,
it's awful thick down there. You got yourself a bunch o' guys who ain't
soaped and watered in a dog's age. John sent me to ask if you ladies could start a
bath for all them. He went to write to his wife, but'll be back directly."

"Certainly. We don't want Isabel and the girls returning home to a pig sty,
do we?" Elizabeth smiled at the youth.

"No ma'am. I'll go help Jimmy with the tub." Perry smiled back.

Elizabeth was in her glory when she could run the action. Turning around
she tightened her apron and called out. "Laura, Eve, I need your help. The
men need some cleaning up."

"Yes, Elizabeth!" They both answer at the same time.

"It's about time that I get to see my Jimmy." remarks Eve.

"Bite your tongue, Eve Kinch!" said a surprised embarassed Elizabeth.

"What I meant, Miss Murray," explained Eve. "Ever since Francis Carpenter
has been having his withdrawals, I haven't seen hide nor hair of my Fiance'.
Yes, I know that I'll eventually be able to see *him*, on our wedding night.
But for now, I'll be happy just to see him--Period!"

"Just Like I'll finally get to *see* Allan. Eh, Eve!?" said a giggling
Laura.

"Oh!! You two!! Will you please stop!?" begged a flustered Elizabeth.
"Let's get the warmed-up water out to the men."

In no time Jimmy and Perry had the large iron tub set up out in the barn,
and had quardened off a corner of one stall with blankets to offer a little
privacy, and to shield the ladies eyes for he knew at least Elizabeth would
come out to the barn to take charge. John returned to the barn with a small
letter addressed to his wife, he asked Perry to go post it for him.

Perry agreed whole heartedly. He took the letter and ran out of the barn,
as John began to help Jimmy with the tub and blankets. In fact Perry ran
all the way to the general store. The truth was he was happy that Miss
Murray and Mr. Carpenter were going to be together. He felt that they both had had
hard lives and now deserved as much happiness as two people could have. He
was also missing his two friends, Emily and Ilse and would be glad to have them
home.

Back at New Moon barn Elizabeth and ladies were hauling buckets of warm
water from the kitchen to the barn.

"John, since you're our guest," suggested Jimmy. "Would you like to be the
first to take a bath?"

"Ah now, Jimmy," answered John. "Since you're needed more around New Moon,
why don't you go first, and then I'll bathe after you?"

Then men took their turns bathing in the barn stall. Eve and Laura
hefted more buckets of hot water to the barn in the meantime which Elizabeth
handed to the men to rinse with. In no time the weeks of filth had been
washed away from John and Jimmy, and the months of it from Francis. After a
much needed shave and a fresh change of clothes which Francis borrowed from
his brother they were all once again fit to be around human beings. Eve
could hardly contain herself as she was ran to Jimmy and threw her arms
around his neck. John couldn't wait to see Sarah again, and all Francis
could imagine was finally being near Isabel again after so long. He had so
many things to tell her. Later as the men sat in the kitchen eating the
lunch that the ladies had prepared for them, Elizabeth stood back to survey
the work. "Yes, I think you will all do now." She said, contratulating
herself for yet another job well done.


Charlottetown

That week Isabel, Sarah, Emily, and Ilse had spent exploring the
wonders and novelties of city life. Sarah had arranged a nice tea with some
of her friends, they had spent a delightful afternoon pouring through the
library at the near by university, and taken a picnic in the park. One of Emily's
parts of the entire trip, they had even taken in a matinee at a theatre. It
had been a production of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Emily was
thrilled that the heroine on the play was her mother's namesake. She and
Ilse were in true bliss sitting in the theatre engrossed in the play. They
both returned home proclaiming their intention to be actresses. Emily was certain
a person could be a writer and an actress at the same time. "Oh no you
won't." Isabel informed them, determined that no Murray would take up the stage
life.

On a slow rainy afternoon the ladies sat in the parlor enjoying the
peace. Emily and Ilse worked a puzzle, Sarah caught up on her needlework,
and Isabel lounged on the settee with pencil and paper listing possible
namesfor the baby. For some reason she felt stronger than ever that she and
Francis would very soon be together.

The next morning there was knock at the door...

As Sarah opens the door to answer the caller, she is greeted by a ten year
old delivery boy. "Hello, Maam!" says the youngster, "Mr. McRory asked me
to make this special delivery to you." as he is handing her the letter.

"Why, good morning to you too." she replies. "Thank you so much for
bringing it." After she takes it from him, she asks him to wait while she
goes to take a ten cent tip out of a cookie jar, then returning to the door,
she hands him the dime...

"Thank you, Maam!" says the grateful boy.

Closing the door behind her, she looks at the envelope, and is happy to see
that it is from John. Looking around her, she is hoping that Isabel isn't
yet up. After opening it, she takes out the letter, then a big smiles
spreads across her face, for it is the good news she is expecting. In it,
her husband tells her that she can bring Isabel and the girls back to New
Moon. Francis has fully recovered from his alcoholic withdrawal syndrom.
As she is about to fold up the letter to replacing it in its envelope, she
hears the familiar rustle of Isabel's skirt.

Trotting over to the stair landing, she smiles happily up at her future
sister-in-law, "Good morning, Isabel! How are you feeling this morning!?"

Isabel smiled at Sarah. "Well, I'm fine, but the little one didn't let me
get much sleep last night." She laughed patting her round belly. "I think
he or she has the same feeling I do. That Francis is not far away." Her
face beamed brighter than Sarah had ever remembered seeing it. Could she somehow, deep down, know something?

"Your wee one is right on the button there. Hmmm." as Sarah clears her
throat. "Isabel, won't you please come over and sit down next to me hear on
the sofa? I got something to tell you. Oh! don't worry, it's nothing serious. There
is something you should know."

Looking at Sarah, kind of funny like, Isabel is wondering what it could be
that her future sister-in-law has to tell her. As they both sit down on the
sofa in the livingroom, she asks--"What is it, Sarah?"

"I don't know where to begin, so I'll start here." she replies. "Do you
know why I brought you and the girls here to stay with me here in
Charlottetown, Isabel? Hmmm--I brought you here, to get you away for a
while from what has been happening at New Moon."

"Yees." said Isabel cautiously. "And....?"

"And, the men; Jimmy, Perry, and my husband, John, did find Francis on the
eve that we left to come here,..." replied, Sarah, watching and waiting to
get somekind of a reaction from Isabel.

Isabel sat next to Sarah staring at her for what seemed the longest time.
She struggled to make sense of what the younger woman was telling her. How
could this be. Francis had been at New Moon all along, and no one had told
her, while she had been living it up in Charlottetown. She should have been
there. Why had no one let her know. No wonder she had felt him so close.
Tears began to fall from her bewildered eyes.

"He's at New Moon... now?" She questioned. "Why did you take me away from
him? Why didn't anyone tell me?" Isabel felt betrayed. Then something Sarah
had just said registered in her mind, and she broke away from her barrage of
questions. "What do you mean...to get me away from what is happenning at
New Moon? He is alright isn't he?" Then a terrible possibility flashed into Isabel's
mind. "He doesn't want to see me." She could barely stand to contemplate
that thought, but she had to know. her eyes searched Sarah's face for any
hint of an answer.

"Yes, of course he is alright." said Sarah, reassuringly. "We felt it
better to bring you and the girls here, while Francis was going through his
alcoholic withdrawal syndrom. Isabel, my dear--have you *ever* been around
someone who is drying out? If you have, it's not a pretty picture. Now as
for this letter I just got today from John, he told me that it's alright for
me to bring you and the girls home to New Moon. And...and Francis is dying
to see you."

Isabel could hardly take in what she was hearing. He had been so ill and
in such a state that her family had deceived her to get her away for her own
good. It must have been truly bad. Suddenly she felt an urgency to return
home without delay. Francis was there, and he needed her. She understood
that Sarah, and her family was thinking of what was best for her and the
baby, but now that the worst was over her place was with him. She should
have been there all along.

She looked at Sarah and barely heard herself speak through the thoughts
whirling in her mind. Suddenly she stood up as Sarah tried to calm her. "We
must leave at once. We have to go back." She gasped.

Isabel did not wait for Sarah to protest, she was on her way to the
stairs to wake the girls and pack before the younger woman could say
anything. Sarah would not have tried to stop her, she too was ready to
return to the man she loved, and wanted to see Isabel and Francis reunited. They
were packed and setting off for New Moon within the hour.