Lady in the Mist - Laurie Alice Eakes [67]
She decided to seek Dominick out as soon as she could, if he didn’t come to her first. An opportunity arose the next day with a request from Mrs. Lee to look in on the four-footed mother and babies. Noting the date on the calendar, Tabitha decided to call on Marjorie Parks as well.
“You’re going to deliver soon,” she told the young mother. “Do you know when your husband will be home?”
“He’s been gone over eight months.” Sadness filled Marjorie’s eyes. “I want him home for the birth, then just to stay. It’s too dangerous being a sailor these days.”
“It’s not all that safe on land,” her mother-in-law declared. “British ships coming right up our waterways, indeed.”
“Like they want a war,” Marjorie said. “That’s what Donald said before he left and the disappearances were just starting, that someone wants a war.”
“Why?” Tabitha kept her hand on her childhood friend’s abdomen, loving the sensation of the baby’s movements.
“Some men make money off of wars,” the elder Mrs. Parks said. “They become privateers like Mayor Kendall’s father in the last war with England. They build ships. Prices of goods increase . . . Lots of reasons.”
“Appalling.” Tabitha stepped away from Marjorie. “You look well, my friend. I’ll expect the baby in no more than two weeks.”
“I hope you’re right.” Marjorie smiled. “It’s uncomfortable in the heat.”
“I’ll be waiting for your servant to call on me.”
Tabitha left for the Downings’. This time, all the ladies gathered around the mother and puppies in their new home—a three-sided box beneath the trees. The ladies cooed and giggled over the tiny, spotted creatures clambering over one another for attention and nourishment. The puppies squeaked and wagged their tails. Momma spaniel gave a canine grin to the assembly and licked Tabitha’s hand.
“They’re doing well,” she assured Mrs. Lee. “What concerned you?”
“I thought maybe their eyes weren’t focusing.” She stood. “Come into the kitchen with me. I’ll get you something to drink.”
Tabitha started to refuse, but a pleading look from the younger woman caused her to keep her mouth shut until they reached the house. “What’s really wrong, Mrs. Lee?”
“Oh, do please call me Phoebe. Mrs. Lee is my mother-in-law, and it makes me feel old.”
Tabitha laughed. “You don’t look old.”
“I know. I look about sixteen.” She grimaced. “My aunt says that’s an asset for finding another husband, but I don’t want to go through marriage again, thank you.”
Tabitha waited for more.
Phoebe pulled glasses out of a cupboard, retrieved a pitcher from the pantry, and poured lemonade. “I made it an hour ago, so it’s still cool. As cool as my heart.” She laughed.
Tabitha arched her brows and sipped the tart drink.
“I’ve shocked you, I know.” Phoebe toyed with her glass, head bent. “The thing is, Miss Tabitha, I want your help.”
“I . . . beg your pardon? Are you . . . that is, does it involve a female issue?”
“Not like you think.” Phoebe brushed shining curls off of her face. “I want you to take me on as an apprentice.”
The glass slid from Tabitha’s hand. She caught it before it broke on the floor, but lemonade spilled. “I’m so sorry.”
“No matter. I startled you.” Phoebe rushed to gather a cloth and started wiping up the spill. “I should have warned you, but I was afraid I’d go coward, when I’ve been wanting to ask you since before I came here. In fact, it’s why I came here.”
“Miss Phoebe, do you know anything about what I do? I mean, you were married, but you have no children . . .” Tabitha ran out of words.
“I have no children,” Phoebe bit out, as though the honey of her voice had turned to frozen wax, “because of an incompetent midwife. She killed my baby, nearly killed me, and, I fully believe, killed my husband. But she is all that county has, and I want to rectify the situation.