Chapter Nine
Erna waved her sister Faith over to the porch where the summer breeze offered a small respite from the Texas heat.”Come sit, Faith,” Erna called out cheerfully, patting the seat next to her on the wooden bench. She brushed off the remnants of her baking efforts and presented a plate piled high with slices of sponge cake, their golden crusts promising a sweetness within.
“I’ve something special to show you.” Erna’s eyes sparkled with excitement.
Faith eased herself down onto the bench, smoothing the fabric of her skirt with practiced hands. She picked up a slice of cake, admiring the fluffy texture before taking a dainty bite. “What is it that you’re so eager to share?” she asked, her voice filled with curiosity.
“Wait and see.” Erna led her sister into the cozy parlor, where the dollhouse stood proudly on a table by the window. It was a miniature marvel, crafted with care and imbued with the dreams of childhood.
“Isn’t she a beauty?” Erna beamed, her fingers hovering over the dollhouse as if reluctant to disturb the tiny world she had created.
“Erna, it’s wonderful! It reminds me of Emily’s dollhouse. Remember that one time we got to play with it?” Faith’s neat brows rose in admiration. Her gaze roamed over each detail—the shingled roof, the delicate curtains framing the windows, and the front door that opened to reveal a world in miniature.
“See here,” Erna said, pointing to the kitchen inside the dollhouse, where a set of tiny dishes and tin cups were arranged with precision. “I ordered these all the way from England with the money I saved from working.”
“Such attention to detail,” Faith murmured, her fingertips brushing against the furniture. “You’ve outdone yourself.”
“Thank you, Faith. That means the world, coming from you.” Erna paused, her lips curving into a smile tinged with a hint of sadness. “I’m planning to sell it.”
“Are you sure?” Faith looked at her sister, searching her face for signs of doubt.
“Quite sure. I think it’s time for it to bring joy to a little girl.” Erna’s tone held firm resolve, though her heart twinged at the thought of parting with the dollhouse.
“Then whoever gets this will be mighty lucky indeed,” Faith affirmed, wrapping an arm around Erna’s shoulders in a gesture of sisterly support. “It’s truly beautiful.”
“Means more than you know, hearing you say that.” Erna leaned into the embrace, her spirits buoyed by her sister’s approval. Together, they stood in companionable silence, two halves of the same whole, contemplating the future of the tiny world before them.
“Married life sure has its perks, doesn’t it?” Faith said, a twinkle in her eye, “Like having the time to perfect cake recipes.”
Erna chuckled, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. “I’d say so. Joel enjoys my baking, and I enjoy the smiles it brings.”
“Speaking of joys,” Faith started, setting down her fork and leaning forward with interest, “have you thought about where you’ll try to sell the dollhouse?”
“I have,” Erna nodded, her gaze drifting toward the miniature abode on the mantelpiece. “I will take it to the generalstore in town. The owner told me he’d be happy to sell it if it’s high enough quality.”
Faith glanced at the dollhouse, her eyes softening. “You’ll make some little girl very happy.”
“Hope so.” Erna sipped her tea, the steam warming her cheeks. “I want it to mean as much to her as it made to me as I built it. I’ve worked on it for a few weeks now.”
“Wait, Erna,” Faith said suddenly, her hand reaching out to touch Erna’s arm. “Before you take it to the store, could you give me a week?”
Erna turned her head, puzzlement knitting her brows. “A week? Whatever for?”
Faith’s lips curled into a secretive smile, and she shook her head gently. “Can’t tell you just yet, but trust me. Please?”
“All right, a week it is.” Erna couldn’t help but mirror her sister’s smile, curiosity bubbling within her. “But you’ll have to spill the beans sooner or later.”
“You’ll see,” Faith replied, the promise hanging between them like a silent pact.
Erna brushed a stray crumb from her skirt, the last vestige of their pleasant tea. “So, Faith,” she began with an earnest tilt to her voice, “how about we have Sunday dinner after church? I’ve been meaning to get better acquainted with Kane.”
“Kane would love that,” Faith replied, her eyes sparkling with the mention of her husband’s name. “He’s quite the storyteller. You’ll like him, I’m sure. And we’ll do it at my place.”
“I don’t mind cooking,” Erna said, anticipation lighting her features.
Faith shook her head. “You invited me for a lovely tea. It’s time for you to come to my place.
Erna nodded. “It’s settled then. Sunday it is.”
