Enduring Love by Bonnie Leon Page B

some of it. She wiped up the mess, her mind awhirl with questions about why Margaret would want to talk to her.
    When she returned to the porch, Margaret sat in one of the spindle-backed chairs. Handing her the glass, Hannah took a chair apposite her.
    “Thank you.” Margaret tasted the lemonade. “This is quite good. You must give me your recipe. I’m sure John is partial to it. On more than one occasion he’s mentioned what a fine cook you are.”
    Rather than being flattered, Hannah felt as if John had breached a line of privacy between them. She didn’t want Margaret to know anything about her life with John. “It’s quite simple. I can write it down for you.”
    “That’s very kind of you.” Margaret took another drink and gazed at the lambing shed. “It seems a nasty business, sheep and lambs. I don’t quite understand why anyone would raise animals that are born so frail that they need constant attention.”
    “John is counting on a growing market for the wool. They’ve begun shipments to Europe, and he’s certain the demand will increase. And John likes the work.” Knowing that she understood something about John that Margaret didn’t made Hannah feel steadier.
    “He did say something about that. But I was hoping we might raise beef or grow wheat. I understand there’s more money in those markets.”
    “That may be, but John’s always been intent on improving and increasing the flocks.”
    “Yes, he told me.”
    Hannah thought she detected irritation in Margaret’s voice. She was silent for a long moment, then said, “Well then . . . there are some things we ought to talk about.”
    Her voice was kindly, but Hannah couldn’t imagine that Margaret had anything to say to her that would be a kindness.
    Margaret set her gaze on Hannah. “Whether John raises sheep or cattle isn’t the issue.”
    “I suppose you’re right, except, of course, John’s happiness is of consequence.”
    “I don’t wish to be harsh, but his happiness no longer concerns you. You’re not his wife. I apologize for being so blunt, but I think it’s time we faced the truth. I know that what I have to say will cause you pain, but it must be said.” She set her glass on the side table.
    Hannah held her breath—waiting.
    “John and I have made great strides toward restoring our marriage. And I believe it will only be a matter of weeks before we are fully man and wife again. I’ve waited for so long.” She glanced at her hands, then back at Hannah. “I don’t wish to hurt you, but we must do the right thing, for John’s sake. You may doubt my love, but I assure you it is deep and genuine. A finer man cannot be found.”
    A roaring sound filled Hannah’s ears, and she was having difficulty catching her breath. She knew how fine a man he was.
    “I think it’s time I took my rightful place here—on the farm.” Margaret’s expression was assertive but not combative. “John will let you stay as long as you wish. He’s a noble man and would never ask you to leave.”
    Hannah knew that to be true. But she’d not wanted to confront the inevitable. Plainly, there was no way to avoid it any longer.
    “I wouldn’t presume to tell you when you should go, but I do think it is time that you thought about it.”
    “You’re absolutely right, of course. In fact, I’ve been making plans . . . to leave.”
    Margaret’s full lips turned up in a tight smile. She stood. “I knew you were a reasonable person. John wouldn’t settle for less.” She moved toward the steps. “I’m sorry that things have turned out like this. I empathize with your situation.” Keeping a hand on the railing, she gracefully made her way down the steps. “Thank you for your understanding.” She walked to the buggy, climbed in, and then with a slight nod, she drove toward the lambing shed.
    Her heart throbbing, Hannah stared after her. I’m sure the Athertons will let me stay with them, for now. Perhaps they need a domestic.
    She caught