Lilacs for Juliana (The Christy Lumber Camp Series Book 3) by Pagels Carrie Fancett

Author:Pagels, Carrie Fancett [Pagels, Carrie Fancett]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Hearts Overcoming Press
Published: 2015-08-15T04:00:00+00:00

Sister Mary Lou had removed as much of the old-fashioned bustle as she could from Juliana’s gown. She, Gracie, and Juliana huddled in the nun’s room. “I’ve simplified the skirt.”

She held the dress aloft, but it still appeared dreadfully out of date. “Thank you, Sister Mary Lou.”

The board had to know that her salary, which was much less than a man was generally offered for the same position, wouldn’t attire her in all the latest fashion. Not that it mattered, since she was to be there at the opening of the inn’s banquet hall to represent the library and not be the belle of some ball. She’d hoped to finally break free of the gossip over Alek’s abandonment of her. Hoped to be dressed in her gorgeous gown, on the arm of the handsomest lumberjack. But if Richard Christy knew how old she was, would he even take her to The Lumberjacks’ Ball? She frowned. And wouldn’t tongues wag even more if he ended up being a half dozen years or more younger than she was?

The nun ran a hand along her jawline, watching Gracie fasten the last button on Juliana’s remade gown.

The pretty girl rotated slowly, giving them the full effect. “That length of tulle you added underneath has made my dress plenty long enough.”

“With your hair up like that, Gracie, you do look all grown up!” Sister Mary Lou wiped a tear from her eyes, which were rimmed underneath with dark rings. Their friend needed rest. And a break from all of her responsibilities. And here she’d done more work, hastily fixing both Gracie’s and Juliana’s dresses.

“I should have worn my gown made for the ball.” Juliana chewed her lower lip.

“Oh no, dear. That dress is too special for this occasion. Save that for the Lumberjacks’ Ball.” Sister Mary Lou patted her on the arm. “Now get changed. We’ve got work to do.”

Soon, fully gowned, bejeweled, and mincing in their best shoes, Juliana and Gracie linked arms and headed down the street toward the inn, garnering appreciative glances as they went. With her blonde hair upswept, Gracie looked like a princess. Juliana’s dark tresses were swirled around her head in a fashionable style even if her dress was out of mode. And her pearls, once worn by Papa’s mother, and passed to her as the eldest daughter, made Juliana feel special—cherished as though Papa was right there with her. She blinked away the moisture in her eyes as she and Gracie ascended the black-painted steps up into the inn.

On the wide porch, surrounding the front of the inn, a small group of library board members clustered. They were probably waiting for Mr. Hatchens to join them before entering. And if they were all here, why was she—the head librarian—needed for this event? She cringed, wondering if one of them would motion her over and request that she sit with them. But they all ignored Juliana and Gracie. Relief coursed through her.

Her assistant suddenly clutched Juliana’s arm harder. “This is the most exciting thing I’ve done in my life.

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