We did so. In the firm grip of the twins’ hands, my life seemed to unfold before me. God had granted me my miracle. Was it possible I was getting what I’d wanted for so long? A family. Good, honest work. And the woman of my dreams.
Josephine
After breakfast, Poppy and I went out to the Cassidys’. When we arrived, Shannon and Nora were in the barn feeding the cattle.
“They’re so thin,” Poppy whispered to me.
“It’s been a hard time for them. Which is why I’m glad you’re here to help.” In my normal voice, I shouted out to them, “Girls, I have a surprise.”
They
turned in tandem to look at us. Both the girls wore overalls and men’s rubber boots. Their hair was covered with scarves, like peasant girls.
Nora squealed. “Poppy, is it really you?” She set aside her pitchfork and ran to us.
“Yes, I’ve returned,” Poppy said.
Shannon put her shovel against the wall and approached. “I’m a mess or I’d hug you. We must look a fright.” She placed her hand over the scarf. “But we have chores all day long.”
“Don’t be silly. I’ve been away too long for you not to hug me.” Poppy embraced both girls. “I’m very sorry to hear about your dad.”
Shannon’s eyes teared up. “Thank you. He didn’t suffer. Heart attack.”
“We can be grateful for that,” Poppy said. “He was a kind man. I remember how encouraging he was to me when I left for training. I promised him I’d bring back whatever knowledge I could.”
“He spoke highly of you until the day he died,” Shannon said. “My sisters and I teased him that he wished he’d had a daughter like you.”
“Your hair looks like a magazine cover I saw,” Nora said, shyly.
“You look different, but I guess we do too,” Shannon said. “Dressed like boys.”
“I think you look strong and independent,” Poppy said. “Which is to be admired. Now, tell me about the sick cows you lost.”
I left them to it and went inside the house to take the basket of food Lizzie had prepared. When I reached the front door, I knocked and waited for Mrs. Cassidy. Soon, she arrived, opening the door and greeting me with a smile.
“Come in, lass. You’ve brought more food? I’ll never be able to repay your family for their kindness.”
“Nonsense. We’re neighbors.” I set the basket on their new kitchen table. The room smelled of coffee. Dough for bread was rising in a bowl near the stove. “How are you feeling today?”
“The doctor came out a few days ago and gave me some powder to take when I feel one of the headaches coming on.” She spoke faintly, as if worried to bring one on by speaking too loudly.
Pale and wan, her color looked no better than the last time I’d come. “Has it helped?”
“I haven’t had a headache since. Isn’t that just the way?”
I suspected that having the men repair the barn and the other chores had eased her mind, which in turn helped the headaches.
“Please, sit. Would you like coffee?” Mrs. Cassidy wiped her hands on the front of her apron. “I’ve not much else to offer.”
“No, thank you. I’ve had enough this morning.” I sat at the table in one of the rickety chairs. One of the legs was shorter than the others, making it wobble as I shifted to look at her. “Poppy’s out with the girls. I brought her to see if she can figure out what happened with your cattle last summer.”
“I do hope she can. Shannon’s worried herself sick about the remainder of the herd.” She sighed as she sat across from me. “My poor girls have the weight of the world on their shoulders. I wish I’d had a son to take some of their burden.”
“You should be proud that they’re doing the work of a man.”
“I am, truly. However, ’tis not the life I’d hoped to give them when I left my mother country.”
“Are you still thinking of returning to Ireland?”