Crossing her arms over her ample bosom, and assuming the demeanor of a general commanding her troops, she went on. “So it’s all settled. Emma, you go to Jeb’s to help poor Elizabeth take care of his lovely mama. But,” she added, with the stern look she usually gave Hans when she was adamant about something, “I won’t have you wearing yourself out, either. So I will go to Jeb’s mama also, and Hans will take care of the store more.” Happy with her solution, she sat back with a smile.
“Mae.” Jeb’s voice hitched. “That’s wonderful of you. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this. I was worried sick about Elizabeth having done so much that she had to take to her bed. And now she’s fretting because she can’t take care of my mother. You are all such good friends. I don’t know what to say.”
“Where are you staying while the church is being built?” Davis asked.
“We were lucky enough to get the small house the last preacher resided in. And he’d managed to get the church partially completed before he left to go back east. Right now I’m working with some members of the community to get it finished. I hope to have it ready in time for Christmas services.”
“It will be so nice to have a real church to worship in. Especially for Christmas.” Emma stifled a yawn behind her hand.
“Darlin’, I think it’s time we found our bed.” Davis stood and pulled her up. “Please excuse us folks, and have a pleasant evening.”
As they climbed the stairs to the second level, Davis leaned close to Emma’s ear. “I hope you’re not too tired, sweetheart.”
She giggled and elbowed him in the side. “Is that the only reason you came?”
Davis scooped her up and strode toward her bedroom. “No. But a very important one, nevertheless.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next morning began Emma’s new schedule of going to Jeb’s house to help wash and dress Abigail. It was so sad to see the lively older woman Emma had become so fond of now helpless, and unable to do things for herself.
The doctor had stopped in one day as Emma brushed Abigail’s silver hair.
“It’s good to see you helping out here. I was worried for Elizabeth. She’s so frail, and tried to do so much. But, young lady,” he added, “I don’t want you wearing yourself out, either.”
“No, Dr. Quigley.” She turned to face the town’s only doctor since Dr. Bennett had moved on further north after leaving the wagon train. “Mae Berger comes each day to relieve me, so among all of us, we can take care of Abigail.”
“That’s good to hear. It’s nice when people help each other.”
“I’ll walk you to the door.” Emma pulled the blanket up around Abigail and patted her arm reassuringly.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The small house Jeb had inherited for his family was bright and cheerful, with obvious touches provided by the two Preston women. Colorful throws rested over the stuffed sofa and chairs, and bright rag rugs cover parts of the well-waxed wooden floors. The snug kitchen showed evidence of scrubbing and painting. Through the sparkling windows covered by bright curtains, she spotted several men busy working on the completion of the church.
Emma stopped, with her hand on the doorknob. “What are the chances that Abigail will recover from this?”
“It’s hard to say.” The doctor shifted his medical bag from one hand to the other. “A lot of times it depends on the care the patient receives, and how much they want to return to a normal life.” He placed the bag on the table next to the door and dragged his hand down his face. “Abigail strikes me as a real fighter, and with another grandchild expected in a few months, I think she certainly has the incentive to get better. I’ve suggested to Elizabeth and Jeb they should get Mrs. Preston up and moving each day. See how much she can do on her own. Her speech is difficult to understand right now, but that could improve if someone will work with her.”
He patted her on the shoulder as he reclaimed the bag. “You just be sure to get enough rest yourself, missy. I don’t want to see that little one coming too soon.” He smiled as he put his hat on and covered the few steps to his waiting buggy.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Emma fished out the last of the spools of thread from the bowl, then blew dust off the small spindle. Once Hans finished the inventory he would take over in the front, and she could go to Jeb’s house to fix Abigail’s dinner. Humming softly to herself, the ringing of the bell barely registered before she heard footsteps behind her.
“Hello, Emma.” Nate stood a few feet in from the store’s entrance, rolling the brim of his hat. He walked forward. “You’re looking good. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you, but I’ve been busy.” He apologized as if she’d been pining for him.
“It’s nice to see you too, Nate.” Emma forced a smile, and stayed on her side of the counter. “How have you been?”
“I’ve been busy, as I said. I saw a lawyer last week.” He looked at her expectantly.
Emma sighed, and rubbed her forehead. “I told you before, I don’t want to talk about this.” She put her hand on her stomach. “I have a baby due in a couple of months. I’m helping Mae and Hans in the store, and lending a hand to the Prestons with Abigail’s illness. I have so much on my mind right now.” Her voice rose with frustration. “Why can’t you understand, as far as I’m concerned, I’m married, and that’s it.”
“But, Emma, the lawyer said marriage under duress can be annulled. And you certainly were under duress when you and Davis married. Won’t you at least talk to him?”
“Absolutely not. Please, forget about this.” She softened toward her old playmate. “We’ve been friends a long, long time. I don’t want this foolishness to come between us.”
He shook his head, his jaw tightened in stubbornness. “You’re not thinking clearly because of the baby. Once the baby comes, please consider what I’ve said. I would take you back to Indiana. We could have a house near your parents.” He stopped as the bell over the door rang.