After a week, Epsey insisted that the woman return to the settlement, and Ethan finally acceded to her demands and assumed the role of nurse for her and little Henry. Epsey was distressed by her inability to resume normal duties, but she had more than adequate milk for the baby and finally was able to sit by the fire as she nursed the child and directed her husband in performing his tasks as cook and housekeeper.

•  •  •

There was a limit to how much land they could cultivate with a pair of oxen and one draft horse, so Ethan had little need to expand the area of his fields. Their cattle, sheep, and hogs were permitted to forage freely on leaves, acorns, chestnuts, and hickory nuts, but it was necessary for Ethan to maintain contact with the animals in order to treat them for any injuries or diseases and prevent their wandering off his property. He observed them as much as possible during each day, and late every afternoon he would go to the edge of the woods and, with a series of shrill whoops, call the animals to him, where they were always rewarded with a few ears of corn or some small bundles of fodder or hay. They could always use more grazing, and he cut and girdled trees both for firewood and to expand the area where grass could grow. He fenced these areas for grazing, knowing that later this land could be cultivated. In other wooded areas, Ethan used carefully controlled burning to remove the thick layer of pine straw and leaves from the ground, permitting natural grasses to emerge that were tolerant of shade. Ethan had always looked forward to these times in the woods, but now he found every excuse to come by the house and hold little Henry, at least for a few moments.

One day after he had worked several hours and had come in for a late breakfast, Ethan said, “Epsey, now that you’re able to walk around without any trouble, I’d like for you and the baby to go with me to the woods. I’m clearing off and fencing a little pasture for the milk cow, and y’all might enjoy being away from the house for a while. I’ll be glad to tote the baby.”

Epsey was surprised and delighted, and they began to look for opportunities for the three of them to spend time together. This unaccustomed relationship between Ethan and Epsey brought a degree of sustained familiarity and sharing that they had never known before. Both of them were completely fascinated with the baby, and Ethan was amused to find himself somewhat resentful as his wife regained her strength and was able to relieve him of his duties in caring for the child.