Chapter Text
Summer 1939
“Has anyone seen my books?” Timothy stopped in the doorway and looked in at the table. “They were just there, last night.”
“I’m readin’,” Cora Julienne said, holding a book and running toward her brother. “I’m going to school, too.”
“Momma,” Timothy complained, taking the book from his sister. “Thank you, Corie, but you’re not supposed to be botherin’ with my school books.”
“I’m gon’ to school with Tim and Momma.” She set her mouth and reached for the book.
“Not yet, Corie,” Tim said, picking her up and dandying her about. Cora Julienne giggled. “You’ll stay home with Granny Cora and Teddy.”
“That’s right, Timothy,” Shelagh said, bustling into the room, fastening an earring. She took Cora Julienne from his arms. “Timothy’s school books are for Timothy. Not Corie,” she said, tapping the little girl on the nose. “Let’s sit for breakfast.”
A wail rose from the cot near the heating stove. “Oh,” Shelagh cooed, settling her daughter into a seat. “Your brother’s awake.”
“Again?” The little girl sighed. “He don’t sleep long, Momma.”
“He’s still getting on schedule,” Shelagh said, picking the baby up and soothing his cries. “He’s always hungry!”
“Like Daddy!” Cora Julienne laughed, pointing at Patrick as he came into the kitchen.
Timothy laughed, too, taking up a sausage link and a biscuit. “She doesn’t miss a trick, Dad.”
Patrick grinned and tickled her under the chin. “Tellin’ all my secrets, young lady?”
She shook her head, dark curls bouncing. “No. I want to go to school.”
“Don’t rush your ole Daddy!” Patrick grinned at Shelagh, smoothing a finger over the baby’s cheek as she came back to the table.
Cora Julienne reached across the table for Tim’s books. “I--” she knocked into the pitcher of milk. It toppled and spread quickly across the table. She shrieked and jumped from her seat. “Daddy!”
Teddy began to fuss as Tim jumped from the table. “Corie!”
“Oh, dearest!” Shelagh bounced the baby in her arms as Patrick righted the pitcher and grabbed a towel.
“Take him on out to the bench,” Patrick said as Teddy’s squalls grew louder. “I’ll clean up and talk with Corie.”
“My books are dry,” Tim said, looking at his trousers. “But I’ll need to change. Thanks, Corie.”
Cora Julienne set her lips, tears leaking from her eyes.
“Go and change, Tim,” Patrick said, taking up a rag to clean his daughter. “You must be more careful, my Corie.”
Shelagh listened to Cora Julienne’s tearful explanations as she exited the house, meeting Peanut at the step . He followed her as she settled onto the bench situated under the black gum tree at the front of the house. The baby fussed until she fed him and she sighed, running a finger over his little hands. She could not quite imagine being away from her children each day. Their family had expanded rapidly; days full of the joys and trials of raising children. The hope to further add to their family remained in Shelagh’s heart, tucked beside the wish that was only now coming to fruition. Looking down at Teddy, she brushed the hair from his forehead, silently hoping that he would do well for the day in Cora’s care. The warm wind and quiet did little to soothe the worries battling with the excitement in her stomach. Peanut leaned against the bench arm, and Shelagh smiled, rubbing his head until the dog twitched in contentment and settled at her feet. The sound of the screen door opening drew her eyes to the cabin, and Cora Julienne who ran out, grinning.
“Momma!” The little girl ran to the bench and clambered onto it to snuggle into Shelagh’s side. “Is he done yet?”
“Almost!” Shelagh laughed. “Though I do believe he’ll be more than ready for pablum with Granny Cora when you have your dinner!”
Corie giggled and tickled her brother’s foot. “I’ll read to him. Daddy said not to read Timmy’s books, but I got this letter to read.” She held up a crumpled piece of paper. “ Dear Cora Julienne, My good friend. I will come to see you soon. Love from, Sister Julienne .”
Smiling softly, Shelagh looked down at the blank sheet of paper. “Perhaps one day we’ll go to visit the Sisters,” she said, thinking of the strife in Europe and how she prayed nightly now not only for her former Sisters but also for the well being of those embroiled in what seemed to be heading toward war. “Perhaps we’ll receive a new letter from Sister Julienne very soon!”
Cora Julienne nodded seriously. “I wait every day!”
Smiling at her daughter, Shelagh buttoned her dress. She was about to say more when Patrick came out of the house, Timothy following. Patrick’s hands were behind his back. They grinned at her and she narrowed her eyes, suspicious. “What’s all this?”
Patrick gave her a pail. “Well, seeing as it’s your first day teaching, we thought we’d make your dinner.”
Teddy reached for the pail as Shelagh opened the lid. “Not yet,” Shelagh laughed, kissing the baby’s cheek. He grunted and smiled, reaching for the tin again.
“I put in some cornbread!” Cora Julienne piped up, poking the tin. “Granny Cora learned me to make it yesterday!”
“Taught you,” Timothy corrected. “I put in an apple.” He kicked his foot in the dirt. “Seeing as you’re teachin’ midwifery now…” He leaned down to wrestle with Peanut, as if embarrassed to show too much affection.
“Oh,” Shelagh blinked her eyes as she began to tear up. “Thank you!”
Patrick sat on the bench, pulling Cora Julienne into his lap. “And from me, well…” he lifted the lid and reddened slightly. “It’s not much…”
Shelagh touched the smooth, cool bottle and small packet tucked into the pail. “It’s wonderful.” She met Patrick’s eyes.
“Lord,” Timothy said, taking Teddy from Shelagh’s arms and motioning for his sister and Peanut to follow. “It’s the love-dubbing, Corie. Let’s go before we see more than we ought.”
Corie’s giggles with Tim faded as Shelagh shifted on the bench and leaned against her husband. “Co-Cola and peanuts. Our favorite.”
“Just a little something to remind you of home while you’re teaching today.” He kissed her temple. “I’m just as proud for you.”
She settled against him for just a moment, listening to the sound of the children playing, Peanut’s happy barks, Patrick’s chuckle at their antics, and the gentle wind rustling through the tree.
When she had embarked on her journey to Kentucky she had expected to give; to care for those who needed her. She had done that and now would help to educate a new generation of nurse-midwives to continue that tradition. Yet for all the care she had given, she had been given even more. With a small prayer of gratitude,
she peeked into the pail again, looking at the apple, cornbread, Coca-Cola, and peanuts, and smiled -- her family would be with her as she made another new start.