As Netty’s thoughts whirled, Wil got down on his knees in front of her, taking her in his arms. “Netty, it is all right. We will work this out. Stop trembling now. We can figure this out together.”
Netty, surprised by his tenderness, started to cry. She might be older than Wil, but she felt a kind of strength in him that she’d only felt before from her real papa, Mr. Woods. Between sobs, she told Wil the long story of her marriage betrayal, the isolation and rapes, the stolen gold coin, the discovery of her inheritance and of course, Baby. When she finished, she dried her tears, exhausted.
Wil rose, putting the kettle on for tea. Placing a cup in front of her, he sat down with a cup for himself, letting it cool. Netty didn’t look up for fear of seeing condemnation in his eyes. No one said a word.
From the bedroom came a sound. They both looked to the bedroom door as it slowly opened. Out came Baby, shuffling and wobbling across the rug until he stood in front of Netty. He clambered up her skirt, taking his place on her lap. She softly stroked his golden fur as Wil stared.
“Is this creature your pet, Netty?” Wil’s voice remained low, his tone soft and respectful, yet laced with incredulity. He suddenly felt a pressure in his head and saw pinpricks of rainbow lights, an aura in the back of his head making him dizzy.
“I am Brother,” came a soft whisper. Wil looked directly at Baby in shock. Netty had left out this piece of information, it was just too unbelievable. “I am Elder now. Sister will be Elder soon,” the whisper continued.
“He thinks you are his sister? That is him talking to me, is it not? Can you hear him talking to me?”
Netty cast her eyes down to Baby. “He talks to me when he wants. I do not hear what he says to you unless he wants me to. But Wil, what are you going to do?”
“Do about what, Netty? Oh, you mean Baby? Well, you clearly love him, he appears to be harmless, I think, that is. Oh, gosh, Netty, I do not know, there is nothing I can do anyway. What could I do? He saved Maggie. He has done good things for you. I would never do anything that would hurt you.”
Jumping to her feet with Baby in her arms, she ran to Wil. She crushed him in an embrace, forcing Wil to circle his arms around them both. “Oh, thank you, thank you, Wil. You can stay now! I was so worried about you accidentally discovering Baby and not understanding, that I thought I must send you away, even though my heart rebelled. Please, you will stay now, won’t you? I know you will be a huge asset to the farm.”
“Just an asset to the farm, Netty?” Wil’s eyes and mouth smiled at her, a question hanging in the air, unanswered. Netty lowered her eyes to give him her answer.
Chapter 5
Baby lay curled on the rug in front of the fireplace. He watched as Sister and Brother ate dinner together. He could feel emotion in the air. What a strange day. Sister’s agitation had become pronounced during the last few days. As soon as he’d discovered the source, Brother, he’d decided to reveal himself. Baby didn’t care for disrupted harmony. He sensed goodness in Brother, just as he had in Sister. He couldn’t afford to have disharmony around Sister. She was changing. She would soon be an Elder, with all the responsibility that entailed. She needed his guidance, for it would change her life for good. Baby’s contentment with Sister gave him a purpose. His mission had faded with his lost memory. He no longer expected the expiration that should have accompanied the Emergence of his offspring. Clearly, immortality was with him.
Netty, Baby and Wil adjusted nicely to each other’s company. Wil slept out on the straw bed in the kitchen. He and Netty discussed the possibility of adding a small addition to the cabin as they built the new pie oven. It seemed a fine idea.
Wil rigged Maggie and the horse that pulled Netty’s vegetable wagon to a plough to make their work easier. The plough turned over existing vegetation leaving a furrow to plant in. Better yet, it created two furrows at a time. Netty trailed behind to plop in the new seed and Baby smoothed over the new soil. They were very efficient. The orchard needed little work, except for removing the old canes from her raspberry and blackberry bushes. Wil had taken over responsibility for the Jerseys and did all the milking, which freed Netty up to keep ahead of her baking orders. In his spare time, Wil found enough needed repairs to keep him busy for the next few years.
Wil and Netty would sip tea and laugh, telling each other stories from their childhood well into the night after Netty’s delicious dinners. Baby watched carefully from his spot on the rug. When they realized it was time for bed, Netty would call Baby to her, bend down to pick him up and give Wil a chaste kiss goodnight.
Wil wondered about Netty’s reluctance to take the relationship any further. He compassionately chalked it up to her turbulent time with her husband. He was a patient man. They had their whole lives ahead of them. And he was nothing if not a gentleman. After all, he’d been raised by a God-fearing Catholic Irish mama who expected nothing less of him.
Netty and Baby lay down on the bed. Netty had yet to undress. She dreaded being reminded of her changes. She was clearly growing a tail, which looked just like Baby’s. Does that mean I can cure things as Baby can? She didn’t know how to even try. Did Baby know I would change like this? She’d tried to ask him, but he remained silent. Baby didn’t talk much.
She wondered how this would affect her relationship with Wil. She was nuts about him and thought he felt the same. But she feared his revulsion. The changes to her body made her a freak. It might be too much for him. She didn’t want to lose the part of him she did have. And what to do about the issue of Robert? She wondered why he’d not shown himself. She’d made a few discreet inquires and discovered that a wife’s inheritance belonged to the husband too. Her timidity prevented her from inquiring about the process of divorce. She knew for sure that would bring Robert down on her to claim the farm. He’d admitted to murdering her mother and she knew he wouldn’t hesitate to do the same to her. She thought it would be best if she left things as they were.
*
The spring moved into summer, then winter, and moved into spring again. They became the destination of choice for most of the town. Netty outgrew the new pie oven and was making plans with Wil for a huge new project; a bakery. It would be situated behind her old animal hospital, allowing them plenty of privacy at the cabin. And they would need it, because they’d made the monumental decision to hire some fulltime help for the new bakery.
Wil wanted to hire some field hands for his plan to expand their crops. Once these projects were completed, they both prayed their success might extend far enough to cover the extravagance of a truck. Other farmers had found the money to make the envied purchase, allowing their hard work to lighten with the new convenience. God knew what a boon a truck would be for the farm business.
Wil and Netty’s relationship, surprisingly, didn’t progress as he hoped. He tried not to let disillusion pull him down, but her behavior didn’t seem normal to him. He knew her feelings for him ran deep. He often caught her studying him when she thought him unaware and would see such a look of longing. When she caught him looking at her, she’d blush and smile, making him feel hopeful.
They knew one another very well now. Sometimes, he’d start to say something and she would nod, finishing his sentence. They laughed together constantly, mostly over his silly grade school jokes. Her laughter, the best reward for a hard day of work. Although, of late, he sometimes noticed her voice contained a note of strain.
He loved his work on the farm. Seeing their progress and success delighted them both, making their lives very fulfilling. On the other hand, he knew Netty quietly fretted about her husband’s possible claim on the farm. She haltingly explained the relationship between her mama and Mr. Woods. Wil took the news in stride. Many women found themselves in similar straits, marrying the next man that would have them, so as to give the child a name. Bastard children carried a stigma that was hard to shake. Netty was very lucky Mr. Woods had found a way to stay in her life. They might not know the reasons behind her mama’s decision,
but Mr. Woods had obviously loved her and provided for her. It was quite unfortunate that he’d inadvertently chosen a disreputable lawyer to represent him. Wil thought Netty might have a good case for fraud on her hands. When they had time, they planned to hire a lawyer in town to look into it for them.
Baby was another story. His relationship with Baby mirrored that of a big brother. Baby went nuts over Maggie. Wil would saddle up Maggie early in the morning when he was turning out the Jerseys, and Baby would be right on his heels when he left the cabin. He had to struggle to keep up with Wil, his funny little shuffle and wobble a handicap. He sure was an eager little guy, though. Wil would lift him up on the saddle with him and off they’d go with the Jerseys, Baby clinging to the saddle horn with Wil’s arm looped across his fat little tummy. Wil gave up counting how many times he’d rolled over in the night to discover Baby curled up under the covers with him.
Baby made no further effort to talk to him, though. Netty said it was normal; Baby didn’t talk much.
Wil decided to make a move today. They never took any time off to go into town unless it was to bring produce, make pie deliveries or pick up supplies. Wil heard that one of the churches planned to host a Saturday supper with square dancing after dinner. There were bound to be some locals who made sure the men had a good supply of moonshine behind the church. Wil planned on inviting Netty to the supper this morning, and he launched into his proposal as Netty poured Wil’s breakfast tea.
“Come on, Netty, it will be fun. We could sure use a break before spring planting starts.”
Caught off guard by Wil’s invitation, Netty’s heart gave a trill of excitement. The thought of socializing had never occurred to her. Their affairs on the farm overwhelmed them so, keeping them busy, and she preferred to stick close to Baby, afraid to leave him alone. You could never tell when a stranger might stop by looking for some pies or a handout. She worried what might happen if they found no one home and decided to poke around.
“I do not know, Wil, can we really afford to take the time? I wanted to start moving the fieldstone up from the fields. We will soon be starting the foundation for the bakery.”
“Netty, do not worry about that. Baby and I will start working on that on Sunday morning. I thought we would bring a load up after we turn out the Jerseys. We can get it done and still be finished in time for lunch.”
“I am sure Baby’s help will be overwhelming, but I do not know how I can afford the time.” Looking at Wil’s crestfallen face, Netty paused. Wil never complained about anything. She knew her reluctance to respond to his overtures portended an eventual rift between them. Her tail, fully mature, lay wrapped around her torso, hidden securely under her skirt. She hoped to delay a painful confrontation as long as possible. The thought of losing Wil because of her fear chilled her. Maybe if she said yes to the supper, Wil would be mollified for a while. Was it possible they might enjoy themselves?
“Well, maybe some time off would be good for us. I think Baby can hold down the fort until we get back.” She smiled suddenly as Wil jumped up, grabbing her in a bear hug.
“I know that you will be the prettiest girl there.”
As the day wore on, Netty’s reservations returned, making her jumpy. Additional worries about the dance played on her mind. The fact that she’d never attended a dance before was the least of them.
Netty’s unspoken insecurity revolved around the age difference between the two of them. She knew the young ladies of the town would use the dance as an opportunity to flirt and size up the single gentlemen. The supper presented the perfect atmosphere to look for strong, good-looking prospects, receptive to their mysterious signals, with the hope of spurring a courtship. Netty didn’t want Wil to develop a wandering eye because of her unwillingness to explore a more intimate relationship. He didn’t seem like the type, but she didn’t know much about that side of him. She did know he’d always planned to marry and raise as many children as possible. That thought alone frightened her.
Having completed all of the day’s chores, Netty washed up in her bedroom, Wil in the kitchen. As she slipped on a petticoat she sighed, never previously having had anywhere to go which merited wearing it. She noticed a large slit down the back of it, down to her tail. The slit was to facilitate ease in getting in and out of the voluminous garment. A drawstring allowed her to cinch it at her waist, holding the petticoat up. She would have to hold her tail tightly around her torso to prevent it from slipping through the slit and unraveling down her legs.
Slipping her best dress over her head, she looked at herself in her mirror. She looked just like she always did, except for the nervous flush. But she wanted to look special in some way for Wil, to mark the occasion. Feeling she needed an edge to compete with the youth of the other single ladies, she removed her ponytail, letting her lush, long hair fall down her shoulders. She noticed her hair had developed a golden sheen. When did that happen? Standing back, she discovered the appearance of a halo surrounding her. Well, she really didn’t want to draw others’ attention to herself, but it was the only edge she had.
Netty sat on her bed to say goodbye to Baby. Last night, they’d explained to him about their trip into town. If anyone knocked on the door, Baby was to crawl under the bed. They showed Baby how to lock the door from the inside and felt confident that the little guy would be safe. The trickle of town folk who had come out to her farm had fallen off since she’d started to bring her produce into town more regularly. With a feeling of confidence and anticipation, Netty slipped out of the bedroom to join Wil.
*
Wil finished dressing. His boots gleamed, his shirt was fully starched and his trousers pressed. They didn’t do a thing to disguise his strong shoulders or lean, fit build. Turning, he watched Netty come from the bedroom. His heart ached with longing as she took his breath away. With her hair swinging down her back, she looked stunning. Her face gleamed: flushed and expectant. There seemed to be a golden glow radiating from her, leaving him speechless.
“Netty, you look beautiful,” he whispered, going to her side. Netty blushed, looking down at her feet. Wil offered his arm and together they walked out to the barn to collect the wagon and start their ride into town.
The almost full moon lit their bumpy drive. Wil chattered excitedly all the way, Netty smiled and nodded but said little. When they arrived at the church, they hitched the wagon and loosened the rigging on the horse, who acted skittishly around the automobiles parked nearby. Entering the church hall, they made their way to a table where a popular tavern owner sat with his family. Quickly making space for Wil and Netty, they found themselves heartily welcomed.
Wil rose from the table to deliver their contribution, Netty’s fabulous pies. Returning, he noticed various men glancing at Netty then nodding in his direction.
Most in town knew of Netty’s husband, as some of his sisters still ruled the social scene. But these county folks were farmers and shopkeepers with their families. He felt assured he wouldn’t have any trouble, being from out of town. The thing everyone in these parts respected most was hard work. Everyone greatly admired Netty’s labor, even envied her for all she’d accomplished. Unfortunately, Wil had not counted on the speculation about his relationship with her. Some might consider it improper if they knew he slept in the house, instead of the barn. The last thing he wanted to do was cause Netty grief after he’d pressured her to come to the dance. He certainly didn’t want to create a scandal that would hurt their business. Noticing more glances and whispers, he began to think of the supper and dance as a mistake.
Hurrying back to the table with two plates of food, he sat across the table from Netty and joined the boisterous conversation. As the evening wore on, the laughter at the table grew louder. Wil noticed the men casually slipping out the back door and returning with mugs brimming with what he could only guess was spirits. From time to time, the shopkeepers who often purchased Netty’s wares stopped by with their wives to pay respect to her. Wil noticed the wives exhibite
d a stiffness in their greetings. Maybe it was his imagination. Perhaps they were just jealous of Netty’s prettiness. She sure stood out in this crowd.
*
Netty herself flushed with pleasure, having a great time. She laughed more than she could remember ever having done before. Some of the business owners she’d previously targeted unsuccessfully, due to their loyalty to their current suppliers, asked her to stop by next week. She responded, happily introducing them to Wil and setting up a date and time. Her dinner was delicious, but, glancing at Wil, she saw he’d barely touched his plate. Puzzled, she smilingly reached for his hand across the table. She got a big, sweet smile in return. At a sideways glance from their host, he hurriedly withdrew his arm. What is going on? she wondered. Has someone said something about me to Wil?
Netty’s attention shifted over to the men clearing space for the dance floor. The fiddle players entered and were in the corner tuning up. Oh, such fun. It would be the first time they would hold each other and dance. Netty observed young ladies tossing flirtatious glances at the men gathered near the back door.
She wanted to go to the outhouse before the dancing started. She cursed herself for not considering her needs carefully enough when she’d agreed to come. She would need a fair amount of time to safely secure her tail before she could return to the hall. Motioning to Wil, she asked him to accompany her to the door. Happy to be needed, he assisted Netty through the crush of laughing townspeople. Agreeing that he’d wait with the men enjoying their spirits, Netty made her way to the outhouse.
*
Waiting for Netty, Wil noticed the other men grinning at him. He felt uneasy, but chose to ignore it. He thought it best that, when Netty returned, they take their leave.