“You’ve already heard? Why didn’t you tell me what people were saying?” Molly’s expression showed dismay but not surprise. “I didn’t think it was worth repeating.” She shook her head and gazed at Ellie across the quilting frame. “There’ve just been a few remarks here and there, far as I know. Karl and I wonder who started it.” Ellie knew her husband didn’t deserve this poisonous accusation. He’d always been steadfast in his devotion to the ministry of their church. “Do you think Matthew knows what’s being said about him?” “I couldn’t say. Why don’t you ask him?” “I can’t.” “Why ever not? That’s the best way to tackle a problem—head on.” Molly’s gold-flecked eyes shone with love and concern. A moment’s silence fell between the two women. Ellie poked her needle into a six-sided patch of flowered cloth and joined it to an indigo hexagon already pieced to the quilt top. Then she sighed, abandoning her stitching. “Matthew and I seem to be at odds with one another right now.”
