Page 43 of Beneath the Harvest Moon

Tears spilled down Blythe’s cheeks. “I do not know if it was a combination of my guilt and heartbreak, but God clearly saw fit to punish me for my betrayal.”

Finally, he found his voice. “Why?” He swallowed against his burning throat. “Why did you not tell me?”

Blythe reached for the corner of her apron and wiped her nose. “I listened to my mother. You had barely started medical school. You could not support a wife and child. You would have had to leave, and I would not destroy your dream of becoming a physician.”

“You do not know that. I would have found a way to create a safe future for all of us.”

“Mama convinced me to let you go—” Blythe sniffed “—to allow you to lead the life of your choosing rather than bear the burden of a wife and child that stopped you fulfilling your dream.”

“And you believed her? Do you think I would ever have blamed you or my child for curtailing my dreams?” He inhaled, but nothing would calm his racing heart. “Why did you not go to my mother? My parents would have supported you.”

“Do you think I have not asked myself that over and over?” Blythe blinked, releasing more tears down her blotchy face. “I betrayed you, Gabriel. I betrayed us. I allowed my mother to convince me to do something that went against everything I believed in. I was scared and weak, and I can never forgive myself.” Blythe released a trembling breath. “I should never have returned. In my heart, I knew I could not keep this from you, and I cannot become your mother’s apprentice.”

“I have to go.” He stumbled towards the door.

“I am so sorry, Gabriel.”

He staggered out of the cowshed and back to Samson.

CHAPTER 16

Blythe hung the last corn dolly in the tithe barn. The barley had been sold, and now garlands of red, brown and orange leaves covered every surface.

Mama bustled around, instructing the maids regarding the placement of the pies, meat joints, fresh bread and fruit displays on the long trestle table covered with linen tablecloths.

Outside, singing and laughter grew louder. They all dashed out of the large double doors to welcome home the last waggon of wheat. Noddy, the huge Shire horse, turned into the farmyard. Colourful ribbons and wildflowers decorated the horse and the waggon. On top of the waggon, overflowing with crops, sat the local children, all giggling and rosy-cheeked, including Violet.

The hired hands immediately began to unload the wheat.

Violet jumped down from the waggon. “Grandpapa says we are to have a party tonight to celebrate the good harvest, and I can stay up as late as I like!”

“We shall see.”

Violet’s lower lip protruded.

Blythe said, “Go and play, but there are only a few hours until the harvest supper, and you will want to wash and put on a nice dress, will you not?”

Violet ran into the barn with her friends.

“Blythe, fetch the plum puddings,” Mama ordered before returning to the barn.

In the kitchen, Jane packed rounds of cheese into baskets.

“What are you doing?”

“I need to move.” Jane placed a hand on the small of her back. “It’s nagging at me like a fishwife.”

Blythe nudged Jane’s hand aside and rubbed small circles along her spine. “Is it time?”

“Maybe, but it’s still early.”

“Shall I send for Doctor Sharpe? We should tell Mama and John.”

“No!” Jane stepped away from Blythe’s ministrations. “I’m certain it’s just another twinge. Besides, your mam has too much to do organising the harvest supper.” Jane waved a hand across the table laden with cheese, crusty rolls and boiled puddings. “I wanted to help. I refuse to bother others when they’ve all looked forward to this evening.”

“This is not the time to be selfless. Rest, and I will check on you later.”

Jane waddled out of the kitchen.