The Trouble with Patience by Maggie Brendan

glad you like it. Jed’s favorite, you know.”
    â€œNo—I didn’t know.”
    â€œWell, maybe you should get to know him better. He’s softer than he comes across.”
    â€œI’ll believe that when I see it.” Although he did rescue me from making a fool of myself on the sidewalk.
    Hannah laughed. “He needs a woman’s gentle touch on his heart, I wager. Maybe he’ll ask you to the Hargroves’ dance.”
    â€œHumph,” Patience responded. “I rather doubt that.” She wanted to change the subject. “Hannah, did you know my grandmother?”
    Hannah put her cup down. “Yes . . . yes I did, and we were good friends. She never had an unkind word to say about anybody. You’re a lot like her. Even resemble her.”
    â€œI could only hope to be as wonderful as she was. I . . . oh, never mind.”
    â€œWhat, dear?”
    â€œMy grandmother was much more like a mother to me than my own.” Patience stared down at her coffee.
    â€œHow well I know. Your grandmother wondered what she did wrong that your mother turned out to be so self-centered. Oh, I shouldn’t have said that.” Hannah pursed her lips.
    â€œIt’s true, so don’t worry. You haven’t offended me. I do miss my grandmother and wish I could’ve spent more time with her.”
    Hannah paused and looked directly at Patience. “A young woman like you should be out there enjoying life, surrounded by friends and suitors!”
    â€œI don’t think that’ll happen. I’m already twenty-five, and no suitors have come calling.”
    â€œI’ve seen you with Cody. Don’t you enjoy his company?”
    â€œWe’re friends, that’s all.” She glanced outside again and saw Jedediah parting from Millie.
    â€œAre you sure you’re not interested in Jed? I’ve seen how you look at him.” Hannah lifted a brow.
    Patience’s heart fluttered. “Even if I was, he doesn’t seem interested in me.”
    â€œOh, no, dear—that’s just Jed’s way. I’ve told him by the time he makes his mind up to do something, it’s always too late. I think his self-confidence suffers. You’re younger and attractive, and he thinks you wouldn’t like him that way.”
    â€œAttractive? Me? ” Patience was flabbergasted. No one had ever told her—that she could recall—not her mother, or even Russell. “Uh, well . . . thank you.”
    â€œOf course! Don’t you ever look in the mirror?”
    â€œI don’t like what I see. I think I carry more weight than I should for my height. I mean—well, look at Emily.” Patience frowned.
    â€œHumph! Don’t compare yourself to others. It’s what’s on the inside—in your heart—that matters. None of us are perfect. We are only made complete when we rest in the Good Lord. If Jedediah asks you to the dance, why not give him a chance?”
    â€œWhere is the dance?”
    â€œThe Hargroves’ place. They throw one every year, and—”
    â€œMaybe, but I should be going,” Patience said, standing to her feet. “I have to get supper started. I have a number of boarders now, and it’s keeping me pretty busy.”
    Hannah stood with her. “What do you do in your spare time, Patience?”
    â€œI read or sew . . . and I’m writing a collection of devotional readings.”
    â€œYou don’t say? That’s wonderful, and I’m sure the Lord appreciates it. But don’t neglect to have a little fun in life. It’s all over too soon.” Her eyes misted and she walked Patience to the door. “Think about what I said.”
    â€œI will.” She leaned over, giving Hannah a quick hug, then handed her coins for the roll and coffee. “I hope to see you again soon.”
    Patience hurried back to the boardinghouse, contemplating what