"Amazing." Ruth shook her head. "I always wanted to take dance lessons, but didn't have the chance. I can't wait to see you on stage."
Katie leaned in, laying her head on Ruth's shoulder and suddenly, it was hard to breathe.
And if Ruth had to talk, she wasn't sure that any words could make it beyond the lump in her throat.
Katie's effusive personality warmed her through.
Missus Guthrie dropped her chin and frowned. "Katherine? I believe you have somewhere to be."
Ruth wanted to say a word or two to the older woman. Katie was a wonderful young lady.
"I have another minute or two, Missus Guthrie. I'm going to help with the rehearsals for the Bonbons, but they're all checking in and putting on their shoes. Miss Baker is going to make the most amazing treats for our Sugarplum Tea. I was so glad she's helping us. I had to come over and give her a big hug."
Then Katie looked up at her with a grin that lit up her whole face.
Ruth had no idea that it was just this easy to feel all kinds of motherly affection for someone.
"Sorry, Miss Baker. I just had to give you a hug."
Ruth smiled from ear to ear. "A hug from you? I'll make time."
Katie started to move away and then stopped, looking back. "Miss Baker? I'll be done in a half an hour. Do you think you'll still be here?"
"I think so." Ruth suddenly found herself willing to listen to the rest of Missus Guthrie's recitation on the history of the dance company if she could see Katie again in a little bit.
She was hoping that she'd get a chance to see Katie dance in the rehearsal.
"I'll be here when you're done."
Katie was almost bouncing with energy. "See you then!"
Ruth shook her head and sighed.'If only I had a little bit of that energy.'
"I agree," Missus Guthrie intoned, "she really needs to slow down."
Ruth tried to school her expression when she looked back at the older woman.
While she was there to help. It seemed that Miss Guthrie was a kind of cornerstone in the dance company and Ruth didn't want to upset her, but she also felt a little upset that the other woman thought that she was finding fault with Katie when it was the furthest from the truth.
What should she say? How should she say it?
She didn't want to make things difficult for Katie and it seemed like Missus Guthrie would never be short of judgements.
For anyone.
"I would move as fast as she does if I had the energy," Ruth added a little wistful sigh at the end of her words. "I understand that she's been dancing and taking lessons since she could walk. I admire that kind of dedication."
Ruth didn't look directly at the other woman. She didn't want to openly challenge her. Ruth didn't know the inner workings of the dance company.
"Miss Baker..."
Ruth heard the curious tone of voice and drew in a steadying breath for whatever she'd face next.
"You're not related to Katherine?"
The older woman made it sound like a crime.
Be nice, she reminded herself.Be nice.
