Free Nan's Journey by Elaine Littau Page A

as if asking a question in grave confidence to Sarah Brown, “Can you tell me if the large church in the center of town is open socially to newcomers?”
    “Mrs. Dewey, of course!”
    “I don’t know if you understand my meaning, Mrs. Brown, but I am tired of the seclusion of the farm and wish to make myself available to any committees, clubs, or other appropriate organized groups that the church sponsors.” Mrs. Dewey ’s throat was beginning to become very dry and parched. The words had a scratchy sound to them and Mary was hoping th at her case of nerves was not as apparent to Mrs. Brown.
    “Oh, I see. Yes, they are always in need of members to the ladies missionary society and of course the church festivities group always needs fresh members to dream up fundraisers for the community.
    If you make yourself known to Prudence Malone, the president of the women’s society of the church, she will put you on so many committees that your head will spin. Your husband, if he is like mine, will make you limit the functions you attend because you will become quite busy, that is, if Mrs. Malone takes a liking to you.”
    “Would it be possible for you to arrange an introduction to Mrs. Malone for me?”
    “I hardly know you!” Mrs. Brown looked quite concerned that such a request would come from a virtual stranger.
    Mary almost lost her nerve. If this were to work she would have to give it her best effort. Clearing her throat, Mary forced courage and a bit of dignity into her voice. “Mrs. Brown, the only reason that we are not better acquainted is because I have had enormous responsibility tending to two unfortunate orphans. Until recently I have not had so much as a moment to look up from the work and care of nurturing those precious children. My heart is fairly broken now that they are on this extended visit. The eldest cousin of Nan and Elmer has asked me to consider letting the great aunt adopt them and raise them close to all their kin. As you might imagine, I am at a loss as to what to do with the void in my life. Mr. Dewey is staying with his dying mother and I just wish to make myself useful to whomever might benefit from my services.”
    “Dear me! Yes, I suppose I might be able to arrange a meeting between you and Mrs. Malone. You will take tea with us when it can be arranged at my home. I will send word to you on the day and time. You do know where my house is?”
    “Of course , ” Mary lied . “Thank you for your assistance in this matter.” Mary managed a friendly smile as she made her purchase of chicken feed. She would have to go to the mercantile across the street for yard goods so that Mrs. Brown wouldn’t know that the dress she wore for tea was stitched especially for the occasion. Occasion? Yes, of course it was an occasion. She felt like a debutante at a coming out party. Maybe this would be the key to acceptance that she had longed for all her life.
    Mary worked long into the night on the dress. She toiled over every stitch trying to make it perfect. One good quality Mary had was determination, and she was determined to make a good impression. The chicken feed dress would have to wait until next week.
    Morning blazed into her room and she hopped out of bed chiding herself for sleeping so late. She hurried through the chores, promising herself that she would do a much better job the next time.
    She had to add some culture to her vocabulary. Daily she had studied the one book that had escaped the shipment to Boston. It was a rare novel that had belonged to Nancy.
    Mary had at first thought that the language was quite uppity, but then realized that people in social circles probably spoke like that. How would she learn to speak like this? She decided to just use a few of the phrases that struck her as the most cultured. She noticed that people said “children” instead of “kids ” or “ youngins” and spoke in a quiet way.
    She looked through the book to see if any references were made to