A Simple Change by Judith Miller

Author:Judith Miller
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: FIC042030, FIC042040, FIC042000
ISBN: 9781441261434
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Published: 2013-07-01T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

Once I’d finished the beds, I sat down at the table in the men’s parlor. If I didn’t hurry, Margaret would come looking for me, and I didn’t want her to catch me writing a letter—not when she’d specifically requested my help with the laundry. There wasn’t time to contemplate exactly what I needed to say. I needed to be quick, to the point, and not forget anything I needed to tell Thomas. First and foremost, he had to keep any contact with Nathan to a minimum and never divulge the fact that I’d been helping him locate Kathleen.

I’d told Nathan that contact with outsiders was against the communal rules, and should he discover my dealings with Thomas, I was sure Nathan would point out the error of my ways. And who could say? With Nathan resolved that I should return to Kansas City, he might tell the elders, as well. I didn’t want to take such a risk. Nathan had never exhibited a great deal of jealousy, but I didn’t want to create any unnecessary problems. Not for Thomas and not for myself. He needed to understand the importance of avoiding Nathan.

Next, I informed Thomas what I’d heard from Lilly regarding his sister’s whereabouts and then asked that he leave a note advising me whether he wanted Lilly to contact Kathleen’s adoptive family. I dipped my pen in the ink and finished the letter with my final instructions.

You should leave your answer in the usual place. I cannot meet to discuss your decision. It is too risky.

I didn’t sign my name. Thomas would know the correspondence was from me, and if any prying eyes should see the letter, I didn’t want my name revealed. After folding the note, I carried it to the adjacent room and placed it beneath the picture on Thomas’s trunk. I hadn’t dusted or scrubbed the porch, but I could return to those tasks later in the morning.

I hurried outdoors, where the bright sunshine and warm breeze proved a pleasant change from the musty heat inside the living quarters. The gentle wind would dry the sheets in no time. Two large baskets of wet laundry rested on the grass beside Margaret. “It looks like I arrived just when you needed me.”

Margaret rested her hands on her hips. “Ja, and I am sorry, but I will need you to hang these without my help. All of the work clothes still need to be washed. It will take me until the noonday meal before we can have those on the line.” Using the corner of her apron, she wiped the perspiration from her forehead and turned back to the washhouse.

I usually enjoyed visiting with Margaret, but I was thankful we would be apart for the remainder of the morning. I was sure she would pepper me with more questions about Nathan and his sudden appearance. I didn’t want to answer them—at least not yet. I still held out hope there wouldn’t be a position at the mill and he would decide to return home.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.