Ella turned to go again, then paused.“You didn’t do anything wrong,” she added quietly.
Lula’s throat tightened.“I know,” she said.
Ella nodded once and walked away without another word.
Lula watched her go, then reached into her apron and touched the folded letter again, her fingers resting there as if it connected everything.
The cold house made sense.The work made sense.The life she was building made sense.
But this—
This still didn’t.
*****
Lula took the meatshe and Ella had set aside into town.The bell above Katie’s door rang when she stepped inside.
Katie looked up from the counter and smiled.“You’ve brought me more meat.”
“I have,” Lula said, setting the bundles down.“Venison this time.”
Katie opened one slightly and nodded.“This will sell quickly.”
“I thought it might.”
Katie rewrapped it and set it aside.“You’re getting good at this.Better cuts.Cleaner work.”
“I had help,” Lula said.“Ella showed me how to sort things properly.”
Katie smiled.“That makes a difference.”
Lula shifted her weight.“Do you think you can sell all of it?”
“I always can,” Katie said.“Especially fresh meat.”
Katie pushed the wrapped meat aside.“Do you want me to put this onto your account?”
“I do.And remember to divide it up amongst all of us.”
“Belle told me that what you make from selling your meat is yours alone.All the ladies have a little bit they make that they keep to themselves.”
“Really?I had no idea.”
“Most of what is brought to me is divided evenly, but Myrtle keeps her baking profits.I know she shares baked goods with everyone, but she does so much more than what your families need.Belle keeps the profits from the sewing she does.By the end of winter, I’ll have enough shirts to last the year.Maggie keeps the profits from the scarves and hats she knits, and so on.Everyone makes something for themselves.Now it’s your turn to do the same,” Katie explained.
Lula considered it.“Thank you.I like the idea of making money of my own.But I should give half to Ella.She’s earning it by doing the part I don’t enjoy—keeping it all organized.”
Katie smiled.“Are you getting all settled in?”
Lula rested her hands on the counter for a moment.“I am.I think.”
Katie gave her a knowing look but didn’t comment.“I’m glad.You are a welcome asset to our community.”
“Thank you.”
Lula turned to go, then stopped with her hand on the door.“Thanks for all your help.I don’t think you know what it means to all of us.”She smiled and stepped outside.
The air was colder than before.
