“We’ll take care of it,” Mrs. Weaver said, nodding toward Alma. “We can manage together just fine. You take care of our sweet Nancy.”
“Thank you. Maybe heat some leftovers. She hasn’t eaten.”
When they’d gone, Faith went to Nancy’s dresser and searched for her nightgowns. Once she located them, Faith went back to the bed and began to undress her cousin. She talked to her the entire time, hoping Nancy would regain consciousness.
“You’ve overdone it today, that much is clear.” Faith unhooked the buttons on Nancy’s boots. “Then the stress of this storm was enough to cause your fainting spell, even if you weren’t expecting a baby.” She undid the buttons on Nancy’s skirt just as her cousin began to wake up. “You’re doing just fine, Nancy. I have you in bed. Don’t fret.”
Nancy’s eyes fluttered open. “What happened?”
“You fainted. Nothing to worry about. I have Virginia and Alma making tea and warming food. Then they’ll be laying some fires. I’ll get one going here in your room in just a minute. First I wanted to get you undressed and into a nightgown.”
“I can do that myself,” Nancy murmured.
“I know you can, but with me assisting, it’ll get done twiceas fast.” Faith helped Nancy sit up. “Just let me do the work.” She managed to finagle the gown from Nancy’s frame, leaving her in her undergarments. Faith folded up Nancy’s gown. “When did you last eat?”
“Not since breakfast. The storm came up just before lunch, and then that was all we could think about. When Seth came home, we were both so concerned about his sister and Mimi’s well-being that we completely forgot about meals.”
“Well then, I’m sure that’s the reason you fainted. Do you think you can stand long enough for me to remove your petticoats and chemise?”
“I can. I’m feeling better.” Nancy got to her feet, but Faith refused to let go of her as she straightened. “There. See? I’m fit as a fiddle.”
Faith laughed. “I don’t know about that, but—” She stopped as blood on the petticoat caught her eye. “You’re bleeding.”
“Is it the baby?” Nancy asked, her eyes going wide. “Did I hurt the baby when I fainted?”
“I don’t know. Let’s finish getting you changed, and then I can check you. Or, if you prefer, I can send for a doctor.”
“You are a doctor, even if you don’t have your certificate yet. I trust you to know what to do. After all, you’ve been helping my mother with babies most of your life.” The fear in Nancy’s voice was evident.
“Don’t worry. It’s not a lot of blood, and it’s probably just from all this excitement. We’ll put you to bed, and things will no doubt be better.”
Tears came to Nancy’s eyes. “Don’t let me lose the baby. Please.”
Faith pulled her close and hugged her. “I’ll do all I can, but God is the one we should seek. He’s the one who created thischild and the only one who can protect him or her. Now, try not to cry and further upset yourself.”
Once Faith got Nancy changed and back in bed, she did a quick assessment of her cousin’s condition. Things didn’t look bad. There was very little blood and no dilation.
“I think if you remain in bed for a time, everything will be fine.” Faith went to the wash basin. “I want you to stay in bed for a few days and do nothing more taxing than reading or sewing.” She cleaned up, then turned back to smile at Nancy. “The baby seemed just fine, so stop fretting.”
“It’s just that I want this baby so much. I can’t bear the idea of losing him.”
“So you’ve decided it’s a boy?”
Nancy shook her head. “No. I go back and forth, calling the baby a him and then a her. Seth is always laughing at me.” She gave a weak smile. “I know most men want a son first, but I think it would be great fun to have a daughter with red hair like her father.”
“Nothing wrong with that,” Faith said, drying her hands. “Now, you rest while I see to your supper. I’m sure Seth will be back soon enough, and then you can relax completely.”
“Thank you, Faith. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
Faith’s head hurt worse than before, and she was feeling quite nauseous. Nevertheless, she didn’t want to worry Nancy and forced a smile. “I don’t know what I’d do without you either.”
A loud knock sounded.
Faith looked at Nancy. “Who do you suppose that is?”
“I can’t imagine.”
“I’ll go see to it. Mrs. Weaver is probably terrified someone has come for Alma.”
