Sins of a Shaker Summer Read Free Page B

foundress, Mother Ann, and by many early Shakers. Wilhelm longed for the gifts to reappear in North Homage. His longing was so ardent that he had allowed himself to be duped in the past.
    They walked in silence down the village’s central path, past the Meetinghouse and the Ministry House. The Shakers frowned upon private conversations between men and women, but as elder and eldress, Rose and Wilhelm were expected to consult often about Society concerns. Even so, Rose took care not to walk too close. In truth, she felt more comfortable at a distance from Wilhelm.
    â€œWe must find ways to cultivate this gift that Patience has shown,” Wilhelm said as they passed the barn and stepped into the first fields east of the village. A narrow path ran through the half-grown rows of sweet corn to allow workers and horses quick access to farther-flung acres. Rose walked behind Wilhelm to keep enough space between them.
    â€œIf her gift is true, then surely it will simply emerge,” Rose said.
    â€œNay, we must encourage it, give it opportunities to grow and mature.”
    â€œAre you suggesting we poison a few more Believers so Patience can practice her technique?” Rose knew at once that keeping such thoughts to herself would be wiser, and she vowed to curb her tongue next time. Or at least to try.
    Wilhelm did not turn to glare at her, but she saw the muscles in his neck bunch. “Thy levity, as usual, is ill timed,” he said. “But then, the future of the Society has never been of great concern to thee, has it?” Wilhelm and Elsa were the only North Homage Believers to use the archaic “thee” instead of “you,” and to Rose it seemed the word was always couched in an insult.
    â€œEven if Patience has the gift of healing, the Society’s future does not depend on her; it depends on us all and on God,” she said in a clipped voice.
    â€œYea, it depends on us, on our ability to listen and understand when God speaks. God is speaking through Patience. He has given her healing hands, and maybe other gifts as well. It is up to us to hear the message and welcome the messenger.”
    Rose kept silent. His words had meaning for her, though she was unconvinced as yet about the reality of Patience’s gift. Wilhelm seemed unconcerned about the girls’ survival, because he believed in the healing. Rose required more evidence.
    â€œWe shall have Patience lead the dancing at Sunday worship,” Wilhelm said.
    â€œCertainly I have no objections to that,” Rose said, ignoring the fact that Wilhelm had not asked her opinion. “But I wonder how Elsa will react.”
    â€œShe will be glad for the Society, naturally,” Wilhelm said.
    Rose held her tongue this time, though she suspected that Elsa’s prideful nature would balk at letting another sistergather too much attention during dancing worship. As if reading her thoughts, Wilhelm stopped and faced her.
    â€œNow that I think of it,” he said, an unsettling gleam in his eye, “watching Patience develop her gifts might help Elsa refine her own. Furthermore, I believe we should open the worship service to the world again.”
    â€œWilhelm, I think that is unwise.”
    â€œIt is time,” Wilhelm said. “It is time we showed ourselves again to the world.” He left Rose standing amidst the young corn, an all-too-familiar dread rising in her chest.
    By midafternoon the steamy air in the Laundry felt heavy enough to sweep aside. Rose decided to make her visit quick. She found Gretchen, the Laundry Deaconess, pulling wet clothes out of a large washing machine. Her loose sleeves were rolled high above her elbows, and perspiration formed dark patches on her cotton dress.
    â€œWhere are the others?” Rose asked. “Surely they aren’t upstairs, not in this heat.”
    â€œNay,” Gretchen said, “I’ve sent them all to deliver clean laundry and then to their