Free Hidden History by Melody Carlson Page B

things.”
    “But we must be prudent,” she continued. “It’s our job as board members to protect our church.”
    “That’s true,” said Alice. “But the church’s job is to serve the community.”
    Fred nodded in agreement. “I think it’s time to put this to a vote.”
    There was only one vote cast against the church’s participation in the festival. They also agreed—
almost
unanimously—to donate all church proceeds to the Helping Hands ministry. And finally, at half past eight, Fred called the meeting to an end.
    “How’s Vera doing?” asked Lloyd as they began to stand up.
    “Not so well,” said Fred. “She’ll have more tests on Friday.”
    “Maybe we should, uh, pray for Vera to get b-better,” suggested the assistant pastor, Henry Ley. “Before everyone leaves.”
    So they paused with bowed heads on Vera’s behalf. Then Patsy Ley invited everyone to enjoy the brownies that she had baked. “It’s a new recipe,” she explained. “With coconut and pecans.”
    “Have you seen Clara’s
baby
yet?” Ethel asked Florence Simpson as the two older women made their way to the dessert table.
    “No, have you?” said Florence.
    “The brownies look lovely, but I better pass,” Alice told Patsy. “I already had one dessert tonight.”
    “Not me,” said Sylvia Songer. “These are much too tempting to pass up.”
    “I think I’ll hurry on home,” said Fred. “I need to check on Vera.”
    “Here,” said Patsy as she loaded some brownies on a paper plate. “Take some with you.”
    “Well, it’s simply the ugliest thing you ever saw,” continued Ethel in a voice loud enough for everyone to overhear. “It’s got this awful black snout and bristly hair.
Ugh
.” She shuddered dramatically. “Can you imagine keeping that smelly thing in your house?”
    “Not in
my
house,” said Florence. “I think Clara Horn has completely lost her senses.”
    “I’ve heard those potbellied pigs can grow to be hundreds of pounds,” continued Ethel. She poked Lloyd Tynan now. “What do you think of that, Mr. Mayor?”
    He shrugged as he picked up a brownie. “Well, I spoke to the town manager today, and it seems we don’t have anything in the ordinances that prohibits it.”
    “You must be joking,” said Florence. “You mean people can have farm animals right here in town?”
    “Well, it seems our laws are a little outdated. In fact,did you know that according to our ordinances, you aren’t allowed to smoke or chew tobacco in town?”
    “Now that just figures,” said Florence. “I better tell my husband to leave his pipe at home next time he takes a stroll through town and to watch his step if Clara’s filthy pig has been out for a walk.”
    “Clara’s pig isn’t filthy,” said Alice. “She is actually rather sweet.”
    “Harrumph.
It just figures you would side with her, Alice. You’re always for the underdog,” Florence said.
    “Under pig,” Sylvia whispered to Alice.
    Alice giggled, then said, “I don’t see how Clara’s pig is hurting anyone or disturbing the peace. Daisy seems to be a sweet little thing.”
    “Daisy?” Florence shook her head. “She actually calls it Daisy?”
    “Or ‘baby,’” said Ethel. “She wheels it around town in a baby carriage, you know. Just wait until that animal grows into a big fat hog. She won’t be so cute then.”
    “Well, she’s sure cute now,” said Sylvia. “She brought Daisy into my shop the other day, and she’s just about the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.”
    “Oh my,” said Florence. “I think you need to get your eyes checked, Sylvia.”
    Alice decided it was time to make a break. “If you’ll allexcuse me, I’d like to call it a night. I have to get up early for work tomorrow.”
    “You and me both,” said Sylvia as she linked arms with Alice. “Let’s walk together.”
    “I’m sure that Lloyd will be happy to see you home, Aunt Ethel,” said Alice.
    “No problem,” said Lloyd.
    Alice sighed as soon