Refining Fire Read Free Page B

Militine secured a warm wool bonnet. “Goodness, but it’s cold outside. I’m not looking forward to walking to church. Aunt Miriam told Aunt Poisie and Aunt Selma that the weather has given her a great determination to purchase one, possibly two, carriages.”
    â€œThat would be quite an expense. Carriages aren’t cheap. But I would prefer them to traipsing through the snow. I hope she will buy them immediately. As tiny as you are, you might well disappear in a snowdrift.”
    Abrianna put a hand to her breast. “To ne’er be discovered until spring thaw.”
    Militine smiled and pulled on her gloves. She seriously doubted her friend could keep quiet that long. “I suppose we shall just have to walk arm in arm and help keep each other warm. Shall we?”
    Abrianna wrapped her hand around Militine’s. “We shall.”
    Their sense of ease had returned, letting their previous argument about God wait for another day. Militine liked that about Abrianna. The young woman could get so very passionate about various subjects, but her love of those around her always helped to temper her outbursts. At least after the first two or three times.
    Abrianna’s friendship meant a great deal, however. Militine had never had a friend before arriving at the school. Coming to Mrs. Madison’s had been an act of desperation, but surprisingly it had proved to be a blessing. But she doubted it would last.
    As they did every Sunday, Wade Ackerman and Thane Patton arrived early to walk with the ladies to church. This had been a common practice for as long as Militine had been on the premises, and Abrianna declared it to have gone back much further than that. Mrs. Madison and the other ladies considered it inappropriate for women to travel unescorted by a male. The city was a dangerous place, and unaccompanied females were asking for trouble, according to the matron of the bridal school. But Militine had found more danger from a violent-tempered father than the strangers in Seattle.
    Abrianna once asked about her parents, and Militine hadn’t known how to respond. She could lie and say they were both dead, as Abrianna’s parents were, or she could tell the truth and risk someone learning about her past. The lie seemed easier.
    â€œCome, ladies,” Mrs. Gibson directed. “Let us form a proper line for our sojourn.” Mrs. Gibson was a dear friend to Mrs. Madison and her sister, Miss Poisie. Together the trio kept the school running in an orderly fashion, training each student on the details of how to better prepare themselves for matrimony.
    Mrs. Madison and Miss Poisie appeared bundled from head to toe in navy wool. “It is quite cold today, and with the snow there are bound to be accidents. I implore you to walk slowlyand in pairs. Hold fast to one another so if one slips, the other may help her up, just as Ecclesiastes says.”
    â€œOr both will end up on their backsides.” Abrianna was well known for her comments, and while she barely whispered this to Militine, Mrs. Madison’s frown made it clear she’d overheard.
    â€œWe will practice care,” Mrs. Madison stressed.
    As they journeyed, Militine noticed the shoveled path. It didn’t go unnoticed by the older women.
    â€œI suppose we have you two to thank,” Mrs. Madison said, looking to Wade and Thane.
    They grinned and shrugged. “Might have been angelic beings making sure you could get to church on time,” Thane commented.
    â€œAngelic beings, eh?” Mrs. Madison smiled. “Or decent young men. Either way, we are thankful.”
    By the time they reached the small stone church, the girls around her were chatting and giggling up a storm as they did every Sunday, despite Mrs. Madison’s suggestion that the walk be spent in reflection and prayer. However, once they entered the church, the ladies were all respectful and silent. Militine followed the others inside and took