RR05 - Tender Mercies by Lauraine Snelling Read Free Book Online Page B

her chin.
    “But, dear lady, you’ve only seen one product. When you understand how easy this little gem is to operate, why, you must try it yourself.”
    “How much?”
    He named a price that made her blink.
    “But the beauty of this is that you only have to pay a little bit down, and the rest is only pennies a month. This plan makes it possible for every woman in America to have a Singer sewing machine in her own home. Think what this will do to ease the burden on your friends and family.”
    Penny held up a hand to stop his spate of words. “Easy, Mr. Drummond, easy. I see how this machine can help the women. I can see a hundred uses for it, but I can tell you right now that the people of Blessing are a thrifty lot and don’t take too easily to new things.”
    “Do the men buy plows and mowers, binders and threshers?”
    Penny had to agree.
    “But not things like that for the home?”
    “There haven’t been things like that for the home.”
    “Ah, but they are coming, and this little beauty”—he laid a reverent palm on the wheel of the machine—“will revolutionize the way women sew clothing for themselves, their families, and their households.”
    “I know. Now I have to figure out how to do this.”
    “If you order one today, it will be shipped directly from the factory and be here in two weeks. Then I will return and train you how to use it so you can teach others.” He rubbed a hand over his balding pate. “I saw those women eyeing me when they came in for the mail. Having a machine set up like this will increase your business and provide a much needed service for the women of Blessing and parts beyond. You will be the first store north of Grand Forks to carry the Singer sewing machine. Why, down in Fargo a woman is opening an entire store just to sell sewing machines. Can you believe that?” He stroked the machine as if it were a favorite horse or dog. “Of course she will soon be selling the latest silks and cottons, wools and linens. I can just see it—The Sewing Emporium.”
    The tinkling bell caught her attention. “Excuse me, Mr. Drummond. I have another customer.” She hustled toward the front of the store. “Goodie, how wonderful to see you. Why, here you live almost next door, and it seems like forever since I’ve seen you.”
    “I . . . ah . . . haven’t felt good the last couple of days.” Goodie Peterson Wold dropped her gaze to her hands. “I lost the baby, you know.” Her fingers twined around one another, as if by moving they would right the wrong that tore at the woman’s heart and soul.
    “No, I didn’t know. Oh, Goodie, I’m so sorry.” Penny put an arm around the woman’s shoulders. “Did you call for Ingeborg and Metiz?”
    “No, it happened too fast.” Goodie sighed. “One minute I was rejoicing, and the next I felt this terrible cramp, and it was gone.” Her head wagged from side to side, more perpetual motion. “I just want to give Olaf a son. He is so good to me and mine.”
    “But you will, surely.” Penny forced a note of cheer into her voice. She who would give anything to be expecting, and God seemed to be looking the other way. “Is that why you missed the quilting bee?”
    Goodie nodded. “Do you have any molasses? I been hankering for some gingerbread something awful.”
    Penny thought a moment. “Let me check.” Knowing she’d had Ephraim wash out the molasses barrel, she went to her own cupboard and returned with a half-full jar. “This is all, but you are welcome to it.”
    “Thank you. You are a real friend.” Goodie dug in her bag. “How much do I owe you?”
    “Nothing. I’ve got some molasses cookies left. How about some of those to last until you get the gingerbread baked?” Penny laid a hand on Goodie’s arm. “Besides, you look as if you need to lie down, not bake.”
    Goodie cocked her head. “What’s that strange sound I hear?”
    “Oh my, I near forgot. The sewing machine man is here.” Penny called that over her