She paused when she reached the bottom of the walkway. The cottage looked quite peaceful, and an abundance of flowers bloomed along the front of the little porch. It had been a place of hope and joy for her, and Addie was determined that it would be again.
Making her way up the path, she drew a deep breath and prayed for strength to cast aside her fear and doubt. She stepped onto the little porch and reached for the doorknob.
A feeling of icy fingers trailed up her spine. The hair on the back of her neck stood up, and Addie couldn’t help but drop her hold. She turned abruptly, feeling as though someone was watching her. Her gaze darted from one side of the yard to the other.
There was no one there.
“Enough,” she said aloud. Addie reached for the doorknob again and inserted her key in the lock. “Enough.”
The latch clicked, and the door opened. Addie calmed her nerves and glanced inside before stepping forward. Everything looked just as it had when she and Mary put it in order. She let the breath she’d been holding go and stepped into the house.
14
What was the new church like, Uncle Isaac?” Mina asked as Isaac joined them in the backyard garden.
“It was quite nice. I like it very much. The pastor and his wife invited me to come to luncheon, and it was delicious.”
“We had pawns for lunch,” Lena said, sounding quite dejected.
“Prawns, Lena,” her mother corrected.
Lena nodded. “I hate prawns.”
“Now, now, Lena,” her mother interjected, “there were other things to eat that you quite enjoyed.”
Lena nodded. “We had carrot soup. It was good.”
Isaac laughed. “We had salmon and rice with vegetables. Oh, and a berry salad that was made with early berries. It was quite refreshing.”
“We were just looking at the blackberries in the garden,” Mina declared. “They are growing really fast this year, and Mama said we might have some early ones next week.”
“Yum,” Isaac replied, rubbing his stomach.
“Did you see Mama’s roses? The ones over by the carriagehouse?” Mina asked. “They’re so beautiful. I think you should get married by them. They smell so good.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” Isaac said, looking to his sister with a grin.
“When can we see Addie again?” Lena asked, tugging on Isaac’s coat.
“Well, I just saw her at lunch. She’s very busy, you know. But she told the pastor and his wife how much she loved meeting you girls and how dear you were.”
Mina clapped her hands. “I knew she would love us because we’re going to be a family.”
Lena joined in the clapping. She often mimicked her older sister, but just to show her own flair, she twirled around, making her pink dress puff out and reveal the tops of her white knee socks. She was quite the character, and Isaac couldn’t resist lifting her into the air and whirling around with her. Lena giggled and threw her arms wide as if to embrace the breeze.
“Well, now that your food has had time to settle,” Isaac’s sister began, “I believe it’s time for you girls to take a nap.”
“Oh, don’t make us go,” Mina said, leaning hard on her mother. “We are having a grand time.”
“I know, but remember, your father wants to take you to the exposition tonight. There is going to be a concert with handbells.”
Mina sighed and pushed off from her mother’s side. “All right. I do so want to hear the bells.”
Isaac put Lena back down. “You know what? I think I’d like to hear the bells, too, so maybe I’ll go take a nap as well.”
Mina giggled. “You don’t have to take a nap, Uncle Isaac.”
“I know, but that’s where we’re different, Mina. I actually want to take one. I’m very tired. Lunch wore me out.”
