Free The Judgment by Beverly Lewis Page A

somewhere?”
    “Jah, in the German prayer book.”
    “In English, too?” Beth asked.
    “I think so.” Hen wondered why she asked.
    “First thing tomorrow, I’m going to write my healing prayer for your mommy.” Beth’s lower lip trembled. “When I look at her, it hurts me.”
    “It’s very hard to see her suffer.” Hen got up and went to the door, pausing there in case Beth might say more. But Rose’s English friend simply closed her eyes, her hands still folded near her face, and for a moment, Hen had the feeling Beth was silently praying.
    Something maternal stirred within her, seeing the innocent young woman with the mind of a child behave in such a trusting manner. A fleeting thought crossed her mind—someday she would love to have another baby. But with Brandon threatening divorce, the chance of another child seemed terribly remote . . . if not impossible.
    Hen sighed as she made her way to the stairs. If only Brandon might come to know the Lord. Then we might see eye to eye. . . .

    All the lanterns were still blazing when Rose and Silas arrived back at the barn. Yet the lights were nearly dim in comparison to the dazzling moon, and as Rose entered the upper level, she paused to let her eyes adjust to the contrast.
    To her surprise, she noticed Rebekah standing alone near the stacked bales of hay, holding one of the white barn kittens close to her face. Rose hurried to see her and asked without thinking, “Do you need a ride back to Masts’?”
    Rebekah’s eyes widened as she continued to pet the tiny cat. “Denki, that’d be right nice. But is it okay with Silas?”
    Rose suddenly felt awkward about acknowledging Silas as her beau, yet few other conclusions could be drawn.
    She looked back toward the open barn door. Silas stood there, watching her curiously. “Just a minute, I’ll see if he minds.” Rose went to him and asked quietly if they could give Rebekah a ride. “It’s too far and cold on foot, ain’t?”
    He removed his black felt hat and did what he often did when he was ill at ease, pushing one hand through his thick blond hair. “No need for her to walk in the dark . . . no.”
    “So it’s all right, then?”
    “If ya want.”
    She turned.
    “Wait . . . Rose.” He paused, looking serious. “Next time ask me first, jah?”
    She blushed with embarrassment. Never before had Silas spoken like that to her, although she realized now it was certainly warranted. She nodded, wishing she had waited to ask Rebekah till she’d seen how Silas felt about it. After all, he’d talked of wanting to ride together for a while—just the two of them—before taking Rose home tonight.
    Rebekah smiled prettily when Rose returned. She wasted no time falling into step with Rose, and the two of them followed Silas out of the barn. I best be minding my manners, thought Rose as Silas pushed his hat back on his head. I don’t want to displease my betrothed.
    She watched Silas walk toward his horse and the open buggy. But his hat brim cast a shadow over his face, making it impossible to see if he actually was in agreement with her unusual request.

Chapter 9
    R ose awakened the next day to find Beth sitting up in
bed, leaning against her pillow. She had been surprised and delighted to learn from Dat’s note last night that dear Beth would be staying with them for the week. Curious, she watched her friend whispering the words she’d evidently written in the blue spiral notebook on her lap. It sounded like a prayer. The more Rose observed her, the more she realized the phrases were well written . . . and that Mamm, surprisingly, was at the heart of what Beth had composed.
    Unable to remain silent, Rose stirred to let Beth know she was awake, lest she be guilty of eavesdropping. “Did ya sleep all right, Beth?” she asked quietly, so as not to startle her.
    Beth smiled sleepily. “I must’ve. . . . I feel wide-awake this morning.”
    Rose sat up and pushed her own pillow against