Lone Pine Bride (The Brides of Lone Pine #1)(25)

“Are they all in Heaven?”

“They were God fearing people who went to church. They talked about Jesus being part of their lives. I’m sure they’re all in Heaven.”

“I’d like a Bible,” she said. “But I never bothered to bring one.”

“I have one,” he replied, holding her tighter. “We could read a bit when we get to the house. We’ll probably have to stay overnight because it will be so late but I’ve got a spare room.”

For Rachel but he could change the bedclothes in the morning and Hannah would like the flowers. He would also cook her a meal because he didn’t get one at the James’ house and she said she hadn’t eaten either because she was worried about him. It was a few minutes before they let each other go as they stood holding on tightly.

It was Hannah who drew back first, a bit embarrassed at her weakness. She blew her nose on a handkerchief she took from her pocket and smiled a bit weakly.

“Sorry,” she said.

“It was a shock and you haven’t had a chance to let it sink in,” he replied.

“Nor have you.”

“No.”

They started to walk again. “Are there many farms along this road?” she asked.

“A few. Would you mind if we check each one?”

“We must. We forgot to check Sadie and Ronald’s house to make sure it was safe.”

“I checked it. It’s alright.”

“You think of everything,” she said.

“Not really. I was just more aware of that. How many babies have you delivered before?”

She smiled. “I think you probably know the answer to that without asking.”

He chuckled and the sound was nice. “I have delivered animals.”

“Which was very helpful. I’ve never really had anything to do with babies though I do have a niece and nephew. But I was in my teens when they were born and wasn’t interested. My mother was at Rosemary’s children’s birth but not me.”

“You were very good,” he said.

“I just kept trying to think things through. What was the bit that came afterwards?”

“The afterbirth. It’s called the placenta. I think the babies get nutrition from it when they’re still in the womb.”

“So they eat when they’re inside.”

“I don’t know how they do it. Maybe the goodness goes through the cord which connects the baby to his or her mother.”

“The cord we cut?”

“Yes.”

“You should be a doctor.”

“I like being a farmer.”

“Are there doctors for animals?”

“Yes.”

“What are they called?”

“Veterinary surgeons. Vets for short. They don’t just treat illnesses or injuries. They also keep an eye on the animal’s general health.”

“Yes. We have them out for the dogs on occasions. What do they have to do with your animals?”

“Check them if they’re pregnant. Examine their skin and the hooves of the cows and horses. That sort of thing.”

“They would be able to deliver babies too then.”

“They definitely would.”

And it was so nice being able to ask questions of a man, Hannah thought, without having to pretend you were someone you weren’t. It was nice not having to impress Seth because she felt so relaxed with him. He didn’t make judgements about what she knew or didn’t know or about how she looked or didn’t look. She must look a mess now but he had been willing to hold her while she cried.

Which his fiancé would be able to do and she was a fortunate woman. Would the other Seth be as open and relaxed? Would she be able to talk to him as easily as she could this Seth?

Except that the other Seth was nice, as was apparent in his letters, though, of course, nobody knew anyone until they actually lived with them. Which made marriage by mail a rather precarious undertaking and she was now bang in the middle of the process.

They walked for another half a mile before they reached the next farmhouse and it appeared to be stable when they approached it. Hannah hung back as Seth knocked on the door and the family inside told him they were fine. It had been a shock, they said, but everything and everyone was safe. Would Seth like to come in for something to eat and drink?

No, he replied, much to Hannah’s relief. He was going home to clean up and then he would be getting married though probably not until the morning. Margaret Lessing went inside for a moment to return holding out a big dish and a large wine bottle which was filled with water mixed with juice.

“Have that when you get home,” she said. “I cooked it earlier and it’s still warm. Keep some of it for your new bride and in a couple of days I’ll bring round something else to welcome her.”

“Thank you. You’re very kind.”

It smelt delicious, Hannah thought as the scent wafted across to her when Seth drew parallel with her, and they had not eaten anything much for a couple of days. She had not thought about it a lot and was too worried about him to eat with Sadie. He lifted the covering, took a potato and held it to her mouth. “Open wide,” he said.

She giggled, did what he said and he put another potato in his mouth. He drew a deep breath of appreciation. “Now that is food,” he said.