Scarlet.
God.
ThenHeathen.
The word left me thunderstruck. Daisy raised her head and then trotted over and nudged my hand with her wet nose. I knelt and patted her.
The dog must’ve sensed my anguish, because she stepped on my knee and licked my cheek.
Long ago, when I had attended the Fourth of July celebration in Troublesome, I’d suffered the accusation when I asked to join the women’s sewing club and brought them a scripture cake.
The women had called me aspectacle, aheathen, and more, damning me.
I flinched as the hot shame rose again, a feeling that was always there, like the coal dust that always found its way back into our home no matter how many times I’d swept it out.
Would this baby live long enough to feel it too?
Inside, Reverend Claxton’s words climbed over his wife’s.
I hurried back inside, bristling.
The Claxtons suddenly quieted as I entered the kitchen.
“Sir, about the women on Ninth Street. They want to learn—”
He shook his head and waved me away. “Don’t ya fuss at me, Cussy,” he warned.
“Jedidiah Charles Claxton!” Mrs. Claxton glared at him.
I stepped closer to the sullen man and said quietly, “I recallfrom my mama’s studies that God’s chosen people trusted Rahab, and God rewarded her.”
He drew his brows together while a scolding writhed across his tongue.
A ghost of a smile twitched at the corners of Mrs. Claxton’s mouth. “Well, now, I believe our Cussy is right about that, Jed. If God gave her equal rights the same as His chosen people, I reckon you should apply the lesson with these women and do the same.”
The reverend grunted as if he’d learned long ago that he didn’t have to win every argument with his wife.
“Now, Jed, I want you to make an announcement at your church meeting tomorrow morning and tell the deacons and your Bible study groups about the classes.”
He was getting ready to hold up a shushing hand when she said, “We have to get our people to vote if there’s going to be change.”
Reverend said, “I’ll let ’em know, Effie. And I’ll telephone the other pastors and ask them to announce it at their services first thing tomorrow morning.”
“It’s settled.” Mrs. Claxton lifted her chin. “Now, help me get these dishes, Jed. I’ve got to whip up some dinners for you for the next four nights. Cussy and I will be teaching late.”
“At least stop by the church to collect Bibles for theladies’first reading lesson,” he said, bringing the dirty plates over to the sink.
“I promise.” Mrs. Claxton patted his arm before walking me back to the sleeping porch.
“Cussy, we’ll need to leave for the library at seven sharp…” She paused at the doorway when Daisy scooted across the porch on her belly, wagging her tail, her bullet-shaped body inching closer. Mrs. Claxton started to protest when Daisy jumped onto the bed.
I scratched the dog’s chin. “It’s fine, ma’am.”
“Well, I can always put her in the washroom if she’s pestering.Daisy, no. Saidno.” The woman bent over and shook a crooked finger at the wiggling pup.
Daisy lowered her chin to the quilt, wagging her tail as I sank down beside her.
“You’re spoiling her, chile.”
