Big Decisions by Linda Byler

Author:Linda Byler [Byler, Linda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-4532-7590-0
Publisher: Good Books
Published: 2012-07-30T21:36:00+00:00

Chapter 14

A COLD FREEZING RAIN poured from leaden skies, driving in from the east in long, wet slashes against the small basement window as Lizzie pinned her cape once again for another visit. This evening they would be going to visit Elmer and Malinda Esh, a young couple who rented a farmhouse about six miles away. Lizzie looked forward to the evening since the Eshes were not much older than they were.

She was grateful for a good woolen shawl and the bonnet that afforded some protection from the freezing rain as she climbed into the buggy.

“Whew!” she gasped. “This weather!”

Stephen nodded.

“I’m worried about leakage in the basement, no spouting on the house, and the cement blocks offset the way they are, for bricks. I just hope the ground will contain the seepage.”

“Oh, it’ll be all right,” Lizzie said airily.

“I’m not so sure,” Stephen replied.

“Well, what’s the worst that could happen? Some water on the floor that will surely go down the drain?” Lizzie asked.

Stephen didn’t reply, only grunted, so she remained silent, although the thought of rain water coming into the basement made her bite down hard on her lower lip. Her eyes darted nervously to the rain streaming against the buggy windows.

She forgot the pelting rain, the basement home, or anything worrisome after she entered the cozy farmhouse kitchen and found the table set with Malinda’s prettiest dishes. The only light in the dining room came from real candles burning in their delicate holders.

Oh, but that was just about the classiest thing Lizzie had ever seen! She clasped her hands in front of herself excitedly. How romantic for newlyweds to eat by candlelight, which was always flattering to anyone’s looks. The imperfections of your face were well hidden by the small amount of light candles afforded.

The food was delicious, although it was different, without the usual meat and potato fare. Lizzie enjoyed the evening tremendously, eating too much as usual, promising herself that she would do much better at the next meal.

Their wedding gift was a Tupperware pitcher, something new, with a lid that sealed so you could shake the liquid inside without it leaking out. Lizzie thought it was a wonderful new invention to be able to mix a drink without having to stir it with a spoon. Iced tea mix would no longer settle on the bottom of a container because you could keep shaking it at intervals, and the sugar would always be mixed through. Before this, you ended up with watered-down iced tea at first, and then tea that was much too sweet when the pitcher was almost empty.

When the evening was over, Lizzie dashed through the rain and scrambled quickly into the buggy, slamming the side door shut with all her strength before wrapping the blue and green blanket securely across her lap. She watched Stephen’s face as he frowned at the streams of icy water cascading down the window of the buggy.

“Still no let up,” he murmured, more to himself than to her.

“No. It’s been raining like this for …”

“All day,” Stephen broke in.

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