Free Angela's Hope (Wildflowers) by Leah Banicki Page B

come back here you can with no pressure. I just have a feeling that people will see you and try and help you more if you are there. Cori said there was a drawing of him, I know a few people who are good at scribbling and drawin’ that could make up a few posters for you." Clive finished, his eyebrow up and hoping he hadn’t upset her.
    "California…"Angie said softly. Her own mind had wondered if she would end up there. Her heart sped up a bit at the thought. He was there. Perhaps she should be too. "I will pray on it Clive. Is there a certain time of year that would be better for me to go?" Angie suddenly looked younger than her sixteen years. She was a girl confused and still a bit weary from her last adventure.
    "There is no rush my child’." Clive took her hand. "California will wait for you."

 
    Chapter 8
     
    The wagon was loaded down with all the crates from Clive’s mercantile. Corinne led Angela through town to the post office where Corinne had letters. The postmaster allowed her to retrieve her father’s mail as well. Angela was quiet and Corinne let her dwell on her own thoughts.
    Corinne had to fight her own feelings about Angela potentially leaving. A certain selfish emotion rose up inside of her. How can she leave when I only just got her back? Corinne would try to act like an adult but she had a desire to grab Angela possessively and yell out, mine!
    Corinne stepped into the town doctor’s office and was greeted by Persephone Williams, the Doctor’s wife.
    “Hello Persephone, you are looking lovely today. I heard Doc Tyler was wanting to speak with me.” Corinne grinned and enjoyed the friendly smile of the doctor’s wife. Her navy dress was snug across the middle promising the town would have a new member soon.
    “He stepped away awhile ago, there was another accident at the lumber mill. I am hoping it’s not too serious. He mentioned to me that he wanted to know about some of your suppliers. He has heard you know your way around getting your hands on some hard to reach medicines. He would be grateful to share your connections.” Persephone ran a hand through her dark blond hair that was loose in the back. Corinne could see a pin was nearly falling out.
    “Let me, dear.” Corinne reached up and secured the wispy hair and the pin. Persephone’s hair was again neat and tidy and no one would know the wiser.
    Persephone giggled nervously, she wasn’t a silly woman but she did have a charming giggle when she was jumpy.
    “The doctor had an order for more oils from you too.” Persephone said after she recovered from her embarrassment. 
    “I am glad to help. I am heading to the apothecary to see what Mr. Higgins has to offer.” Corinne said and waved, Angela waved wordlessly and followed behind her friend.
    “She seems nice.” Angela tried to make conversation. She still felt shy about meeting people, sometimes she slipped back into the servant role she had grown so comfortable with. It was easier than being rejected, in her opinion.
    “She is, she usually does the midwife duties with her husband, this is her first child and will be on the other side of the birthing process.” Corinne said with a wistful smile.
    “Are you wanting to have children with Lucas?” Angela asked boldly.
    “I would welcome it. We are just letting God’s timing prevail. But the thought does give me a smile or two.” Corinne shared.
    Corinne and Angela stepped into the new apothecary shop and were lost inside for nearly an hour. Corinne became the teacher and talked about all the remedies with abandon. This reminded Angela of the few times she accompanied Corinne to the Boston greenhouses when she was a servant in Corinne’s Aunt’s household. She would be so giddy about every plant growing. She spoke lovingly to the plants like children.
    They escaped the shop finally and found their way home on the wagon.  Angela had a few purchases and put them away in her room and Corinne sat by the window and read her