Finding Eliza Read Online Free Page B

looked deep into her young friend’s eyes. “My dear, coming up on an anniversary like the death of your parents is enough to make anyone sad. It’s normal. We’re here for you.”
    Lizzie patted her surrogate grandmother’s hands. She loved these women more than words could express.
    “Yoo hoo!” sang a voice from the church door.
    Claudia “Claud” Brown popped her head out of the church door. The fourth and final member of The Gals, she was the only one not native to the town. Coming into the group of friends later than the initial trio, an outsider would never know it from their relationships. Claud’s husband Charlie was the older brother of Abi’s husband Walter. Claud was a local girl who he met while he was a sailor in the US Navy stationed in Jacksonville. After the war, Charlie brought her back home to Everett Springs to marry and raise a family. She was immediately welcomed by her new sister-in-law and included in everything the friends did from that point on. A few years younger than the other ladies in the group, she became the little sister that none of them had. Though just as tough as her friends, Claud had a naive air about her that set her apart. It also happened to protect her from the sadness of life, making her the uplifting spirit in the group.
    “Come on in! We’re about ready to get started. Coats in the closet and drinks on the table. Grab a snack and let’s begin. It’s genealogy time, girls!” Claudia squeezed Lizzie a second time and then ushered her into the fellowship hall of the church. “Glad you’re finally here, Lizzie, darling. I’ve missed you. You’ll love it. I promise!”
    After the quick hello, Claud was off to make sure everything was in order. Being the hostess of the group, she thrived on any kind of organized gathering. It was no wonder she was the one in charge of social events at the church. Lizzie remembered fondly the many birthday parties Claud arranged for her as a child. Each woman in the group had their own special strengths. Creating fabulous get-togethers was Claud’s.
    The First Baptist Church of Everett Springs was a historic, older building. One of the first churches in the area, it was built when the community was still in its infancy. The building saw many additions and renovations over the years, yet its sweet country charm still remained. Lizzie had attended this church from birth, making it a place of comfort to her. She knew the cracks and crevices of the building better than those in her own home.
    Lizzie crossed the familiar room to put away her jacket. For some reason the evenings this fall were cooler than normal. Most days she welcomed the break from the south Georgia heat but the early occurrence made it a little unsettling this time.
    I hope this isn't a bad omen, she thought.
    Putting it out of her mind, she decided that she would have to learn to enjoy the state’s crazy weather one day at a time. After all, it gave her an excuse to pull out the beautiful accent scarves that she loved so much. Lizzie stopped to bury her face deep into her lacy alpaca scarf. Its warm fiber felt like home. She couldn’t help but smile.
    “A good scarf can feel like a hug, can’t it darlin’?” Blue placed her hand on Lizzie’s face and smiled. She knew right away what Lizzie was thinking while standing in the entrance to the coat closet. With a wink and a smile, Blue floated out of the room as quietly as she had appeared.
    Lizzie’s mother had an astonishing creative ability. She could take a piece of tattered yarn and turn it into a beautiful accessory when you weren’t even looking. Grace Hines was the one person the women of the church wanted to get as their Secret Sister partner at the annual women’s retreat. She passed her love of fiber to Lizzie as a young girl. First, Grace had taught her to crochet. As her young fingers got caught in the yarn, Lizzie would beg to quit out of frustration. Grace was patient, just as her name suggested,