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| the King Farm House |
"Alec, I think you had better run for the doctor." Janet said, who was sitting next to her aunt, wrapping Eliza in yet another blanket.
They both looked at a blue lipped Eliza. She was shivering although the fire in the furnace was blazing and the kitchen was actually warm for a change. The old woman was muttering something, something about a little black case.
"Her case! The little black case, oh Alec it's in the sleigh. Get it quick." Janet said.
Alec went out to get it, Hetty of course, following him.
Back in the kitchen, Janet was soothing her aunt. "There, there, Eliza. Alec is going out to get it for you, just calm down, dear, you'll warm up soon." she said.
"My- my little c-case. W-with water ravens tea. I need it! It w-w-will warm me up. It tastes like chocolate, d-don't you know. Reci-p-p-pe from my m-m-mother. My case. I n-n-need my little case, Janet...the black one, you know. Filled with my remedies." Eliza stuttered, looking pleadingly at Janet.
Janet looked at her helpless, not at all knowing what to do. If she could just get that tea down inside her maybe that should calm her down a bit. I hope, she thought, squeezing her aunt close to her.
~*~
Alec and Hetty hastily walked down the pathway leading towards the barnyard. He coughed and reached for the black case, then blew his nose.
"Oh," he groaned as he stuffed the handkerchief back into his coat pocket. "This influenza, whatever it is, came right in the wrong time of year. I have so much work to do, and now with Eliza going downhill..." he coughed again, "and to leave the lambing to Felix, of all people.." he complained.
Hetty stiffened.
"Now what's wrong with leaving the lambing to Felix? Or any of the children for that matter?" she accused her brother. "It's not wrong to step down and let your children grow up and be responsible around the farm. And Eliza will perk up the moment she has some of that- that- water ravens tea remedy of hers. It would do you and Janet both some good to listen to what she has to say for a change." Hetty softened her tone of voice and stopped walking in order to let her next words sink in with her brother. "Eliza is an old, old woman and she has lots of wise things too share with you. Your family the only family she has. And Abigail, too, but Eliza is here now and we don't know how much longer she will be with you all, so take the time now to learn from her. And to give her the love that she so desperately needs." she finished, emotion penetrating her voice.
Alec looked down, knowing all too well that Hetty was right, as older sisters always are. Most of the time, that is. He looked at his sister and smiled.
"You know Hetty, you're right." he told her.
"I always am." she said, winking, and turned around and went back to the house, with the small, black case in hand.
Then, just as Alec was about to follow Hetty, two youngsters caught his eye.
"Father, Father!" Felix shouted as he ran towards his father.
"Uncle Alec!" Sara echoed in, "You've got to see what's in the barn."
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