TODAY'S GUEST: ELLEN PARKER
I'm so happy to welcome Ellen Parker back to Discover... Enjoy!
A Visit to the Bakery
My son, Joseph, limped beside me, his hand wrapped
around three of my fingers. Sunlight highlighted his straight, copper-red
hair—the only outward gift from his father. “Who are we going to see?”
Good question. The previous time I’d seen the man I
hoped to find was in the autumn of 1845—mere hours before my brother forced the
Deutsch baker to leave St. Louis. I glanced into my son’s wide, brown
eyes. “A friend from a long time ago—before you were born.”
A moment later, I opened the shop door. Mouth-watering
scents of sugar, nutmeg, and cherry enveloped the both of us. I was tempted to
remain still, quiet, and savor the air. But my sense of purpose returned and
after a quick assessment of the tall, middle-aged woman behind the counter
holding an embroidery hoop and a blonde girl-flirting-with-womanhood in an
apron, I found my voice. “Good afternoon.”
Both women turned friendly, curious gazes on me as I
closed the shop door. “Is this the bakery of Mr. Bernard Keil?”
“Ja. Herr Keil is not here.” The older women
set her embroidery aside. “I am Frau. Have you come to buy a treat for
your son?”
“My business is
with your husband. Will he return soon?” A wife. I should not be surprised. I
lifted my gaze toward the top of the wall and searched for enough Deutsch
words to remain polite.
The older woman gripped the rim of the sales counter
and leaned forward. “Who are you?”
“Yes, I suppose you have a right to know.” I released
Joseph’s hand and smoothed my best dress’ green skirts. I can say this—I
have whispered the words every night for weeks before I fall asleep. “Tell
Bernard…tell Herr Keil…Polly Black from St. Louis recently arrived in
Elm Ridge and works at Mrs. Clark’s dress shop.”
The baker’s wife paled to match fine muslin.
For one instant, I feared the woman would faint.
However, the blonde woman grasped her elbow and steadied her.
“Frau Keil, are you ill?” Stepping forward, I
glimpsed my son approaching the glass case of cookies and turnovers.
The baker’s wife shook her head, looked toward the
floor, and gathered a deep breath.
“It is the surprise of the thing.” The older woman
found her voice. “Herr Keil has spoken of you. I will tell my husband where you
may be found.” She glanced toward the boy. “What is the name of your son?”
I reached out and touched Frau Keil’s hand.
“Joseph—my son’s name is Joseph. I do not mean to cause you trouble.”
“Not trouble.”
What does she see as she inspects me? I checked my
gown and bonnet before I left the dress shop. She will not find stains or
tears. Does she see the foolish girt? Or the practical woman I pray I have
become? One of my mother’s favorite sayings crept into my brain and
lingered.
Reputation is a woman’s fragile cloak—she best keep it
mended.
****
Blurb:
Prepare for consequences when you love your neighbor.
In 1851, Polly Black arrives in Elm Ridge, Illinois with little more than her sewing skills, her young son, and the persona of a widow. To preserve her reputation, she needs to tread lightly when a recent widower, a powerful man who knows she never married, courts her. A new shop opens across the way, and the owner’s friendly face is a welcome sight for both Polly and her son.
Born and raised in a Pennsylvania Deutsch community, Kurt Tafel moves to Illinois for adventure and an opportunity to run his own cobbler shop. He’s not an immigrant, but is he American enough to act on his feelings for the intelligent and pretty seamstress?
Raised in a household filled with books, it was natural that Ellen Parker grew into an avid reader. Writing is her second career and she enjoys spinning of story which appeals to multiple generations. She encourages her readers to share her work with mother or daughter – or both.
Ellen currently lives in St. Louis. When not guiding characters to “happily ever after” she’s apt to be reading, walking, or gardening. You can find her on the web at www.ellen-parker-writes.com. Or: https://www.facebook.com/ellen.parker
Links for Stitching a Dream:
Kindle: https://amzn.to/3VwoeFh
Nook: https://bit.ly/3Ri8RNX
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4ec8PRB
A very intriguing snippet!
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