Through Rushing Water by Catherine Richmond

Author:Catherine Richmond
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: ebook, book
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Published: 2012-05-14T16:00:00+00:00

Will stepped up on the porch with an armload of firewood. If this cold kept up, he’d have to—

Sophia opened the door. Her cheeks glowed as red as Santa Claus’s. “Merry Christmas! How is it outside?”

“Half inch of squeaky snow.” Will finished stocking the wood box, then rubbed his nose. “Feels like I breathed in icicles.”

“Perhaps we might visit Julia later?”

He nodded. Sophia had said something about China last night. He wanted to ask her what she meant. Nettie called them to the table, where she’d set out oatmeal and sausage.

James passed the coffee. “I bet you’re missing some fancy parties in New York.”

“Last year was no celebration.” Sophia shook her head. “My father worked at West Point—”

“The military academy?” Will asked.

She nodded. “Down the river from the College. He taught cavalry tactics. Last Christmas I spent caring for him in his final illness.”

Nettie murmured her condolences.

“So this year is much improved.” Sophia toasted the staff with her tea. “It is my joy to celebrate the birth of our Savior with all of you. Your dedication and perseverance are an inspiration.”

“Hear, hear!” James lifted his coffee cup.

“Thank you,” Henry choked out. He could hardly yell at Sophia after such a compliment.

“We’re having a better year too,” Will said. “Staff’s healthy.” Last year they’d passed around the grippe. Will, as the only one not ailing, ended up doing all the work short of preaching.

“Thank the Lord for good health.” Sophia turned to Nettie. “Do you need help with the dinner?”

Nettie shook her head. “All it needs is time.” She leaned on the table. “Tell us about Christmas in Paris.”

Sophia’s eyes closed halfway and her face relaxed. “Of course the climate is much more temperate. Church bells ring. Oysters for dinner. The air is fragrant with roasting chestnuts from street vendors and bread from bakeries.”

“Paris sounds so nice. Why did you leave?” Nettie asked.

Even her shrug seemed like part of a dance, involving both shoulders and a sway of her head. “Certain members of the Russian community there professed loyalty to the King of Heaven, but obeyed only the tsar. Then war with Prussia broke out. Father declined to participate in the conflict.”

“You’ve had such a sophisticated life. What do you miss most?” Nettie asked. “Balls and dinner parties? Going to the opera and ballet?”

“The heat at Vassar?” Will guessed. “I hear they keep the rooms at sixty-five degrees.”

Nettie gave a little snort. “Sixty-five? I can barely get my oven that warm.”

James rubbed his mouth. “French wine.”

“Not what you would miss,” the rev growled at James, then lowered his heavy eyebrows at Sophia. “Bathtub. I heard you fussing about having to use the washtub.”

“Forgive me. I should not complain. Not when our neighbors lack even that necessity.” Her blue eyes focused on something none of them could see. “No, what I miss most is reading. Selecting a book or periodical from the library, settling into my favorite chair by the window or under the lamp. Or in Paris, in a public garden. Many of the joys of Paris are without cost, which was fortunate.

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