Everlasting Family

Owen Blackbourne- Chapter 2

Brunswick, Maine- 1815

Owen Blackbourne's POV

Chapter 2

I have been spending every moment with Alice, making sure she is comfortable. Hoping and praying for the best has not helped my wife. She has continued to decline and I cannot help but take the blame for this. God must be punishing me for my dishonorable thoughts toward Alice.

Forcing myself from my self-deprecating thoughts, I finish making Alice some broth. As I am walking toward the bedroom, I hear Alice calling out for someone.

"Henry," Alice cries. "Henry are you here?"

"Who is Henry?" I ask, setting the broth on the bedside table.

"Henry, my love," Alice whispers, shaking her head back and forth. "Henry, I need you."

I am utterly shocked by her words. Who is this Henry and why is she calling him 'love'? Has my wife been unfaithful?

"Where is Henry?" I ask, instantly feeling guilty for using her confusion to have my questions answered.

"Henry," She mumbles. "I will come back to Freeport and visit you tomorrow. Wait for me, my love."

Freeport. That is the town that Dr. Green was referring to when he talked of the infected neighboring town. Alice has been there, she went to see another man, Henry.

Alice stops her mumbling and falls into a deep sleep. Deciding that I must find out who this Henry is and why my wife is asking her him, I make the trek to the house next door.

"Owen," Sean greets with obvious concern, as he opens his door. "Is it Alice? Shall I get my bag?"

"No," I insist, stopping his unnecessary worry. "I need to run an errand. I do not feel right leaving Alice alone. It was my hope that you had a bit of time to spare."

"Of course," Sean nods, pulling on his coat. "I will make sure your wife is looked after in your absence."

Patting his shoulder in appreciation, I walk toward my horse and buggy." Thank you, friend."

"Anything for you, Owen. You may not be my brother by blood, but you are my brother by heart," he tells me, separating from me and making his way to my home.

The ride to Freeport takes me little more than an hour. When I make it there, I go straight to an old family friends home. I have not spoken to the Smith family in quite some time. I am ashamed because I know that Mrs. Smith is a widow and her children have all been married off. I used to sit with her for tea every Sunday after church, however it has been ages. Alice insisted that spending my time with her and working was more important than visiting old friends.

"Mr. Blackbourne!" Mrs. Smith greets, when their maid, Beth, fetches her. She offered to bring me inside for tea, however I refused, letting her know I have been exposed to the illness and do not wish to come too close. "Tea for our guest please, Beth. What a pleasant surprise. To what do I owe the pleasure? Please, come in! No need to stand in the cold."

"Mrs. Smith," I greet with a slight bow. "I am terribly sorry I have not come to visit sooner. Since the wedding, time has escaped me. Sadly this visit is more business than pleasure. I do wish to have tea, however I have been exposed to the illness, therefore I cannot."

"Nonsense, come in this minute, Owen Blackbourne," she scolds lightly.

Not wishing to displease her, I thank her and follow to the sitting room.