Chapter 53

Marietta pulled the last loaf of bread from the oven and set it on her kitchen table to cool. There. That should see her through the next week. She covered the loaf with a clean towel and sat down in a chair, pushing a stray strand of hair back behind her ear.

"Mrs. James," a voice called through the open top half of the split kitchen door. Though only March, the day was warm and the heat of the oven was oppressive in the kitchen. "Marietta, Doctor Hamilton needs your help."

Ella Denslow stood on the step, two children clinging to her skirts, and one - not her own - in her arms. The boy, maybe five years old, squirmed mightily, but Ella held on with all the might of a seasoned veteran. "Mrs. Collins has gone into early labor and won't let the doctor in her room without another woman present. He's asked for you."