IsobelThe night was long and washed through with waves of fear. There were many times on the ride back to Evan Bellamy’s farm that Isobel thought they would not make it and she would have to deliver Esther’s baby in the grass. Jack, his face a sick, pale mask, urged the horses on, asking more of them than they might ordinarily give. Esther moaned in her saddle and gripped the reins so tightly that they left clefts in her skin. Sometimes she screamed and Isobel had to gulp back tears. She could do nothing to help her.
Somehow the baby stayed in Esther’s belly until they reached the homestead. When Jack came to help Esther down from her horse, they saw the saddle was wet and smeared. Isobel pulled Esther’s arm around her neck and led her inside while Jack took the horse and saddle to be was
