The Avenging Angel by Lane Casteix

Author:Lane Casteix
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Romance, Historical, Civil War, Reconstruction, New Orleans
Publisher: Lane Casteix
Published: 2017-07-12T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 20 – The Failed Blossom

From Rachel’s Diary

10 October 1866

It began with cramping, nothing unusual, and much like I have come to expect with being pregnant. But along with that, I have been spotting, and the blood has been bright red with some occasional darker spots. Something seemed different, and in retrospect, perhaps that was because I had lost the sense of being pregnant.

I confided my fears to Analee, and she tried to reassure me what I was experiencing was normal, and I should not become concerned. Analee is good at hiding her feelings when she needs to, but this time, I could sense she was concerned about the baby and me. Not sure exactly what gave her away, perhaps her hesitation when I described what I was experiencing?

Several times during the day, she asked if I was feeling any better. Eventually, Josie found out I was in distress and immediately went to work. “I know just what you need.” And she disappeared for nearly an hour to return with a pot of hot tea.

“What is this? I asked.

“Tea made from blackberry leaves and roots. It’s an old remedy us black folks use for labor. Try it.” I did, and even with some sugar, it was still bitter tasting.

“Drink it all,” she insisted, and she stood over me until I had consumed all of two cups. “Now, go to your bed and rest for a while. Let the tea do its work.”

As she ordered, I took to my bed, but Ethan came in and wanted to know if I was feeling poorly.

“Just a bit of cramping,” I replied. “Josie made me some tea and insisted I take to my bed.”

Ethan shrugged. “You want me to send for the doctor?”

“No. I’ll be fine.”

He nodded thoughtfully. “Anything you need from the kitchen?”

“Nothing. Analee and Josie are taking good care of me. Don’t worry.” I said that but I was indeed worried myself, but I dare not show my concerns to Ethan. No sense he should have any more on his mind than he already has.

Later that afternoon, Josie brought more tea, and Analee checked on me more often than I thought she should if she wasn’t concerned. Near dinner, I was feeling fine and had had enough lying around in bed, so I got up to take a meal with the rest of the family. As I stood, I felt something run down my leg. I lifted my skirt to investigate and saw the blood, more than I thought was good, and I screamed for Analee.

She must have been hovering right outside my door because she was in the room as I collapsed to my knees. She came to my side and supported me. “What is it?”

“It happened!”

“No! Back in bed. Let me help you.” She lifted me to my feet and helped me back into the bed. “I’ll be right back.” And she ran and called Josie.

My worst fears were realized. I had indeed spontaneously aborted—again! Josie and Analee helped me get cleaned up and settled in bed.

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