received by either race. “I don’t know. If I had to choose today, then I’d say no. I want to do as much good as I can, and I don’t think I can accomplish it being Indian. Neither side would be inclined to accept me into their circles if they knew the truth.”
“Well, I suppose you’re right on that account.” Nancy moved toward the door. “You have a few hours before supper. I’ll let David know you need a pry bar. I think he’s still here, tending the horse.” She paused and smiled. “I’m really glad you’ve come to live with us, Faith.”
“I am too.”
Nancy had just finished setting the table when her sister-in-law, Clementine Carpenter, entered the dining room followed by Nancy’s brother, Gabe. Nancy had shared a friendship with Clementine since childhood, and Nancy’s husband had been best friends with Gabe.
“One more for supper?” Gabe asked with a devilish grin.
“Of course. I didn’t know you were in town. I’ll fetch another place setting. What have you two been up to?”
Gabe moved toward her. “We’ll tell you all about it at supper.” He kissed the top of her head.
Clementine followed Nancy into the kitchen. “I’ll help you finish up. Is Mimi home?”
Mimi Bryant and Clementine worked at the small private school just a few blocks away. Mimi was the perfect boarder, a Christian widow who was just approaching the one-year mark of having lost her husband. She was outgoing despite her season of mourning and always helpful.
“She returned nearly an hour ago. I figured you had probably gone shopping. Little did I think my brother would be in town.” Nancy gave her friend a teasing look.
“He just got in this afternoon. He said he wanted to surprise us. He showed up at the school and took me for a little drive.” They gathered the food Nancy had prepared and took it into the dining room. “Mmm, this smells so good. Fish stew?”
“Yes. I thought for this cold day it would be just the thing.”
“Did your cousin arrive?”
Nancy placed a platter of sourdough bread on the table. “She did. She’s in the downstairs bedroom just beyond the sewing room.” She headed back to the kitchen to pick up a bowl of peas and potatoes, as well as the butter crock.
Clementine glanced around the kitchen. “Do you want me to bring the cake?”
“No. We’ll get it after everyone’s eaten. I don’t think there will be room on the table otherwise. But if you don’t mind, please bring the coffeepot.”
“Got it.”
They stepped into the dining room just as Mimi and Faith were taking their seats on the far side of the table by the sideboard. Gabe was chatting with Faith about the farm, but Nancy didn’t hear what was being said because Seth chose that moment to make his entrance.
Nancy put the food on the table and went to her husband for a kiss. “I’ve missed you.”
“Not nearly as much as I missed you.” Seth embraced her and kissed her tenderly. “Handling legal cases isn’t half as much fun as being here in your arms.”
“Handling me, eh?” Nancy raised her brow and grinned.
Her brother tossed a linen napkin at them. “Knock it off, you two. I’m starved.”
“Gabe, you haven’t missed a meal since you were born.” Nancy sighed and separated herself from her husband. “But I agree. Let’s eat while it’s still hot.”
“Is Mrs. Weaver coming down to join us?” Clementine asked.
Mimi shook her head. “No, Nancy already took her a tray. I stopped to check on her, and she said she was just fine.”
Clementine placed the pot of coffee beside Gabe. “She’s such a sweet old woman. I wish she felt more open to joining us.”
“She’s made great progress since she first arrived last summer.” Nancy allowed Seth to help her into her chair. “In time I’m sure she’ll be dining with us more and more.”
Seth took his seat. “I’ll bless the food, and we can begin.”
Gabe helped Clementine with her chair. “The aroma’s so grand, it’s almost as good as eating.”
Nancy glanced heavenward. “Then I won’t serve you any food, and you can just sit and sniff all you like.”
“Hardly, sister dear.” Gabe threw her a wink. “I happen to know you’re an amazing cook.”
“The sooner I pray, the sooner we eat.” Seth bowed his head, not waiting to see if Gabe heeded his comment. “Father, we thank you for this abundance and for the hands that prepared our meal. Bless all who live here and those who visit. Amen.”