Christmas Miracle 1935 by Rebecca York

Author:Rebecca York [York, Rebecca]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3
Publisher: Light Street Press
Published: 2020-12-18T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

Momma had the same reaction to the proposal as Sophie. The prospect of having a large cash payment was enticing, but she hated the idea of her daughter leaving the family.

Sophie wanted to say, “I’m going to leave when I get married.” Then she wondered how that particular idea had leaped into her head.

Instead, she tried to argue for the practicality of Mr. Conway’s proposal.

“You can buy the boys some Christmas presents,” she said.

She could see her mother’s eyes light up at the prospect of giving her little brothers a better holiday than anyone had anticipated.

“And you can stock the pantry so that you’re not always worried about food.”

“Yes.”

“And Highland Farm is close to home. It’s not like I’m going off to work in Baltimore or anything like that.”

In the end they decided it was for the best. And when Mr. Conway came to pick up Sophie in the morning, she said she could move in.

“Then why don’t you take a few minutes to gather up some of your clothing, so you’ll be all set and won’t have to come back later,” he suggested.

That made sense, but it was an abrupt finality that Sophie hadn’t been expecting.

When she came back in the house, Momma gave her a questioning look.

“That’s so—quick.”

“I know. Tell the boys that I’ll be back in a day or two to say goodbye to them.”

Sophie didn’t have a lot of clothing, and she couldn’t shake a feeling of betrayal as she put most of her belongings into a feed sack. But she’d agreed to the arrangement and did her best to get ready.

Hannah and Jenny were waiting on the porch when they got back to the farm.

Responding to the questioning look in Hannah’s eyes, Sophie said, “I’ve accepted the offer to stay at the farm?”

“We’re so glad,” Hannah answered.

“Sophie’s moving in with us?” Jenny asked.

“Yes,” her mother answered.

“Keen.”

“We’d better go have a look at your room,” Hannah said. “I’m sure it’s going to need some work.”

Jenny led the way to a small bedroom that was in back of the kitchen. There was a twin bed along one wall, a nightstand with a lamp, a chest of drawers, a chair and pegs for hanging clothing. But all the surfaces, including a lot of the floor, were covered with various discards that had been stowed in there to get them out of the way.

“You or your family will be able to use some of this,” Hannah said as she picked up a dress that was better quality than Sophie had ever owned.

“Why is it in here?”

Mr. Conway laughed. “I think my thought was that it was too youthful. Which means it will probably work for you or your mother.”

“It’s out of style,” Hannah murmured.

Hannah knew roaring twenties styles had changed dramatically when the Great Depression hit. But she didn’t care about fashion.

“Let’s take the coverlet off the bed first and put it in the wash,” Dora suggested. With it gone, we’ll be able to use the surface to sort things.

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