Chapter 151: A Most Important Day Part II

At the Hamilton Hospital Children's Ward, all the children were sitting in the center of the room, gathered around Grace and Madelyne, who were being assisted by Allie and Arabella, in distributing their gifts and treats.

"This is the best! I've never had candy like this before!" said one little boy, busily chomping away.

"I love my doll. Does she have a name?" asked one sweet little redhead who was holding onto her new doll with all her might.

"Well, I think she's been waiting for her new Mom to name her, so I guess that falls to you," smiled Madelyne. "Any ideas, Edwina?"

"I think she looks like a Dollie."

"Why I think that's her name. Pleased to meet you, Dollie. I do hope you mind your new mother!"

"She will," the little girl answered confidently, showing a missing tooth in the process.

"Could I have the big Teddy Bear?" asked a younger boy who was bigger in size.

"Absolutely you may," insisted Grace. "You know Teddy Bears know lots of things."

"Like what?"

"They know how to be a really great friend, and they are always there when you need them. They also know how to love you a whole lot!' explained Grace.

"Do I name him?"

"You know, he was telling me he wished he had a name. Do you know what a good one would be?"

"I like to play 'Simon Says,' so I think I'll name him Simon!"

"That's perfect because I think he even looks like a Simon! Shall we let Simon play a game of Simon Says?"

All the children clapped, except one, and Allie noticed her, sitting in a chair by her bed, all alone.

Allie wasn't going to have that. The little girl looked so sad. And so lonely.

Thinking about what the little girl would like, Allie found a doll that was dressed like an Angel.

Allie quietly slipped away as everyone else was playing 'Simon Says.'

"Hi, I'm Allie. What's your name?"

The girl looked up at Allie, but quickly down again.

"May I sit?"

Sallie said nothing.

But then Allie saw why she hadn't joined the other children.

There was a pair of crutches standing against the wall, and her left leg was bandaged in a cast from above her knee to just above her ankle, sitting straight out from her propped up on a cushioned stool.

"It's going to be hard to talk with you if we don't even know each other's names."

The girl still looked down.

"It's just plain old Sallie."

"I love that name, It's my name with an S in front of it. So, I guess that makes me plain old Allie."

The girl actually smiled.

"You're funny."

But then she was solemn again.

"What happened? To your leg, I mean."

The girl said nothing, just staring blankly at Allie instead.

But finally, to cut the silence, she spoke.

"They broke it and they killed my Mama," she suddenly said blankly. "It was a car crash."

Allie wanted to tell the girl she was sorry, but being the old soul she was, she felt like the girl needed to talk instead.

"When did it happen?"

"Why do you want to know? You wouldn't understand," the girl answered gruffly.

"Maybe I would. My mother's in heaven too."

The girl looked horrified.

"Daddy wants to take me home, but I can't. Mama won't be there. It won't be the same."

"My real Daddy didn't want me. He just ran away. Only my Uncle Nathan did. But he's my real Dad now."

"Did he have a wife, so you could have a mother?"

"No. We only got married a month ago. My Uncle, now my Dad, and I were together for most of my life alone."

"And you made it without a Mama?"

"I had to, but Uncle Nathan was like my Dad and my Mom. And now, I have a new Mama."

"Does she love you?"

"Yes, very much. She loves me just like she loves her own son. He's my brother, Jack, and he's the cutest thing ever! But he's too little to come here. I'm his sister. And I'm his Mama's daughter too, now."

"I miss Daddy, but I don't think I can go home."

"But that's where all your love is. You have to go home, Sallie. Your Dad has to be hurting without your Mama, and if you don't go home, he won't have anyone to love."

"But I don't want us to be sad!"

Sallie was almost crying.

"But look at you. You are sad right now, Sallie, and I'm sure your Dad is sad too. Do you miss him?"

She nodded.

"An awful lot."

"Look, I don't even know you, but I thought you might like this. For some reason, I brought you an Angel. I think it's to remind you of your Mama in heaven. But I know my Mama wanted me to be with my Uncle. Wouldn't your Mama want you to be with your Dad?"

Sallie was crying, and shaking her head yes.

"It will be different, Sallie, I'm not going to lie. But different can be good, too. Will you see your Dad today?"

"He's coming for lunch."

"We have to leave now, but will you promise me you'll go home with him when they let you."

"The doctor told me several weeks ago, that I could go, but I was just too scared. Daddy even hired a nurse to stay with me so I could go home."

"Sallie, I live far away in a place called Hope Valley. But here's my address. I think we could be great friends. Will you write to me?"

"I'd like that. And Allie, I think I might tell Daddy I'm ready to go home."

"That's great, Sallie, best news ever! I'll be sending you lots of good wishes, and I'll pray every night for you!"

"Allie?"

"Yes?"

"I'm glad you came over to talk with me."

"Me too, Sallie!"

"And thanks for my Angel. She's beautiful and I really need her."

Madelyne had been helping a little girl from the circle back into her bed, which happened to be the next bed over from Sallie.

Allie's grandmother was beaming with pride at her granddaughter's insight and kindness to Sallie, as she had heard most of the girls' conversation.

Allie might have been too young to know the full impact of what she had just done, but Madelyne, with tears in her eyes, was definitely going to explain it to her granddaughter when they had a moment of privacy.

Two verses ran over and over in the grandmother's mind:

First, Isaiah 11:6

"The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them." (*125)

And Second, Hebrews 13:2

"Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." (*126)

Madelyne had no doubt that whether or not the girls knew it, today God had led Allie to lead, resulting in two loving angels helping each other.

It was such a beautiful thing to have seen!

If only the whole world could do the same…

In town, Elizabeth and Viola arrived promptly at Dr. Jenkins' Office at 9:45.

The Nurse immediately recognized the Thatcher Sisters and was elated to see that the elder one, who was pretty much royalty as far as she and all of Hamilton were concerned, was actually here in person.

"Lady Townsend, please follow me. I'm sure you'll be much more comfortable waiting in Dr. Jenkins' private quarters. May I get you some tea?"

"That would be lovely, thank you," offered Viola, on her best behavior, pleased to have been recognized by her proper title.

"Well, you're certainly getting the royal treatment!" snickered Elizabeth, after the Nurse had left to get the tea.

"I'm afraid all of Hamilton dreams of royalty!"

"Well that would be never for me, so that's special Vi!"

"Liz, may I ask you a question?"

"We're sisters. Of course, you can ask me anything!"

"Whatever were you thinking allowing Nathan to come to your obstetrics visit?" asked an appalled Viola.

"Viola, he wanted to come and truthfully, I wanted him to come. I went through the entirety of Jack's pregnancy alone, and Nathan knows that was very hard on me. We are sharing this pregnancy together as much as possible. And I for one am proud to have him by my side!"

Viola gave a little look, raising her eyebrows, but was at least kind enough to not voice her opinion further, though it was quite obvious!

The Nurse brought their hot tea, and left the sisters in a dither, so proud to have served royalty.

She couldn't resist saying so, just before she left.

"Just think, now I can tell all my friends I've served tea to royalty! This is such a pleasure, Lady Townsend! Thank you! Thank you!"

The Nurse even backed all the way out of the office, missing the door slightly and bouncing into the wall as she left.

"Oh, do excuse my clumsiness, Lady Townsend. It's just that I'm so nervous! Enjoy your tea! Please!"

"Do you get this a lot," asked Elizabeth with a scrunched-up face.

"Only in America, Dear Sister!"

It wasn't long after, Dr. Jenkins came in, and it was soon evident there was going to be none of this royal awe as far as he was concerned.

"Viola Thatcher! So good to see you again. I haven't seen you since before you left for Britain."

The good doctor came to embrace Viola, but she sat sternly in her chair, forbidding him to touch her.

Elizabeth poked her, which she completely ignored.

"Elizabeth, so good to see you back twice in one week!"

"Thanks for seeing us, Dr. Jenkins. We really appreciate you working us in."

The elderly doctor walked behind his desk and opened a file.

"Tell me your concerns, Viola."

"They aren't my concerns. They happen to be my meddling sister's!"

"Alright. Let's try another way. I assume you think you are pregnant, am I right?"

"Yes, Doctor. I typically don't have morning sickness, but I did the other day, one time only."

"Then, may I ask, how do you know you don't typically have morning sickness?"

"My first pregnancy. My doctor in England said he had only seen one other patient that had never had morning sickness either, but that I was healthy and I did do fine. At least during the first three months of pregnancy."

"What happened after?"

"I became very sick, not nausea per se. But I was often unable to function with severe cramps and quite a bit of pain."

"Did you hemorrhage at any time?"

"Why do you ask that," asked Viola sharply.

"I have my reasons. Let's get you examined first, and then I'll explain."

"Vi, do you want me to go with you?"

"Heaven's sake, no, Lizzie…"

When Dr. Jenkins returned with Viola, he looked a little shaken, but so did Viola.

Enough so, Elizabeth began to worry.

He helped Viola to her seat, then slowly walked behind his own desk to sit down in his big leather chair again.

But Elizabeth instantly noticed he looked much more serious than he had when he talked to her and Nathan after her own exam.

Every fiber Elizabeth had within her tensed, and that tensing was clear to Viola as well.

"You are definitely pregnant, but you are much further along than you indicated to me when I examined you. Viola, you are at least three months, if not four months along. And my experience says it's four."

"That's impossible. Positively impossible!"

Viola looked pale.

"I'm afraid it's true. Everything looks normal and there is nothing from the physical exam to be concerned about. However, certain things tend to run in families, and I must say, Viola, delivering you gave me a run for my money more than any infant I have ever delivered to this day. It was touch and go to even get you here."

"I don't see that has anything to do with me, now!"

"Well, it does. Viola were you aware your mother had a very difficult time carrying you?"

"Not till this morning. Mother only said she came close to losing me in her seventh month and that she had hemorrhaged."

"Viola, your mother was on bed rest from her fourth month on. I had advised her to not get pregnant from the very beginning. And from the beginning of her first pregnancy, which was you, my Dear, she had problems. Serious problems. We almost lost your dear mother more times than I care to remember!"

Both Elizabeth and Viola were ashen.

"But then why would she have Julie and me after all that?"

"Your mother was determined to have her family. I advised against it, but we had learned of several women who had placenta previa, which I suspected that she had, who had carried multiple children to term who were healthy. I shared that with your mother and father, and they together decided to take the risk, and I'm so very glad they did, because the remaining two pregnancies resulted in you and Julie, Dear, and your mother did much better, although I still had to monitor her closely."

"They must have really wanted us," exclaimed Elizabeth, feeling awful that her mother's pregnancies had been so difficult.

"Desperately. But getting back to you, Viola, and to your mother's pregnancy with you, I suspected early on that she might have, as I said, what we call placenta previa. It's a serious complication of pregnancy where the placenta, which is a large organ that develops during pregnancy, blocks the neck of the uterus where the baby lies. This can be a partial or complete block, and thus it interferes with the normal delivery of the baby. It can also cause bright red vaginal bleeding, usually without any pain, after twenty weeks of pregnancy. Sometimes we see spotting prior to the more heavy blood loss that is typically seen."

"But I had a lot of pain, I didn't hemorrhage like Mother, but I did do a lot of spotting."

"The bleeding can also occur with pre-labor contractions of the uterus, which does indeed cause pain. So, the act that you had the intense pain and the spotting, even without thankfully, the heavier bleeding, we still need to be careful and we will be. I am however concerned. And I know this isn't what you're going to want to hear. But I do believe I must urge you to stay here in the U.S. till this baby is delivered."

"But if what you say is true, that's five more months," wailed Viola.

Dr. Jenkins got up from his chair, and pulled another chair closer to Viola's, taking both her hands.

This time there was no objection, whatsoever.

"My Dear, I don't like to brag, but I'm a Harvard graduate, top in my class, and I keep up with the very latest in Obstetrics Care. I feel sure that we can manage any issues that might develop in this pregnancy, having gone through this with your mother, as well as others. But I'm not sure you would survive, for example, if this condition reared its ugly head, let's say while on a ship. Or even in a rural area of England where the local doctor is not experienced in these matters."

Viola let out a slow breath.

"Are you sure my baby will be alright?"

"I can promise you, I will do everything in my power, and I do believe your baby will arrive safely. But I need your cooperation for that to happen. I need you here, Viola, where I can see you weekly."

"Will you take me on as your patient?"

"You already are my patient, Dear."

Elizabeth noticed, Viola hanging on to Dr. Jenkins' hands for dear life, but she didn't expect her sister's next question.

"Dr. Jenkins, can my husband come with me to my appointments?"

"Absolutely! I actually think it would be very prudent, my Dear…"

As Julie's Luncheon Guests said their goodbyes and Godfrey helped them out, Julie was on cloud nine!

She was beyond excited, but there was no one home to tell her news to!

When Godfrey returned after seeing her last guest out, who happened to be the Director of the most impressive Art Gallery in all of Hamilton, Julie ran to him like she had when she was a little girl and embraced him as tightly as she could!

"What's this, Miss Julie," asked Godfrey, rather overwhelmed at her gusto.

"Meet the new Assistant to the Director!"

"Miss Julie, congratulations! I'm thrilled for you! And your parents will be too! Why the whole extended family will be thrilled!"

"Godfrey, I'm so sorry!"

"About what, Miss?"

"About scheduling this Luncheon on the same day as the Ball. And also about not telling you sooner!"

"Both are very much appreciated, Miss Julie. But, I'm afraid I have work to do."

"It was thoughtless of me, and I am very sorry. Thank you, Godfrey! A big huge thank you for all you've done for me!" she called as Godfrey turned to leave the room.

But he turned back to her, with his most solemn look.

"You are very welcome, Miss. But this still doesn't get you out of being MY assistant for your next party…"

Out in the Stables, Nathan approached Blackie, who was obviously very happy to see him.

The huge black stallion allowed Nathan to bridle and saddle him without moving an inch.

"You are ready to ride, aren't you Blackie?"

The horse neighed in agreement.

Nathan chuckled.

"Blackie, you sound just like Newton, my horse back in Hope Valley! You'd like Newton, Blackie. In fact, I think you two would be great friends."

"You ready, Nathan? I stepped up a grade today. Meet Silverstone."

"He's a beauty, Anthony. A real beauty!"

Nathan started to ask Anthony a question, but he could tell by his face, that it was better to not say anything, and just ride with him.

The two led the horses out of the Stables, then mounted.

"Are you going to go around the training ring, first?" asked Anthony.

"Nah, I think Blackie's ready! Let's go!"

The two men took off in a gallop, leaving Nathan impressed at Anthony's prowess on Silverstone.

They rode and rode without saying a word.

Till finally, Anthony motioned that they should stop and let the horses drink.

The two men led their horses to the water and then turned to sit down on two of the big boulders close by.

"Nathan, I think I need to leave."

"Anthony, no!"

"I've thought this through. Viola doesn't love me. Not like Elizabeth loves you."

"Do you still love her, Anthony?"

"With all my heart! I know I'm distinguished-looking enough for an Englishman, some might even say handsome. But Nathan, let's face it, I don't have your looks!"

"Be thankful for that!" chuckled Nathan, but then he got serious.

"Anthony, you look fine, but love isn't about looks. Love is about your hearts."

"That's the problem, Nathan. I'm not sure Viola has one," he responded drolly, but seriously.

Nathan didn't know what to say, because quite frankly he wasn't sure either, but then he remembered something and sang the words aloud.

Surprisingly, Anthony joined in, and the two sang the words quite beautifully together.

"My heart's in the Highlands, my heart is not here;
My heart's in the Highlands a-chasing the deer;
A-chasing the wild deer, and following the roe,
My heart's in the Highlands wherever I go.
Farewell to the Highlands, farewell to the North,
The birth-place of valour, the country of worth;
Wherever I wander, wherever I rove,
The hills of the Highlands for ever I love.

Farewell to the mountains high cover'd with snow;
Farewell to the straths and green valleys below:
Farewell to the forests and wild-hanging woods;
Farewell to the torrents and loud-pouring floods.
My heart's in the Highlands, my heart is not here,
My heart's in the Highlands a-chasing the deer;
Chasing the wild deer, and following the roe,
My heart's in the Highlands wherever I go." (*127)

"I can't believe a Mountie from Hope Valley knows that poem and song."

"We're not dumb, you know! Some of us do know how to read words and music!"

"Touche, I deserved that. But that's from my motherland, not yours!"

"It has a good message though for right now."

"What do you mean?"

"You love Viola. You can leave, but you'll still love Viola no matter where you go. Running won't help anything, Anthony. Fight for her."

Anthony slowly nodded.

"What do I do, Nathan?"

"I don't know. Buy her flowers. Tell her you love her and you can't live without her. Show her your heart, Anthony. Just show her your heart!"

Before Anthony spoke, Nathan could see the fire in his eyes.

"I really do love Viola with all my heart. I'm doing exactly what you said and more. I'm going to fight for her! Let's go back to the house, Nathan. I have some things I need to do and they can't wait..."

After they stabled their horses and walked into the Thatcher Mansion, Nathan was grateful to see Anthony relax.

He felt relaxed too, just knowing Anthony was going to fight for Viola because deep down, Nathan believed they really did love each other.

"I can do this, Nathan. Thanks to you, I won't run. I'm going to fight with everything I have!"

"Good luck, Anthony, but I don't think you're going to need it. She chose you, remember that."

"She chose my title and my money if we're honest here! But Nathan, I just know now that she loves me. She's confused, and she's afraid to love for some reason. But deep down, I know she loves me."

"I believe that, Anthony. I truly do! You've got this! Go save your marriage!"

As the brothers-in-law reached the Grand Hall, the phone rang throughout the space, somewhat ominously.

Godfrey, appearing out of nowhere, was almost immediately there to answer, even before Nathan or Anthony could get to it.

"Sir! It's for you. The Commissioner's Assistant, Sir!"

Nathan had a questioning look.

"Why would the Commissioner be calling me here, Godfrey?"

"The Assistant says he's here in Hamilton, along with the Commissioner, Sir. That's all I know. But he says it's most urgent."

Anthony and Godfrey watched Nathan take his call, and they both saw the moment his face fell.

He hung up the phone solemnly.

"Godfrey, can you please let William and my father know I won't be able to meet them for the Company Tour today. And if by some chance, I don't make it back in time, can you please explain to Elizabeth and to Grace?"

"Of course, Sir, but surely, you'll make it back in time for the Ball!" exclaimed a worried Godfrey.

"I'll do my level best, Godfrey, I give you my word, but one has to obey their Commissioner no matter what."

"Sir, I'll arrange a car."

"As soon as possible, Godfrey, please! I have to quickly change into uniform and be at the base within twenty minutes."

"I'll see that you make it, Sir!"

Nathan and Anthony raced up the stairs together.

"I'm helping you into your uniform. Don't argue! There's no time, Nathan…"

(*125) Isaiah 11:6, The Holy Bible, King James Version, Public Domain

(*126) Hebrews 13:2, The Holy Bible, King James Version, Public Domain

(*127) 'My Heart's In the Highlands,' Song and Poem, Robert Burns, 1789, Public Domain