Mellie plopped down on the bench at the end of the bed and stared at Charlotte with wide eyes. “You go to those Shakers? That’s crazy talk.”“Aunt Tish doesn’t think so. She thinks it will work.”“Then my mammy’s done lost her senses too. Work is a good word for you to think on, Miss Lottie. The’ ain’t no ladies over there in that Shakertown. Just women more like me than you that them preachers put to work makin’ hats and cookin’ jams.” Mellie frowned. “What could Mammy be thinkin’?”“What’s best for me the way she always has. And for you.”“Then she’s done mixed up on that. How’s you goin’ to those Shaker people gonna be any kind of good for you or for me? I better go talk sense to her.”Mellie stood up, but Charlotte put a hand out to stop her. “First you have to listen, Mellie.”Mellie sank back down on the bench. “All right, Miss Lottie. You tell me what’s got you and Mammy thinkin’ on this crazy stuff.”Charlotte rubbed her forehead as she looked at Mellie and wondered where to start.
