Spirit of the Valley Read Online Free PDF Page B

and a still-pretty face. “You have good timing because supper’s nearly ready,” she said. “Are you hungry?”
    â€œYes, ma’am,” Rebecca returned enthusiastically while Pauline nearly teared up again with relief. Whatever this place cost, it was worth it.
    â€œOh hush, Wags,” Cessie scolded lightly.
    The little dog looked up at her and stopped barking.
    â€œRebecca,” April May said as they approached the front steps. “Why don’t you and Ralph go wash up at the pump around back? There’s some soap on a string and a towel on a rack. Then y’all can look around a bit before you come in for supper.”
    â€œYes, ma’am.” Rebecca led Jake off and Sheeba started to follow, until April May called the dog back. Jake kept looking back at Mama worriedly. “It’s all right,” Rebecca assured him. “They’ll take good care of Mama. I can tell.” She put an arm around his shoulders as they rounded the house. The sight of a dozen or more donkeys beyond another fence in back stopped them in their tracks.
    â€œCan we go see them?” Jake asked.
    Rebecca nodded and they went closer. As they peered in between the rails of the fence, some of the donkeys plodded toward them and they backed off a step. “We ought to wash up,” Rebecca said calmly, even though her heart was suddenly beating faster. She turned and walked toward the pump, glancing back at the curious donkeys.
    â€œGooseberries,” Jake exclaimed, pointing at the nearby bushes loaded with them. Most of them had turned red.
    â€œWe can have a few, but wash your hands first,” Rebecca said sagely.
    Â 
    Â 
    â€œHere, dear,” Cessie said, setting a glass of red wine in front of Pauline, who was seated at the dining room table. “You sip on that.”
    As Cessie sat, Pauline took a drink. Because her stomach was empty, she felt it hit bottom. She took a breath, determined to calm herself. She simply didn’t have the liberty of falling apart.
    April May plunked herself across from Pauline, pulled the carafe to her, and poured herself a glass. “So, Pauline—”
    â€œGive her a minute,” Cessie objected in a singsong voice.
    â€œWho you running from?” April May continued.
    Cessie frowned. “Now, that is nothing but plain ol’ rude.”
    â€œYour husband?” April May asked, ignoring her sister.
    Pauline couldn’t look at her, at either of them, but she nodded. She’d never planned to tell anyone the truth, but she didn’t have the strength to lie to these women. Their warmth was like a blanket in a chilly room. She needed it. She wanted to wrap herself up in it.
    â€œHe beat you?” April May asked.
    Even as Cessie huffed her disapproval, Pauline felt an unexpected sense of relief.
    â€œHe hit Jake?” April May pursued. “Gave him that black eye?”
    Pauline ducked her head as fresh tears surfaced.
    â€œApril May Blue,” Cessie scolded. “You are making matters worse.”
    â€œNo, I am not. Face up to things and move the hell on, I always say.”
    â€œI’ve never once heard you say that.”
    â€œâ€™Cause I never had the need. Now, there’s the need. And that’s exactly what I’m saying. You tell me I’m wrong.”
    â€œWhat I will say is that you go too far. But that’s all I’m saying for the time being.” Cessie reached over and patted Pauline’s hand. “You take all the time you need, dear.” She gave her sister another look of reproach, then rose gracefully and walked back into the kitchen.
    â€œYou ask me, you were right to leave him,” April May declared. “Not only does a woman have the right to protect herself and her own, she ought to have the good sense to do it.” She paused. “He know where you’re at?”
    â€œI don’t even kn-know where I’m at.”
    Cessie