Rising Darkness Read Online Free PDF

way.”
    She patted my arm. “I wish I could help you with your bags, but alas, I am afraid my strength is not what it once was.” She pulled open the screen door, and I stepped into a large living room with comfortable furniture. I was thrilled to see there was electricity. Although I knew how to live without it, that wasn’t something I ever wanted to endure again.
    â€œYour room is upstairs. It is the last room on the left. Please go ahead of me. I am afraid it takes me some time to climb the stairs.”
    Pastor Troyer waited for me to go first, so I hiked up the narrow stairs while he followed behind me. When I reached the top, I headed toward the end of the hall and the room Esther had indicated. I heard the elderly woman’s voice behind us.
    â€œYou will stay in my daughter Rebecca’s room. The first room you passed belonged to my son, Benjamin. I keep it ready for a friend from St. Louis who comes to visit me from time to time. Maybe you will meet Zac while you are here.”
    â€œEsther should run a bed and breakfast.” Pastor Troyer’s voice was full of humor. “She is a wonderful hostess and generously shares her gift of hospitality.”
    I stopped in front of the door Esther had indicated and waited for her to catch up. She came up the hall, a little winded by the climb.
    â€œOh, pshaw.” She grinned at the pastor. “The gift is not one I give. It is one I receive. I love company.” She walked up next to me. “We have so much to talk about. I hope I will be able to share something with you about your family.”
    â€œI hear you’re the expert,” I replied. “I look forward to learning more about my grandmother. It seems my mother’s birth was kept a secret since having a baby out of wedlock was considered shameful.”
    Esther, who was several inches shorter than I, peered up at me. “Your great-aunt was not a judgmental woman. And her sister did not seem like someone who would turn her back on family. I must confess I am having a difficult time merging your story with the women I knew.”
    I just nodded at her. Was she saying she didn’t believe me? Had I picked the wrong family to borrow for my purposes? I’d assumed that Mennonite values would make my story believable.
    Esther finally quit studying me and opened the door to my room. It wasn’t what I’d expected. Rather than being stark and plain, it was lovely. The carved mahogany bed was covered with a beautiful maroon quilt, and a side table held an antique glass lamp that reminded me of a Tiffany lamp I’d seen in an antique store. A matching dresser sat against one wall, and a couch covered with maroon brocade had been placed along the other wall.
    â€œI don’t believe I’ve ever seen a couch like this,” I commented, walking over to the odd-shaped piece of furniture.
    â€œIt is a fainting couch,” Esther said. “Years ago, women were seen to be delicate creatures who needed a place to rest from the trials of life. But I was told that their fainting may have had more to do with the tight corsets they wore than weakness of spirit or flesh.” She put her hand over her mouth and giggled, almost sounding like a child.
    I laughed, too. “I don’t think I’ll be doing any fainting, and I certainly don’t wear a corset, but it looks like the perfect place to relax and read a book.”
    Esther nodded. “There are many books in Benjamin’s room. If you find yourself short of reading material, please help yourself to his library.” She walked over and pulled open the drawer in the side table. “And here is a Bible you are welcome to read.”
    â€œTh—thank you,” I replied, although I had no intention of taking her up on her offer.
    â€œWell, I must get home,” Pastor Troyer said. “Again, welcome to Sanctuary, Emily. Please call me any time. I will do whatever I can to