Page 70 of The Condemned (Echoes from the Past #6)

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As the day of Mary’s departure drew closer, she was torn between breathless excitement and unbearable anxiety.

She dreamed of the day she’d walk out of the cabin for the last time and begin her new life with Walker.

Strangely, a small part of that life had already begun.

John had not slept with her since her illness, making himself a pallet on the floor instead.

He insisted that he sleep apart so as not to disturb her during her convalescence, but in truth, she knew he was as repelled by her as she was by him, and now that she was carrying what he presumed to be his child, he no longer felt the need to bother with the pretense of being a true husband.

He was still solicitous when the situation called for it, but he was, if such a thing were possible, even more distant and aloof, while Simon was watchful and preoccupied.

Mary didn’t know what Simon was up to, but something in his demeanor had changed over the past few months.

Travesty carried on as if everything was just the same, going about her chores and biding her time until her indenture contract expired.

She still had years to go until she could even begin to make plans for the future, but it was the dream of something better that kept her going.

“I won’t always be a slave,” Travesty told Mary hotly one morning while grinding corn with surprising aggression. “There are some as would be happy to have me, if I were free.”

Mary had no doubt. Travesty was an attractive woman and still of childbearing years, but only just. Mary could understand her frustration at being held captive as what was left of her youth slipped away.

“I will have a home of my own,” Travesty said through gritted teeth. “I will be my own mistress.”

“I’ve no doubt you will,” Mary assured her, wondering what had brought on this bout of anger. Travesty slammed the pestle on the table and stormed out of the cabin, presumably to go to the privy. Mary picked up the pestle and continued grinding the corn.

Only a few more days , she thought happily as she wielded the tool. A few more interminable days.

The time would go by faster if there were something for her to do to prepare for her journey north, but Mary had no belongings to pack, and nothing but mundane chores to occupy her time and mind; however, there was one thing she meant to do before leaving—she had to see Nell.

She couldn’t share her plans with her friend, but Nell had been a true friend, and she couldn’t leave without saying goodbye.

Mary set down the pestle and wiped her hands on her apron.

It was a beautiful day for the beginning of March.

The sun was bright and gentle as it shone from a cloudless blue sky.

The air smelled of loamy earth and wood smoke, and birds sang happily, heralding the coming of spring.

It was the perfect day to take a walk, and Mary was in sore need of friendly company.

She donned her cloak and tied it at her throat, adjusted her cap, and prepared to leave.

She wished she had something to bring Nell, but stores were running low and she didn’t dare take something without asking John’s permission.

He and Simon were in the field, fixing a broken fence post, and she had no desire to seek him out.

“I’m going to see Nell,” Mary called out to Travesty, who’d emerged from the privy, looking ill.

“Fine,” Travesty barked and made for the house. Must be her time of the month , Mary thought as she walked out of the yard. Travesty was always more irritable while she bled.

Mary strolled along, enjoying the pleasant day.

For the first time in weeks, she was at peace.

Her belly had grown round and firm over the past month, and she’d finally felt the baby move only a few days ago.

It had been a strange feeling, and she’d almost dismissed it, thinking it might be wind in her belly, but then it had happened again and again, and she’d finally recognized it for what it was—life .

She had a feeling the child would be a boy.

She had nothing to support this supposition, but she embraced it.

It would be nice to have a strong son who’d grow up to be as fierce and smart as his father.

Of course, at first, he’d be a sweet baby.

Mary tried not to dwell too much on the things Walker had told her, like how the mothers in the village strapped their babies to a wooden cradleboard.

It seemed a strange thing to do, but Walker assured her the babies were quite comfortable and warm.

She’d have to get used to the strange ways of his people, but the prospect no longer frightened her.

Having seen her own people through Walker’s eyes had been an illuminating experience.

Mary smiled broadly when she saw Nell’s rounded form waddling into the yard, a basket on her hip.

Nell set down the basket, put her hands on her lower back and stretched, then began to hang the newly washed garments on the line.

She spotted Mary and waved, her round face breaking into a joyful grin.

Mary quickened her steps and was with Nell in a matter of minutes, embracing her friend as their bellies pushed against each other, making them laugh.

Nell reached out and put a hand on Mary’s stomach. “You’re not too far behind me, Mary.”

“How are you, Nell? You look just about ready to burst.”

“I am. I can’t sleep. I spend half my time in the privy, and I can barely get out of bed unassisted. I’m ready, Mary,” Nell said with a grimace.

“Who will assist you when the time comes?”

“Tom will go for Betsy. She delivered her younger brothers. I do wish there was an experienced midwife here.”

“Are you frightened?”

“Yes,” Nell replied in a small voice. “Makes it worse, it being my first. ”

“Because you don’t know what to expect?” Mary asked as she followed Nell into the house.

“Because I do. I’ve seen my ma birth my siblings. It’s an ugly business, Mary, and a deadly one.”

Mary nodded. She was frightened as well, but Walker had assured her she would receive competent help when her time came.

When they came indoors, Tom was seated at the table, carving something out of a hunk of wood, but he excused himself and went out, giving Mary and Nell a chance to visit.

“Tom’s making a toy for the child,” Nell explained as she swept up the shavings. She then set two cups on the table and poured them some ale. “He’s already made a cradle. He can’t wait to be a father. How is John taking the news?”

“The same way John takes everything,” Mary replied, leaving Nell to draw her own conclusions.

“So, nothing’s changed, then?”

Mary shook her head. “He’s not unkind to me, but he doesn’t treat me like a wife, Nell.

I may as well be another servant. There’s not a word of affection or a moment of closeness between us.

We are two people who share a bed, but sleep facing away from each other.

” Mary thought it prudent not to mention that John no longer slept with her.

It wasn’t her intention to expose John, but simply to leave him.

“’Tis a shame, that,” Nell said. “I must admit that Tom and I have grown closer, especially during these last months. He loves me, Tom does, and I care for him. This child is a blessing, and I pray there will be more to come.”

“I’m glad for you, Nell, and I hope life will always be kind to you.”

Nell took a sip of ale, a thoughtful expression on her face. “You make it sounds as if we won’t see each other again. ”

“Do I?”

“Well, never mind,” Nell said, refilling Mary’s cup.

“The spring is almost here, and it will be the start of a new life for this colony. Come autumn, there will be at least a dozen children in Jamestown, a new generation, and the first to be born in Virginia. Will they still be considered English, do you think, or will they be known as Virginians?”

“I don’t know. I suppose since they’ll still be His Majesty’s subjects, they’ll be considered English.”

“Well, that’s for the best anyhow. Who’d want to be known as a Virginian?

They’d sound as if they’re savages. My Tom says that in time, the English will drive all the savages out, so we’ll have nothing to fear from the likes of them.

Good riddance, I say,” Nell said, her gaze fierce. “An extinct savage is a good savage.”

Mary didn’t reply but felt a sudden urge to leave.

Several months ago, she would have wholeheartedly agreed with Nell, but she could no longer condone such sentiments.

She didn’t know many natives, but they were people just like the English, and they’d been on this land for generations.

This was their home. What right did the English have to come and drive them off, and worse, hope for their extinction?

Mary got to her feet. “Well, I’d best be going.”

“I might have a little ’un the next time you see me,” Nell said, beaming. “Oh, I do hope I survive the birth.”

“You will. You are strong, Nell—the strongest woman I know.”

Nell wrapped her arms around Mary. “See you on the other side, my friend.”

Mary returned the hug and hurried from the cabin. She would never see Nell again. She’d miss her company, and her support, but it was time to go. If all went according to plan, she’d be gone in a few days’ time, and just like Nell, she was ready .