Read Online Stephanie Grace Whitson - [Quilt Chronicles] by Shadow on the Quilt - Free Book Online Page A

gossip. And gossip has no place in a house of mourning.”
    “We do not gossip,” Aunt Lydia said firmly. She nodded at Juliana. “The worse the heartache, the more one needs the company of friends. And when it comes down to it, I’ve always believed that some of our mourning customs are too severe.”
    “You didn’t think that when Teddy died,” Aunt Theodora said. “You wore mourning for a full year. And the two of you were only engaged.”
    Aunt Lydia had been engaged once? Juliana watched the sisters’ exchange with renewed interest.
    “Invoking the name of the love of my life will not make me change my mind. When Teddy died, I was little more than a child. I didn’t
think
at all. I did what was expected.” Aunt Lydia shuddered. “I
despise
crepe. The best tribute I could have paid my Teddy was to celebrate his memory among the living.” She turned to look out the coach window. “And that is what I shall do with my quilting friends. I shall celebrate Sterling’s life.”
    Juliana gazed out the window. Had Sterling been the love of her life? She would have said yes before last night. Even with recent difficulties, she would have said yes.
It doesn’t matter. I wasn’t the love of
his
life.
She looked back at Aunt Lydia. There didn’t seem to be one bitter bone in that woman’s body, even though she’d lost much. Somehow, it gave Juliana hope. Maybe she could get past this and be happy again.
    Aunt Theodora glared at her sister. “The older you get, Lydia Johanna Sutton, the less I know you. ‘Celebrate Sterling’ indeed. It’s positively
common.
”
    Aunt Lydia smiled as if she’d just been complimented. “Think what you will; I already have an idea for a memorial. Would you like to hear it?”
    “I cannot imagine anything more delightful.” Aunt Theodora’s voice dripped with sarcasm.
    “We should establish the Sutton Foundation to provide education for the children in the society’s care. At last count we were responsible for two dozen. I propose we begin with a day school. Perhaps, in time, we can add evening classes for adults wishing to better themselves.” She paused. “And we should announce it at the June bazaar. In memory of Sterling.”
    Aunt Theodora stared at her in disbelief. “You aren’t planning on
attending
the bazaar?” She counted on her fingers. “That’s only ten weeks away. Keeping our promise to your committee regarding that quilt is one thing.
They
will come to us. But we absolutely cannot be attending
social
events only ten weeks after the funeral.”
    “It isn’t exactly socializing. We’ll be announcing something wonderful. In Sterling’s memory. I think he’d approve.” Aunt Lydia appealed to Juliana, although a bit of doubt sounded in her tone. “Don’t you think?”
    Juliana nodded. “As far as I’m concerned, it’s settled.”
    Aunt Theodora pursed her lips. “I never thought I would live to see the day that women I have loved and admired would toss good manners and custom to the wind.”
    Did she just say she loves me? She
admires
me
? Juliana glanced at Aunt Lydia, who merely smiled and shrugged. As they descended from the coach just outside the funeral parlor, Aunt Lydia leaned close. “Give her time. She’ll come around.”

    Aunt Lydia’s pastor was waiting for them in the reception area at Lindermann’s Funeral Parlor. The moment they entered, he smiled warmly at Juliana and said, “I hope you’ll forgive my intrusion. I was actually on my way to call at the house when I saw your town coach headed this way.” He bowed to the aunts. “I am so sorry for your loss. At times like these, one can be tempted to wonder if the Almighty has taken His eye off things.”
    Aunt Theodora glowered. “At times like these, one would be well served to refrain from questioning the Almighty, lest He take offense.”
    Pastor Taylor smiled. “I rest on the promise that ‘He remembereth that we are dust.’” Without waiting for a response, he