Homespun Bride

240 Homespun Brideshe liked so well. The lilac scent always reminded herof late spring, when the earth was warm and the sun’swarmth a welcome friend.She lathered and scrubbed and rinsed, going over theevening’s events in her mind. Whatever God’s purposein all of this—her blindness, Thad’s coming back toAngel Falls, his plans for a ranch and a home and afamily starting to come to fruition—she could notknow. She could only trust that He was bringing themboth to the greatest good for their separate lives.She patted her face dry in the soft towel and rehungit on the bar. Footsteps marched down the hall like adivision of soldiers coming closer.“Angelina!” Henrietta’s voice echoed above thestrike of her shoes. “I am shocked. Simply besidemyself with agitation at what I’ve only just heard fromyour father.”And what shocking behavior would it be this time?Noelle wondered as she sprinkled tooth powder ontoher toothbrush. Knowing Angelina, it was bound to bemost entertaining.Robert’s cane tapped after Henrietta. “Now, now,dear, it’s not as bad as all that—”“Not that bad?” Henrietta’s outrage echoed in thecorridor. “Caught smoking behind the outhouses! Icannot think of why Clarissa Bell would accuse you ofsuch a thing!”Poor Henrietta, Noelle thought in turn, for it was noteasy being a general in charge of such troops. It took alot of internal fortitude to stay in denial aboutAngelina’s rebellion, which was not acceptable for aWorthington.Matilda’s steps padded a little heavier than usual