“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 coffeewas 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 bosom companion and dearest friend. When they moved to Oregon, only then did they learn the laws were against them. Alma could be beaten and forced to depart against her will if she were discovered. Mrs. Weaver and her husband lived quietly in the country and hid Alma’s presence from the world. When Mr. Weaver died and Mrs. Weaver moved here, she hid Alma so that she wouldn’t be forced to live without her. I will not see them separated, and if you are to live here, you must agree to say nothing of Alma’s existence and protect her as we have all agreed to do.”
The two women took their seats at the table and stared at the Cliftons as if their life or death would be decided by the sisters.
Bedelia’s stern expression remained as she sized up the matter. She looked at Nancy. “Why would anyone feel the need to separate two such dear friends? Sister and I have no complaint in the matter, nor will we. The very thought of this woman receiving a beating sickens my heart.” She turned back to Alma. “I am Bedelia Clifton, and this is my sister, Cornelia. We will keep your secret.”
Faith had liked Bedelia since their first meeting, but at this moment she could honestly say she felt love for the spinster. Bedelia was so matter-of-fact with her conclusion, so willing to accept Alma and protect her, that Faith wanted to hug her. It took all her restraint to keep from doing exactly that.
“Thank you both,” Nancy said, smiling. “We weren’t sure how you would feel, and since we thought you were only staying a short time, we didn’t think it necessary to tell you about the situation.”
“Well, it certainly explains how Virginia knew there had beena thief in the house that day we were all in church and your book was taken,” Bedelia said.
Nancy nodded. “I hadn’t even thought of that, but of course you’re right.”
“I remember that. Alma was scared half out of her mind,” Virginia said, taking up her napkin.
