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.to come clean.”“’Tis a thorny issue, the confession.”Lettie replied softly, “It’s up to the bishop what questions are asked of me.”Mamm’s lips drew into a stiff line, and her cheeks flushed.She sighed and reached into her pocket.“I’ve had this letter since Minnie Keim passed it on to me years ago – information about the doctor and the lawyer who placed your baby.” She stared at it for a moment.“The letter was meant for both of us, but I was worried you might change your mind after the baby’s birth, so I hid it away.” She gave Lettie the envelope.“I did you wrong, Lettie.The information there might’ve kept you from leavin’ your family as you did.”Lettie held the letter, unsure of herself.“Well, my search was only part of the reason I left.” She drew a breath.“I wanted Samuel to know about our child, too, hopin’ to soothe his sadness over his wife’s death.”Mamm’s eyes widened, and Lettie continued.“So Samuel would know he wasn’t childless at all.”Frowning now, her mother looked befuddled.“I realize I should’ve told him long ago, since the baby was also his.” Lettie shook her head.“And I never should’ve traveled alone to see him without Judah’s permission.It was wrong of me.”“But what’ll you do if your daughter wants to find you ?” Mamma asked.“What then?”“I think that’s unlikely now.” She paused.“And since visiting Cousin Hallie, I’ve been prayin’ differently ’bout this.”Mamm let out a little gasp.“You mean Hallie Troyer knows?”“I told you, Mamm.I’m weary of this secret.” Lettie’s throat tightened.“I’ve spoken with the ministers in confidence already.” By the look of trepidation on her mother’s face, she wasn’t sure she should say more.“Oh, Lettie.Lettie, dear.”She explained what she’d decided to do.“The brethren ruled that I won’t be shunned if I fully reveal my sins to the congregation.”Mamm grimaced, shaking her head.And the silence that fell between them was thick as custard.Yet Lettie would not allow herself to be persuaded otherwise, because in her heart she knew this was the right thing to do.“And Judah.what does he say?” asked Mamm.“We must trust the Lord.” With all of our hearts.Mamm reached out and placed a hand on Lettie’s arm.“I wish you’d give it more thought, dear.Consider the consequences that such a disclosure might cause.”“For me?” Lettie whispered.“Or for you?”Mamm’s eyes were grave.“Not just for your father and me.Think how it could affect Adam’s pending marriage.and Grace’s and Mandy’s potential mates.Young Joe, too.”Lettie had witnessed firsthand the humiliation and embarrassment previous church confessions involved, so she understood something of her mother’s reluctance.Yet, no matter how painful her declaration of guilt might be, she felt certain God was calling her to do this.No anguish could be worse than her – and her family’s – bearing the ramifications of her sins in utter silence.“I want to follow the Lord in this,” Lettie said, hoping her determined stand would not create another wedge between them.twenty-fourWhen Martin Puckett pulled into the driveway that same afternoon, Grace went out to meet him.“My wife received your voicemail.She’s thrilled you want to help,” he said.“When would you like to come?”Glancing back toward the house, she said, “I’d best talk with my mother right quick.She’s just returned home!”Martin’s eyes lit up.“Well, what good news! I’m happy to hear it.”“There’s a lot of happiness to go round.” She turned toward the house.“Do ya mind waiting? I’ll run in and check.”But her mother was not to be found on their side of the house, so she slipped across the center hall.There, in the sitting room, she found Mamma and Mammi Adah talking in low voices.Both looked glum, as if they’d just had the most dreadful news.Her mother turned.“What is it, dear?”“Don’t mean to interrupt.” Grace swiftly explained Janet Puckett’s interest in creating an herb garden.“Martin’s here now.If it’s all right with you, I’ll tell him I can help his wife this Saturday.”Mamma tilted her head slightly.“Gracie, you managed the entire household without my say-so,” she said with a demure smile.Grace had to laugh a little.“You’re right.Thanks, Mamma.” With that she returned to tell Martin, who said he’d pick her up after breakfast Saturday.Grace watched him drive away, pleased at the prospect of spending a morning working in such a pleasant way.Life seemed so good now that Mamma was home.She couldn’t begin to understand why her mother and grandmother had looked so depressed just moments ago.On the way to the Wellness Lodge later that afternoon, Grace stopped by the Riehls’, eager to see Becky, whom she hadn’t had a chance to visit with privately since returning from Ohio.Her friend rushed out of the house, her long purple skirt swaying.“Gracie.it’s been much too long!”“I’ve missed you, too.”They fell into step and strolled toward the pond behind the barn [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]