Beyond the Green

6

Though my blisters had not healed enough to walk comfortably I was up and about the next day, helping Cousin Beatrice. We tended the small winter garden, cleaned the snug cottage, cooked meals together, and washed laundry. In a sort time I learned much from her years of frontier experience. As days passed by, she developed a persistent cough that sent her into fits if she did too much. When I questioned her about her, my cousin's smile was warm.

"It's nothing to worry yourself about, dear. This old body prefers summer weather now a days."

"You should not overexert yourself, cousin," but she waved away my concerns, insisting on helping with the chores. With little to fully occupy two women, our work never took long. During the long evenings of winter we would sit by the fire sewing, reading, or just talking.

Beatrice Shelby was one of the sweetest people I had ever had the privilege of meeting, her quick wit and sharp mind helping soothe my broken heart. I was quickly growing more and more attached to her. She told me of her late husband Edward Shelby, how they met many years ago back in Virginia, marrying after only a brief, eight-week courtship.

"We were the talk of the town," she cackled merrily. "Those old biddies at my mother's tea parties just couldn't be too shocked!"

"I can well imagine."

"I'm still not certain how he managed to talk me into coming out to this wild country, but he made it sound so wonderful. A life full of promise, of hope, with grand opportunities," her voice trailed off and I glanced at her. For a brief instant the age was gone, and I saw the girl who had willingly followed the man she'd loved.

"We were happy for many long years, Molly dear, but bad things happen to decent folks too. One day he was gone, just like that." She snapped her fingers sharply, tears of wistfulness filling her eyes. "The doc said there was nothing he could do for Ed, an infection of the lung, and in the dead of winter too. He lasted no more than three weeks before he died.

"It's been just me for almost ten years, and I was starting to think this was no place for an old woman alone, and then I got your letter Molly dear." Here she stopped and grabbed my hand firmly in hers. The strength of it was surprising. "I'm so happy that you came out here to be with me. I can't tell you how much I enjoy your company."

"Thank you. It means so much to me that you feel that way. I don't know what I would have done..."

"Well, your pa was a loving man and a smart one too, but we are only human, and we make mistakes that sometimes hurt those we love the most. Your uncle was heartbroken to have been the one to instigate his undoing, I'm sure." I had told her all about the failed communications business venture.

"Uncle Conroy lost all he had too, cousin. Last I heard he moved back to Maine to be with his daughter until he could get settled again." I recalled the look on his face at the funeral, the tears in his eyes when he looked at me. He had loved Papa so much, everyone did.

Beatrice started coughing and I looked sharply at her, worry written on my face. She smiled and shook her head gently at me, but her cough did not fade right away.

"Can I get something for you, tea or warm milk, perhaps brandy?" I was anxious about the sudden paleness of her cheeks.

"No, Molly dear, I'm fine really. The cold weather always bothers me. It's nothing to worry yourself about. Which reminds me; tomorrow will you go down to the general store and order some flour and beans for us? We're almost out. Tell Lionel that I can pay him when we harvest the winter vegetables."

"Yes, cousin." I settled back into my chair, but I could not stop worrying.

The next morning the snow on the ground was at least five inches deep, having fallen all night, and the air was frosty. Shivering slightly in my shawl I hurried around the corner of the fabric store and up onto the walkway, my boots echoing hollowly as I walked along. With my head down I didn't notice the dog until a sharp snarl made me look up just before I stepped on him. My breath caught in my throat as my heart fluttered like a frightened bird.