Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson Page B

their clothes in vinegar and wearing tarred ropes around their necks. This is no place for a young girl like you."
    I wiped my eyes on my sleeve. "Why can't Mother come with me? Wouldn't it be better for her in the country air?"
    "No town will let her in," explained Dr. Kerr. "They
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    turn all fever victims away. Your cook can care for your mother. Your grandfather can travel with you. This is the best for all."
    Grandfather tried to smile. "We'll make it an adventure, lass." He turned as Eliza came down the steps carrying filthy sheets.
    "I've explained to Matilda that she'll be leaving," Dr. Kerr said.
    "'Tis best," Eliza said.
    "I advise you to hire a wagon as soon as possible," Dr. Kerr said. He picked up his medical case. "They're scarce as hen's teeth. Remember to tie a yellow cloth to the front railing. This coffeehouse is officially closed."
    As he closed the door behind him, I started to argue. "We haven't heard from the Ludingtons! I can't turn up without an invitation. Let me stay one more day, Eliza. Grandfather, surely you understand!"
    "We want to keep you safe, lass," Grandfather said as he pulled himself to his feet. He paused to cough, then put on his hat. "I'm off to find us a coach."
    This could not be happening. They were sending me off, sending me away to strangers!
    "You'll let me stay, won't you Eliza?"
    Eliza swung the kettle over the fire to boil. "Mattie, you are like kin to me, as is your mother. I can't let you stay here. Lucille doesn't want it and neither do I."
    Her face was grim and set in a way I had never seen before. No amount of cajoling would change her mind.
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    "I'll pack a hamper of food for your trip," she said. She paused by the sideboard to pick something up. "I nearly forgot. This was by the front door when I came in. It's addressed to you."
    "Who would send anything to me?"
    The parcel was flat and as large as my hand. I fumbled with the brown paper, trying to unwrap it carefully so we could use the paper again.
    Eliza looked over my shoulder and made an approving noise, "Um-um-um."
    It was a painting, a vase full of delicate flowers, bright blue, lavender, and red carefully painted on a scrap of wood. The flowers looked alive, like they would move if a breeze stirred through the kitchen.
    Eliza rummaged through the wrapping paper. "Here," she said. "He sent a note."
    Mattie-I write you in haste. Master Peale is closing up the house with his family and assistants inside. To protect us from the fever. We have water from the well and food stored.
    My thoughts race. These flowers are for you. Take good care, Mattie. I would not want you sick. We shall watch for balloons again, when this plague has passed.
    N.B.
    Morning came too quickly and it was time to leave.
    "Mattie! The wagon is here!" Eliza called.
    It was hard to tell which would collapse first, the
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    wagon or the horse pulling it. The farmer and his wife sat up front, holding a baby with dried snot across its face. Grandfather rode in the back, waving triumphantly. Eliza eyed the horse with doubt.
    "It's a beauty, isn't it?" he bellowed.
    The horse stopped in front of the coffeehouse, puffing and wheezing. The farmer jumped down to load my valise and food hamper into the back of the wagon.
    Grandfather headed into the house. "Be out in a tic," he promised. He was acting like we were headed for a lark instead of fleeing an epidemic. I shook my head. It wouldn't do to be angry.
    I hugged Eliza one last time. She muttered a quiet blessing and tucked a lock of hair into my cap.
    "You stay out there until two hard frosts," she warned. "Promise me that."
    "Yes, Ma'am," I answered. "Thank you, Eliza. Thank you for everything. You've done so much ..." I couldn't choke out anything else.
    She hugged me tighter.
    "Hush, child. I'm doing no more than your mother would do in my place. This is how the Lord wants us to treat each other. She'll be fine and we both know it. Don't worry about her. You take care of yourself."
    She turned