Eloise shrugged innocently. When Leah turned to see where he was standing, his dark eyes were waiting for her. She looked away, irritated with him for a variety of reasons, the least being making her the center of a whisper-filled controversy once again. However, as she glanced around at the crowd she saw that these people didn’t appear scandalized; instead they were smiling fondly in her direction. Some of the older women even had knowing looks on their faces and others were out and out grinning. They appeared genuinely pleased by this startling turn of events, but Leah had no explanation as to why. She leaned over to ask Eloise, “Why is everyone smiling?” “They like him, and they like you, dear.” Applause accompanied his walk to the front of the crowd. He had his hair in two plaits today, and they hung in front of his shoulders. They were a cultural contrast to the suit coat thrown over his arm, the open-throated white shirt and tailored trousers. Leah assumed they were congratulating him on his large contribution to the church’s building fund, or at least she hoped they were.
