“I hope I’m not talkin’ out of turn, but Britta told us what your Mamma shared with her . . . about her birth mother.” She paused, apparently gathering her thoughts. “My husband has been goin’ from family to family to let the Hickory Hollow church members know. The response has been very caring. As he expected, no one’s holding a grudge toward Britta or the woman. Your sister shouldn’t worry herself.”

“It’s kind of him to do that. Britta will appreciate it, I know.”

“After prayin’ for wisdom, he felt strongly ’bout doing it one-on-one like this.” Mary stopped again, her expression changing. “Bless her heart, Britta was so shy talkin’ to us. We want her to know how accepted she is amongst the People. And by the Lord.”

Susie smiled. “Thank the bishop for Britta and me.”

“I’ll do that.” Mary examined the remaining table runners. “Say, these are real perty. I’d like to purchase a few.” She opened her purse and pulled out her wallet, mentioning how different Christmas must be for them this year without their mother home.

“Britta and I are makin’ some nice plans with Polly and her family,” Susie assured her.

“I’m glad to hear it.” Mary waited as Susie folded and wrapped the runners in tissue paper, then added, right out of the blue, “’Tween you and me, I hope Britta changes her mind ’bout wanting to search, ya know.”

“I understand. But she’s quite determined.”

Mary shook her head. “I’d hate to see her get caught up in the world, this close to being ready for baptism.”

A twinge of pain flew through Susie. “Well, since we were wee ones, Mamma’s prayed for all of her children to make that decision, so we’ll continue to trust our heavenly Father to see Britta through.”

“Jah, trusting’s the best way.” Mary reached for the large sack. “You’re always so encouraging and cheerful, dear.”

Susie’s shoulders dipped as she watched her walk to the door.

If she only knew . . .

CHAPTER
41

A week passed, and Susie kept noticing a large number of Christmas cards coming in the mail for Britta, some from folks who had never sent one before. Each day, when Susie passed Britta’s room, she could see more cards on display on the dresser and on her bedside table.

“I’ve never received this many,” Britta remarked to her. “Not even sure where I’ll put them!”

“The People are so encouraging,” Susie replied. “Remember what you said the bishop and Mary told ya?”

Britta nodded, like she was trying to make sense of it.