Welcome! It's time for Tuesday Tales, and another excerpt of "Sarah's Dilemma." This week, we're still with Martha as she makes plans to get closer to Abiel Lee. Don't forget to check out the fabulous authors on Tuesday Tales. Thanks for stopping by.
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“All the way
from Pennsylvania! Goodness. I’ll say you’re hungry. Tired, too, I bet. Will
you join us for supper tonight as our guests?”
Hope colored
and glanced at her father. A grin spread across Abiel’s face. “We’d be honored.
Mighty neighborly of you, Mrs. Chesney.”
“We sit for
supper at six.” Martha curtsied, Abiel bowed, and she left, taking her time, moseying
on home.
“Sarah and
Lizzy, set three more places for supper tonight.”
“You invited
them, Martha?”
“I did,
Abby. They seem nice enough and they’ve had a very long trip. Probably haven’t
had time to stock in any provisions yet.”
“And he’s
very good looking,” Abby added.
Martha
sensed heat in her face. “Nonsense. Just being good neighbors is all.”
“Keep
telling yourself that,” Abby muttered.
“What?”
“Nothing.”
Martha
huffed to the staircase and hauled herself up the stairs. Going up and down
those stairs a dozen or more times a day kept her trim. She had the figure of a
much younger woman.
So what if Abby knows I find Abiel Lee attractive? I’m a
grown woman. Been alone long enough. Not that I’d ever marry again. And
certainly not a Sheriff! But a little male company once in a while would be
welcome.
She changed
into her work clothes and returned to the kitchen.
“Making
something special for tonight, Martha?” Abby had returned to peeling potatoes.
“Adding some
food for the company is all.”
“Sam got
some rabbits today out hunting with Benjamin Fitch.” Sarah punched down her
bread dough.
“Oh?
Perfect. I think I see a nice rabbit stew for dinner. Lizzy, go down to the
root cellar and fetch me some carrots and onions. While you’re down there, bring up a jar of cream,
too.”
“Cream?” Abby’s
eyebrows rose.
“I’m fixin’
to make something special out of those potatoes, if it’s any concern of yours.”
Martha turned her face away, hiding a blush she sensed stealing into her
cheeks.
Abby patted
her mother-in-law on the shoulder. “Nothing like a good meal to set a man’s
mind to finer things.”
Catching the
twinkle in Abby’s eye, Martha chuckled.
That's all for this week. Thanks for coming by. Don't forget to leave a comment. Love to read your feedback.
I love this scene. It shows the depth of the relationship between the two women so well. I love the way Martha justifies her interest in the sheriff, too. Well done.
ReplyDeleteI love the way that they tease her. They have a comfortable enough relationship to egg her on about the handsome guy across the street while helping her make dinner for him and his family. I can't wait to read more about them!
ReplyDeleteYou can really feel the closeness of the women. Well done!
ReplyDeleteI am so enjoying reading this story. And it seems spry little Martha has quite a bit of life left in her! I love it.
ReplyDelete