Chapter Two

After getting cleaned up, Rebecca slipped the pretty blue dress on and carefully braided her hair. The dress was a perfect fit and seemed to illuminate her simple beauty. She went out into the kitchen and Maria excitedly greeted her with a new examination. With all the mud being washed of her, Maria was able to see freckles that dusted her nose and cheeks. She saw Rebecca’s beautiful blue eyes that were no longer projecting such weary and doubtful emotions. Her smile was sincere. Her hair was brown and fine.

“You look beautiful!” said Maria.

“Thank you, Ma’am,” she said tilting her head, “I can’t thank you enough.”

“Oh it’s my pleasure, dear!”

Rebecca smile, “Is there anything I can help you with?”

“Well,” began Maria, “I’ve about finished dinner. You may set the table though. The dishes and silver wear are in the hutch.”

Rebecca began placing plates and bowls on the table. Three spots on the table had the privilege of holding the fine china and, when she was finished, Rebecca was rather impressed with how lovely it looked. Maria brought the bread to the table and noticing the table, Maria went and took from the hutch another set and placed it orderly on the table.

           

  “Oh, are we to be expecting company?” asked Rebecca.

            

“Yes, my grandson will be in town and will be staying with us.”

         

   “How lovely!” said the girl with a smile.

Moments later, a young man appeared with Clark.

         

   “It sure smells mighty fine in here!” said the man with a broad smile.

“Thank you, Andrew,” said Maria, “Please, get cleaned up and have a seat. Dinner will be done shortly.”

The two men went off and did as Maria said. Rebecca tried not to notice the man yet is seemed almost impossible. Andrew was tall, about 6’2; he had brown eyes, so full of love and compassion. His shoulders were broad and confident, his arms strong and his smile was warmer than the chimney.  Maria glanced over at Rebecca and, noticing her affection, smile.

The men, once again, joined the ladies in the kitchen and mad their way to the table. Maria insisted everyone have a seat and, at her suggestion, Andrew gently slid a chair out from the table and gestured for Rebecca to sit down.

            

“Thank you,” she said quietly.

          

 “You’re welcome, Miss,” said Andrew with a smile.

He slid the chair out next to her and had a seat. Clark then took his wife’s hand along with Andrews, and before you knew it, Rebecca’s hand was gently placed in Andrew’s.

“Dear God,” Clark prayed, “thank You for another day. Thank you for Rebecca and for Andrew. Please be with both of them as they travel, keep them safe. Thank you for this food that You have put in front of us. We ask that you bless this food in to our bodies. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

After the prayer, Andrew held on to Rebecca’s hand for just a moment longer than Maria and Clark’s. Rebecca couldn’t help but to feel flattered.