Return to Harmony by Janette Oke Read Free Book Online Page A

dripped upon their heads, but even the wetness assured them the old tree would protect them from the worst of the storm. Even so, each rumble brought another shiver through Bethan’s body.
    Jodie searched for something to take Bethan’s mind from the thunder and settled on, “Have you read the history lesson for tomorrow?”
    Bethan nodded and shivered at the same time. “I didn’t understand it, though. I mean, why did they have to fight the Civil War?”
    “Because,” Jodie said matter-of-factly, “President Lincoln didn’t want Americans to own slaves.”
    “No, no, that’s what they disagreed about,” Bethan said. “But why did they have to fight about it.”
    Jodie slackened her hold on both Bethan and the tree so she could move back a half-pace. Bethan had the habit of asking the strangest questions when they studied together. “It’s just like the book says,” she answered. “They fought to make the slaves free.”
    “But couldn’t they have just sat down and talked about it? Why did they have to take guns and go out killing each other?” She seemed to have forgotten the storm. “Think of all the soldiers and mothers and children, Jodie. Their homes burned up and there were guns and bullets and people being hurt—the book said after the war there wasn’t enough to eat. Why didn’t they get together and discuss it and pray about it?”
    “Maybe they did,” Jodie countered. “President Lincoln believed in God. That’s why he thought owning slaves was all wrong.”
    “General Lee believed in God too. So why didn’t they let God work out the problem?” Bethan demanded. “God could have let the slaves go free without the fighting and the hurting. I know He could.”
    Jodie turned and stared out at the departing storm. Bethan’s questions often left her grappling for answers. She watched as the rain gradually lessened, heard the thunder rolling pleasantly in the distance, and wondered what on earth she should say. The assignment and the readings had all seemed so clear to her until Bethan had started in.
    “I sure don’t know exactly what God would have done,” Bethan persisted. “But I think He would have figured it all out, and without hurting all those folks. They just didn’t give Him time.”
    Jodie had opened her mouth to reply when she spotted a figure hurrying toward them. She pointed and exclaimed, “That’s Momma!”
    They raced out from under cover toward Louise Harland. She had clearly not fared as well as the girls. Her clothing, soaked and clinging, hung about her. And she was shivering so hard she could scarcely get out the words, “What on earth are you two doing out in this storm?”
    “Bethan had some scraps for Sherman, but the storm stopped us.” Jodie inspected her mother. “You’re all wet.”
    “I’m well aware of that, child.” Louise flapped out her dress. “I took a few things over to Mr. Russel and got caught precisely half way home. The sky was clear as a bell when I left. I didn’t think of taking a parasol.” She looked the two girls over and demanded, “Why aren’t you very wet?”
    Jodie pointed behind her. “We hid under the maple.”
    “Oh, you mustn’t do that. Not ever.” Louise turned them both around and started down the street. Her teeth chattered as she continued, “Never take refuge under a tree when there is lightning, daughter. Lightning might… but never mind that.”
    “I never fed Sherman,” Bethan protested.
    “Well,” Louise inspected the two girls. “Neither of you got all that wet. Mind the puddles and keep your feet dry. And be home in half an hour.”
    “No dawdling,” Bethan agreed. “I already promised my mother.”
    “All right.” Jodie’s mother managed a smile. “Now I really must be off. I can already feel a chill setting in.”

    “Just put them on the bed there, that’s a dear.”
    With a relieved sigh, Jodie set the packages on the foot of her parents’ big four-poster bed. Even though Easter