what she’d done, Faith backed away and looked at the floor. “Give that to Ben from me.” She cleared her throat and tried to settle her nerves. “Thank you for everything. For coming after me, but especially for helping Seth. I’m sure it meant a lot to him, and it touches me that you would so willingly help my family.” She forced herself to look up and found him watching her in awe.
“I was glad to help.” He gazed at her for a moment longer, then added, “And I’m glad that you’re doing so well.”
“My head hurts something fierce, but it can’t be helped. Nancy was in no condition to manage things. I’ll get some rest soon and be just fine.”
He grinned. “I doubt that.”
“Doubt that I’ll be fine?”
“Doubt that you’ll rest soon.” He shook his head. “I’ve got my doubts that you’ll rest at all.”
Faith couldn’t help but chuckle. “You think you know me pretty well, don’t you? Well, I’ll have you know that there are more than one or two secrets I have that you’ll most likely never know.”
His dark eyes captured her gaze. Faith sobered and swallowed the lump in her throat. She’d always been glad to keep her secrets, but at this very moment she felt almost compelled to tell Andrew everything.
“We’ve all got our secrets, Faith,” he finally said before turning to go.
CHAPTER 13
As the end of January concluded and the days moved into February, tales of the storm were told far and wide. People greeted each other with the question, “Where were you when the big storm hit?” It made for interesting conversation, even among total strangers, as everyone worked to clean up the town.
At the boardinghouse, Mimi and Faith both healed, and Nancy was soon back on her feet with limited duties. Upon learning of Nancy’s delicate condition, the Clifton sisters had stepped up to take on various tasks in return for several months of reduced rent. This, in turn, allowed them to replenish their lost wardrobe and personal items. Seth was the one to approve the idea, making it clear to Nancy that she was to take it easy until after the baby was born. Faith agreed with him, leaving Nancy little choice in the matter.
“It seems a woman ought to have a say in her own home,” Nancy declared.
Faith brought her a plumped pillow and smiled. “Why not enjoy the pampering? Read a book, make something special for the baby.”
“I suppose I could.” Nancy glanced around the front room. “I don’t intend to just sit about.”
“No one is demanding you do. Just that you take it easy and let some of us take over your heavier tasks.” Faith put the pillow behind Nancy as she sat in front of the fireplace. “It’s rare enough for women to get any kind of special treatment when they’re with child. Most must go on running their households and caring for other children. I’m just suggesting you enjoy the time. You’ve only a few months, and then you’ll be holding that baby in your arms, and your schedule will never be the same.”
“I suppose you’re right. I should be thankful that God sent Bedelia and Cornelia back to us.”
“You should.” Faith leaned down to whisper, glancing all the while over Nancy’s shoulder. “They are just as you described. I think Bedelia would have made a great physician. She’s got a keen eye for detail and lets nothing escape her notice. I hope that won’t extend to Alma—at least not until we can figure out how to bring them together.”
“I know. We should probably just do it and let them decide if they can live with it or not. I hate to see Alma having to hide in her bedding box.”
Faith straightened. “Me too. Now, is there anything else I can get you before I head back to my studies?”
“She’ll be just fine,” Bedelia declared, coming into the room. She held a glass bell in her hand. “I hope you don’t mind, but I’ve taken the liberty of bringing you this bell. Just ring it should you need anything. Cornelia and I will be cleaning the rooms downstairs this morning, so we shouldn’t have any trouble hearing you.”
Nancy took the bell and smiled. “Thank you so much. I’m very glad you’ve returned to us.”
Bedelia looked as if she might allow a smile to touch her lips, but then she turned away. If she did smile, Faith and Nancy would never know.
“I’m impressed with the new bathing