For the Love of the Land Page 4

  “I am thirsty.”

  “Callie, could you get Rebecca some water?”

  “I can get it.” Rebecca started to rise.

  “Oh, no you don’t. You stay off your feet. The doctor was very explicit about that.”

  “No trouble, mum. I’ll get it.” Callie walked into the house.

  Her insides quaking, Rebecca gazed out past the cottages and the barns and studied the plains. “If it was a small fire, wouldn’t the men have returned by now?”

  “We’ll learn all the details when they get here,” Willa said calmly.

  “I wish I could feel as calm as you,” Rebecca said. “You always remain tranquil, even in the worst situations.”

  “Oh, I get myself in a dither from time to time, but over the years I’ve learned it does little good except to give someone a stomach upset. Worry drains one’s vitality, and I have too little vitality left.” She smiled.

  Callie carried out a tray with three glasses and a pitcher. “The water’s cool, mum,” she said, pouring a glass and handing it to Rebecca.

  “Thank you, Callie.” She sipped. “It tastes wonderful.”

  “Would ya like some, Miss Williams?”

  “Yes. That would be lovely.” Mildred stood and stepped toward Callie, accepting a glass of water. She walked to the balustrade. “I do hope they return soon.”

  Another hour passed before a puff of dust appearing from below the rise told of approaching riders. The women stood expectantly.

  “It’s them,” Rebecca said, seeing the top of Daniel’s hat as he crested the rise. “Daniel!” Gripping the handrail, she made her way clumsily down the stairway. Daniel loped into the yard, then walked to the porch. Grabbing the horse’s reins, Rebecca waited for him to dismount. “Thank the Lord you’re all right.”

  Daniel removed his hat and circled an arm protectively about Rebecca’s waist.

  He was dirty and reeked of smoke, but Rebecca didn’t mind.

  “Right good to be back,” Daniel said with a smile. His teeth looked very white against his blackened skin.

  “Is everything all right?”

  “Yeah. It was like a miracle.” Ignoring his filthy condition, Daniel hugged Rebecca.

  “What happened?”

  “You look hot and thirsty,” Willa said. “Callie, could you fetch more water, please?”

  “Roight, mum.” Callie hustled into the house.

  “What happened?” Rebecca asked again.

  “Well, it looked bad, right bad. The flames were huge and the fire was growing stronger. We built two fire lines, but neither one stopped it.”

  “It was a fight for sure,” Woodman said.

  Rebecca had been so intent on Daniel she hadn’t even noticed Woodman. “I’m so glad you’re all right.” She turned her attention back to Daniel. “You said something about a miracle?”

  “Right. The fire was really cooking. And I have to admit to being a bit scared. We couldn’t stop it. And it was moving fast.”

  Callie handed Daniel and Woodman glasses of water.

  Daniel chugged down a few gulps, then continued. “The wind came up—strong. At first I thought we were in real trouble. The fire seemed to burst with life, but then all of a sudden the direction of the wind changed and chased the fire back on itself. I figure God stepped in, eh?” He grinned.

  “Praise the Lord,” Willa said.

  “And what would have happened if the wind hadn’t changed?” Mildred asked, her face looking pinched.

  Daniel finished off his water. “Well, to be honest, it was heading this way. We could have been fighting it right ’ere.”

  Mildred blanched. “Are you sure it’s out?”

  “Yes. No worries.”

  “You could have lost everything.”

  “Right, but it didn’t happen, and it’s not likely to.”

  Mildred still wasn’t appeased. “What would you have done if it had come here? How do you fight a fire?”

  “We’d have beat it back,” Daniel said, his voice reassuring. “You’ve no worries. This house has been ’ere a good many years, and it’ll be ’ere a good many more.”

  Rebecca pressed closer to Daniel. “You’re safe and so is Douloo. That’s all that matters.”

  A searing evening sun settled on the horizon as Rebecca followed Willa into church. Although instructed by the doctor to stay close to home, she’d managed to convince her family it would be safe to attend Christmas Eve services. Feeling tremendously swollen and uncomfortable, she walked down the aisle. Neighbors offered nods and smiles. Daniel kept a hand protectively on her arm and, following his mother, guided Rebecca into a pew.

  Rebecca lowered herself onto the wooden seat and looked about the sanctuary. Sunlight slanted through windows, casting a shimmering glow over the room. Parishioners whispered among themselves, their enthusiasm and anticipation radiating throughout the church.

  Daniel sat beside Rebecca. Smiling at her, he clasped her hand and held it. Mildred took the spot just to Rebecca’s right and patted her arm sympathetically.

  Cambria sat a few rows in front of Daniel and Rebecca. She turned in her seat and smiled at them. Her cheeks had more color, and the blue in her eyes seemed brighter than usual.

  Rebecca waved to her, then whispered to Daniel. “She looks nervous. I can’t imagine how it must be to sing in front of all these people.”

  Daniel nodded. “Right. Not to mention, it’ll be the first solo ever sung in this church.”

  Rebecca remembered the tongue-lashing she’d taken from her father-in-law months before when she’d suggested Cambria sing a solo. She was certain that now he would be pleased with the special music. Elvina Walker must be fit to be tied, she thought with pleasure. Elvina had been one of the most ferocious opponents of solo music.

  Rev. Cobb took his place at the front of the church. The room quieted. He looks healthier and happier these days, Rebecca thought. Rather than dreading the sermons as she once had, she looked forward to hearing what he had to say. Although still a bit long-winded, his messages were now inspired, each carrying her into the Father’s presence or bringing personal conviction.

  Free of Bertram’s tight controls, Rev. Cobb had blossomed. She wished her father-in-law could be here to see the changes. At the end, he had grieved the negative result his strong hand had placed on the church. He would be happy to see how it was now moving forward.

  “G’day to you.” Rev. Cobb gazed out at the parishioners. “Bless you all for being here. This is truly a night to rejoice.” He smiled. “Let’s begin by worshipping together in song. Please stand and open your hymnals to page ninety-three.”

  Organ music resonated throughout the small church, and harmonious voices sang “Angels We Have Heard on High” and then “Away in a Manger.” The songs were familiar to Rebecca, and she sang out as much as her swollen tummy would allow. Although the baby now sat low in her abdomen, she still had difficulty catching her breath.

  Daniel held her hand against his chest. Glancing at her handsome husband, Rebecca wondered why it had taken her so long to fall in love with him, then surmised that really it hadn’t. I did love him, even in the beginning. I was just afraid to completely offer my life to anyone.

  The baby kicked, and she rested her free hand on her stomach. Rebecca’s heart galloped. Was she up to motherhood? She’d never even held a baby.

  The song ended, and there was a hushed rustling as parishioners took their seats. Rev. Cobb returned to the lectern. “It’s time our church moved forward in what some might consider a daring step but I believe is an example of our growing trust.” He smiled as his eyes found Cambria. “One of our own will bless us in song.”

  A hushed murmur moved through the congregation.

  “As it turns out, Cambria Taylor has quite a lovely voice, and she’s going to lift us to new spiritual heights as she shares ‘O Holy Night’ and ‘It Came upon a Midnight Clear.’”

  Cambria walked to the front of the church, and the rever
end stepped aside and sat in a chair alongside the wall.

  Silence pervaded the sanctuary. Cambria stood at the front, hands clasped at her waist and the heels of her shoes pressed tightly together. She trembled slightly. For a brief moment she closed her eyes. Rebecca knew she was praying. A prelude was played on the organ, and then Cambria sang the first chords. Her soprano voice filled the silence with the words of “O Holy Night.”

  Rebecca felt gooseflesh on her arms. No longer overly hot, weary, or achy, all she knew was the sweetness of God’s presence. Closing her eyes, she allowed the reverent voice and words to carry her into a heavenly place. With only a brief pause, Cambria moved on to the next hymn—as lovely as the first. When the final note faded, a hushed reverence lingered over the congregation.

  Rebecca glanced at Elvina, who sat one pew ahead of her. Her eyes glimmered, and her cheeks were moist with tears. Rebecca smiled. Thank you, Lord.

  Cambria quietly took her seat, and Rev. Cobb returned to the lectern. “Thank you, Cambria. That was lovely. Once again music has carried us into the presence of God—what a gift he has given us.” He smiled at the congregation and glanced down at the outline in front of him.

  “Christmas is a time to reflect on the greatest gift ever given to mankind—a Savior for a lost world, a Savior given for each one of us. He knew you even then . . .”

  Dusk settled over the church. The glow of candles and lanterns replaced sunlight. Rebecca felt secure. A sharp kick from her unborn child reminded her of the miracle that would soon take place, and she felt the mingling emotions of fear and anticipation. Would she be up to the task? Would the baby be healthy?

  The service ended with a resounding rendition of “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” which seemed fitting to Rebecca. She walked out of church feeling ready for a mission of service—exactly what her calling was she didn’t quite know, but she felt certain the Lord would lead.

  As she stepped toward the door, Meghan Linnell brushed past her. She started to excuse herself and then realized whom she’d bumped into. She stopped midsentence.

  “Merry Christmas to you,” Rebecca managed to say.

  Meghan glared at her, and then her eyes dropped momentarily to Rebecca’s rounded stomach. “Merry Christmas? I think not. Rather, I pray for your misfortune.” With that, she turned and walked away.

  Rebecca pressed a hand to her stomach, stunned at the sharp words, so like a curse. I don’t believe in curses, she told herself. And what else should I expect from Meghan?

  “Dear heavens,” Mildred said. “Who was that?”

  “Meghan Linnell.”

  “Why is she so angry with you?”

  “She was in love with Daniel and wanted to marry him. I guess I can’t really blame her for being upset.”

  “Yes, well there’s a limit to what is brokenheartedness and what is simply too much.” Mildred placed an arm about Rebecca’s shoulders. “I believe Daniel ended up with the woman of God’s choosing.”

  Rebecca rested a hand over her aunt’s. “Me too.” Sadly she watched Meghan and prayed, Lord, replace her bitterness with your love. There had been a time when simply seeing Meghan had stirred up anger and resentment, but that had changed. Now more than anything else, she felt sorry for Meghan.

  Daniel circled the back of her waist with his arm. “She’s made her bed; she’ll have to lie in it.”

  Cambria approached. “You were wonderful!” Rebecca said, reaching out to hug her friend. “I was carried away to heaven.”

  “Ya were? I was right scared. Nearly decided not ta do it, but knew I’d never hear the end of it from ya.” Cambria smiled, then hugged Rebecca again. “Ya have a grand Christmas, now.”

  “You too.”

  The moon was large and round in the night sky. Its glow over the flats made the countryside appear as if it were covered in snow. “This is nearly how it looks in Boston in December,” Rebecca said. “Of course, you must imagine it’s cold.”

  Mildred gazed at the moon. “I’d rather not. I prefer this to shivering beneath a blanket with our breath hanging in the air.”

  “I remember,” Willa said. “December in England was usually quite cold. I agree. I rather like this.”

  Rebecca leaned against Daniel and closed her eyes. “It was a beautiful service, don’t you think?”

  “Right nice,” he said.

  “Lovely, quite lovely,” Mildred added. “I must admit, I was a bit surprised. Being so far away from everything, I didn’t expect something so nice. Your friend Cambria has a delightful voice.”

  “I could never do something like that,” Rebecca said. “I’d be too frightened. Of course, I don’t have a voice like hers, so I’ve nothing to worry about.”

  “Well, that’s true enough,” Daniel quipped.

  Rebecca pinched him.

  “But you have so many other fine qualities,” he added, pulling Rebecca closer.

  She snuggled against him.

  “I’m just thankful we managed to get through the evening without having to send for the doctor.” Willa smiled at Rebecca.

  “Dr. Walker was there,” Rebecca said. “And he gave me a piece of his mind. Then he told me he understood and wished us all a merry Christmas.”

  Unable to sleep, Rebecca listened to Daniel’s even breathing. Hoping to find a more comfortable position, she rolled onto her other side and pressed her back against his. Staring into the darkness, she wondered how long it would be before her child would be born. She felt a prickle of fear. She knew having a baby wouldn’t be easy. So many things could go wrong.

  She took a deep breath and tried to relax. In spite of open windows, the air was still and hot. She dropped her feet over the side of the bed and pushed herself upright. Pressing a hand against the small of her aching back, she crossed to the window and stared out at the yard. A light was on in Callie’s house.

  She pushed her feet into slippers, grabbed a robe, and quietly walked out of the bedroom and down the stairs. A kerosene lamp at the end of the hallway and along the staircase gave off muted light. She stopped at the sitting room door and studied a rather fragile-looking Christmas tree with a small mound of gifts beneath it. The morning would bring a celebration, one that was made sweeter this year by her aunt’s presence. If only it also included her father. With a sigh, she looked at her abdomen and rested a hand on it. You would have loved him.

  She opened the front door and stepped onto the porch. The moon was still bright, although lower in the sky. She stood at the rail and gazed at the grounds. Someone stood on Callie’s porch, then walked down the steps and moved across the yard toward the main house. It was Callie.

  “Ya all roight, mum?”

  “Fine. But I can’t sleep.”

  “Me either. Was just sittin’ and thinkin’ ’bout things.” She studied Rebecca. “Ya ought ta get yer rest, with the little one comin’ soon.”

  “I would if I could,” Rebecca said dryly. With a sigh she added, “I feel as if I’m about to pop.”

  “The baby knows the roight time.” Callie smiled lovingly. “I’m anxious ta see ’im.”

  “You think it’s a boy?”

  “I do. And I’m mostly roight.”

  “How can you tell?”

  “Don’t know for sure. Just do.”

  “Hmm. Well, I hope you’re right, for Daniel’s sake. I don’t really care one way or the other as long as it’s healthy.” Rebecca turned toward the door. “I have something for you. I was going to wait until tomorrow, but . . . well, just a moment.”

  She trudged inside the house and headed for the Christmas tree. Callie followed. “Oh dear, where is it?” Rebecca asked, studying the pile of gifts. Clumsily she knelt and shuffled through packages. “Ah, here it is.”

  “Let me help ya.” Callie offered her a hand and assisted Rebecca to her feet.

  Rebecca held out the package. “For you.”

  “But why? Ya shouldn’t ’ave.”

  “I consider you a friend.” Rebecca shru
gged. “And it’s Christmas.”

  Callie untied a red ribbon. “Looks like a book.” She grinned and carefully tore away the wrapping, revealing a black leather volume. “A Bible? For me?”

  “I know you don’t believe, but I wanted you to have one . . . just in case.”

  “It’s a fine gift.” Callie ran a hand over the cover, then looked at Rebecca. “But I will use it only to practice my reading. I will not believe.”

  Rebecca nodded. “I understand.” She grasped Callie by the shoulders and kissed her cheek. “Merry Christmas.”

  “Merry Christmas ta ya.” Callie grinned and picked up something from behind the tree. “I ’ave something for ya too.” She handed Rebecca a handwoven bag. “It’s a dilly bag ta keep yer things in.”

  “It’s lovely. What beautiful handwork. How did you make it?”

  “It’s nothin’ really. I just used strips of bark, and after softening ’em I wove ’em together.”

  “There are so many bright colors.”

  “Wal, that was simple enough. I used roots and bulbs ta make dye.”

  “Thank you.” Rebecca opened the bag and looked inside. “I never expected . . .”

  “I don’t believe in yer holiday, but I wanted ta give ya something anyway.” She smiled, glanced at her Bible, then said, “Good night, mum.” Like a mist moving silently away, Callie left the room without making a sound.

  Rebecca crossed to the settee, enjoying the quiet of the house. A creaking came from the stairs, and a few moments later Daniel walked into the room.

  “I woke up and you weren’t beside me. Is everything all right?”

  “Yes. I’m fine, just uncomfortable. Seems each day that goes by it becomes more difficult to sleep.”

  Daniel sat beside her, and she leaned against him. “So much has changed in such a short time.” Rebecca brushed dark hair off her shoulder. “When I think about what our life was like at this time last year . . . well, it’s just nearly unbelievable.”

  “Hmm, let me see. Seems we were living in a marriage of convenience and quite unhappy.”

  Rebecca smiled softly. “Thank the Lord for his mercy.”