Free Tomorrow's Treasure by Linda Lee Chaikin

Transvaal or the Orange Free State?” Although the Transvaal and Natal were no longer under Boer rule, the Transvaal had recently been annexed days after the new British governor and high commissioner, Sir Bartle Frere, had arrived from Bombay, India.
    â€œDo you have family in the Transvaal?” Junia tried to restrain her curiosity.
    At this Katie seemed frightened. “I … I don’t know anymore.” Katie’s hand went to her forehead and she rested it there, closing her eyes. “I don’t know about anything anymore. I’m so weary, everything is so hopeless …” Despair pinched her voice.
    Junia frowned. Katie was indeed ill. “Come, my dear, you must rest for now. We can talk later, after you’ve eaten something and finished your tea. And a good sleep will do wonders to put worries into perspective.”
    â€œMay I hold the baby while I rest?”
    Junia saw the wistful look on the woman’s soiled, sweat-stained face.
    â€œEvy is fast asleep, but yes.” Junia could feel the young woman’s need to touch something fresh and beautiful. “You lie down, I’ll wash you with cool water, and then I’ll bring Evy to your arms.”
    Katie smiled, her lips quavering, and a tear ran down her cheek leaving a line through the dust. “Thank you.” She spoke so meekly, so quietly that Junia could hardly hear her.
    Worry nudged Junia as she removed the woman’s shoes and socks and loosened her bodice. She washed her face and arms, then her feet.
    â€œYou’re very kind,” Katie murmured, watching her.
    â€œIt is the least I can do, Katie. A little tea, some food, and when you wish to talk I can listen to your worries. You are welcome at the House of Mercy.”
    â€œAnd you’ll let me hold … hold the baby.”
    â€œYes, you can hold Evy.” Had Katie lost her own child? Was that the reason for her behavior? Junia felt growing sympathy for her.
    Lord, please help this sad young woman. Meet her need, and heal the ache within her. And if I can help in any way Lord, please show me.

    Junia stood looking down at Katie van Buren holding the sleeping baby in her arms. The woman was smiling, her eyes closed. Junia started when Katie spoke in those quiet tones.
    â€œThank you, Junia. They were right. You are a worthy woman.”
    Junia frowned. What on earth? She shook her head, then left the hut and stepped outdoors. The afternoon sun was golden; a few fleecy clouds chased each other across the sky toward the distant hills. Jendaya had disappeared, and Clyde was standing alone some distance away by the river, hands in his pockets, staring off.
    Something was wrong. She could sense it.
    She came up quietly and tucked her arm through his. “So what is this mystery? You look worried, Husband.”
    He sighed deeply, then looked down at her, a frown between his brows. His deep-set eyes were kind and sympathetic.
    â€œJunia, my dear, you mean Katie has not told you yet?”
    â€œTold me what?” Tension rose within her as she searched his sober face.
    â€œThen she has not.” He rubbed his chin, watching her, his love—and his unhappiness—clear in his eyes. “I must say I am surprised by her actions and her silence. Jendaya says that Katie was very upset until she arrived here and saw you holding the baby. Then something came over her, and her emotions seemed to recede into a surprising calm.”
    â€œI don’t understand.” She searched his face for answers, growing more tense as she read his concern. “What’s this all about?”
    Clyde patted her hand between his, then clasped it tightly. “Katie van Buren is Sir Julien Bley’s ward. She is Evy’s mother. She’s come to take Evy with her to America.”
    A sword might just as well have pierced her heart. Junia sucked in her breath and gripped his hand tightly, as though she would sink to