Threads of Love (11 page)

“I’m not sure, George. I don’t think I can give you an answer so quickly,” she responded.
I’m just not ready to trust a man again
, she thought,
especially one I don’t love
.

“Please don’t think I’m placing pressure upon you, Delphinia, but I want to be absolutely honest. I’ve been calling on Katy McVay from time to time also. I would prefer to marry you, but if you’re going to turn me down, I need to know now,” he replied.

“You mean if I reject you, you’re going to ask Katy to marry you?”

“I am. I think highly of Katy also. Unlike you, I believe love truly blossoms after marriage. You are my first choice, but I want to be married when I start my new assignment,” he responded.

“Under the circumstances, I hope she will accept your offer and the two of you will be very happy,” Delphinia answered. Rising from her chair, she held out her hand to him. “I have truly enjoyed our friendship, George. I wish you much happiness and thank you for all the kindness you’ve extended. I am honored you would ask me to marry you, but I think we both now realize our thoughts on love and marriage differ enough that your choice should be someone else.”

“I’m sorry we can’t make this work,” he replied as they walked outside and he got on his horse.

“Good luck with Katy,” she called out, watching him ride down the path. Slowly she walked into the house and sat down in the rocker, contemplating the consequences of her decision, wondering if she should change her mind and go after him.

Voices from outside brought her back to the present, and the twins began to stir in the bedroom. Jonathan, Josh, and Joey came rushing into the room, concern and excitement evident as they all tried to talk at once.

“I need your help, Phiney. The boys can watch the twins,” Jonathan shouted above the boys’ chatter.

“Let’s find Tessie. I’d rather have her stay with them. What’s going on?” she asked, not yet convinced it was necessary to leave the twins in the care of their overanxious brothers.

“She’s gone to pick berries. I need you now. The cow’s giving birth, and she’s having a hard time. Come on,” he shouted, rushing to the barn to grab some rope and then running for the pasture.

Soon after Delphinia left the cabin, she could hear the cow’s deep bellowing, and she wondered what Jonathan could possibly expect her to do. She did not know anything about birthing children, let alone animals, and besides, couldn’t a cow do that without help? she wondered.

Nellie, the small black heifer, was lying down as Josie, the older brown-and-white cow, appeared to stand guard a short distance away. Jonathan was already at Nellie’s side, motioning Delphinia to hurry. Not sure what to expect, her gait had grown slower and slower as she approached the laboring animal. Nothing could have prepared her for the experience. The cow’s eyes were open wide, registering fear and pain. A low, bellowing moan came from deep in the animal’s throat just as Delphinia walked up beside Jonathan.

“I don’t know what to do. I think we should have Josh ride for Mr. Aplington. He’ll be able to help,” she offered, near panic.

“There’s no time for that. If we don’t get this calf out, we’ll lose both of them. I don’t want to lose the calf, but it’s probably already dead. I’ll hold on to Nellie while you reach up inside her and see if you can grab hold of the calf’s legs. If you can, pull with all your might.”

“I can’t do that! You want me to reach up inside the cow? That is the most absurd thing I’ve ever heard…not to mention offensive. If it’s so important, do it yourself,” she retorted, her face registering disgust.

“
Delphinia
, this cow is going to die! I don’t have time to listen to your nonsense. You can’t hold on to Nellie. Now reach in there and pull!” he commanded as froth oozed from Nellie’s mouth, and her tongue lolled to the side.

Going down on her knees, Delphinia closed her eyes and felt her hands begin to shake. “All right, I can do this,” she told herself, peeking out of one eye. Taking in a gulp of air, she thrust her arm high inside the cow. The assault was met by Nellie’s bellow and a flailing leg. “I thought you were going to hold her!” Delphinia screamed.

“I’m trying. Can you feel anything?”

“I think so…yes. Jonathan, hold her still! How do you expect me to take care of this when you’re not doing your part?”

He looked at her in astonishment.
“You’re taking care of it?”

“I don’t see you doing much of anything,” she grunted, leaning back and pulling with all her might. “This isn’t working. I think it moved a little, but I can’t get a good hold.”

Jonathan grabbed the piece of rope he had brought from the barn and tossed it to her. “Reach in and tie that around its legs. Be sure you get both legs.”

“This isn’t a quilting party, Jonathan,” she rebutted. “Next, you’ll be telling me to embroider a lazy-daisy stitch on its rump.”

Her remark brought the hint of a smile to his face. “Make a loop in the rope, slide it around the legs, and tighten it. When you’re sure the rope is tight, try pulling again. Once you feel it coming, don’t let up. If you slack off, it might get hop-locked, and we’ll lose both of them,” he instructed.

All of a sudden, the heat was stifling, and Delphinia felt herself begin to retch. “Not now, Phiney. There isn’t time for you to be sick,” he commanded.

“I’ll try to keep that in mind,” she replied curtly, tying a slipknot into the rope.

“You need to hurry!” he yelled.

“Jonathan, you are not helping this predicament with your obtrusive behavior! How do you expect the cow to remain calm if you keep hollering all the time,” she preached at him. “I have the rope ready, and if you will kindly hold Nellie still this time, I will begin. Everything is going to be fine.”

His jaw went slack as she finished her short speech. Where had that come from? She seemed totally in command, and a calmness had taken the place of the near hysteria she had exhibited only minutes before. He kept his eyes on her and tightly gripped the heifer when she nodded she was ready to begin.

With almost expert ease, and over the vigorous protests of Nellie, she managed to secure both of the calf’s front legs. Being careful not to let up, she worked arduously, pulling and tugging, her arms aching as the calf was finally pulled into the world. The calf’s feeble bawl affirmed its birth. “It’s alive,” she said, tears streaming down her face.

“Let’s hope it stays that way, and let’s hope Nellie does the same,” Jonathan answered.

“They’re both going to be fine,” she replied confidently.

“Take your apron and clean out its nose, while I check Nellie,” he ordered.

“Yes, sir! Any other commands?” she inquired, watching the new mother turn and begin lapping her tongue over the calf in a slow, deliberate manner.

“Not right now. It looks like Nellie’s going to be a good mama. She’s got her a nice-lookin’ little calf,” he said, ignoring the barb she had given.

Delphinia sat back on her heels watching the two animals in wonderment. “There surely was a transformation in your attitude when you were helping me,” Jonathan commented. “At first, I thought you were going to be less help than Josh. One minute you were retching, and the next you were ordering me around and taking charge.” He laughed.

Turning to look at him, she quietly replied, “It was God who took charge, Jonathan. I merely prayed. But I knew that as soon as I finished that prayer for help, everything was going to be all right.”

“You’re quite a mystery, Phiney,” he said, slowly shaking his head. “First, you’re giving me the devil, and next, you’re praising God.”

“I’m not sure I’m such a mystery. I criticize you only when it’s needed.” She laughed. “I do know I fail to praise God enough for all He does. I sometimes forget we serve a mighty God and that much can be wrought through prayer. My mother taught me that when I was very young, and I watched Granny live it daily.” She reached up from where she sat and grasped his extended hand.

“Thanks for your help, Phiney. I couldn’t have done it without you. I’m sure if Nellie and her baby could thank you, they would.” Almost as if on cue, the tiny calf let out a warbling cry, causing both of them to smile.

“By the way, was that George Martin I saw leaving awhile ago?” he questioned later, as they walked toward the house.

“Yes. He’s been called to another church and will be leaving at the end of the month,” she answered.

“George is a fine preacher, but I can’t say I’m sorry to see him leave,” he responded.

“You may be. He’s gone to ask for Katy McVay’s hand in marriage,” she told him, sure that that would take the smug grin from his face.

“Katy? Why would he be asking for Katy’s hand? I know he’s fond of you.”

“He asked for my hand,” she answered, saying nothing further.

“He what?” Jonathan pulled her to an abrupt stop. “What did you tell him?”

“I told him no.”

“So now he’s gone to ask Katy?”

“It appears so,” she answered and then related enough of their conversation to hopefully stop his questions, while watching his face for reaction.

“I didn’t know she had taken a shine to the preacher. They might make a good match,” he replied. “The less competition the better, as far as I’m concerned,” he mumbled under his breath.

“What did you say?” she asked, turning toward him.

“Nothing to concern yourself with,” he replied and began whistling as they walked to the house.

W
ith the coming of early summer, the days grew longer, and the beauty of nature began to unfold. The twins were able to play outside as Delphinia, aided by Jonathan, prepared the ground for her garden. Surprisingly, she found herself anxious to begin the arduous task, wondering if she would remember all that Granny had taught her. She felt challenged to prove she had been a capable student, worthy of the older woman’s confidence.

Jonathan assured her she would be an adept gardener, pointing to the fact that she had nagged him almost continuously until he had given in and tilled enough ground for an early planting of potatoes in late March. Besides, the strawberries were already beginning to blossom, thanks to her attentive care and the cooperative weather.

Nate and Nettie found enjoyment following behind and playing in the turned soil, occasionally spotting a worm or some other crawling creature that they would attempt to capture. In late afternoon, the older children would return from school and go about their chores, enjoying the freedom that the change of season allowed. All but Tessie. If she found enjoyment in anything, she hid it from Delphinia.

It seemed that no matter how earnestly Delphinia prayed, she had not been able to make any headway with Tessie. She tried everything from cajoling to ignoring her, but nothing seemed to work. The young girl was determined to do all in her power to make those around her miserable, particularly Delphinia. She was not unkind to the other children, yet she did not go out of her way to help them. She performed her chores, but if Delphinia requested additional help, she would become angry or sulk. When Jonathan was about, she was on her best behavior, although it was obvious that even at those times, she was unhappy.

Saturday arrived bright and sunny, and Jonathan declared it would be a wonderful day for fishing down at the creek. In return for preparation of a picnic lunch, he offered to take all of the children on the excursion and give Delphinia some much-needed time alone. She was overwhelmed by the offer and questioned whether he thought the twins would allow him to do any fishing. When he assured her he would be able to handle the twins, she began packing a lunch for their outing.

“I’m not going,” Tessie announced in a voice that almost defied either of them to oppose her decision.

“I’d like you to come with us, Tessie,” her uncle answered, sitting down at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee. “Delphinia has little time to herself. She’s had to care for all of us without much opportunity for leisure. I hope you’ll reconsider your decision.”

“If she doesn’t want me around, I’ll stay out on the porch or in the orchard,” she petulantly answered.

“No, I’d like to have you stay with me, Tessie. If you don’t want to go fishing, we can enjoy the day together,” Delphinia replied sweetly, looking over at Jonathan to let him know she would not mind.

The children were so excited that Delphinia finally sent them outdoors until she completed packing the lunch and Jonathan was prepared to leave. Following him to the porch, Delphinia noticed the questioning look in his eyes as he turned to bid her farewell.

“We’ll be just fine,” she assured him. “It’s you who will be in for a day of it, believe me! I’m sure there will be no fish returning with you, so I’ll have some beans and corn bread ready,” she bantered.

“We’ll see about that!” Jonathan responded, accepting her challenge. Lifting Nettie upon his shoulders, he grabbed Nate’s chubby hand and cautioned Josh not to forget their lunch. Joey ran along carrying the fishing poles Jonathan had crafted, all of them full of eagerness to catch a fish for supper. Waving after the departing group, Delphinia wished them good luck and stood watching until they were out of sight.

Slowly returning to the kitchen, she began clearing the breakfast dishes from the table. “I think I’ll make gooseberry pies for dessert tonight, Tessie. If you’ll wash off the berries while I finish up the dishes, we can be done in no time. I thought I’d go out to the barn and go through my trunks. I have some things stored out there I’d like to use.”

Although there was no response, Tessie picked up the pail of berries and headed toward the well to fetch water. Delphinia noticed that instead of returning to the kitchen to visit, she sat isolated on the porch until her task was completed and then reappeared.

As Delphinia mixed the pie dough and began to roll it, she asked if Tessie would like to accompany her to the barn.

“I suppose. There’s nothing else to do,” came the girl’s curt reply. Nothing further passed between them, and once the gooseberries had been sweetened and poured into the pie shells, Delphinia placed them in the oven.

“I think these will be fine while we’re down at the barn. You remind me they’re in the oven if I get forgetful. Once I get going through those trunks, I may get absentminded.” She smiled, removing her apron and throwing it over the back of a wooden chair.