Andrew slept most of the next forty-eight hours, only waking long enough to tend his needs and ask after the baby. With Rosemarie in attendance, the baby had little need of anyone else. Ecstatic at her reprieve, she’d barely relinquish her hold on the baby, sleeping on a pallet by its cradle. The little girls were delighted at the acquisition of the baby, vying for the chance to kiss its pink cheeks and rub its blond fuzzy head. Even Jamie wasn’t too proud to hold it, being thoroughly tired of girls. They insisted it was their brother, though Molly kept reminding them they didn’t know whose baby it was. “That man gave us this baby.” Addie insisted. “When Pap gave us a puppy we got to keep it. We didn’t have a baby.”
“No Aggie. That’s not the way it works with babies. This baby may have a mother who’s looking for it, right now.” Molly explained.
“That’s not fair. She can just get another one. We need this one.” Addie insisted.
The baby quickly plumped up with regular feedings. The childrens’ hand-me-downs were put to good use. Rosemarie fairly doted on it, lavishing on it all the love she meant for her lost baby.
Late on the afternoon of the second day, Andrew woke and wandered through looking for Molly, encountering Rosemarie nursing the baby. He asked after Molly.
“Mistress Wharton stepped across to see Mistress Bartles.”
“No, I am looking for my wife Molly, not Mistress Wharton.” He explained.
“The only Molly I’ve met is Mistress Molly Wharton. I just came after the baby got here.” she answered.
He found Molly watching the children at play in the backyard. “Whose children are those?” he asked.
“They are mine. After you were gone, we all thought you were dead. I found I was to have your child. To save me from trouble, James Wharton married me. You know what can happen to a bondswoman found with child. Jamie is your child, though James Wharton gave him his name.” she paused.
“You married Wharton! How could you marry Wharton? Why didn’t you wait? You didn’t even give me the chance to get back! How could you marry so soon?” he demanded of her.
Will and Aggie walked up, having seen them in conversation. It was clear Andrew was overwrought. Will addressed Andrew. “Hold your peace, man. Wharton saved her by the marrying. She could have been punished or sold to another. She was fortunate he offered. She’d have been foolish to refuse. Your capture left her in a grave situation.”
Molly spoke. “I’ll thank you to compose yourself. Will, can you put him up? Come children!” With that, she left them, stalking to the house.
I had to catch up on my Andrew and Molly saga! Oh my, they were hard to locate. I had to filter through 1,597 emails when I got back!! I was at the hospital when I got “tinged” and I looked down and said, “Oh no, Andrew is back!” (I expected it of course, after all the story is “Andrew and Molly”) My daughter was startled and I was mildly embarrassed. I did however explain, it was a blog. I wasn’t where I could take time to read any more than that opening sentence. LOL
LikeLike
If that happens again, let me know and I’ll send links.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are sweet. Have you started a new story?
LikeLike
LikeLiked by 1 person
LikeLike
Quit putting all men in the same category. There are lots of good ones. I know of one. Me!!
LikeLike
Uh oh! Uh oh! Thanks for reminder. I have a really good husband! I know better.
LikeLike
Time and circumstances change us. Will they find their way back to each other I wonder? 🙂 Terrific story, Linda.
LikeLike
People can learn with the right motivation.
LikeLike
let’s do the time warp again…
LikeLike
Maybe
LikeLike
Andrew is being unfair and selfish and Molly is now angry. I’m wondering how this will work out. —- Suzanne
LikeLike
Maybe he will see reason!
LikeLike
He must be delirious, and who’s child was he carrying???? Good for Molly, I am proud of her.
LikeLike
Exactly!
LikeLike
Andrew’s got a bit of catching up to do !! And an angry Molly to contend with 🙂
LikeLike
No know ding!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful Linda.. thank goodness I was not alive in those days.. we don’t know how lucky we are.. and still we want more! x
LikeLike
It is easier now.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh dear. Not looking good
LikeLike
He is a man.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Uh-oh – trouble in River City!
xx,
mgh
LikeLike
They aren’t the same people.
LikeLiked by 1 person
How could they be?
LikeLike
Life does that, doesn’t it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes – in many directions. That’s why decisions are difficult for so many, and why those same people can be wonderful in a crises, even so. It’s easier to do what we must.
xx,
mgh
LikeLike
It also easier if we have someone else’s welfare to consider.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Maybe not easier, but certainly imperative when we make our choices. I had to alter a number of small preferences myself when I got a puppy!
xx,
mgh
LikeLike
Generally. Especially with the welfare of children.
xx, mgh
LikeLike
Nice way of dealing with an egoistic man- we can learn from her.
Susie
LikeLike
Yep!
LikeLike