Faithful Unto Death

Leroy Ferry Arrives

“I didn’t mean that company. I was thinking of someone, well, smaller.” Anna rarely looked dif‹dent. “Why Anna, what do you mean? Oh. Oh! Truly?” “Yes, Henry, I didn’t want to say anything until I was sure. Elvira assures me my surmise was correct. Henry! Put me down!” “When? Should we have the doctor in today? What shall we call him? Or her?” “Don’t be foolish, Henry, it won’t be until spring. Now go back to work and let me be.” “Don’t scold me, Anna, but give me a bean. I’ll tell the sheriff yes, then, shall I?” “As you will, Henry. Now away with you, I must ‹nish these beans. I’m taking a stew to the social tonight, and I’ve only begun this batch.” marietta waters stood at the counter of Stockton’s store, picking through a basket of early strawberries suspiciously. “I’ve never heard of hothouse strawberries,”she muttered as Elvira stepped up.“I’d bet a cookie they’re sour as can be. I’d wait another month for proper ones, but Father heard about these and has his heart set on shortcake with whipped cream. But I’m forgetting my manners, Elvira. How have you been keeping?” “We’re all well at home, thank you. We’re terribly worried about Charlotte, what with the cholera epidemic over there and all.” “I’m sure you must be. It’s a terrible thing; and she somewhat frail anyway. A pint of these berries for me, Dora, please, and put them on Father’s account. Rest assured Charlotte is in our prayers, of course, as are all of you, and dear Anna, of course. Don’t tell her, but I’m making a special baby quilt for her.” “Marietta, your secret’s as safe as houses,” Elvira assured her, and she picked up her shopping basket again. “Oh, and if you’ll add a few drops of vanilla extract to the berries when you crush them with the sugar, that should cut any sourness.” The ladies nodded pleasantly to one another, and Elvira, basket laden, stepped out into the brisk spring sunshine. Leroy Ferry Arrives henry, gray in the face, paced in the parlor. Another groan ›oated down the staircase. “Dang,” he muttered and then looked around guiltily. David, in the kitchen, clanked dishes busily. 62 “This tea’s just the thing you need to set you up.” “David, you’re much too cheerful about this.That’s your own daughter upstairs on her bed of agony.” “I know, son, but just remember, I’ve had three of my own. Women just have to endure the pain the Lord sends, in hopes of greater joy in the child to come. We’ve prayed enough, and it’s in Christ’s hands now. Anna’s tough, she’ll be ‹ne.” “Sure doesn’t sound ‹ne. And what do you mean, you’ve had three? You and I can’t begin to imagine it, can we?” “Henry, it’s not like you to be irascible. Calm down. It might be some time . . .” “Oh! What was that?” David smiled beati‹cally. “Sounds like your son is here. Or your daughter.” Nasal wails rang faintly down the staircase. After a few moments, Elvira called down, “Henry, would you come up here, please?” Henry’s knees sagged, and David pulled him up. “Up you go, son. Until you’re up there, I won’t know a thing. I know Elvira.” Henry stepped through the door. His head buzzed, and the ›oor seemed to rise up darkly. “Henry, take a deep breath,” commanded Elvira. He complied. “Better?” Henry nodded gratefully. “Good. Don’t drop him now.” Elvira handed Henry a wrapped, bleating bundle. Henry took it and looked doubtfully at the red, wrinkled face.The face glared mistily back at him. “Him? Well, hello, Leroy.” “Leroy?” “Yes. His middle name is Ferry.” Anna, ignored on the bed, nodded. “For you, Elvira.” Elvira’s eyes misted as she looked down at the squeaking bundle. “Bless you, Leroy Ferry.” Then she briskly took him from Henry’s arms and returned him to Anna. She glared at Henry and nodded toward Anna. Henry cleared his throat. “How are you, Anna?” Anna smiled wearily at Henry. “I’m well, husband. Isn’t he a ‹ne boy?” “If you say so, Anna.” At her affronted stare, he tried again. “I mean, well, he’s very small and rather rumpled . . . but...