The weather remained dry and warm, even though September neared its end, providing a pleasant atmosphere for conversation. Belinda rose slowly, wishing she didn’t have to leave the chapel. It had been so satisfying to be in the house of the Lord, lifting her voice in song and listening to the Bible taught with heartfelt conviction. She had no desire to return to Malinda’s taciturn company. God, I’ve been praying for Malinda to change for so long. When are You going to answer? Small arms captured her from the side, and she looked down into the smiling face of Abby Ollenburger. She turned in the aisle to see Frau Ollenburger, with Lena in her arms. “The girls love the aprons you sewed for them,” Frau Ollenburger said. Abby scampered to Gussie’s side. Resembling mirror images, the little girls held out the embroidered skirts of their new aprons and offered giggling curtsies. Belinda laughed and leaned forward to give them each a hug. “You look like little angels. It was a joy to use that snowy white organdy at long last.
