Ella Mae’s expression was caring as she said, “I ’spect somethin’s got ya stewin’.”

There was no way to hold back the truth from Ella Mae, and Susie nodded slowly. “Mamma’s planning to settle in with Allen and Sarah for a while. Months even.” She sighed. “I mailed a large box of clothing to her not long ago.”

Now Ella Mae was the one sighing. “Ach, had no idea. She’ll sure be missed round here.”

Susie felt sad being the one to tell her. “I guess Mamma hasn’t written to you yet.”

“Oh, she’ll write when she can.” Ella Mae bobbed her little gray head, her white head covering secured with several bobby pins.

“Jah. The two of yous are so close. . . .”

“Puh! There are ways to stay in touch, even long distance,” Ella Mae said, a sudden twinkle in her eyes. “One of those ways ain’t so well regarded by the ministers, though.”

Susie knew what she meant and smiled because Ella Mae was still as plucky as ever. “That’s the very reason Mamma’s not too keen on usin’ our stable phone.”

Ella Mae waved it off. “Letters are fine, but a body needs to hear a friend’s voice from time to time, I daresay.”

Susie agreed and sipped more of her tea. The gentle flavor did her heart nearly as much good as sitting there with spunky yet sympathetic Ella Mae.

Eventually, she began to feel more at ease, enough so to say what was on her mind. “I hope what I’m gonna tell ya won’t be a shock.”

Ella Mae looked at her with kind eyes. “I’ve lived this long, so not much surprises me anymore.”

Sitting up straighter in her chair, she began. “I’ve been by Mamma’s side ever since Dat died, tryin’ to help her however I can . . . to watch over her.”

Ella Mae nodded, a glint in her eyes.

“Honestly, I thought I was doin’ my best for her.” Susie’s voice broke. “I truly did.”

For a moment, Ella Mae was still. Then very quietly she said, “That’s all the Lord requires, ain’t so?”

Susie paused, hesitant to reveal more.

“I’m not one to judge, Susie.” Ella Mae’s voice was gentle.

Taking a breath, Susie went on. “Mamma’s been so prone to getting sick. It just strikes me that Allen must think I’m not the best caretaker for her. ’Least here lately. Why else would he keep her out there?”

“You mean because he’s takin’ charge?” Ella Mae reached for her teacup and had another sip with a look over at her.

Susie nodded.

Ella Mae’s cup clinked softly as she set it down on the matching saucer. “Well now, might there be another reason your Mamm’s stayin’ in Missouri?”

Susie shrugged, unsure what it could be.