“Do go,” I said. “We have plenty of days to visit now that I’m home.”
Flynn stood, looking relieved. He clapped me on the shoulder. “I’m glad you’re home. I’ll see you soon.”
We all said our goodbyes before he practically ran down the steps of the porch and around the corner of the house.
“What do you think of the new porch?” Josephine asked me. “Phillip designed and built the whole thing.”
“I like it very much,” I said. “What a great way to spend the afternoon.”
“And it keeps the bugs out in the evening,” Mama said. “Thanks to clever Phillip.”
Josephine beamed at her husband. “He is clever.”
Phillip brushed aside the compliment. “Nothing to it, really.”
“I saw Dr. Neal at the Johnsons’ store yesterday,” Papa said. “He looked as if he might collapse on the spot.”
“The poor man,” Mama said. “He’s been counting the days until you arrived, Theo.”
Papa nodded. “He lost a baby in delivery last month and feels haunted by it. He’ll want you to take over that part of things, I expect.”
Josephine had baby Poppy cradled in one arm as she poked her fork into one last bite of chicken. “Martha said he hasn’t slept well since.”
“Sadly, losing babies happens,” I said. “I’m certain he’s blameless.”
The talk moved to the opening of the new schoolhouse. My attention waned. Hearing about Dr. Neal’s troubles worried me. The life of a small-town doctor would encompass a myriad of responsibilities. Losing babies was inevitable. I must harden myself to a certain extent.
“Do you ever miss teaching, Mama?” I asked, forcing myself back into the conversation.
She glanced over at Papa. “Once in a while I have a twinge of remorse, but you kids have kept me so busy over the years that it was like I had a full classroom.”
Josephine laughed. “Seven of us is like a classroom.”
“And now we have the grandbabies.” Papa’s eyes twinkled. “Never a dull moment.”
2
Louisa
* * *
The problem with trouble? One never sees it coming until it’s too late. In the years since I’d been with the Linds, I’d been lulled into a false sense of safety. Then, out of nowhere, I was faced with complete uncertainty. Would I be returned to a life of near starvation and homelessness?
I’d gone to Isak Olofsson’s bakery thinking all was well. I lived a quiet life with the Linds, taking care of them as they began to show the signs of age, cooking, shopping, and cleaning for them. In addition, I taught Sunday school and helped with whatever other church duties they needed. My existence wasn’t exciting, but it was steady and safe. That’s all I needed.
“Louisa, I wondered if you had a minute?” From behind the counter, Isak wiped his hands on the front of his apron.
“Yes, what is it?”
He looked around his empty shop as if he were worried there were others eavesdropping before speaking. “I heard a few of the old biddies from church talking this morning. They must have thought I couldn’t hear or maybe that I wouldn’t care, but they were talking about Pastor Lind.”
I clenched my teeth together. Knowing what he would say, I waited. Mrs. Poe hadn’t been discreet in her dislike of Father. No doubt she’d decided to start another church in town. What did I care, anyway? There were enough sinners in town for two churches.
Isak placed both of his large hands palm down on the wooden counter. A powder of flour dust coated the reddish hairs on his forearms. “Mrs. Poe said the church board has voted and they’re getting rid of your father.”
My stomach dropped. Black dots danced before my eyes. “That’s impossible.”
“I asked Flynn about this,” Isak said. “He said the board is elected by the members to represent their wishes. Apparently, Mrs. Poe has been on a secret campaign to lure people over to her side.”