| |
The days passed quickly from summer to fall, and her pregnancy progressed to the point where she could no longer walk into the town. In actuality, she didn’t want to walk anywhere, because she felt heavy, fat, and in an ill mood most days. Not against anyone or anything in particular, but her body was in flux, and it was hard to find a comfortable way to rest. Still, she opened packages with tiny baby clothes to put in the armoire in the small room off the master bedroom that would serve as a nursery. Euan ordered wallpaper, and when it came, he laid the pattern on the walls himself.
Now, the previous blue-gray walls hosted cherubs and clouds, sunlight and horses for their baby. A custom crib was built and delivered along with a rocking chair, and a multitude of cloth diapers and pins. They awaited the baby’s arrival, and she wasn’t even allowed in the carriage to go into town for lunch. Euan was quite overprotective, and between him, the Stewarts, and Selma, they were all driving her mad. When Marie showed up at the house one afternoon, it was quite a surprise.
“Did we have an appointment today?” Ophelia asked when Mr. Stewart ushered her into the sitting room.
That was where she idled her days away, there or in bed. Mrs. Stewart banned her from the kitchen, which meant she couldn’t even stave off boredom by making pies or pastries.
“I’ve come to liberate you.” Marie gave her a wide smile. “Mr. Stewart is retrieving your coat, and I am taking you into town.”
Ophelia sat up in excitement. “Really—but Euan and Mrs. Stewart?”
“Selma is keeping her busy, and you’ll be home long before Euan leaves the docks.” Marie held out her hand. “Ready for a bit of fresh air and some lunch at the hotel?”
“God yes.” Ophelia allowed Marie to help her off the chaise lounge. “I will take any adventure I can at this point.”
Mr. Stewart helped her into her coat and then the carriage with a wicked smile. “Enjoy the afternoon, lass.”
“Thank you, William.”
Ophelia felt like dancing. Marie climbed in front, and with a flick of her wrist, the horses moved down the driveway, slowly. Admittedly, she had been suffering from cabin fever inside the manor, and she stuck her head out the carriage window to inhale the crisp air. It would snow soon, and the river waters would become icy. Euan said there wouldn’t be as much cargo coming in while the winter months progressed. He only expected three ships to span the long months as opposed to one every few weeks from the time the first thaw came.
The warehouses were full, and there were still stores of cargo for him to import and sell in Quebec and other areas. He was looking forward to being home and connecting with his child. John would be trapping more in the winter months and only in town intermittently while Euan handled the warehouses. Marie took the horses slow, so the bumps didn’t jostle her too much until they pulled up outside the hotel. She was surprised to see there was a bellhop who reined the horses while Marie climbed down. Then, they both helped her out of the carriage, not letting go until her feet were on solid ground.
“When did a bellhop take up residence?” Ophelia asked as they walked inside.
“Euan’s docks have brought a boom to our little town,” Marie said. “Everyone is happy...” They saw Bettina at the corner and when she saw them, she turned in the opposite direction with a fluff of skirts at her heels. “Almost everyone.”
“I thought she was marrying James?” Ophelia commented.
“Hansel has made himself a pariah lately, threatening his business acquaintances and other bullish tactics for them working with Campbell Imports,” Marie explained. “That includes James and Timothy’s father. It was not met with a warm reception and thus no marriage. As far as I hear it, Hansel is running out of money. He had more debt than equity, and his loans are being called in.”
“I have not been told anything about this,” Ophelia said. “I’m sorry for their troubles.”
Marie looked at her in surprise. “After all they’ve done to you, you can still feel sorry for them.”
“Pity more than anything else,” Ophelia answered. “Mrs. Hansel, I’m sure, did not expect any of this, and it’s not her fault her daughter is such a witch and her husband a bastard.”
“That fine white house will be up for sale soon enough unless he can find a way out of it,” Marie said. “He walks about with some big brute now, telling anyone who will listen that Euan has sent people to kill him, and he needed protection.”
“Mon Dieu, Euan has done no such thing!” Ophelia exclaimed.
Marie snorted. “Everyone knows that. He set out to try to destroy a man he knew nothing about, and Euan acted accordingly. From what John has told me, Euan is not one to have him or his family threatened. He has bought every one of Mr. Hansel’s loans and can call for repayment at any moment.”
“It seems my husband has been keeping secrets,” she murmured.
“More like not wanting to worry you, in case Hansel decided to act in a stupid manner.” Marie put her hand on Ophelia’s shoulder and turned her toward the restaurant. “Enough of this talk, let’s enjoy the afternoon.”
There was one more surprise. Inside, the restaurant was set up for a ladies’ tea. Silver trays filled with tiny sandwiches, fruit and cute cakes, and women who she only knew in passing were there dressed in their finest. Women she never expected to ever want to be in her company clapped lightly as she entered the room. Mrs. Cummings was there, other teachers who worked with her, and the wives of some of Euan’s business associates.
Marie was smiling widely. “One last hurrah, before you are knee-deep in diapers and loved only for your breastmilk.”
That got a laugh from everyone as Marie helped her sit, and everyone began to take plates of the small finger foods. The hot tea and scones were delicious. Ophelia sampled some of each item while everyone chatted or came over to offer their congratulations on the upcoming birth and give her a gift. Mrs. Cummings made her an exquisite blanket with lace around the edges, while others had knitted booties, hats and baby buntings to keep the baby warm in the winter.
A little silver spoon and cup, a bell and even handmade toys were all gifted to her. It was all very sweet, and she smiled and thanked each and every person as the afternoon progressed. They stayed way longer than expected. Marie and the bellhop helped her into the carriage as other ladies left and waved goodbye. Just as they were about to leave, Mrs. Hansel came up to the carriage and put her hand on the door.
She handed Ophelia a package. “For the baby.”
“I’m sorry, but I can’t appeal to my husband for your family,” Ophelia said gently.
Mrs. Hansel looked weary and tired, but a thin smile crossed her face. “That’s not my concern, Ophelia. My husband has made his bed, and he has to lie in it. In fact, we all do, but you have always been kind to me, and even my daughter, though she doesn’t deserve it from one moment to the next. This is from me to you, for the birth of a child made with love and into a family filled with happiness. It’s a blessing, please never forget that.”
Ophelia took the package. “Thank you, and I wish I could help in some way.”
Mrs. Hansel smiled. “This is all for the best; the Lord will see fit to do what he must. I’ll let you get on your way. Good evening, Mrs. Campbell.”
“Thank you and good evening to you,” Ophelia answered.
They watched as she walked away slowly, and she felt a pang of sadness as Marie got the horses moving. The manor house came into view after about ten minutes, much faster than being on foot. The lantern outside illuminated the silhouette of a man who stood on the front steps, legs spread in a wide stance and hands behind their back. She could recognize her husband in the darkest of nights and a smile automatically crossed her face. Marie walked the horses around in a circle so that the door would be beside Euan so he could open the carriage to help her out.
“It seems you managed an escape,” he teased gently and kissed her.
“Don’t be upset, but I needed today,” Ophelia replied. “The ladies made me gifts, and as we were leaving, Mrs. Hansel gave me a package as well.”
“Was it wise to take it?” Euan asked with a frown.
Marie climbed down and came around to them. “She’s nothing like her husband and daughter.”
“I feel sorry for her. She is so tired and almost seemed defeated,” Ophelia said sadly.
“This thing with Hansel will come to a head. Like a sore or a boil, he won’t go away quietly,” Euan said grimly. “When it does, I’ll make sure she is cared for; someone should show her a kindness, since her family has not.”
Ophelia kissed him. “Such a good man.”
He hugged her. “Let’s get you inside and to bed for some rest. Mrs. Stewart has been a beast because you were gone, and she wasn’t there to care for you.”
“She is as overprotective as you,” she said fondly and turned to Marie. “Thank you for today. I love you for it and everything.”
“That’s what a best friend does.” Marie kissed her on both cheeks. “Get some rest.”
“I will,” Ophelia promised.
Inside, Mrs. Steward fussed, “I’m wondering who helped you leave, Lass?”
“No one, just Marie.” Ophelia kept her eyes averted from Mr. Stewart and Selma. She wouldn’t let them be quarreled with because of her. “You shouldn’t worry so much, Mrs. Stewart. I’m of good stock, I will be fine.”
Mrs. Stewart cupped her cheeks. “You are like my daughter, Lass. I love you like I do Euan. I’m sorry if I fuss too much.”
“You don’t,” Ophelia promised. “But sometimes, I need fresh air. I promise I won’t leave without telling you again.”
“Okay, Lass.” The older woman smiled. “Now, upstairs with you, and I’ll get the warmer for your feet under the blanket, some tea, and a snack.”
“You will have to drink the tea and eat the snack. I’m still full from this afternoon,” she told Euan as they went up the stairs. “I don’t want to disappoint her.”
He kissed her temple. “Aye, it will be our little secret.”
She opened the package from Mrs. Hansel. It was an elegant handmade doll—a sweet smile, eyes with lashes and rosy cheeks were embroidered on the face, and the dress it wore was neat and handmade as well. Euan was right, she needed love and care. Mr. Hansel would end up losing a good woman, and Bettina a good mother, if they weren’t careful. Ophelia placed the doll in the crib on a blanket. It seemed, in her own way, Mrs. Hansel thought she was having a girl as well.