He looked skeptical but said nothing, so she went on. “I want to make a sample dress to hang in the window. There’s only three more days until we open, not counting Sunday, so to finish it in time, I’ll need help. We’ll have to hire someone—an assistant, not a seamstress. If folks put in orders because they like the look of the dress, I get to sew for the shop. If not, I’ll pay you back every cent of what it costs, the fabric, the help, everything.”

She had no idea where she would get the money to repay him, but she kept going.

“Mama must have known what people were thinking about you and her, but she went ahead and worked in the shop anyway. I want to do the same. Please at least let me try.”

The silence that followed seemed to last forever. Papa’s eyes were cast down, as if he were studying his sleeve. Finally he raised his head and looked at her.

“Who are you thinking of hiring?” he asked.

18

WHEN HANNA TOLD PAPA that she wanted to hire Bess Harris, he said that he’d seen the Harris wagon drive by earlier. The family might still be in town.

She walked up Main Street, looking at every horse and team tied to the hitching posts. In front of Bennett’s grocery, she recognized the Harris horses. She stood near the wagon; it wasn’t long before Bess came out with her arms full of purchases.

“Can I help?” Hanna asked.

“Thank you,” Bess said as she shifted the parcels and handed her a box of salt; together, they put the groceries in the wagon.

“I came to find you,” Hanna said. “I want to ask you something.”

Bess looked surprised and glanced toward the door of the grocery. “Ma will be out in a minute,” she said.

“I won’t keep you,” Hanna said. “I was just wondering . . . I need some help sewing. Do you like to sew?”

Bess shrugged. “I can’t say I like it,” she replied, “but Ma taught me well.”

“Do you think . . . Would you like to come and sew with me? I’ll pay you fifty cents a day, and your dinner. It would only be for a few days at first, but it might turn into more than that.” Hanna found herself on tiptoe, tense with hoping.

“I’ll be teaching school in the fall,” Bess said. “I’ve been wanting to find a way to earn some this summer. I’d say it would suit me fine, but I have to ask my parents.”

“Of course,” Hanna said, her spirits lifting. “And I need help right away. Can you come tomorrow?”

Bess was about to reply when someone called to her.

“Bess? Bess, we have to be going.”