Jacob's Secret

By H. C. Hewitt

From doctor dilemmas to bootlegging, there wasn't anything that didn't happen in Abbington Pickets...

 

Jacob Hudson was back from The Great War to find things weren't the same as they were when he left. He thought his life was no different from any other soldier w

• Language: English
• Publisher: Author Academy Elite
• Release date: Dec 9, 2022
• ISBN: 9798885831529

H. C. Hewitt

H. C. Hewitt grew up on a farm northwest of Manor, Saskatchewan where she developed a deep appreciation for the rural prairie landscape and the people who live there. She has been passionate about reading and writing from an early age and always knew that she would someday write a novel. Her grandmother's extensive knowledge of Saskatchewan history and her grandfather's collection of antiques sparked an enduring love of history, especially of the era in which her novel series unfolds. Her story's setting in the series of Abbington Pickets was inspired by the Cannington Manor History Park, which was founded in 1882 by an Englishman who set out to create a Victorian village in Canada. H. C. Hewitt's other passions are quilting, designing quilt and embroidery patterns, as well as collecting antiques. She and her husband, Kenny, farm with her dad as well as their son on the family farm. They have four grown children and six grandchildren, with whom they love to spend time with.

Book preview

chapter one

The General Store - Abbington, Pickets, August 19, 1919

But what does it do? Mrs. Rodgers’s brow furrowed as she squinted up at the wooden rectangle box. It was made with beautiful oak, which was varnished lightly and shone in the sunlight. The long black nose appearing stem with a round end seemed absurd to her.

It’s a telephone, Mama, Abigail smiled, as she picked up the black receiver, held it to her ear then touched the thin handle on the right side. This is how you call someone, by turning it so many times, depending on the person you are calling, the brunette explained. Strands of wavy hair fell in front of her ears with the remainder of her strands neatly pulled back into a braid, which was circled into a bun pinned behind her head. She was wearing an ankle-length, navy blue dress with a white apron over top.

Abigail’s mama still looked confused. Her forehead was wrinkled and her eyes grew more furrowed. Her once brown, now greying hair was pulled tightly in a snug bun at the base of her neck. She wore a dress with tiny flowers on it, with a pink apron. Her dress hem touched the top of her well-worn black boots. Despite the day and age of the changing wardrobe since the war had ended, she believed women’s dresses still needed to cover everything.

You listen with this, Abigail instructed, still holding the receiver to her ear, and speak into this. She leaned up to the black nose, and pretended to talk into it.

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Who are you talking to? Mama looked at Abigail and then back to the telephone.

Well, no one now, Abigail explained, but you can call your neighbour.

But why on earth would I do that? Mama shrugged.

Abigail laughed. Well, maybe to ask if they had a cup of sugar, or that you need help for something. And if you need to call long distance, you ring the operator.

I just don’t quite understand. She shook her head.

Suppose you have an emergency and you need help, you could call for Doc to come immediately, Abigail offered. Remember the long wait we had when papa had his stroke? Her mama nodded. We wouldn’t have that long of a wait, had we had a telephone back then.

I guess I see your point. Mama reached into her apron pocket, took out a hankie and blew her nose as she backed up. But it will take some getting used to.

Oh, it will, Abigail added. I am just getting used to it myself. Jacob doesn’t like the idea of it, but I think it’s a wonderful invention.

What don’t I like? Jacob smiled as he closed the door behind him.

Jacob, you’re back! Abigail’s face beamed at the sight of her tall, handsome, dimpled-cheek husband of eight years.

It wasn’t a long meeting. Jacob walked over to his beautiful brunette, pulled her into his arms and kissed her forehead. Now, what is it that I don’t like? he persisted.

I was showing Mama the new telephone.

Oh, that thing! Jacob shook his head and tried not to roll his eyes.

Well, what happened? Abigail stepped back. What was all the fuss about?

Oh, not much, Jacob shrugged. We can talk about it later, Girlie. Abigail nodded in agreement.

I am going to go make some tea, Mama announced as she headed toward the kitchen.

The bell of the door rang as Dr. Parker walked through the doorway.

Good day. The tall, lean, black-haired doctor smiled sheepishly at Abigail as he took off his hat. He then looked over at Jacob and nodded. Abigail smiled politely, quickly glanced discretely at Jacob, then began putting away the freight that had arrived earlier that morning. Abigail couldn’t believe the look the doctor still gave her, right in front of her husband. Nervy as ever, she told herself.

How is your last day in Abbington Pickets? Jacob asked as he walked behind the counter.

Well, just tying up some loose ends, Dr. Parker replied as he stood in front of Jacob. Thought I better pay and close my account here before I leave.

Well, that’s a mighty fine idea. Jacob chuckled at the doctor’s joke as he fingered through the file of accounts in the wooden box beside the till. He pulled out the card with Dr. Parker’s name on it. That will be fifteen dollars, please.

Dr. Parker pulled out his wallet, took out three five-dollar bank notes and passed the bills to Jacob.

Thank you, Jacob nodded to the doctor. It’s been a pleasure serving you while you have been here. He smiled as he deposited the money into the cash register.

Thank you, but the pleasure has been all mine, Dr. Parker said as he looked over toward Abigail with a raised eyebrow.

I am sure you have a long drive ahead of you. Jacob’s politeness was beginning to wear thin. Dr. Parker may not have known that Abigail and Jacob don’t keep secrets from one another, and that Jacob was well aware of Dr. Parker’s inappropriate behaviour toward Abigail while Jacob was at war. It most certainly was best he was on his way back to the city; best for Abigail and Jacob, and mostly for Dr. Parker.

Yes, I sure do. Dr. Parker was still looking in Abigail’s direction, before he slowly looked back at Jacob. So, I better be going.

Jacob extended his right hand to the doctor, and Dr. Parker shook it quickly. Best to you, Jacob smiled. Dr. Parker nodded, then headed toward the door as he took his hat and placed it back on his head. He grabbed the door latch, stopped, then turned around.

Good-bye, Abigail. Dr. Parker grinned, tipped his hat, turned back around, but as he reached for the latch again, the door burst open. What the- Dr. Parker frowned at the young lad who ran past him.

It’s Doc! he shouted. The boy was Mr. and Mrs. Smyth’s youngest son.

What about him, lad? Jacob stepped toward the boy.

He collapsed ... he huffed and puffed. It was obvious that he had run all the way here. ... on the kitchen floor! Right before his tea! Mrs. Johnson sent me to fetch you!

Jacob looked at Dr. Parker.

Come, get in my car. Dr. Parker darted toward his car as Jacob ran after him and shouted over his shoulder before the door slammed shut. Come when you can, Abigail.

I’ll be there- Abigail turned to her mama, I have to go! Watch the twins?

Go! Her mama motioned her to get out of there. The four-year-old twins played happily in their room. Mrs. Rodgers knew they wouldn’t be any bother.

Jacob and Dr. Parker were only a minute from Doc’s house by car. Both jumped out of the car and headed toward the door. Jacob grabbed the latch, swiftly opened the door, and held it for Dr. Parker.

Mrs. Johnson? Jacob pulled off his hat and hollered as he followed the doctor into the kitchen. They didn’t need to hear an answer, as they saw Doc as he lay on the floor next to the table. His wife knelt beside him and sobbed quietly with her head bowed down. Her once neat bun had fallen out of place and her eyes were puffy from crying.

Mrs. Smyth went to fetch the reverend, she muttered as she rocked back and forth, still looking down at her husband.

Dr. Parker had already begun to examine Doc. He checked Doc’s pulse, listened to his chest and then lifted his eyelids. The doctor moved quickly as he opened his bag and searched for the items he needed.

Abigail burst through the doorway and swooped down to comfort Mrs. Johnson without a word. She put her arms around Doc’s wife, glanced up at Jacob’s worried face, then watched Dr. Parker work.

The doctor put something in Doc’s mouth under his tongue. Jacob didn’t know anything about being a doctor so he just put his faith in him and in God. He knew that it was all in His hands right now. Jacob prayed for Doc while Dr. Parker worked on Doc.

What felt like hours was actually only minutes when Dr. Parker sat back down on his haunches and took a huge breath. He slowly shook his head.

I am sorry. He looked up at Mrs. Johnson, then to Jacob and Abigail. There is nothing more I can do. He’s gone.

Mrs. Johnson sobbed harder as Abigail cradled her. She looked at Dr. Parker with pleading eyes as if she could make him try harder.

Massive heart attack, he explained plainly as he put the medical paraphernalia back into his bag. There was nothing anyone could have done.

Mrs. Smyth and Reverend Young had come into the kitchen without anyone noticing. Everyone stood quietly, not knowing what to do or say. All that could be heard was the sad sobbing coming from Mrs. Johnson as she wept.

Mrs. Smyth put the kettle on the cookstove to make some tea as Reverend Young ended a heart-felt prayer for Mrs. Johnson and her family. Then Dr. Parker and Jacob carried Doc’s body into the exam room, placed him on the bed and covered him from head to toe.

I would be honoured to build Doc a casket, Jacob spoke quietly to Mrs. Johnson.

He would have liked that, Mrs. Johnson half smiled as she wiped her eyes with a hankie. Doc thought very highly of you, Jacob.

I will begin right away. Jacob gave her a reassuring look.

I will be going now, Dr. Parker abruptly spoke up.

Could I have a word with you outside? Jacob looked at him with a raised eyebrow.

Of course, Dr. Parker responded as he put on his hat and reached for the door. Ma’am I am sorry for your loss. He passed Jacob and left.

Jacob glanced over at his wife. Abigail gave him the same look, both knowing what the other was thinking.

I will be back, Jacob announced as he headed outside. Dr. Parker stood by his car and waited for him.

What’s on your mind? he asked Jacob as he approached the doctor.

Are you saying you are still leaving Abbington Pickets? Jacob cut to the chase.

Well, that was the plan, Dr. Parker said matter-of-factly.

After what has just happened? Jacob’s brow furrowed.

I can’t help what happened, he argued.

I can’t believe it! Jacob shook his head. Abigail was ri- he stopped himself. It wasn’t worth the argument.

Abigail was right about what? He smiled at the sound of her name.

Never mind, Jacob hesitated, as he tried to change his demeanour. It would do the village a great service if you would consider staying a little longer. At least until we find a replacement. Jacob couldn’t believe he was about to make a deal with the devil but the village couldn’t afford to lose a doctor right now; especially with the local soldiers who needed his assistance since their return from war... not to mention his sister who would need a doctor for the birth of her third child in a few months. Jacob was away at war when she had her first pregnancy and she lost the baby. In her second pregnancy both she and her baby almost died, but thanks to Dr. Parker’s swift thinking and more experienced practice, both survived. As much as Jacob hated to admit it, the village needed Dr. Parker.

Dr. Parker took in a deep breath. He turned around on the spot, took off his hat, scratched his head and replaced his hat. Well, you see, I have plans, he smirked. Things I can’t change.

I think this is a unique circumstance, don’t you think? Jacob remained calm as he spoke. Abigail was right about the heartless doctor. He may be good at his job, but he only thought of himself. Jacob couldn’t believe he was begging him to stay, considering he couldn’t wait to see the back of him walk out the door only a half hour ago.

Well, I understand your dilemma, but like I said, I have plans. Dr. Parker stood his ground.

I will make you an offer, Jacob stated. If you stay for the next eight months, Jacob took a deep breath for what he was about to promise, you can remain in Jacabig, plus fifteen percent more than you make now.

Dr. Parker raised an eyebrow and smirked as he considered what Jacob was offering.

Hmm. Dr. Parker continued to smile. What will your darling Abigail think of that? Didn’t she want her house back?

Do we have a deal? Jacob ignored the jab at his personal life. This was business.

Well, I did need to...

And one meal a day, Jacob added to his proposition. He couldn’t offer anything more than that. Abigail will be furious as it was, but he needed to secure a doctor, as he knew full well there were people in the community who relied on having Doc here. This was the easy part.

Well, since you’re in this desperate predicament, I will oblige you. Dr. Parker continued to grin. But when eight months is up, I am gone.

Agreed. Jacob put his hand out to make it official. Dr. Parker took it and shook quickly.

I best be getting back home then. He opened the door to climb into his car, then stopped. Need a ride to The General Store?

Thanks, but no, Jacob nodded in appreciation. He needed a little walk to prepare himself for what lay ahead. Telling his wife.

chapter two

You promised what? Abigail’s eyebrows furrowed as she stared at Jacob and clutched her scrunched apron in her hands.

It’s only eight months, Jacob cooed as he tried to calm down his wife.

You know what I have been through these past four years, she didn’t look away as she spoke, wondering if you were dead or alive; whether you were coming home or not. That man tormented me with the fact that you were never coming back. She pointed toward Jacabig.

I am sorry, my love. Jacob stepped toward her, but she stepped back. I know it’s been hard on you, but we need a doctor.

Can’t you look elsewhere? Abigail pleaded. "I want my house back, our house, the one you built for us... and our family."

It’s nearly winter, we won’t find a doctor before then, Jacob continued. You know how hard these winters can be. We can’t be stranded here without a doctor. Jacob tried reasoning, but he was still concerned. He hadn’t told her the last part yet.

I think we can manage, Abigail persisted. Mrs. Johnson will help the village and community, I am sure.

She won’t be able to do it all, Jacob argued. Now, love, I know you can’t stand Dr. Parker. In fact, I don’t know how you put up with what you did while I was away. Jacob reached for his wife. This time she didn’t move away. But in a time like this, we all have to swallow our pride and accept what needs to be done. He put his arms around Abigail’s waist and drew her closer to him. Abigail rested her head on his chest in defeat. She knew Jacob was right. She just wanted things back the way they were - the way things were meant to be, supposed to be, before the war.

Jacob held his breath as he stroked her hair.

There’s one more thing- he whispered.

You know I can’t stay mad at you for long, Jacob. Abigail stood back with a slight grin. It’s alright. I will put up with Dr. Parker and pray we find a replacement before the eight months is up.

Yes, that is a fine idea. His face sobered. But there is still one more thing.

What else could there possibly be? He has already taken our home and replaced Doc, God rest his soul. What could be worse than that? She looked Jacob in the eye and placed her hands on her hips.

Abigail turned toward the familiar sound of an approaching motor car.

Good-day, Mr. and Mrs. Hudson, Dr. Parker smiled broadly as his elbow hung out the window and he stuck his head out to chat.

Good-day to you, too, Jacob replied. Abigail let go of his hand, nodded and smiled to the doctor.

I have to help mama in the kitchen, she turned to leave for the store.

Oh, before you go, the doctor began, I wanted to know what time I shall come for supper?

Supper? Abigail turned back with an inquisitive look, first at the doctor and then at Jacob.

You haven’t told her? Dr. Parker also looked at Jacob. Well, this is embarrassing. Pardon me, Abigail, I seemed to have spoken out of turn.

Not at all, Dr. Parker. You just caught me off guard is all, Abigail smiled and adjusted her demeanour. Supper is always at six in our home. Abigail’s effort to convince the doctor she knew about the supper wasn’t effective, judging by his facial expression. If you will excuse me, I have to go inside. She gave a slight smile to Jacob, another nod to Dr. Parker and headed into The General Store. Jacob knew she was covering for him not telling her. She wouldn’t want to give Dr. Parker the satisfaction of knowing Jacob hadn’t told her.

I am sorry, lad, if I got you into trouble.

What can I do for you, Dr. Parker? Jacob asked firmly.

I was wondering if you could fix the latch on the door at the hospital. The door has been dragging on the floor every time I open it.

I will come by this afternoon, Jacob promised him. He knew what lay ahead of him at the dinner table, so he might as well get that over with.

I have to get some things in your store before I head back anyway, Dr. Parker added.

If you have your list, I could bring them to you when I come, Jacob offered, not wanting the doctor to rub salt into the wound any worse than it already was.

Well, alright then, Dr. Parker was caught off guard. He dug into his breast pocket, pulled out his folded paper with the list of items, and handed it to Jacob.

Jacob took it from him and put it in his own pocket.

Is there anything else you will be needing?

As a matter-of-fact, I would like to use your telephone, if you don’t mind. Dr. Parker nodded toward the telephone which hung on the east wall next to the door in their home.

Of course. I will start you a new bill. Jacob made a quick note of it on the paper the doctor just gave him. You know where it is. Help yourself.

I will make my call and head back to the hospital, as I have unpacking to do.

Once Dr. Parker used the telephone he got back into his car and drove off toward Jacabig. Jacob could understand how he irritated Abigail. This is going to be long eight months, he told himself.

Jacob opened The General Store door, took off his hat and hung it on the hook next to the door. First he would collect all the items the doctor needed. Abigail was behind the counter going through new inventory that had arrived that morning.

Abigail- Jacob began.

It’s alright. Abigail continued to look down, picked up the items, moved them about and avoided looking at him. You don’t have to explain.

Yes I do, love, Jacob persisted, I should have talked to you before I made those promises. Jacob shook his head, but I didn’t want him to leave the village.

Like you said, Abigail smiled, it’s only eig-

I promised him one meal a day, Jacob blurted it out as quickly as he could, then closed his eyes and hoped that not being able to see Abigail’s face would lessen the blow of what was about to happen.

But how could you? Abigail’s voice was loud and clear.

What’s going on in here? Abigail’s mama came down the stairs, I can hear you all the way up there.

Sorry, Mama, Jacob smiled. Just having a discussion with your lovely daughter. He grinned as he looked over to his wife, hoping the expression on her face had changed.

Well, it sounds like the Empire Hotel moved into The General Store, Mama declared.

Well, for one, the Empire Hotel is closed for prohibition, and second, I don’t believe we were that loud, Abigail said matter-of-factly, looking first at her mama and then at Jacob. And we are done discussing. Abigail abruptly took off her apron, hung it on the hook by the door and left.

I am sure she won’t be long, Jacob smiled to his mother-in-law as he ran his fingers through his hair.

Mrs. Rodgers nodded.

I will finish making the beds upstairs, she smiled sympathetically. She knew when a husband was in trouble with his wife, and also knew enough to stay out of it.

Jacob headed outside to follow Abigail. He considered leaving her alone, but then again, he thought he should try and smooth things over with her. He knew she would understand once she cooled off. Jacob looked from east to west to look for his wife. He spotted her in the distance at the water well. She was pumping hard as the water gushed out of the spout.

I know you’re upset, love. Jacob approached her as she splashed cold water on her red face.

Jacob, Abigail looked up at him. I am so angry with you right now. She scowled while beads of water rolled down her face.

I know, he put his head down, "and I am so sorry. But I didn’t see any other choice. Like I said