Charles was insisting that she would be alright. She just needed to gain her strength back. She was so beautiful. The moon was shining bright. He had taken her out to the pond and washed her in the moonlight. She had had such dirty hands and mouth. It had felt good to have her in his arms again. Her naked body would always be his home. The place that his heart needed to return to. She had clung to him, still too weak to support herself. Their helpers had gone home when Charles had told them that she was going to be alright. She had just grown so dear to all of their hearts. The pastor had come in and said a prayer with her, thanking God that everyone dear to them was safe. Bessie had come in and told her her good news too. That had really pleased Emily. Charles had sent his wife back to bed. She still had to heal up from her own wound. They were all glad that Victor couldn't shoot well. Emily stirred on the bed. “Nathaniel,” she called out. She was in panic, thinking that she was back in the dark ice house.
