“Well, everyone knows Roy’s a fine young man. Devout too. He’s already taking baptismal classes to join church this September.”

Britta smiled and glanced down for a moment. “He’s so nice, Susie.” Pausing, she looked at the kerosene lamp on Susie’s bedside table. “’Tween you and me, I think he likes me. Marnie said so, too, but ’course, even if he wants to, I won’t be able to date for another whole year.” She sighed. “Seems like all I do is wait.”

“You’ll have plenty to keep ya busy between now and then,” Susie said, going to the dresser and getting her brush. “Just trust the Lord to give ya the patience till that time comes. . . . He’ll never lead you astray.”

Britta nodded. “I’ll do my best. Gut Nacht, Schweschder,” she added, a little more shyly now. “I enjoyed our talk.”

“So did I. And I’m glad you had such a pleasant evening.” Susie watched her sister head across the hall to her own room, curious about Roy’s apparent interest.

Mamma already had eggs sizzling in her cast-iron skillet when Susie hurried into the kitchen the next morning. “You’re an early bird,” Susie said, opening the apron drawer, pulling out a white half apron, and tying it around her waist.

“I heard yous up talkin’ last night,” Mamma said, seeming livelier today. “Did your sister enjoy bein’ at the Lantzes’? I hope she was an encouragement to their family during this hard time.”

“Maybe Britta will tell you ’bout it. She’ll be down soon.” Susie glanced over her shoulder.

Mamma nodded. “Eggs an’ bacon’ll be ready shortly.”

A few minutes later, Britta came into the kitchen, wearing a yellow dress and matching cape and apron.

Like a ray of sunshine, Susie thought, noting how cheerful her sister seemed and recalling their sisterly talk last night.

“Was it a nice turnout for Frona?” Mamma asked as she dished up the eggs and bacon onto each of their plates.

Britta said it was and went to make the toast. She poured some coffee for herself and Susie while waiting for the toast and remarked about some of the same things she’d told Susie last night, but left out Roy’s name or how she got home.