Steadfast Heart Read Online Free Page A

for all of my life.” Abrianna looked Wade in the eye. “I think she has given up hope for my chances at matrimony, despite running a school for brides.” She paused, most contrite. “I am her deepest sorrow.”
    Wade laughed. “Abrianna, you are no one’s sorrow. Now, let’s get to scraping those cookies.”
    They had been working on the cookies for nearly ten minutes when Abrianna heard the unmistakable sound of shoes on the back staircase. “It’s Aunt Miriam. She’s coming to survey my accomplishments. Hurry and close the windows, or she’ll know for sure what a mess I’ve made.”
    Wade did as instructed while Abrianna scooped the mess ofblackened crumbs into the garbage pail and quickly covered it with some potato peels she had left over from earlier tasks. They both hurried back to the counter just as Miriam Madison entered the room. For a moment the older woman stood frozen in place, narrowing her eyes. Her expression suggested that she knew something to be amiss but couldn’t quite put her finger on it.
    â€œWade,” she finally said with a nod, “it’s good to see you again. I have another job for you, if you’re of a mind. Oh goodness, are you growing a mustache?”
    â€œNot exactly.” He smiled. “Why don’t we go out to the parlor and discuss the job you have for me?” He offered his arm in a gentlemanly fashion. “My, don’t you look lovely today, Mrs. Madison.”
    Abrianna barely heard her aunt’s reply, but she was most grateful to have avoided a reprimand. Perhaps that would come later. Little ever escaped Aunt Miriam’s fine sense of order. She had an uncanny way of knowing when things were amiss. Abrianna smiled and prayed that should her aunt turn back, she would see her ward relaxed and happy. Maybe that would assuage her aunt’s concerns.
    But it was not to be. Aunt Miriam turned at the door with a look of disappointment. She opened her mouth as if to say something, but then closed it and shook her head. Abrianna had no doubt she knew what had taken place and was deeply grieved.
    Oh, bother. I can’t seem to do anything right. Sometimes I contemplate whether God made a mistake in making me, but of course God doesn’t make mistakes. Still, I can’t help but wonder just what He was thinking.

    Wade sat waiting for Mrs. Madison’s final instructions. Like the former schoolmistress that she was, the woman didn’t miss any point.
    â€œI do hope you understand, Wade. It must be done in such a way as to completely eliminate the drafts.”
    â€œI believe I can master the repair you need.”
    The request was for Wade to repair cracks around the windows on the third floor, and Mrs. Madison had even shown him how she perceived the job to be accomplished. Wade was just about to get up and excuse himself when Mrs. Gibson and Miss Poisie Holmes entered the parlor.
    â€œWhy, Mr. Ackerman, we hadn’t realized you’d come to visit.” Miss Poisie sat opposite him. “It’s so nice to have a gentleman caller.” She looked to her older sister as if she’d made a mistake and added, “On a day other than our normal receiving days.” She glanced back to Wade and gave a quick bobbing of the head before lapsing into silence. Miss Poisie was often outdone in conversation by the two older women, and she knew her place.
    â€œWhat brings you here today?” Mrs. Gibson asked. “Did you have a premonition that we were in need of your skills? You know, God often lays a thought on a person’s heart when others are in need.”
    â€œThat’s true,” Mrs. Madison murmured.
    â€œYes,” Miss Poisie added, again bobbing her head as if it had come loose at the back of her neck.
    â€œI can’t say that I had any premonition, Mrs. Gibson. I actually figured to return your dishes. The food you ladies sent home with me last