“Of course.”
Marybeth continued the introductions. “This is Cynthia Armstrong. She and her husband own the big emporium in town. And this is Sarah, who is married to Bruce Cadot, and they have five boys.”
Just then a knock sounded on the front door, and Marybeth went to see who it was. She returned with Lucille and her daughter, Charlotte. Emma got up to embrace her stepmother and Charlotte.
“I hope you don’t feel too crowded, but once I started inviting the ladies, I just lost track,” Marybeth explained. “Besides, I love having everyone here.”
“No, I’m surprised to see Lucille and Charlotte, though. I know that a ride into town is one that must be planned.”
“We wouldn’t have missed this. Besides, there’s always something we forgot to buy. Just because your father and I were here just a day ago doesn’t mean we couldn’t find reasons to return, even if it is a busy time at the ranch.”
“I’m sure that’s true enough.” Emma turned back to herhostess. “Thank you for this. I very much appreciate getting to reacquaint myself with these ladies.”
“We are always happy to have an excuse to come together,” Marybeth assured her.
They reclaimed their seats, and Greta served everyone while the ladies chatted and asked Emma how she was doing.
As the only one dressed in black, Emma felt a bit self-conscious. Rosie had given up mourning garb after Colton told her it was perfectly acceptable to do so. Emma wondered if everyone knew the details of her widowhood. She glanced over at Rosie, who was completely caught up in trying to balance her cup and saucer along with a dessert plate.
“It’s good to see you again, Emma,” Charlotte said, leaning close. “I hope you’re feeling all right. If there’s anything I can do for you, please let me know.”
Emma was touched. “Thank you. I’m doing fine now.”
“Your father must be delighted to have you back in the area,” Sarah Cadot spoke above the din. The other ladies fell silent as if eager for Emma’s response.
“I think he is happy I’m closer to home.”
“He’s beside himself,” Lucille added. “When Emma wired to let us know her decision, Rich almost danced a jig. He’s missed having his children close, especially after losing their mother.”
Emma hadn’t considered that. She’d been so caught up with her own life and enjoyment that she’d never given her father’s condition any real thought. He must have been lonely after Mother died.
A clatter sounded from beside her, and Rosie shrieked when her teacup broke into pieces on the hardwood floor.
“Oh no! I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry.” She hurried to try to recover the pieces.
“Nonsense,” Marybeth declared. “Accidents happenaround here all the time.” Greta handed her a tea towel, and the mess was soon no more.
“I’m not always very good at these things,” Rosie apologized. “Emma is teaching me, but I’ve never been to something like this.”
“What do you mean?” Greta asked, pouring her another cup of tea.
Rosie shrugged. “Remember I told you I was dead when I was born?” She looked at the other ladies and backtracked. “I was born not breathing because the cord was tight around my neck. They thought I was dead for good. I wasn’t, of course.” She smiled as if letting them in on a secret. “I started to breathe again, but the doctor said I would never be like normal folks.”
“What in the world doesnormalmean, anyway?” Melody Decker asked.
“Exactly,” Lucille agreed. “We’re all different and have our various peculiarities.”
Rosie shrugged. “My family kept me at home and didn’t let me go to church or school. Emma’s been teaching me things, though, and my Aunt Clementine taught me to memorize Bible verses. She told me about Jesus too.”
“How awful that you were hidden away,” Melody said with a disapproving tsk. “You are perfectly wonderful, Rosie.”
“I hope it’s all right, but I told Rosie she would be welcome to join the sewing circle. I’ve only started teaching her the past few months, but together I figure we can help her along.” Emma turned and smiled at the younger woman. “Rosie is already doing quite well.”
“We would love to teach Rosie everything we know,” Mrs. Cooper replied. The others quickly agreed.
“Have you taught her quilting?” one of the women asked.
“What about embroidery?”
