If you can get her upper body, we can get the lower,” Mrs. Weaver declared, nodding toward Alma.
Faith had her doubts that the two women were strong enough, but they quickly proved themselves more than able. It was Faith who struggled with the weight of her cousin. It wasn’t that far down the hall to Nancy’s bedroom, but Faith felt her head pound with each step. She should be resting right alongside Nancy, but she knew that wasn’t going to be the case. Someone had to take charge.
They managed to get Nancy up on the bed. Faith sat beside her for a moment, pretending to feel her pulse when in truth she was waiting for a dizzy spell to pass. “I’ll get her changed and tucked in. Could you put on some tea? Nancy said Seth had checked the stove and flue. We should be fine to light some fires as well.”
“We’ll take care of it,” Mrs. Weaver said, nodding toward Alma. “We can manage together just fine. You take care of our sweet Nancy.”
“Thank you. Maybe heat some leftovers. She hasn’t eaten.”
When they’d gone, Faith went to Nancy’s dresser and searched for her nightgowns. Once she located them, Faith went back to the bed and began to undress her cousin. She talked to her the entire time, hoping Nancy would regain consciousness.
“You’ve overdone it today, that much is clear.” Faith unhooked the buttons on Nancy’s boots. “Then the stress of this storm was enough to cause your fainting spell, even if you weren’t expecting a baby.” She undid the buttons on Nancy’s skirt just as her cousin began to wake up. “You’re doing just fine, Nancy. I have you in bed. Don’t fret.”
Nancy’s eyes fluttered open. “What happened?”
“You fainted. Nothing to worry about. I have Virginia and Alma making tea and warming food. Then they’ll be laying some fires. I’ll get one going here in your room in just a minute. First I wanted to get you undressed and into a nightgown.”
“I can do that myself,” Nancy murmured.
“I know you can, but with me assisting, it’ll get done twice as fast.” Faith helped Nancy sit up. “Just let me do the work.” She managed to finagle the gown from Nancy’s frame, leaving her in her undergarments. Faith folded up Nancy’s gown. “When did you last eat?”
“Not since breakfast. The storm came up just before lunch, and then that was all we could think about. When Seth came home, we were both so concerned about his sister and Mimi’s well-being that we completely forgot about meals.”
“Well then, I’m sure that’s the reason you fainted. Do you think you can stand long enough for me to remove your petticoats and chemise?”
“I can. I’m feeling better.” Nancy got to her feet, but Faith refused to let go of her as she straightened. “There. See? I’m fit as a fiddle.”
Faith laughed. “I don’t know about that, but—” She stopped as blood on the petticoat caught her eye. “You’re bleeding.”
“Is it the baby?” Nancy asked, her eyes going wide. “Did I hurt the baby when I fainted?”
“I don’t know. Let’s finish getting you changed, and then I can check you. Or, if you prefer, I can send for a doctor.”
“You are a doctor, even if you don’t have your certificate yet. I trust you to know what to do. After all, you’ve been helping my mother with babies most of your life.” The fear in Nancy’s voice was evident.
“Don’t worry. It’s not a lot of blood, and it’s probably just from all this excitement. We’ll put you to bed, and things will no doubt be better.”
Tears came to Nancy’s eyes. “Don’t let me lose the baby. Please.”
Faith pulled her close and hugged her. “I’ll do all I can, but God is the one we should seek. He’s the one who created this child and the only one who can protect him or her. Now, try not to cry and further upset yourself.”
Once Faith got Nancy changed and back in bed, she did a quick assessment of her cousin’s condition. Things didn’t look bad. There was very little blood and no dilation.
“I think if you remain in bed for a time, everything will be fine.” Faith went to the wash basin. “I want you to stay in bed for a few days and do nothing more taxing than reading or sewing.” She cleaned up, then turned back to smile at Nancy. “The baby seemed just fine, so stop fretting.”