Free An Inconvenient Match by Janet Dean

managed to hold my own with him.”
    “Then why would you want to quit?”
    How could she explain? Gathering her thoughts, Abigail dropped into a chair and sipped from her glass. “After what they did to my father, seeing the rich life the Cummings enjoy—” Her voice broke and she took a steadying breath, fingering the chain around her neck. “The grandeur of that house compared to our apartment—an apartment we rent from them —stung like vinegar on a gash.”
    “That doesn’t seem fair.”
    “We both know life isn’t fair. But seeing that house brought back Pa’s despair.” She swallowed hard, fighting the tears that threatened.
    Rachel set in front of her a plate of chicken and dumplings, mashed potatoes oozing butter and fresh-shelled peas. The enticing aroma elicited a rumble from her stomach.
    Rachel laid a gentle hand on Abigail’s shoulder. “I’m sorry,” she said, then crossed to her seat and offered a prayer, thanking God for the food and asking for wisdom for Abigail.
    After the emotional ups and downs of her day, Abigail was surprised by the intensity of her hunger. “Everything’s delicious.”
    “Papa still tells me how grateful he is that I took over the cooking.” Rachel snickered. “Remember how he used to burn everything? I had to learn to cook or starve.”
    Abigail grimaced. “I can still see his fried chicken, burnt skin on the outside. Pink inside.”
    “Many a night we filled up on bread and butter.” The humor in Rachel’s eyes dimmed. “I miss Mama.” She reached out and caressed the teapot with gentle fingers, as if the delicate china somehow connected her to Lily. The wistful expression on her face tore at Abigail.
    She laid her hand on Rachel’s wrist. “I wish I’d known your mom.”
    “She would’ve loved you. Been proud of who you are.”
    “Not the way I’m feeling today.” Abigail sighed. “God is probably unhappy with me too. No matter how much I pray to live as Scripture teaches, I don’t succeed. Today I let my temper get away from me.”
    “I understand. Visiting the Cummings house is like rubbing your nose in the mess they’ve made.” Elbows on the table, she plopped her chin on her hands. “Is being around Wade hard?”
    If she admitted how hard, Rachel would believe she still cared about Wade. “Wade and I had an argument over Seth Collier’s future.” She went on to explain what had transpired, including Wade’s plans to open a cabinetmaker shop.
    “I know you care about Seth, but…” Rachel’s brow knotted. “I don’t understand what’s wrong with him working for Wade.”
    “He’s got one more year of school before he graduates. He’s talking about quitting.”
    “Can’t he work for Wade while he’s finishing high school?”
    “Perhaps, if he wanted to, but the more hours Seth works, the more money he’ll make.”
    “You can’t blame him, can you?” Rachel said softly.
    “I understand the pressure to make money, but a college education will give him far more potential for a good-paying job.” She sighed. “And if that’s not enough reason to oppose this plan—an apprenticeship means Seth will stay in New Harmony instead of getting out from under his father’s influence.”
    “Does Wade understand your concerns?”
    She harrumphed. “Nothing I said fazed him. He’s dangling an apprenticeship under Seth’s nose, not because it’s good for Seth, but because he needs trained craftsmen.” She slapped the table. “Well, if he’s determined to use that boy, Wade Cummings can find another lackey to deal with his cantankerous father—if he can.”
    Abigail’s shoulders slumped. She’d told Wade she kept her commitments. But surely he wouldn’t expect her to remain on the job after this standoff.
    “If you quit, how will you help Joe and Lois?”
    “Something will turn up,” Abigail said with a confidence she didn’t feel. All previous attempts to find work had failed.
    Her conscience twisted the food in her