Free The Old Cape House by Barbara Eppich Struna

“Sit down, so we can talk.”
    The two figures sat on the blackened tree trunk. Maria revealed her symptoms that sparked the notion of carrying Sam’s child.
    Minda patiently listened. “It is possible that you are with child,” Minda concluded.
    Maria stared at the old Indian as she explained who the father was.
    “Maria, the laws of your church are very strict.”
    Maria nodded her head, knowing what was expected of a young girl in her condition. Naming the father of the unborn child made everything acceptable while a girl carried the child, and upon its birth she would marry the named father. But if she did not know who the father was, or did not want to name him, she was branded a fornicator, treated as a whore, and eventually punished or banished.
    The PowWah fondled a small loop of twined flowers on her wrist and looked at Maria. “Tell me more.”
    The young girl’s voice trembled. “Few people in the area know who Sam Bellamy is; he only stayed a short time. What should I do? No one knows him. I’m so frightened!”
    Very fond of Maria, and never having had children herself, Minda cherished her as one of her own. Any advice that she would now speak would have to be given carefully. She cradled Maria’s face in her hands and spoke from the heart. “You must reach deep inside yourself and listen to the voice that speaks to you. You will hear it telling you what to do.” She took Maria’s hands into hers and continued, “If you choose not to carry this child, you must know that I have ways to help you.”
    Maria stared out to sea.
    Minda offered more words. “If you believe that Sam will return to you, and you have a true love for him, keeping his child will be right. If you choose life, then let this little one inside you grow and blossom.”
    Maria stood and placed her hands on her stomach. The old PowWah held Maria’s shoulders once more and caught Maria’s gaze. “Let this be a sign of love. Remember, you are a strong woman. I will help you and our great Creator will watch over you.”
     
     
     

14
    Early summer 1715
    EASTHAM – CAPE COD
    MARIA’S SLENDER FINGERS TRACED PATTERNS through the sand as she sat near the water’s edge. She watched Minda gather sea lettuce and clams along the tidal flats. As the water slowly made its return along the shoreline, Maria thought about her options. She knew a healthy child was the common outcome but was also aware of the dangers of childbirth. Assisting Minda in several births, Maria had witnessed the pain and anguish of a little one’s death, either prematurely, by the woman’s choice, or the order of an angry father.
    She sifted the tiny particles of ground stone through her toes and told herself that Sam would marry her. A decision must be made.
    When Minda finished her work, she placed the found treasures into her shoulder bag and sat down next to Maria. “Today I am going to the North Parish to see Abigail. As of late, she has not felt well. Have you finished her cloth?”
    “Yes, I have.... Why?”
    “Then you must come with me.” Minda hoped she would say yes.
    Maria weighed the Indian’s words for only seconds before she answered, “I’ll go. My father is going to Barnstable for business so he’ll be gone for several days.”
    Happy that they were both going to visit Abigail Doane, Minda fondly recalled when she had first met Abigail. As a child, she had taken trips from Cambridge to North Harwich with Widow Jackson to visit Abigail’s mother. Being similar in age, the two young girls, Minda and Abigail, had become fast friends and kept their friendship over the years. Maria had developed a strong bond with the two women, who both appreciated her beautiful weaving talents.
    As they stood on the beach, Maria hugged Minda goodbye, suggesting they meet at the house when the sun was high above their heads, after her father leaves for Barnstable. Matthew Ellis, from the neighboring farm, would help her get the horse and wagon ready for their