Insects fluttered and tapped against the carriage windshield while Britta tried to relax in the front seat next to Susie. Remnants of pink-tinged clouds were still visible in the west as the sun made its steady descent. Not far away, the Lantzes’ farmhouse came into view.

Brambles continued her rhythmic trot, and Britta tried to imagine what it might be like a year from this July, once she was finally sixteen and attending her first-ever youth Singing. What would it be like to walk into the haymow and sit with the girls at the long table Susie had so often described, joining her own voice with the others in song? Hazel would be there to welcome her, Britta was certain. Turning sixteen would also mean being permitted to meet potential boyfriends, which could someday lead to courting.

And closer to hearing Mamma tell me about my roots, she thought.

Contemplating this, Britta thought again of Susie, always at home with Mamma. Would Mamma’s health keep Susie from ever having a serious beau and a family of her own someday? Susie hadn’t gone out with anyone since Del Petersheim, and the letters from Sugar Valley had ceased a few months ago.

My poor sister has no prospects for marriage.

Outside the Lantzes’ spacious farmhouse, Britta spotted Hazel and Cousin Marnie waiting for her. Both were dressed in subdued colors—dark brown and gray.

“I’m so glad you came,” Marnie said with a smile.

“Got your singin’ voice ready?” Hazel asked.

“I’ll do my best,” Britta replied, seeing widow Frona Glick already seated, all in black.

The three took their seats with a few other women on one side of the front room, much like at a Preaching service. The men and boys sat on the opposite side. Only about thirty were there.

Someone blew a pitch pipe for the first song, “Jesus, Lover of My Soul,” and the men began to sing the first verse with fervor.

The music was so inspiring, Britta got goose pimples on her arms and could hardly wait for the chorus. The song raised her spirits, even though she wasn’t feeling blue, really—more tentative than anything.

The next song was “Love Will Bring Us All Together,” and Roy Lantz’s father instructed them to take turns yet again, with the men singing first, followed by the women.

At that moment, she saw Roy himself looking her way. My goodness, he’s even smiling at me! She must have turned several shades of purple, yet she steeled her nerves . . . and smiled back.

Glancing away, Britta considered the fact that she was too young to court, and here she was already smiling back at a fellow. It certainly seemed like good-looking Roy Lantz was watching her, right in the middle of this beautiful and spirited song.