Love Finds You in Nazareth, Pennsylvania by Melanie Dobson

Author:Melanie Dobson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Love Finds You in Nazareth Pennsylvania
ISBN: 9781609361945
Publisher: Guideposts
Published: 2011-10-30T04:00:00+00:00

“Wake up,” someone whispered with a nudge to her side.

Susanna turned under her heavy quilt. After being up most of the night, shaken by Christian’s presence and then disappointed that he hadn’t called for her, she finally fell asleep. It was too early—and too cold—to get up now.

“Wake up, Susanna.”

The voice was more insistent this time, and she opened her eyes although she could only see the shadow of Annabel’s face in the darkness. “Is something wrong?”

“Your husband wants to see you.”

She pushed herself up on her elbows, trying to process her words. “What time is it?”

“A quarter till five.”

Susanna pressed her hands against her head, pushing back her tangled hair. “Are you certain he wants to see me?”

“Oh, I’m certain.” Annabel sniffed. “He’s been awake for over an hour now, pestering Brother Edward for a visit.”

Susanna threw back her covers and her toes touched the icy floor. “When—” She chattered. “When does he want to see me?”

“Right away if he could, but I told him to meet us in thirty minutes in the chamber room.”

Susanna forgot the chill on her feet and her skin as she stood. “I must hurry.”

Women slept on both sides of Susanna as she washed herself with cold water and brushed her hair. She pulled her petticoat on over her shift and then she laced her blue gown. She almost didn’t put on her haube—after all, Christian was her husband and not even Annabel could insist that she wear her cap into the bedchamber at this hour. But she felt too vulnerable without it, so she brushed her hair one last time and then lay the brush down on the bureau before tying the ribbons of her haube under her chin.

She glanced down the rows of women, and all were in their beds except Lily. Lately Lily had been leaving the dormitory while the rest of them slept. She didn’t know where her friend went on these nights nor how long she was gone, but she imagined her out dancing in the cool air, spinning in the fields, when no one was watching as she worshipped God in her own way.

Three beds down, Catharine inched herself up on her elbows. “Where are you going?” she whispered.

“To see Christian.”

“Oh…” Catharine’s voice was sad. “Elias hasn’t called for me since we returned.”

Susanna edged around the beds and sat down beside Catharine. “Someday soon, you and Elias will reconcile.”

“I don’t know.”

Catharine’s hands covered her belly, and Susanna wrapped her hands over those of her friend’s. Underneath, the baby moved. “When the littlest Schmidt arrives, it will be better.”

“Susanna—”

She kept her fingers over Catharine’s, alarmed at her friend’s solemn tone. “What is it?”

“I never meant to deceive you.”

She leaned closer to Catharine. “What are you talking about?”

“Never mind.” Catharine shook her head, pushing her hand away. “Go—before Annabel changes her mind.”

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