Lesson of the Poinsettia by Colvin Mildred

Author:Colvin, Mildred [Colvin, Mildred]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2011-07-15T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 6

With the setting sun as a backdrop behind the greenhouse, Seth watched the silhouette that he knew must be Abigail walking from one flower to another. He saw and marveled. She moved with a grace that few sighted women had. No wonder he hadn’t recognized her blindness right away. He tapped on the door, and she swung toward the sound.

Not wanting to frighten her, he called out. “Miss Stevens, it’s Seth Warren. May I speak with you a moment?”

He saw her through the window, as she came to the door and flung it open without hesitation. “Is Mary Ella all right?”

Seth chuckled, thinking of his daughter’s guilt, and hoped her conscience reprimanded her at that moment. He opened his mouth to ask about Mary Ella’s visits, but the expression of concern on Abigail’s face stopped him. She cared for his daughter. Really cared in a way few women would for a child who wasn’t her own.

He cleared his throat. “Yes, she’s fine. I hope you don’t mind me stopping by. I’d like to speak to you.”

“Speak to me?” She repeated.

“Yes, about Mary Ella. Well, not really about her. I’ve been thinking of getting in some early Christmas shopping. Could I persuade you to accompany Mary Ella and me this Saturday afternoon?”

Her hand flew to her throat as if in surprise. A sort of wistful smile touched her lips. “I doubt you would want my company, Mr. Warren.”

“If I had not wanted you to go with us, I wouldn’t have asked, Miss Stevens.”

“Oh.” She seemed flustered and Seth smiled.

“Please, say you’ll come. I know Mary Ella will be pleased. She thinks quite highly of you.”

“As I am very fond of her, but still, I don’t think you understand. I don’t do well in public.” Abigail kept her face turned from him.

“I’ll be there.” Seth’s voice softened. He reached out to touch her and pulled his hand back. Such a beautiful woman. Why had she lost her sight?

Abigail shook her head. “No, Mr. Warren. I don’t think you understand.” Her sightless eyes turned full on his face, the expression on hers almost defiant. The tone of her voice seemed to challenge him. “You would not want to escort the blind, would you, Mr. Warren?”

He laughed. “I’d be honored to escort one very beautiful blind lady, Miss Stevens.”

Her eyes grew wide and her mouth formed a small circle. “Then you know?”

“Yes, I know. But, what you don’t know is that you are not the only one who cannot see, Miss Abigail.” He let his gaze roam over her flowers.

She waited, her face turned toward his. “Until quite recently I’ve allowed bitterness and fear to blind me to what is most important. God has heard my prayer of repentance and is helping with my fears, thanks to your influence. I have been challenged and have learned from your courage and kindness.”

He chuckled. “Much more than I can ever repay, in fact.”

Abigail turned away again and Seth saw tears glisten in her eyes.

He touched her smooth cheek, bringing her back to face him.

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