Read Online Morning Sky by Judith Miller - Free Book Online Page A

object. Didn’t God create these flowers with wonderful aromas? I’m certain He’d want His children smelling just as fine as the flowers. Besides, what’s wrong with making perfume?We’re performing a service for the womenfolk on the prairie.”
    She has a point, Jarena thought. She forced aside Miss Hattie’s warning and continued to ignore the small voice urging her to stop. She focused her attention on Lilly and her exacting directions. And when her aunt finally declared the mixture ready to be bottled, Jarena carefully funneled the sweet-smelling liquid into the shiny containers. She didn’t notice the sun had begun to cast longer shadows across the hardened dirt floor—nor did she hear her father approach the house.
    “What’s all this going on in here?” he boomed from the doorway, the sun forming a golden halo around his floppy felt hat. “Sure don’ smell like my supper cookin’ on that fire.” The bottle in Jarena’s hand dropped to the floor. Glass shards scattered around her feet and reflected tiny prisms of light.
    Jarena waited, hoping Lilly would respond. Instead, Lilly folded her hands in a saintly fashion and remained uncharacteristically silent.
    “I’s waitin’ for an answer, gal.” Her father crossed the room in four long strides, stopping directly in front of Jarena.
    She stepped in front of the shelf where she’d placed the oils and alcohol. Pointing a trembling finger at the small bottles that lined the kitchen table, she regaled her father with the many attributes of their proposed business venture—as many as she could recall, at least. Her thoughts had scattered like rose petals in a gust of wind the moment her father had entered the house. He didn’t appear convinced as he stepped forward and gently moved her aside. His gaze settled on the oils and then he picked up the bottle of alcohol. Without a word, he removed the lid, walked out the door, and poured the contents on the ground. His dark eyes bore down on Jarena as he set the empty bottle on the shelf.
    Ezekiel moved to the table, his jaw twitching as he dropped onto the chair opposite his sister-in-law. “Lilly, what you got to say ’bout all this?”
    With a demure shrug, Lilly explained there was little she could add. Jarena glared at her aunt. Nothing to add? Why didn’t her aunt come to her defense? Why didn’t she explain what a wonderful idea this was? Lilly could at least admit making perfume had been her idea.
    “This was all my idea, Ezekiel.” Lilly’s insipid confession did little to deflate the crackling tension that filled the room.
    “I never doubted that for one minute. My girls ain’ never disobeyed me ’til you walked into my house, Lilly. Jest about the time I’s thinkin’ I been too hard on you, you go and prove me wrong. Liquor ain’ allowed in Nicodemus. Jarena knows that—everyone who lives here knows. And I’d wager you knew it afore you opened that bottle. Ain’ that right?”
    Lilly didn’t flinch. “I don’t understand why you’re getting all riled up. You’re acting as though I invited folks over to purchase a shot of whiskey when all I’ve done is teach Jarena how to make perfume so she can earn a little money.”
    Ezekiel struck the table with his fist. “Don’ you go trying to mix right and wrong, Lilly! There ain’ no excuse fer none of this. Jarena don’ need no extra money. She’s got everything she needs right here— and that don’ include you or your perfume makin’.”
    Lilly folded her arms across her waist. “Men aren’t always the finest judge of what’s best—especially where their wives and daughters are concerned.” She grudgingly added, “However, I’ll do my best to keep the peace and abide by your rules until I can find a job.”
    Ezekiel gave a nod. “That would suit me jest fine. Now get this mess off the table and let’s see to gettin’ some supper.”
    Jarena hastened to begin supper while Lilly returned the bottles and supplies to her