The Redemption of Sarah Cain Read Free

Ivy liked to say. Yet, to Sarah’s constant frustration, Ivy seemed to seize every opportunity to justify the impulsive move, perhaps in hopes of making a convert of Sarah. Ivy’s most recent letter, however, had a strangely different tone. Not so moralizing as tender, even compassionate.
    ‘‘Hullo?’’ A fragile female voice came on the line. ‘‘Is this Aunt Sarah?’’
    Having not seen Ivy’s daughter in twelve years, Sarah scarcely knew what to say. ‘‘Lydia, what can I do for you?’’
    ‘‘I’m awful sorry. Honestly, I don’t know how to break this news to you.’’ The girl paused, saying no more.
    ‘‘What is it, dear?’’
    Nearly breathless, Lydia continued. ‘‘Mamma’s gone . . . passed away this morning. Her heart gave out.’’
    She winced. Ivy, my sister—dead?
    Sarah’s hand steadied the steering wheel as she grappled with the reality. At last, she managed to speak. ‘‘I . . . I’m terribly sorry.’’ Struggling to gather her thoughts, Sarah said no more as the shocking news pierced her soul.
    ‘‘Mamma’s funeral will be at Noah and Susie Lapp’s house, three days from now . . . Friday morning,’’ Lydia went on. ‘‘The burial’s to be on Glendorn Hill, next to our father’s grave.’’
    Her niece’s words struck a dissonant chord. Sarah had no idea where Glendorn Hill was located, having not made the effort to attend her brother-in-law’s funeral. And now, as her thoughts were in a turmoil, she was uncertain as to whether she would attend Ivy’s services, as well.
    ‘‘Mamma’s lawyer will be callin’ you real soon,’’ Lydia said gently, her voice quavering.
    She wondered what the attorney wanted but would not question her niece about legal matters. It was obvious Ivy’s daughter was suffering deep grief. ‘‘Is someone there able to help with the funeral arrangements?’’ she asked.
    ‘‘Oh my, yes,’’ Lydia replied. ‘‘No worry ’bout that.’’
    They said hurried good-byes, but only after Sarah offered obligatory inquiries about the other children. Then, clicking off the cell phone, she drove several miles before steering the sedan toward a parking lot. She stopped the car and leaned her head against the neck rest, forcing the air past her lips.
    ‘‘Mamma’s gone . . . passed away this morning.’’
    Lydia’s dismal words persisted in Sarah’s mind, echoing again and again. Yet she shouldn’t have been too surprised, aware of the fact that heart disease ran in her family on both sides. With that knowledge came a new realization. As far as her immediate family was concerned, she was now alone in the world.
    Lowering the visor, she shielded her eyes, pondering Lydia’s indication that Ivy’s lawyer would be calling. What could the Lancaster attorney—any legal counsel, for that matter—possibly wish to convey to her?
    The remaining hours of the day passed as if in slow motion. Sarah managed to close the coveted deal with Hughes, but the details of the transaction seemed nearly surreal. In fact, every movement, every thought, every word was colored by the recent news.
    Ivy was dead.

    Much to Sarah’s chagrin, Ivy’s attorney phoned her at home that evening just as she was updating paper work for the future closing of today’s sale. He introduced himself as Charles Eberley of Lancaster County. ‘‘I don’t believe we’ve met, but your sister certainly spoke highly of you.’’
    Ivy spoke highly of me? His comment surprised her.
    ‘‘Perhaps we’ll have an opportunity to get better acquainted at the funeral.’’
    ‘‘Oh, well, I’m sorry to say . . . I don’t know if I can see my way clear to make it.’’ Her words seemed flat, even to her ears.
    ‘‘It’s imperative that you come to Pennsylvania, Ms. Cain, and as soon as possible. It’s important for you to be on hand for the official reading of Ivy’s last will and testament.’’
    ‘‘When is the reading?’’ she asked.
    ‘‘Next Thursday, two