23.2 We are still in Elizabeth’s house. It is a beautiful summer evening, still clear in the last rays of the sun, and yet the sky is already decorated with a falcated moon that looks like a silver comma attached to a large deep blue cloth.
The rose-bushes let off strong perfume and the bees, like humming gold drops, are making their last flights in the quiet warm evening air. From the meadows, there is a strong smell of hay dried in the sun, it is almost like that of bread, of warm bread, just taken out of the oven. Perhaps it comes also from the many sheets hanging everywhere to dry, and which Sarah is now folding.
Mary is walking with Her cousin, linking arms with her. They go up and down very slowly, under the semi-dark pergola.
But Mary watches everything and, while taking care of Elizabeth, She sees that Sarah is in difficulty folding a long sheet which she has taken off a hedge. «Sit down here, and wait for me», She says to her relative. And She goes to help the old servant, pulling the sheet to straighten it, and then folding it carefully. «They still smell of sun, they are warm», She says with a smile. And to make the old lady happy, She adds: «This sheet, after your bleaching, has become as beautiful as ever. You are the only one who knows how to do things so well.» Sarah goes away, overjoyed, with her load of scented sheets.
Mary goes back to Elizabeth and says: «Let us take a few more steps. They will do you good.» And as Elizabeth is tired, and does not wish to move, Mary says to her: «Let us go only to see if your doves are all in their nests, and if the water in their tub is clear. We shall then go back home.»
23.3 Doves must be the favourite pets of Elizabeth. When they are in front of the rustic tower where all the doves are gathered, Elizabeth is deeply moved; in fact the hens are in the nests and the cocks are in front of them, but neither of them move, instead they all start cooing loudly when they see the two women: a gentle form of greeting. Elizabeth is overcome by the weakness of her condition and by fears that make her cry. She expresses her fears to her cousin. «If I should die… what will happen to my poor little doves? You will not be staying here. If You were to remain in my house, it would not matter if I died. I have had the greatest joy a woman can possibly have. The joy which I was no longer expecting to have, and I cannot even complain of death with the Lord, because He has overwhelmed me with His benignity, may He be blessed for it. But there is Zacharias… and then there will be the child. An old man who would feel as though he were lost in a desert without his woman. And the other is so small, that he would be like a flower, condemned to die of cold because he is without his mother. Poor baby, without the caresses of his mother!…»
«But why are you so sad? God has given you the joy of being a mother, and He will not take it away from you when it is full. Little John will receive all the kisses of his mummy, and Zacharias all the attentions of his faithful wife until the very end of his long life. You are two branches of the same tree. One will not die, leaving the other alone.»
«You are good, and You comfort me. But I am so old to have a son. And now that I am about to have one, I am afraid.»
«Oh! No! Jesus is here. We must not be afraid where Jesus is. My Child relieved your pain, you said that yourself, when He was just a newly formed bud. Now that He is becoming more and more mature, and He already lives as My Creature — I can feel in My throat the beating of His little heart, and I feel as if a little nestling with a light pulsating heart were resting on My throat — He will remove all dangers from you. You must have faith.»
«I have. But if I should die… don’t leave Zacharias straightaway. I know that You are concerned with Your own house. But please remain here a little longer to help my husband in his first days of sorrow.»
«I shall stay to take delight in your joy and in the joy of your husband, and I will leave you when you are strong and happy. But now be quiet, Elizabeth. Everything will be alright. Nothing will happen to your household while you are suffering. Zacharias will be served by the most loving maid, your flowers will be looked after, and your doves will be attended to, and you will find them all beautiful and happy to rejoice with, when their beloved mistress comes back.
23.4 Let us go in now, because you are getting pale…»
«Yes, I think I am beginning to suffer again. Perhaps my time has come. Mary, pray for me.»
«I will support you with My prayer until your labour ends in joy.»
The two women slowly go back into the house. Elizabeth withdraws to her rooms. Mary, a capable and provident woman, gives the necessary instructions, prepares everything that may be necessary, and at the same time, She comforts Zacharias who is worried.