Headed out for some Christmas travel with the grands. Decided to post two chapters together in case the internet doesn't cooperate. Couldn't figure out how to not change the chapter numbers so I left one blank. Thank you as always for reading; it is an honor I do not take likely and fills my heart!
Chapter Eighty-Eight and Eighty-Nine
Rosa and her daughter Rosita brought their sister and her nieces in from town and stationed them at all three homes for extra help. She marshaled them into service and the Mexican ladies took over the daily tasks to everyone's relief. Two of the ladies went to the kitchen and began cooking food for the upcoming meals. Ximena started combing cupboards and making sure there were adequate plates and linens for the makeshift tables Heath brought up from the Orangerie. She started baking cookies while Frances and her sisters took baby Jimmy outside. They were natural little mothers after all their experience with Benjamin.
Hannah stayed at Victoria's side every moment. Sally, Elisabeth, and Maris were overwhelmed with Jarrod's critical condition, and the nineteen grandchildren plus Jimmy and Esther dispersed beyond the three Barkley homes. Eugene's wife had not been able to attend, caring for her elderly mother in Denver. Their three children had arrived after Eugene at the ranch.
Nick and Heath were inconsolable, moody, and anxious—-David made himself useful with McColl. Eugene stayed unusually quiet by himself.
The nurses who accompanied the group from the city spent their time checking wounds and watching Maris and Elisabeth with their trained eagle eyes.
"I don't like this, Mabel. It's too much for any and I mean anyone to suffer. Likely losing the Jarrod one; not even fifty percent chance of opening his skull without infection or a stroke- and two ladies delivering any day—no matter what they think."
"I agree Inez. And the Nick one, I hope infection doesn't set in or he will be the next under the knife and may lose that whole leg."
"And the boys! All got open wounds and so does the little whore. She's only letting the lady Barkley take care of her. Haven't checked her wounds since San Francisco. I hope the lady knows what she is doing."
"Seems to. These ranch wives are pretty savvy. This is the best-paying job we ever have had. Hope we don't lose any of them."
"Chances, you know—we most likely will but as long as we don't get blamed for it."
"True. Let's get back to work. I really admire these folks. This is some real bad luck."
"Me too—-and yes bad luck for sure."
—&—
Maris went upstairs to her room on Fritz's arm. He followed her around on Nick's orders and the big ranch hand was under his direct orders that Maris was not to go up or down the stairs without him, lift anything or anyone—-and any kind of exertion.
"I take my job seriously, Miz Barkley."
"You are a good friend to me and Mr. Nick. Thank you."
She entered their master suite and he took his chair by the door, "Holler if you need me."
"I will and Thank you. Please wake me if there are any changes with Mr Jarrod."
"Said it would be hours or days fer we would know."
"I know but still—I need to get off my feet for a bit."
"Ain't none of my business but so does Mista Nick."
"You try telling him. We all have," she smirked.
"Nope. I need my job and don't want a fat lip."
They both laughed and shut the door.
Maris sighed deeply and rubbed her lower back, "Oh my. I need some time to just close my eyes. But the water closet calls again."
She went into her privy and was surprised at the clear, wet spot again on her undergarments.
"I have soiled myself again." and she changed her underpants, "Second time today I have wee'd upon myself."
She looked down into the porcelain and saw another small spot of blood.
"Still not enough for concern," she told herself.
Maris left her shift on and slipped into the big bed under the velvet blanket. She had a hard time getting comfortable. Her lower back was hurting and she was having trouble getting a deep breath. She finally found a way to move the pillows and she fell asleep in exhaustion.
—&—-
James David came downstairs and tapped softly on Victoria's door. Hannah was reading to Victoria from her Bible.
"Come on in, grandson. I haven't got to talk much with you."
He sheepishly nodded and kissed her on the forehead.
Hannah smiled and looked back down at the passage.
He said, "Finish the chapter; I need to hear it too."
"It's Psalm 34. One of my grandmother's favorites."
"Start from the beginning Hannah."
She began to read but James David could tell she had most of it memorized. Victoria closed her eyes and mouthed the words as she listened.
I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.
O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.
I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.
This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.
O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
O fear the Lord, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.
The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.
Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good?
Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.
Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.
The face of the Lord is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.
The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.
The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.
He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.
Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate.
The Lord redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.
James David couldn't help but watch the peace on Hannah's face as she read. He knew— even though they were very young, he wanted that kind of lady for life.
Victoria opened her eyes and watched his look of adoration at her oldest granddaughter. It made her heart a bit lighter to know the next generation would carry on their family.
She asked James David for the latest news from the homes.
"Uncle Jarrod woke for a moment and asked for water. He immediately went back to sleep after a spoonful. The surgeon said that was good but it would be days before he was out of the woods."
Victoria said another silent prayer for her oldest and nodded.
"Pa is still fighting Uncle Heath about sitting still. Still changing bandages quite a bit. Mother says Uncle Heath was cut out by the Good Lord to corral Nick. She couldn't do it but she was confident he could."
Victoria laughed and so did Hannah. He liked the way her eyes crinkled when she laughed.
"Mother looks unwell and so does Aunt Elisabeth. But they both say I am not used to motherhood of the last month. They are both sleeping right now."
"They are right. The last month is rough in the best of circumstances. Sally will know when the time comes. Babies come when they are ready." with less confidence than she felt. She knew the stress was weighing heavy on the women and both looked ready to deliver.
"Uncle Gene and I talked for quite a while in the library."
"Good. Gene has a good head on his shoulders."
"JT and Chip went out to help watch the young ones. JT wanted some time with William to talk. Older brother wisdom, I think."
"Much appreciated and needed, I believe."
One of Rosita's young nieces knocked on the door to see if they needed anything.
"Bianca? I would like you to stay with me while I nap. I want Hannah to get some rest. She has been cooped up here all day."
"See Senora Barkley."
"I am fine Grandmother. I promise."
"Go check on your Mother then. She may need another set of hands."
"Yes, Grandmother. I will be back by supper."
"I will count on that."
He kissed her on the forehead, "I will see her home. I need some fresh air myself."
James David took Hannah's arm and they left together.
Victoria smiled, "A little matchmaking is good for the soul."
—&—
Hannah and James David walked slowly the half mile down the road.
He was still a bit winded from his injuries and the dehydration. His ear was still bandaged tightly.
They chatted and shared their thoughts about the tumultuous events of the last few days.
"We can't lose Uncle Jarrod. We just can't. I heard my father and mother saying that we needed to prepare for the worst. The brain is a finicky place for surgery."
"I think JT is preparing too. He is being strong for his mother but he is afraid his Father is dying—-because of us," his voice choked up.
"Remember, his last wish is that you do not blame yourselves and our steps are ordered to learn and grow." she put her hand on his cheek. He took it off and kissed it. He squeezed her hand and they walked silently,
They came up to the large home. Sally had roses and wicker and padded dormer seats with lots of bright colors about. Her home was large and well decorated but in an informal style compared to the mansion. Jarrod's Italian Renaissance home with curved stairs, balconies, wood paneling, and murals was decorated to perfection with Aunt Francis's classic taste. Uncle Eugene's brownstone was lined with books and antique—-comfortable velvets and game tables in every room. Aunt Audra's was redecorated every few years in the latest style. They all were welcoming homes and all contained a piano.
Her younger sisters, Vicki and Rachel were playing their scales as they walked up on the porch. James David dropped her hand in propriety and opened the door.
"Hannah? How are you? Uncle Jarrod? Everyone?" they peppered her with questions.
Sally quickly came out of the guest bedroom worried too that Hannah brought news.
"No changes, Mother. How is the young patient?"
"Doing well. I will see if she is up to visitors. She was quite happy hearing the girls practice piano. Her mother taught her to play too."
Sally hugged Hannah tightly and came back out quickly.
"She would love to meet you and see James David. And she has been worried about the boys,"
Esther was sitting up in a rocker with long braids and a quilted robe. Her smattering of freckles shone with her fresh scrubbed skin. James David thought she looked years younger.
"Oh Esther, it's good to see up and hale." and he brotherly kissed her on the forehead.
She blushed, "And you, buddy. How's the half ear?"
"Eh can't hear ya." and they all laughed. James David smiled widely at Esther. She was quite pretty and looked like a schoolgirl or a maid at a community dance. Nothing like where he found her.
The thought crossed his mind that he had seen all of her intimately and the anger rushed over him at what she had been put through. Brotherly protection reared up in his body.
"And you must be Hannah. Your mother said you were caring for your grandmother." Esther said kindly.
"Pleased to meet you. I am so thankful for how you saved all my headstrong cousins,"
Esther was completely relaxed with Hannah's unassuming manner.
The three young people visited and made jokes when the younger girls hit an off-key note.
Sally smiled listening to the banter, "Esther is making her first steps."
She and Carmelita set the table for supper, "Soups on. Wash up,"
James David pulled the chairs out for all of the ladies. Sally looked toward the kitchen, "Carmelita, bring the soup and bread out. There is a place set for you too."
"Gracias Señora Barkley."
Esther couldn't contain her smile at Sally's gracious way of running her home. James David said grace and they all passed the food around the table.
They talked and visited. Esther would even join in occasionally.
They were interrupted by JT and William, "We have Mother in the rig. It's time. She wanted us to bring her here. We didn't have time to send word or tell anyone. Ximena is staying with the younger children at our house."
"Hannah, get the towels. Esther, we will need the guest room. It's closest without stairs."
"Of course ma'am."
Carmelita, get hot water and more sheets. A blanket. Vicki, show her where all the linens are."
"Rachel, get my medical bag out of the pantry,"
"Oh Hannah, my sharp knife."
James David and the boys all blanched at that instruction. They helped Elisabeth to the bed with weak stomachs. Her dress was wet with her waters and Sally helped her get comfortable on the bed.
"I feel sick,"
"Esther, grab the basin."
The young girl complied quickly with wide eyes as Elisabeth lost the meager contents of her stomach. She wiped her mouth for her and pulled her curls out of her face. Sally noticed Esther's compassion. "Another good sign."
The boys hurried out of the room in sheer terror at "woman's matters."
"How far apart?"
"Quick," and she doubled over with a hard contraction.
Hannah came quickly in and began settling up her mother's supplies. Carmelita brought in the rest of the items. Esther sat quietly in the corner taking in the scene.
"Let me check you, Elisabeth."
"I am close."
She pulled her knees up and took her soaked undergarments off. She handed them to Carmelita.
The Mexican girl quickly took them to the laundry.
Hannah recognized the confused look on Esther's face and whispered, "Those are her waters. They hold the baby inside until it's time. Once they break, the baby is on the way."
All she could do was nod in awe.
Hannah and Esther watched as Sally gently examined her.
"I can see the baby's head."
Hannah and Esther couldn't help but look. They both took an intake of air. Sally smiled as she pointed out the swath of raven curls.
"Elisabeth, the Barkley hair."
She smiled and clenched her teeth through the pain.
Elisabeth moaned out loudly and Esther jumped.
Hannah put her hand on her, "The pain is great but the Lord takes it away as soon as the baby is born."
Sally was comforted to hear her own words come out of her daughter's mouth.
They ministered to Elisabeth for about half an hour. She was not aware of anyone in the room. Her eyes stayed shut tightly.
"Elisabeth, be strong. I am with you. She's beautiful just like you. Can you feel my hand? Squeeze it. I didn't leave you. I am here. Our Elisabeth is ready—" Jarrod's voice comforted her in her mind.
"It's time to push."
Two pushes later, Sally and Hannah caught a large baby girl. Sally cleared her air passages and a loud cry was heard. The baby opened her blue eyes and laid her first look on Esther. She stared intently at the girl.
Tears streamed down Esther's face as they laid the crying babe onto her mother's womb.
Sally cut the cord and Elisabeth brought the baby to her breast.
"You have a healthy, big, baby girl." as they all gathered around.
"I know Jarrod said Elisabeth but I like the name Esther. Esther Elisabeth Barkley, Essie. You saved our boys and you were the first face my girl saw—she knew you were an angel to us. Jarrod will understand."
"Want to hold her."
Sally and Hannah gingerly cleaned up the baby and swaddled her.
Elisabeth motioned to Esther, "I meant it, she would like you to hold her."
Esther cradled the baby and tears plopped down on the blanket. The baby cried out and she quickly handed her back to Elisabeth. They all laughed.
"Hungry already. The Barkley appetite is ferocious if she is anything like Benjamin. Jarrod can't wait to get his hands on her."
They all exchanged a look.
Elisabeth readied herself to feed the newborn, "He told me so," matter-of-factly.
Hannah and Sally put their arms around Esther and looked at the baby and mother with awe.
—&—
"Got us another Barkley," when William heard the cry. JT breathed a sigh of relief. James David checked his pocket watch, "Another night owl. 8:35 pm. Ready to start living."