Wooing Gertrude by Jodie Wolfe

Author:Jodie Wolfe [Wolfe, Jodie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Christian Fiction, inspirational fiction, Clean and Wholesome Novels, Religion and Spirituality
ISBN: 9781522304203
Publisher: Pelican Book Group
Published: 2023-08-02T00:00:00+00:00

20

Gertrude fidgeted with edge of the tablecloth. She shouldn’t have stayed. The church building was filling up. She glanced at the doorway. Why had she promised Ellie Lou? It was a mistake.

“Sorry it took me so long.” Her friend squeezed behind the table to join her. “Looks like a great turnout.”

She nodded. “I can’t promise—”

“Hello, dear.” Mary Scott interrupted her. She stood across the table laden with baskets and desserts. She smiled. “Betty and I thought this would be a great way to get to know everyone.”

Gertrude introduced Ellie Lou to the older woman.

“Are you getting settled at Mrs. Walsh’s?” Gertrude racked her brain, trying to remember all the woman had told her when she and her niece first visited her shop.

“We are, at least for now. We’re still trying to find a permanent place.” The older woman studied the room. “I haven’t been to a box supper in ages. I’d forgotten how much fun they are. Betty wasn’t so sure about coming since she has a beau back in New York. Betty is my niece, Mrs. Williams.”

Ellie Lou nodded.

Gertrude searched the room. “Is Betty here? I don’t think I’ve seen her?”

Mary chuckled. “If I know that girl, she’s outside with the young men buzzing around her like bees to a flower. She knows how to turn heads.” The woman patted her gray hair. “She didn’t get that from me, which is why I’m an old maid. Of course, it probably didn’t help that all my life I made it known I didn’t need a man to make me happy.” Her eyes twinkled. “My mother had a conniption over that one. But the good Lord has been my constant companion. Now, Betty is different than me. She thinks she needs a man to make her complete.”

Gertrude wasn’t sure how to respond to the woman’s assessment. Mary’s openness reminded her a little bit of Jules’s brusque honesty.

“Did you pack a basket, Miss Scott?” Ellie Lou studied the long line of packaged meals.

“Please, call me Mary.” The older woman reached into her reticule, pulled out and flicked a fan open, and set it in motion. “Mercy, it’s hot here. I packed a basket, yes, but I don’t plan to have it put up to be bid on. I’m fine eating by myself.”

“I’m sure Betty wouldn’t mind you eating with her and whoever bids on her basket.” Ellie Lou adjusted the desserts to make room for a cake that had just been dropped off.

“I’d be happy to eat with you, Mary.” Gertrude smiled. “I didn’t bring a basket and hadn’t planned on staying.” She glanced at Ellie Lou who frowned at her. “That is, I hadn’t planned on staying long.”

“Ladies and Gentlemen, if I can have your attention,” Pastor Montgomery called in a loud voice. “Thank you all for coming and showing your support as we work to raise money for a new school. Let’s pray and we’ll get started.

“Dear God, thank You for this opportunity to support the education of the young ones You’ve placed in our care.

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