The Brickmaker's Bride by Judith Miller Read Free Book Online Page B

web.” Laura handed her a disc. “You’ll see. You’re going to do a wonderful job.”
    As the children worked on their projects, Laura circled the table, offering help and a dose of affection where needed. The boys were slow to reveal any desire for love, but they beamed when she offered words of praise or when she gave them an encouraging pat on the shoulder.
    She leaned over Kenneth’s shoulder to look at his drawings. On one side he’d drawn a horse’s head. On the other side he’d drawn a stall. “I think the horse will look like he’s in the stall when the disc flies around, don’t you?” he asked.
    “Yes, Kenneth. I believe your design will work very well. That’s a fine horse you’ve drawn. Let’s make holes on either side and insert the string so you can try it.”
    One by one the children completed their thaumatropes, most revealing a little about themselves in the pictures. Margaret Reed, a somewhat melancholy little girl, had drawn an empty grave on one side of her disc and a woman on the other. Laura’s breath caught as the girl spun the thaumatrope and the woman dropped in and out of the grave.
    “That’s my mother. She died when I was a baby. I just drew what I imagined she looked like since I don’t remember her. Is that okay, Miss Woodfield?” Margaret didn’t appear distraught. She’d seemingly accepted her lot in life, yet Laura couldn’t imagine what it must be like to grow up without loving parents. Margaret nudged Laura’s hand. “Did you hear me, Miss Woodfield? Is my picture all right?”
    “Yes, of course. You’re an excellent artist, Margaret.”
    Johnny Rutherford, a twelve-year-old, drew closer. “Why didn’t you draw your mother in heaven instead of in the ground, Margaret? Mrs. Tremble says if we believe in Jesus, our spirit goes to heaven when we die. Didn’t your mother go to heaven?”
    Margaret’s lip trembled. “He’s right. I should have drawn a picture of the sky with sunshine and fluffy clouds. I think my mama’s in heaven, don’t you, Miss Woodfield?”
    Laura couldn’t say for sure if Margaret’s mother had gone to heaven. She hadn’t known the woman or her beliefs. But one thing was certain: Laura wouldn’t cause the child more worry. “I think your mother would be pleased if you drew a picture of heaven rather than a grave, and there’s time to make changes to your thaumatrope, if you’d like.” Laura handed the girl her handkerchief. “There’s no reason for tears. With a few swishes of paint, you can easily adjust what you’ve already made.”
    After helping Margaret recreate her picture, Laura escorted the group into the adjacent classroom, where they presented their creations to the younger children. The older youngsters beamed as the little ones oohed and aahed over the spinning discs.
    Mrs. Tremble stepped to her side. “You have such a way with children, Laura. I do hope you’re giving my suggestion a great deal of thought and prayer. You have a gift, and I’d like to see it put to good use here at the orphanage—at least until you marry and have some little ones of your own.”
    Laura fixed her gaze on the young students. “I can’t deny I find true pleasure coming here to spend time with the children, but I don’t know what the future holds, Mrs. Tremble. Mother is selling the brickworks, and right now I couldn’t possibly acceptthe position. However, you can continue to count on me as one of your volunteers.” She turned and smiled at the older woman. “I’m sorry to disappoint you.”
    “Once things are settled with the sale of your father’s business, you may change your mind. If so, the position will be available to you.”
    Laura snapped open the watch pinned to her bodice and startled. “Dear me, I didn’t realize it was so close to twelve o’clock. I promised Mother I’d be home in time for the noonday meal. I’d best gather my things and be on my way.”
    Kenneth rushed after her as she strode into the