Read Online The Quilter's Daughter by Wanda E. Brunstetter - Free Book Online Page A

assistance whenever it was needed. Each night, Abby fell wearily into bed, often forgetting to pray or read her Bible. She’d been negligent about writing letters to Lester and Deborah, too, which she had been reminded of today when a letter from Lester arrived. With a pang of regret, Abby took a seat on the edge of her bed and reread his note.
    Dear Abby,
    It’s been almost two weeks since I’ve heard from you. I hope it’s only because you’ve been busy and not because you’ve forgotten me. If things slow up at the blacksmith shop, I may catch a bus and come there for a few days. I miss you so much and feel the need to spend time with you. It would be nice to meet Abraham and his family, too.
    Mom says she hasn’t heard from you in a while, either. She wanted me to tell you that everything is going well at the quilt shop. Lately, there have been a lot of tourists in town, but that’s pretty normal for summertime, I suppose.
    Please write soon, and tell your mamm I’m prayin’ for her and hope she’s doin’ okay. Mom says she’s prayin’, too.
    Always yours,
Lester             
    Abby hurried to her dresser and retrieved her writing paper and a pen. Tonight she would write Lester a letter, no matter how tired she felt. She loved Lester with all her heart and didn’t want him to think she’d forgotten him.
    She had just finished her letter to Lester and sealed the envelope when someone rapped on the door. “Abby, are you still awake?”
    “Jah. Please, come in.”
    The door opened and Nancy entered the room, wearing a white cotton nightgown that brushed her slender ankles. The girl’s golden brown hair hung loosely down her back, and its shiny luster offered proof that it had recently been brushed. “I hope I’m not disturbin’ you, but I’d like to talk awhile, if it’s all right.”
    Abby patted the edge of her bed. “Come have a seat, and tell me what’s on your mind.”
    Nancy sat down with a groan. “It’s Fannie’s cousin.”
    “Edna?”
    “Jah.”
    “What about her? Is Edna sick or something?”
    “No, but she sure is bossy. The woman’s always tellin’ me what to do and complainin’ because I don’t do things exactly the way she wants ’em done.” Nancy’s forehead wrinkled. “Things were goin’ along fine until she started coming over to help out. Can’t you send her away, Abby?”
    Abby knew her young stepsister was quite capable and probably felt like a failure in Edna’s eyes. Even though she didn’t know her mother’s cousin well, from what Mom had said, she knew Edna was pleasant and liked to kid around. Maybe she was only funning with Nancy when she said or did certain things. The girl might be overly sensitive in that regard.
    Abby took Nancy’s hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “It’s possible that Edna doesn’t think you’re incompetent. Maybe she’s just teasing when she makes little irritating comments.”
    Nancy pursed her lips. “Why would she do that? Can’t she see how hard I work? Doesn’t she realize I’m doin’ the best I can?”
    “I’m sure she does. My advice is to simply ignore Cousin Edna’s remarks.”
    “You think if I didn’t try to stand up for myself, things would go better?”
    Ah, so that was the problem. Everything Edna said to Nancy was going against the grain, and the girl defended herself in return.
    “Edna is older and wiser than you, Nancy,” Abby said. “You’ve been taught to show consideration for your elders, isn’t that right?”
    Nancy’s reply was a quick nod.
    “Even if Edna’s comments aren’t meant in jest, you should never argue with her; it’s not the respectful thing to do.”
    “You’re right. I’m sorry.”
    “I think it’s Edna you should apologize to, don’t you?”
    “Jah. I’ll do that when she shows up tomorrow.”
    “And you’ll try harder to ignore the things she says that get under your skin?”
    “Uh-huh.”
    Abby gave her stepsister a hug. “I’m proud of you.