if they’d like to hire on full-time but didn’t want to offend the prideful Bedelia.
“Your husband has already left for work. That seems terribly early,” Bedelia commented as she poured Nancy a glass of milk.
“He likes to go early to spend time in Bible study with his boss, John Lincoln.”
Faith had just come into the room for this exchange and could see the effect Nancy’s answer had on the older woman. “That is a very wise thing to do. Sister and I study the Word every morning before we start the day.”
Cornelia bobbed her head. “We do indeed. This morning’s reading was from the Psalms.”
Faith suppressed a yawn and took her place at the table. She longed for another couple of hours of sleep but knew that wasn’t going to happen. She had way too much to do. She poured a cup of coffee, then inhaled deeply and smiled. Bedelia’s coffee was stronger than Nancy’s, and Faith needed all the help she could get to stay awake.
“Mmm, what a heavenly aroma,” she said.
Bedelia smiled. “I do not believe my coffee is even remotely related to the heavenly realms, my dear, but I am happy that you think so.”
Everyone gathered at the table save Mrs. Weaver and Alma. Faith couldn’t help casting a glance at the two empty chairs at the end of the table. She and Nancy had talked about the situation only the night before.
“Let’s pray,” Nancy said, taking her seat. “Father, we thank you for this meal and all the bounty you have given. We know there are some who have nothing, and we ask that you make us mindful of them so that we might share a portion. We ask that you guide us throughout this day and make us mindful of the needs of others. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
“Amen,” Bedelia and Cornelia murmured in unison. Mimi and Clementine seemed to be just as reflective as Faith and said nothing.
“I have something to speak to you about, Mrs. Carpenter,” Bedelia said as she passed the platter of sausages to her sister. “Cornelia and I have discussed it, and we would like to remain here permanently. We were hasty to believe that the presence of Mr. Carpenter would somehow compromise us, and now with you expecting a wee one . . . well, Sister and I believe we could be of use. We once worked at an orphanage and are quite capable with children.”
Everyone looked to Nancy, wondering what she might say. Nancy lifted her coffee cup. “Mimi, I wonder if you might go upstairs and ask Mrs. Weaver to come down—and bring Alma.”
Faith was surprised by her announcement but said nothing. Instead, she served herself two pancakes and passed the platter to Clementine.
“I would be very happy to have you and Cornelia remain with us,” Nancy said after taking a sip of coffee. “You were both delightful boarders, and I had no complaints with your living here. However, there is something that might change your mind. I’ve been trying to figure out how to tell you about it, but it seems that just being forthright is the best way.”
“It generally is,” Bedelia agreed soberly.
Faith could hear the older women coming down the back stairs. She slathered butter on her pancakes and then looked around the table for the syrup. Clementine seemed to understand what she wanted and passed the ornate porcelain pitcher without being asked.
“We’ve returned,” Mimi declared, taking her seat.
Nancy waited until Mrs. Weaver stepped into the doorway to speak. “Something came to our attention after you and Cornelia ceased living at our house. Mrs. Weaver has a friend who has been staying with her. Alma.”
Mrs. Weaver came into the dining room, eyes wide and full of fear. “I didn’t know you planned to do this.” Her voice was barely audible.
“Neither did I, but Bedelia has asked that she and her sister be allowed to stay. It’s only right that we share the truth with them and hope for their silence. I must ask that of you, Bedelia. You too, Cornelia. This woman’s life depends on your secrecy.”
Bedelia frowned while Cornelia began to eat. “I cannot imagine anything so grave.”
Alma stepped into the room. She was, as usual, clean and neat. Her graying black hair was braided tight against her head, and her clothes were freshly pressed. Her dark eyes were just as wide as Mrs. Weaver’s.
“Mrs. Weaver has had Alma with her since birth. Alma was once a slave but has long been Mrs. Weaver’s