Hannah's Joy by Marta Perry Read Free Book Online

softly.
    “I wish . . .” Paula stopped, sighing. “Well, there is no point in wishing to undo the past. I could not keep my baby sister with me forever.”
    “No, I guess not.” Paula couldn’t have prevented their going away, even though it grieved her. But if they’d stayed, if Mammi had had family and religion and tradition to rely on, maybe she would not have slipped so far into the depression, where no one could reach her.
    “I don’t mean to make you sad.” Aunt Paula reached across the table to pat Hannah’s hand. “Now, what were you saying about the kapp?”
    It was a small thing to do, wasn’t it? And it would make Aunt Paula happy.
    “I was thinking that perhaps I should go back to wearing one. If you think it appropriate.”
    Aunt Paula beamed. “Appropriate? Ja, of course. Women in more progressive churches than ours wear them with Englisch dress.” She sobered, looking at Hannah searchingly. “But don’t think I’m pushing you to do this, my Hannah. It’s for you to decide.”
    “I know. And I have decided.” She touched a stray strand ruefully. “But it’s a job to keep my hair back. I don’t want to look foolish.”
    “There’s nothing foolish about it. It’s a sign of devotion. Now, I can lend you some kapps, for sure. But it would be wonderful gut if we could make some for you.” Aunt Paula’s mind seemed to be racing, but the thoughts clearly pleased her. “Why don’t you walk down to Katie’s shop after supper? She carries the organdy for kapps and will know just what you need. We can work on it after Jamie is in bed.”
    “Katie won’t be open, will she?” Hannah bent to rescue the spoon Jamie had thrown on the floor.
    “No, but she and her sister always stay on Saturday to make sure everything is cleaned up and ready for the next week. I’m sure she’ll be happy to see you. And Jamie and I will have a nice little time together.”
    It was fairly obvious that Paula wanted some time alone with Jamie. Hannah’s heart warmed. Jamie might be missing a father and grandparent, but he did have people who loved him.
    *   *   *
    As she walked down Main Street, Hannah realized she had another goal besides getting the material for her prayer coverings.
    Katie and Caleb seemed to be close to William. Perhaps he’d told them about her offer to help with his stammer. Maybe Katie would have some insight into William’s attitude.
    His reaction had unsettled Hannah. In fact, it still did.
    William had shut her out. That look of reserve sat strangely on his open, friendly face, but maybe it shouldn’t have surprised her. She’d realized that he might have been embarrassed, even hurt at her directing so much attention to what he probably saw as a defect. If she’d hurt him—well, she’d have to find some way to make amends.
    She frowned a little, thinking about that conversation. Why on earth had she told him so much about her marriage? She’d never intended that, but somehow the words had slipped out. Maybe she’d mistaken William’s silence for empathy.
    The sign on the quilt shop door had been turned to Closed, but she could see figures moving inside. She knocked, hoping Aunt Paula had been right.
    “Hannah,” Katie exclaimed, pulling the door wide. “This is nice, for sure. Komm.” Her hand swept in a welcoming gesture.
    “I hope you don’t mind that I’ve come by after you’re closed. Aunt Paula seemed to think it wouldn’t be a problem, but . . .”
    “Paula is right, as always, and I’m happy to see you. Here is my sister Rhoda, who helps me in the shop.”
    The girl who smiled and nodded must have been about sixteen or seventeen. She wore the sober Amish dress, but her face was pert and lively, making Hannah wonder how many young Amish hearts she’d be breaking.
    “What can we do for you?” Katie asked. “Were you wanting some fabric?”
    “That’s it. I need to make some prayer coverings—or rather, I should say that Aunt Paula will