Robin Lee Hatcher by Promised to Me Page B

He’ll be wanting his own supper soon enough.”
    “But you have come so far only to—”
    “It was our pleasure. Isn’t that right, Emma?”
    “Yes,” her daughter answered dutifully as she set her tray on the counter beside the other one.
    “I do not know how to thank you properly.” Karola looked from Theodora to Emma and back again. “I haven’t enough words in English.”
    Theodora smiled. “You speak wonderfully, Miss Breit. And all the thanks I need is for you not to be a stranger whenever you’re in town. You come to see me at the parsonage, and we’ll have us a nice visit over a cup of tea.”
    Karola nodded. “I will not be a stranger, Mrs. Shrum.”
    “Then I expect us to become good friends, you and I.” She smiled. “Perhaps I’ll even convince you to attend the Methodist church one of these days.”
    Karola’s eyes widened, and both Theodora and Emma laughed. The merry sound lingered in the house long after they left.

Chapter Eleven

    31 May 1908
in care of Jakob Hirsch
Shadow Creek, Idaho

    Dear Father and Mother,
    It is still early on this Sunday morning, and the sun has yet to rise. There is wood burning in the fireplace, taking the chill from the room. I sit at a small table to write to you by lamplight.
    My new home is a two-room cabin on a hillside, a not-too- distant walk from Jakob’s house. It is cozy, my cabin, and I am comfortable in it. I do hope I can soon add some touches of my own, perhaps new curtains for the windows and a rag rug for the floor, but those will have to wait.
    Yesterday was my first day to work for Jakob. He left early to attend to his farming duties and did not return until late in the day. I was somewhat overwhelmed by all that needs to be done in this motherless home, but by the time I returned to my cabin, I felt a sense of accomplishment. Is that prideful? I hope not. I do not mean for it to be. It is simply that I have never managed a home, and it is good to know that I did not fail.
    Little Aislinn, who celebrated her first birthday only a week ago, seems to have taken a great liking to me.
    Bernard, who is almost five, is mischievous and quite the charmer. For now he follows mostly in his older sister’s footsteps, but it will not be long before he branches out on his own. I think he and I will get on well once we become better acquainted.
    It is Maeve who concerns me. She is lonely and confused and much too sad for a child of six years. She misses her mother, and who can blame her? I am praying for wisdom so that in the months I am here I will be of some help to her.
    I thought of you often yesterday, Mother, as I tried to bring some order to this big house. I am thankful to God for the parents he gave me. I am thankful for the many things you taught me, and I hope you would be proud of me, could you see my efforts.
    I have yet to cook a real meal. Yesterday, one of the women from town brought food to us. A good thing, for I had despaired of finding the necessary ingredients in Jakob’s bare pantry. I shudder to think what he has been feeding the children in the months he has been without a housekeeper. To be honest, I do not think he noticed what he ate when he came in from the fields. Weariness was etched deeply into his face. (I do not think you would recognize Jakob. He is much changed from the boy you knew. He has even grown a beard.)
    It is clear to me how very much he loves this way of life he has chosen. Or do you suppose it is the way of life that has chosen him?
    Does that sound like the dreamy girl who left Steiger-hausen, Mother? The one you said always had her head in the clouds? It is not. My feet are firmly on the ground at last. I am remembering all you taught me through the years. I think you would be surprised how much remains. You thought I never listened, but I did.
    The words have begun to swim on the page. I am tired and find I cannot keep my eyes open any longer. Today is Sunday, and I will go with Jakob and his children to