Previously, the spirit of Jennie’s brother appeared to her with advice: Don’t let anyone know you’ve seen me when you are awake. Meanwhile, Ella struggles to be a good big sister and protect Jennie from their uncle’s wrath. In this post, Lucy comes to visit.

Lucy

It had been a week since I last attempted to visit Jennie and Ella. This morning, Aunt Hilda was conducting a ladies’ meeting at the church, and Aunt May was attending. With my uncles at their respective work places, church and bank, it was the perfect time to see my sisters.

Upon my arrival at Aunt Hilda’s, I knocked at the door, but there was no answer. I walked around the parsonage and found them on their knees, working in the vegetable garden. I rushed toward them, calling out their names as I crossed the yard between the back of the house and the garden. .

They stood, smiled, waved, and ran toward me.

Ella’s breath came in puffs as she reached my side. “Lucy, it’s been so long.”

“Forever,” Jennie agreed, and both girls threw their arms around me.

I hugged them close. Jennie sobbed and her shoulders shook. “What is it?” I asked, alarmed by her obvious distress.

Ella stood back, and her sad eyes gazed into mine. “The usual thing. Her dreams about our brother and bad things that might happen. I’ve told her not to say anything, but she doesn’t always listen.”

“How can I stay quiet if someone is in danger and I know it,” Jennie said. “What good is knowing if I can’t help?”

Ella scrunched her face. “Do you think Aunt Hannah will come for us? We could write her and tell her how bad it is.”

I shook my head. “We can’t. She has no money or work to make any. She would feel so bad if we told her how bad life is here, so we must promise not to tell her in a letter or if she comes to visit. She will make a home for us as soon as she can. Until then, we must make her believe our lives are pleasant.” I looked steadily into their eyes. “Promise.”

They met my gaze. “Promise,” they said in unison.

What’s next for this blog?

This is the final post in the “Life with Aunts” series. Since Undercurrents will go live on Amazon on April 30, I may post a brief scene from the book next week. Coming attractions for this blog will include information on Book 3 in the series, which has a working title of Overcoming. I’ll be posting character bios and historical research into places and events in the new novel. If you like what you see here, please click the follow button.

Undercurrents is on preorder now. Order a copy here.