Free The Thorn by Beverly Lewis

Browning's house. "Might today be his birthday?"
    "Who would possibly know? He has no friends that Roy and I've ever seen. He hardly says a word to us."
    "Too bad, ain't?" Rose felt sad. "No close family, prob'ly."
    "Not that I know of," Donna said. "Makes you count your blessings for a close-knit family ... and good friends, too."
    They continued sipping their tea, and then suddenly Donna put down her cup. "Come to think of it, there's an Amish fellow wandering about over there now and then."
    This surprised Rose. "Doin' odd jobs, maybe?"
    Donna nodded. "Mowing and raking and other light chores."
    "Nice to know he has that sort of help." Rose looked at the stove clock and wiped her mouth with the dainty cloth napkin. "Well, thank you for the delicious tea," she said. "It was nice of you to invite me over." She went to look out at Alfalfa. "Goodness, you might not have to mow your side yard anytime soon!"
    Donna clapped her hands and laughed when she got up to see. "You'll have to stop by with that horse more often."
    Rose had to laugh, too. "Well, thanks again!"
    On the way to the horse and buggy, she realized she'd forgotten to collect her pay from Mr. Browning and decided to run over to his house. Inside, the man's favorite chair was vacant, but her money was lying on the kitchen table. Not knowing if she ought to take it without letting him know, she went into the sitting room and stood at the bottom of the stairs.
    Looking up, she opened her mouth to call to him, but heard his footsteps overhead, then water running. Rose couldn't help noticing again how badly the room needed dusting and, for a fleeting moment, she thought of cleaning it up right quick, while she had the chance.
    Instead, she headed back to the kitchen to write a quick note, stating she'd returned for her day's pay. I'll come again next Wednesday morning. I hope you enjoy the chocolate cake. If it's your birthday, have a real happy one! - Rose Ann K.
    With that, she left the house and picked up her long skirt as she ran back to Alfalfa and the waiting carriage.

    "I see you've been playing dress-up again."
    Hen wished Brandon would keep his voice down. She moved to close their bedroom door.
    "I don't want my wife looking Amish. Not ever." Brandon stared at her. "You're stunning with makeup, so what's with the washed-out look today?"
    She held her breath, suddenly feeling faint. Did he truly dislike the person she was - the girl he'd met and married?
    "Where are those cute sweaters I bought you?" He motioned toward the closet. "And the hundreds of dollars of sexy jeans?"
    Too tight fitting, she thought. Aloud she said, "The sweaters seem so, well - "
    "Revealing?" he said with a sneer.
    She'd felt comfortable wearing them for only a couple of years after they were married. "I really can't wear those anymore."
    "Can't ... or won't?" He eyed her.
    "Honestly, Brandon ..." She couldn't finish. Truth was, she felt sinful parading around in those clothes. Maybe it was being a mother. Or maybe her upbringing had taken root at long last.
    Train up a child in the way that is right....
    "So, are you comfortable in those long skirts you wear all the time?" he asked, shaking his head in disgust.
    She couldn't refute it. "Yes, I am."
    "C'mon, Hen. This is ridiculous." He moved swiftly toward the door, opened it, and headed into the hallway.
    She felt discouraged, and after showering, she dressed for bed. Hen lay quietly under the covers, feeling the soft sheet beneath her fingers and reached slowly, inching across the king-size bed, missing the warmth of her husband. Much later, in her sleepy haze, she stretched farther, hoping he'd returned as she rolled closer to his side.
    Not finding him in bed, she raised herself slightly to look at the clock on Brandon's lamp table - 2:25 A.M.
    Glancing again at the clock, she placed her hand on his pillow to see if it was warm. Perhaps he'd merely gone to the bathroom and would return soon. But his pillow was cool to the touch,