Abram's Daughters 05 The Revelation Read Online Free PDF Page B

feel awful sad for you sometimes," whispered Lyddie, still standing near.
    "Why's that?"
    Lyddie shrugged. "You oughta have a husband to hug and kiss ya good night to cry on his shoulder when need be and laugh with him, too."
    "Well, that would be nice, but this is the life the Lord God has given me . . . for the time being anyhow." Leah had no desire to be less than forthcoming with Lyddie, but she was thinking of having nearly fulfilled her dying mother's wishes. And if Jonas could regain
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    Jii liability as a church member, they might end up marrying next
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    I I'rti t was, the likelihood of marriage during this wedding season It n I i oinpk'tely flown out the window with the bishop's decree. l| luiiliiti[> back once more to Sunday made her worry she might lose hm jir.ice and march right out to the barnyard to ask Gid what on Mil il could be done about the unbearable situation, if anything. I Sighing, she looked into Lydiann's trusting blue eyes. She pill it I herself predicting the pain that would surely reside there pi ill last, Lydiann was told why Jake Mast could never be her ^Huiul. Leah must move heaven and earth to make sure such a ^Hli never happened, though just how she didn't know. But she ^Htl I hink of something, even if it meant telling Lydiann the bit^H'lilh at last.
    I ydiann bumped into her brother, who was gathering eggs from Hi* henhouse. "This is my chore." She stared at the large wire basket |i< Ins hand.
    Well, you weren't out here."
    I I am now. Give me the basket!"
    I letter be quiet or you'll scare the chickens . . . get them all ferm lied, and you* goose'll be cooked."
    I ,cave me be," she said more softly, struggling to keep her voice
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    H Abe gave her a smirk and continued going from one nest to an-
    ij'il .t. "You've done quit attendin' singings, sister." H |;ih, a while back. No need asking 'bout it." She turned on her Hi' I. and left, not at all interested in bickering any longer with her I i mate brother. Truth be known, there was no need for her to go mgings when Jake was anxious to see her again even hoped to > 11 y her the minute she turned eighteen. But she was beginning to u i Hnlei" if he'd gotten in with a wild bunch out in Berlin. How else winilil he know so much about bundling and whatnot?
    Blushing as she rushed toward the house, Lydiann was surprised
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    to hear Abe calling to her. He'd emerged into the sunshine, his blond hair glinting purest white. "Brothers are s'posed to drive sisters to singings, in case you forgot. So 'tis my business."
    "Puh!"
    "Near as I can tell, your beau's comin' home, ain't so? That's why you're not interested in the boys here. I can see right through ya."
    "Hush up! You know nothin' at all." She sucked in air and then, when she felt she might burst out saying further unkind words, she1 bit her lip and simply walked away. How could Abe possibly know any such thing about Jake's plans? Her Dummkopp brother had committed the sin of eavesdropping, no doubt.
    Just wait till Abe's rumschpringe. Then we'll see what happens with him. Already less than three years away from the time, she could easily imagine Abe driving a fast car, seeing lots of different girls, getting himself a modern haircut, and only heaven knew what else all before he settled down and joined church!
    Saturday afternoon Jonas heard his mother calling up the stairs. "Preacher Peachey's here to see ya!"
    Hurrying down to greet the ordained man who was overseeing his Proving, Jonas wondered if he'd be able to keep from his brother-in-law-to-be his aim to see Leah tonight, especially since he'd just donned his newest shirt and trousers, wanting to look his very best.
    Gid, however, seemed to take no specific interest in Jonas's attire but firmly shook his hand and asked if they could talk privately. Jonas motioned to the front room and they walked there together, taking seats in hardback chairs on opposite