Review, Revision, Edit and Update:
On my first read through, of this episode, I was almost satisfied with it. It felt as though I had plonked the paragraphs about Elizabeth's situation, in the middle of Dez and Matt's conversation with little connection. I did do some rewriting- addition at the end of the first section, format change for Elizabeth's story with some sentence addition and re-structure.
Clearing Things Up
“Look at them, Matt! The daffodils. So beautiful. I’m not much for many flowers, but daffodils? One of the signs of spring I look for in the park.” Dez and Matt had met in the park across from Dez’ apartment building as they planned the day before. Matt had just arrived with coffee and a donut for them both. “They are pretty. They’re all over the orchard. Brightens it up before the trees are in full leaf. Here’s your coffee and I’ve got donuts as well. Hate to change the subject but there’s a question that’s been going around in my head for a while now.” Dez accepted what was her lunch. “What is it? I hope I can sort it out for you.”
“Do you remember that evening when Martha had us all come out to their cottage a couple of weeks ago? A couple of others were outside as well. We hadn’t even gotten out of the truck, when Mr. Digby came out and apologized to everyone. Said they had to cancel the party for Miss Emelina and her new husband. Something about Mrs. Digby not feeling well. Do you know what happened. Is she all right?” Matt took the lid off his coffee, blew on it and took a careful sip.
Dez swallowed the last of her donut and licked the icing sugar from her fingers. “Excuse my manners, Matt. Cook did call me the next day and told me what happened. I assumed she had let others know as well. Anyway, it was quite a story - and yes, Martha is all right. She did have a scare though. Do you have a bit more time, Matt?” He nodded. “Good. Here's what happened.”
~~~~~
Elizabeth Saunders, You know her as Cook to most, had walked into a tense scene at the Digby cottage, a basket of food with her for the welcome home party for Dr. and Mrs. Crawford. Having eloped, the newlyweds were to arrive home that evening. Her plans to welcome them home in disarray, Martha was in tears while James was trying to find a teacup and make tea at the same time. Elizabeth set her basket down on the table already set for the gathering. “My goodness, Martha, whatever is wrong?! James, the guests are starting to gather outside.”
“Oh, Elizabeth, I’m so glad you’re here! Is Samuel outside?” Elizabeth nodded. Through her tears Martha, handkerchief to her face, sobbed and said. “James, go tell Samuel to keep people away.”
“Are you sure, dear? I’ll go and apologize. Samuel will understand. Everyone will understand…..Here, Elizabeth I’ve got tea - maybe you can settle her down.” He disappeared out the front door, red faced and forehead creased in worry.
“Now, dear. tell me what’s happened. Your home looks lovely - you’ve worked too hard all day to get ready for this?” Martha was flushed and perspiring. Elizabeth put her hand to Martha’s forehead. “My goodness, you’re burning up!”
“I know and I haven’t been feeling good all day. But I wanted to do this so badly. I promised everyone. But…..but……” she stifled another sob. “What if I’m sick with the Covid virus. James was sick a while ago and we worried then but what if I really have it.” She wiped the sweat from her forehead, got another tissue and blew her nose. “Oh, Elizabeth I have to lie down. I just feel so awful.”
Elizabeth helped her down the hall, and into her nightgown. “Lie down dear. Did James contact the doctor?” James called from the front door. “Elizabeth, I’ve got the doctor here for Martha.”
Elizabeth called to him “We’re down the hall, James - I’ve put Martha to bed….Oh, there you both are. I’ll just go get her a glass of water.” Turning to her friend, she pushed her hair back from her forehead. “I’ll be right back. The doctor will see you now.”
James face, still wrinkled with worry, had lost its unnatural flush. “Thank you, Elizabeth. Dr. Simmons, this is our good friend Elizabeth Saunders.”
Martha, muttering to herself seemed almost asleep. “Covid…..virus….I’ll give it to everyone.” She tried to sit up and fell back on her pillow. Dr. Simmons examined his patient. “James I'm giving her a Covid test, just to be on the safe side. Before I leave I'll give one to you too. She'll be alright. She just needs fluids and sleep. Call me in the morning. If she gets worse in the night, you know to call 911?” James nodded absently. He pulled up a big old easy chair to sit with her and fell asleep almost before he was comfortable. Dr. Simmons returned to the kitchen where Elizabeth had two cups out. “Do you have time for tea, Dr.? Will she be all right?”
Dr. Simmons was one of the few doctors who made house calls in Hartley. Because of the pandemic, he had dispensed with all but telephone interviews. Because he had known the Digbys for many years he had made an exception. “Miss Saunders, I’d love a cup of tea. Yes, I believe she will be fine. In my examination, I did do a Covid test and as soon as I know the results, I’ll contact James. Just for precaution, I’ve also tested James, and I'll test you before I leave. I suggest that you isolate until we know the results. Do you think you could stay here for a couple of days?”
~~~~~
“So, Matt - that’s the story. Cook said Martha was so frightened, delirious and embarrassed……” Matt eyes widened. “Embarrassed? Embarrassed about what?” Dez shook her head “Embarrassed that she had everyone out there and had to cancel at the last minute. I am still a bit concerned for her. The Covid tests were all negative, but her fever must have been really high. She seems to have forgotten most of that night.”
Dez was quiet, looking into the distance, lost in thought. Softly she said “You know, Matt, we have been so fortunate. In this last year, we’ve worn our masks, kept distance from folks and have not been touched by the virus except to hear about it..hear about people that have died or those ‘lifer’s that are still suffering from the after effects.”
Matt quietly agreed. “Yes, we have been fortunate.
“On what slender threads do life and fortune hang…!”
~ Alexandre Dumas, The Count of Monte Cristo
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