The House of Stone and Ivy by Anita Stansfield

Author:Anita Stansfield
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.
Published: 2018-12-13T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

FACING THE WORLD AGAIN

“I don’t have to think about it,” Lottie said, looking at Hennie with pleading eyes. “What is there to think about? I don’t want to live this way anymore; I can’t live this way anymore! Are you forgetting how it’s become more difficult to deal with my monthlies since I’ve been tending to feel ill the first day or two and . . .” She stopped as if she realized what she’d just said and had forgotten a man was present. She turned toward Jack, looking embarrassed and said, “I’m sorry. That was inappropriate and—”

“It’s all right, Lottie. Men are aware of such things, I assure you. I’m not at all embarrassed. It’s just a fact of life, and one of the many things that has concerned me as I think about the way the two of you are living. It’s a perfect example of how men and women are different, and in this regard both of you should certainly be in a position to deal with the issue appropriately each month and not have to hide it.”

Lottie smiled wanly at Jack, then looked again at Hennie. “He’s right, Hen. He’s right about everything. It feels like a miracle to me. I don’t have to think about it.”

Hennie felt put on the spot and frightened, even though she couldn’t figure out why, exactly.

“Talk to us, Hennie,” Jack said. “Tell us what concerns you. We can’t work out the problems if we don’t know what they are. If there’s something I’ve overlooked, then speak up.”

Hennie thought about it for a long minute. Then another. She finally had to say, “I feel some fear, but . . . nothing truly legitimate. I think it’s simply a general fear of the unknown.”

“Given your past experiences, I believe that’s understandable,” Jack said, “but I promise I will take care of you—both of you. We’ll take on any problems as they arise.”

“I’m thinking if there’s a job available right now at the Hawk’s Nest,” Lottie said, sounding enthused, “then we should just do this and get it over with.”

“Oh, good heavens!” Hennie exclaimed and erupted to her feet, only to feel a little lightheaded, which made her lean one hand against the wall while she put the other over her quickened heart, lowering her head and trying to catch her breath.

“What is it?” she heard Jack ask softly, at the same time feeling his hands come over her shoulders.

“I . . . I know it’s the right thing to do; I can feel it—as if my spirit just leapt inside of me, telling me I have to move forward.” Hennie struggled to even out her breathing, grateful to feel the strength of Jack’s hands; his strength helped her feel like he wouldn’t let her fall—literally or figuratively. For the first time since her mother’s death, she felt as if someone was there to help take care of her, that she wasn’t on her own in the world. She and Lottie had

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