The Refuge by Ann H. Gabhart

Author:Ann H. Gabhart
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Historical Fiction;Love stories;FIC042030;FIC042040;FIC027050
ISBN: 9781493417780
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Published: 2019-03-17T16:00:00+00:00

On the third day, Eldress Maria said I must start going back to the Children’s House to take my meals. While this had been easy enough to do with only Anna Grace, it presented some problems with two infants. I didn’t think it comfortable or even safe to put both the babies in the wrap. Benjamin was so tiny still.

But one thing I had noted about the Shakers. They were very inventive. If there was a better way to do something, then someone among their number would find that way. Sister Lettie had foreseen my need and had one of the brothers working on the solution before Eldress Maria said I could no longer eat my meals in our retiring room. By then, after two days of being confined inside our small room other than trips to the privy during the daylight hours, I was ready to venture out again, even if it was only to the silent eating room of the Children’s House.

On my hurried trips to the privy, I had left the babies safely ensconced in their cradles. This day when I returned, I found Eldress Maria in our room, holding Anna Grace and rocking Benjamin’s cradle.

“We can’t let their crying disturb the whole house,” she said, even though all the sisters and brothers had gone to duties outside the house except those working in the kitchen or basement, where I doubted they could hear the babies on this second floor.

“Yea, I thank you for your kind consideration.”

“These little ones are so blessed,” she said. “They can spend their whole lives in our society with nothing but peace and love around them. They will never be assaulted by the tribulations that lurk outside the confines of our village.”

“Do you never have troubles here?” I took Anna Grace from her and put her back in her cradle. It was her sleepy time, and I suppose my curious time as I dared to question the eldress. I did not believe no trouble ever visited the village, for I was here among them and troubled about the future. Plus I saw the discontent of Sisters Genna and Ellie. We were surely not the only ones doubting the Shaker way as a permanent path for us.

“None that can’t be handled by obedience to the rules which unite us in love and peace.” She sounded sure of her words as she peered down at Benjamin, who was fussing while fighting the air with his tiny fists. “He is so very small.”

“Yea, but he is growing. Last night he slept for a good stretch without any of us holding him.” I picked him up. “He’s ready to nurse.”

I left the neck kerchief in place but scooted my dress down in front. I kept it unfastened in the back to ease offering my breasts to the babies. I turned away from the eldress, for she seemed uneasy watching the natural act of a baby nursing. I suppose she might never have seen such, since she was young when she was brought to the Shakers.

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