Grace's Forgiveness by Molly Jebber Read Free Book Online Page A

morning.”
    “Mark, I’m surprised we didn’t bump into you last week.” Grace straightened her kapp blown to the kumming in the door.
    “I brought in a couple loads to my shop on Tuesday and Thursday after the stores were closed. I didn’t want to deliver my things during the day when there were customers shopping. I was afraid they’d stop me and want to peruse my things before I had a chance to get them out of the wagon.”
    “I understand. How will you manage a store and your farm?”
    “Levi and his friends have been helping me manage my property and animals until I hire someone. It’s been a pleasure to be better acquainted with Levi and his friends. They’re very supportive of me opening my store.”
    Waving a dismissive hand, Sarah grinned. “Levi and his friends are always helping each other out. They’d rather work together than alone.”
    Smiling, Grace poured herself a cup of coffee. “Are you ready to open your doors to customers?”
    He sipped his coffee. “Jah. I hung my sign and arranged my stock on the floor and shelves. First, I wanted to invite you to kumme over.”
    Sarah plucked a hair off Grace’s sleeve. “I peeked at his store. His furniture and household items are the prettiest I have ever laid my eyes on. You must let him show you around. I’ll manage our shop.”
    Grace put her hands in her apron pockets. “I admired your masthead above your door before I came inside. It stands out on the boardwalk. It’s plain in big letters and easy to read.”
    “Danki. It will be a reflection of my work to customers, so I’m relieved to hear you say you like it.” He gestured. “Kumme on in.”
    She followed him to the connecting door but stopped. She recognized the woman coming into her and Sarah’s shop. Why couldn’t she remember this woman’s name?
    The Englischer held her chin up and scanned the room. “What a lovely shop you have.” She clicked her shoes across the wooden floor to a multicolored pinwheel quilt hanging on the wall and fingered the corner of the note pinned to mark it sold. “I must buy this quilt. How much is it?”
    Grace set down her coffee cup and joined her. Sarah stood behind the counter.
    “This quilt has been sold. The woman who bought it is picking it up later this afternoon.” Grace picked up another similar patterned quilt. “Do you like this one?”
    “No, I do not. I will pay you double what your customer has paid. What do you say?”
    Sarah moved next to Grace.
    Grace flexed her hands by her sides. “We won’t sell you a quilt already promised to someone else. We would be willing to stitch you a similar quilt. You may choose the fabric and pattern. The quilt would be ready in about a week.”
    The woman frowned and narrowed her eyes at Grace. “You look familiar to me. You’re a friend of my daughter-in-law, Becca Carrington. Am I right?”
    Grace swallowed hard. How could she have forgotten meeting Becca’s mamm-in-law? The woman had her nose in the air when meeting her at the wedding. Her tone was direct and cold. She was intimidating. The stories Becca had told her about Mrs. Carrington before her friend and Dr. Matt Carrington had wed weren’t pleasant. She understood why. Her pinched face and stern demeanor showed the woman’s prejudice toward her and Sarah.
    She hadn’t told Sarah she’d attended Becca’s and Ruth’s weddings. Mrs. Carrington hadn’t attended Ruth’s wedding, but she might mention Becca’s. It would be best if she admitted to it before Mrs. Carrington did. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Carrington. I should’ve remembered you from the wedding. Yes, Becca and I are close friends.”
    “Becca has taken to high society life quite well, after having been raised in your simple and sheltered lifestyle. Of course, I have taught her how to dress, speak, and conduct herself among our friends.” She cocked her head and patted the quilt. “Are you certain you will not reconsider selling me this quilt? It is my friend’s