Steadfast Heart by Tracie Peterson Page B

doesn’t violate the law.”
    â€œIt’s true,” Poisie added with a stern face. “Remember that all of Israel and Judah were taken captive for ignoring the seventh year Sabbath rest of the fields. How much more will He punish those who dishonor the weekly Sabbath.”
    Abrianna shook her head. “I hardly think that the GoodLord would condemn us to Hades should we happen to need something on the Sabbath. Even Jesus worked miracles on that day. And I wasn’t suggesting a day of shopping, only that if you had need of an errand I could take care of it.”
    â€œIt’s true, Selma,” Mrs. Madison said, looking to Mrs. Gibson. “Our Savior faced great condemnation from the teachers of the day when he drove out demons and healed the sick on the day of rest. I believe I can see the point Abrianna is making. A steadfast heart seeks God’s desires, and if that is best served in helping someone, then who are we to say it’s wrong?”
    Before the conversation could reach a theological fervor, Wade stood. “Why don’t I go along, too?” Not waiting for an answer, he looked Booth in the eye. “Show me the picture of your sister, and I’ll help with the search. After all, three sets of eyes are better than two.”
    â€œSee, Kolbein?” Abrianna said. “I told you that Wade would be more than happy to help us. He’s a good man and he cares a lot about people.” She looked to Wade. “I am so pleased that you would choose to help in this. There are so many people in the world who just walk by when seeing the needs of others and do nothing.”
    Wade nodded. “Like those who ignore the plight of the Chinese?”
    â€œExactly so. I’m glad you understand.” Abrianna turned to Kolbein. “I’ll be right back. Let me change my clothes. I have no desire to parade around like this. My friends out there might not even recognize me.”
    Wade frowned. He liked the way Abrianna had dressed for church. She looked quite innocent and unspoiled in the pale lavender gown that had once belonged to Lenore. Frankly, he thought the color looked a lot better against Abrianna’s red hairand freckled fair skin than it had against Lenore’s brown hair and olive complexion. Wade grimaced at the feminine thought. What man worried about the color of gowns and hair? Maybe he was spending too much time with the ladies.
    True to her word, Abrianna was gone only a few minutes. She came back in a state of partial undress, tucking her blouse into the waistband of her dark blue skirt. She had left her hair pinned up, but Wade wouldn’t be surprised at all if those pins came out as the trio made their way through the city. Seeing that he was watching her, Abrianna threw him a smile and glanced around.
    â€œI’m glad my aunts are busy. I know it’s unseemly for me to act this way, but gracious, you know what a rapscallion I can be, and I didn’t want to waste more time. Furthermore, it’s not like I’m showing my chemise or petticoats, although I will tell you that once Miss Poisie showed a fair amount of her pantalets when crossing Front Street in a downpour, but don’t tell her I mentioned it.”
    Wade laughed aloud as Booth led the way down the stairs and out the building. Thankfully, it wasn’t raining, but Wade and Abrianna had taken up umbrellas just in case. Booth seemed unmindful of such matters. Should he choose to stay in the city for long, however, he’d soon learn the value of staying dry.
    They had gone only a couple of blocks, talking about a variety of things, when Booth made Wade most uncomfortable by complimenting Abrianna’s faithfulness to assist him. To his surprise, however, Abrianna changed the subject and began speaking in great detail about Lenore Fulcher.
    â€œShe is the most beautiful woman in Seattle,” Abrianna declared. “Of course, I don’t usually make