Abby's Answers

By Mary Lemke and Melissa Lemke

Abbys Answers continues to follow the everyday challenges and delights of Abby, Daisy, and the many colorful individuals who reside in rural Fairfield, New Hampshire. Mystery, romance, and adventure abound in this sequel to the novel, Daisys Dreams. Several new characters join the cast of familiar faces, as secrets are uncovered and love blossoms in the mid-1800s.

When the beloved young minister of the community begins to act strangely, questions arise. Suspicions mount further at the discovery of his untimely disappearance. Amid the scandal, hope emerges. Will it last, or will it simply crumble under the pressure of new challenges? Will the Hunter and Browning families seemingly unshakeable faith withstand the onslaught of life-changing trials?

An unsolved mystery is gradually unearthed, leading many to venture outside the comfortable borders of Fairfield to find answers. Can life ever remain the same, or will these answers change everything? Through the joys and heartaches, can the characters discover Gods amazing plan for the town?

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Jul 13, 2015
• ISBN: 9781490865294

Mary Lemke

Mary and Melissa Lemke are identical twin sisters from New Hampshire who married identical twin brothers from upper Michigan. They are former critical-care nurses who now enjoy their roles as stay-at-home wives and homeschooling mothers. They feel blessed to be able to share encouraging words with others.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Teardrops

A steady rain pelted against the windowpanes, blurring the scene on which the girl gazed. With her hands cupping her chin and her elbows resting on the wooden sill, her mood was contemplative. She was looking at nothing in particular in the yard beneath her second story viewing place; yet, time to time, her attention was drawn away momentarily from her thoughts by a skittering creature attempting to find shelter amidst raindrops. A squirrel came into view, and the girl’s melancholy spirit was broken for a spell as she smiled at its antics to attempt hoarding a nut while scuttling up a nearby tree. Her smile soon vanished and her solemn state returned as she mused, It looks like that poor squirrel’s all alone too — just like me. With her lips pressed together tightly and her eyes riveted to an ever-growing puddle on the earth below her vantage point, Rose continued to ponder her situation.

It had only been three weeks since her older sister, Daisy, married long-time family friend, Adam Browning. Although the two had known each other their entire lives and, in fact, were separated in age by a mere four days, it was only in the last year that any romantic interest began to bloom. Even though the young people’s union was a joyous event, several others now needed to adjust to the happy change. One person who was deeply affected was Daisy’s best friend and seemingly constant companion, Abigail Browning. While Abby enjoyed a close relationship with the bride, she was also the groom’s twin sister. Therefore, her life was doubly impacted.

Another individual, however, who experienced a plethora of emotions with the recent union was sixteen-year-old Rose. She was a whimsical, sentimental girl who did not display her feelings as openly and dramatically as her older sister. The name she was given at birth, Rose, suited her perfectly, as if her mother had sensed the kind of young woman she would become. Like the flower, her features were soft and delicate. She was already very beautiful and had received second glances from more than one boy. However, she hardly noticed the attention and certainly did not display arrogance, as some in her situation might. Her personality, too, was soft and delicate in nature. Rarely did she lose her temper. Rather, she quietly brooded over bothersome situations in an attempt to independently solve her difficulties without involving anyone else. As a result, turmoil sometimes festered within, causing the sensitive girl undue distress. Conversely, she was not one to become excessively giddy and exuberant in happy circumstances. She did not lack emotion; she simply displayed it in her own quiet, gentle way. Roses symbolize love, and this quality was certainly evident in her life. She was the first to give a sincere, warm hug and was always quick to offer a smile direct from the heart.

Today, however, no smile touched her lips as she continued to gaze at the damp, dreary world outside that seemed to directly reflect her sentiment. Three weeks had passed and she still had not adjusted to the idea of her sister not coming back to the bedroom where she now sat. Regardless that Daisy and Rose were often deemed as opposites, they enjoyed a special bond that others were hard pressed to describe. Even though Rose knew her sister was not far away and despite the fact that she saw her nearly every day when she went to town, she was still lonely. She missed cooking every meal together and going about the rest of the chores around the house and farm with her older sister by her side, ready to give advice and lend a hand. Most of all, though, she missed those special moments at bedtime when Daisy would gently and lovingly run her ivory-handled hairbrush, a family heirloom, through her sister’s brunette hair. At the thought of those treasured times, Rose finally removed her gaze from her view outside the window and turned to the dresser. The sight of that well-used brush caused tears to form tiny puddles just inside her eyelids that threatened to spill over and drop in a similar fashion as the rain that now fell softly outside. It was during those times at night that the two girls talked quietly. They chatted easily about the events of the day just passed and made plans for the next soon to come. Their conversations, however, often turned to heavier, deeper matters — such as their faith and the importance of God in their lives. When Rose had a question about a portion of Scripture, she frequently queried Daisy and they pored over the text together. If Daisy was unable to assist her sister — for she, herself, had many questions — the older girl persisted in seeking the counsel of others.

The two often shared verses with one another to encourage and direct. Rose’s heart swelled with gratitude when she recalled those words at the times she needed them most. Still gazing at the hairbrush, the girl’s attention was drawn back to the day of the wedding when Daisy had tenderly run that finely crafted instrument through her hair. As she methodically worked, Daisy had quoted Psalm 37:4-5, two verses that had become meaningful to her over the past several months amidst many changes and confusing moments. Now the passage of Scripture entered Rose’s mind and she meditated on its promise. "Delight thyself also in the LORD, and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him, and he shall bring it to pass."

The pools welling in her eyes now sprung forth tiny teardrops as she fondly remembered that special shared time. The memory would long be cherished within both sisters’ hearts. Presently, Rose was unsure how she could face each day without Daisy, especially without the treasured bedtime moments. Yet, wallowing in self-pity would certainly solve nothing. Slowly and deliberately, she wrapped her slender fingers around the carved brush handle and gently ran its soft bristles through her fine long hair. She gazed out her window one last time and saw her two younger brothers dash across the yard from completing their evening chores in the barn. It would soon be time to put supper on the table, she reasoned. Even though her heart continued to ache fiercely, she knew that life moved on. Change occurred, and she needed God’s grace to accept that change. As she began to descend the wooden stairs to aid her mother with supper preparations, she resolved to remember Daisy’s special verse and to implement it in her life.

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Why do I feel so miserable? Daisy asked herself as she peered out the kitchen window. The first week after her wedding had been spent living at the Browning residence which occupied the same building as their successful mercantile. However, this had only been temporary. Her new husband did not waste time in making arrangements to purchase a small home just a few blocks away from his childhood abode. Because the prior occupant of the meager residence had recently passed away, the family of the deceased decided to sell the house to the newlyweds since they themselves had no need for the building. In all the busyness of moving and adjusting to the new demands of married life, Daisy had not experienced many moments of quiet in order to ponder the numerous changes. Now, the heaviness of it all seemed to suffocate and weigh her down.

Hastily, Daisy placed the casserole she prepared into the oven, suddenly realizing that she could no longer hold back the tears. Quickly, she made her way to the kitchen table, where she sank heavily into the matching wooden chair. Without hesitation, she dropped her head to her arms and allowed the tears which wracked her body to fall onto the freshly pressed tablecloth. The sobs continued to engulf the young woman for many minutes. Yet, she could not seem to stop. A wave of nausea overtook her, and she hurriedly made her way to the door in time to relieve herself of the pressure that had built in her throat. With that, her body finally succumbed to physical exhaustion. She crumpled to the floor just inside the doorway, her face as pale as the glass of milk she had poured earlier.

Daisy loved Adam Browning and had committed her life to him just three weeks prior. But, now she felt completely overwhelmed. Everything seemed very different. She had been comfortable in her life before. Oh, why did I have to grow up? Daisy asked herself in despair. Why can’t I just live at home? I miss Mama & Daddy so much.

Daisy mentally shook herself. Stop it. Stop trying to plan out your life, Daisy Hunter — I mean, Browning. It would take some time to get used to the name change. I just have to take one moment at a time and trust that God will guide me. He always wants the best for me. Why am I feeling sorry for myself? God will take care of me. He always has.

After her brief mental pep talk, the creases of worry began to fade from Daisy’s pretty features, and the color slowly returned to her fair face. Yet, she continued to sit on the hard floor as thoughts whirled in her mind. All the changes amazed and overwhelmed the nineteen-year-old. Even though she could not understand it all, she knew she needed faith to sustain her through the heartaches.

The stroke of a nearby clock indicating that it was half past five stirred Daisy from her reverie. Oh, dear, Adam will be here soon and I don’t even have the table set, she exclaimed to the emptiness around her. Jumping from her position on the floor, she scurried about the kitchen in order to make the final necessary preparations. As she tended to her business, she mentally scolded herself for wasting time in self-pity. Yet, she thanked God that He had seen her through the brief emotional turmoil and prayed that such anguish could be minimized in the future.

As Daisy added water to a kettle, she caught a glimpse of her reflection in the silver coating. Seeing her disheveled appearance, she determined to freshen up before her husband arrived. Although she was not a vain person, she did feel that she should look presentable. Besides, she did not want Adam to know that she had been crying — at least not right away. Perhaps she would talk to him later in the evening when they had finished their supper. They both deserved to enjoy a good meal in peace without heavy hearts.

Hastily, Daisy slipped into a mauve colored calico dress which boasted miniature flowers throughout the material. Realizing that she did not have enough time to re-pin her hair, she allowed the blonde curls to cascade softly to her shoulders. Besides, it felt good to let them fall freely without being confined on the top of her head. With one final glance in her mirror, Daisy hurried down the steep and narrow flight of stairs and fairly ran into the kitchen to remove her casserole from the oven before the top began to darken. While she warmed some home canned green beans on the stove, she sliced large chunks of freshly baked bread and set them on the table. Just as she was draining the beans, the kitchen door opened and her young husband entered with a beaming expression on his face. Yet, Daisy was too intent on the task at hand to even notice the radiance.

Supper is just about ready. I’m putting it on the table now, Daisy called over her shoulder.

When she turned around with a steaming bowl of vegetables, she nearly ran into Adam, who had quietly approached his busy wife.

Why, hello there, he said softly.

Daisy blushed. Hi.

After a quick kiss, Daisy set the bowl on the table while Adam reached into his pocket to retrieve a note which he subsequently handed to his bride.

Recognizing the handwriting of her best friend, Daisy quickly scanned the small piece of correspondence.

Adam watched as a smile curled at Daisy’s lips while she read the brief letter. Even though Abby and Daisy saw each other almost every day, they often relied on Adam as a messenger between them when they realized they had forgotten something.

Silently, Daisy folded the note and placed it in her apron pocket before sitting in one of the sturdy wooden kitchen chairs. This, along with much of the other household furniture, had been included with the purchase of the building.

Does Abby have any new revelations since you saw her this morning? Adam questioned with a hint of humor in his voice after asking God’s blessing upon the meal.

Daisy did not look up from the piece of bread on which she was intently slathering apple butter. Evidently, a new shipment of calico came in and lots of women are wondering when I’ll be resuming my position as seamstress at Vera Mosely’s shop. While chewing a mouthful of her masterpiece, she continued, I think I’m fairly well settled here. Maybe I’ll go visit Mrs. Mosely tomorrow and start back in. I wouldn’t want the women to start a riot because they don’t have anything to wear!

After a few minutes of silent chewing passed, Adam decided to ask what was on his mind. Did Abby happen to mention anything else in the note? he queried. Without waiting for a response, he quickly explained, You see, I noticed that Rev. Parker came in to the store today, and he and Abby went outside for what seemed like forever. I guess they were only gone maybe fifteen minutes, though. Anyways, I think Abby wrote the note after speaking with the Reverend.

Daisy quietly set down her fork and daintily wiped her face with the cloth napkin which had been laying in her lap. After a heavy sigh, she responded with a smile, I’m sorry, Adam, but I feel as though some things need to be kept between two very close friends. I would be betraying Abby’s confidence if I blurted to you everything she revealed to me. I know you’re my husband and we shouldn’t be keeping secrets from each other, but I think I need some time on this. Will it upset you terribly if I talk with Abby about it first?

Adam smiled tenderly and reached across the table to grasp his wife’s hand. That’s fine, Honey. I would never ask you to betray my sister’s trust. I guess I’m simply a nosy and concerned brother. Just let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.

Daisy’s heart swelled for the man God had led to her. Where else could a girl find such a kind, caring, sensitive gentleman?

The remainder of the meal was filled with talk of the events of the day and plans for the upcoming morning.

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As Daisy lay in bed that night before sleep could capture her, a silent tear slid down her pretty cheek. She was truly grateful for the union that God had led her into with Adam; yet, change did not always, or often, guarantee ease. With a sigh, she realized that the only reasonable thing she could do is take one day, even one moment, at a time with the promise from Psalm 37 ever-present in the forefront of her mind.

CHAPTER 2

Fairfield

F airfield was a small, yet always growing little town nestled in the picturesque state of New Hampshire. Its inhabitants were friendly and ready to aid a neighbor in need; however, they also possessed stoic and reserved tendencies characteristic of New England folk. But they refused to allow such a stereotype to define them. In fact, they strove towards breaking free from the shells into which many accused them of crawling. The young people, especially, were intent and enthusiastic on making great strides in this endeavor. However, despite their gallant efforts, the same descriptive adjectives would be applied to their descendents for generations to follow. Even if the people of Fairfield knew this at the time, it would not daunt them. While outsiders may have looked on them with disdain, they knew the true heart of the people.

Fairfield could be characterized as a comfortable, country town where everyone knew every other inhabitant of the township itself as well as the outlying farms. News spread rapidly among the citizens of births, deaths, and, shamefully, though common in many small locales, any piece of newly discovered gossip. Unfortunately, the latter has been a common ailment throughout time and seemed to especially be fostered by such an environment as the tiny New Hampshire town. It was an evil often preached against by pastors, but admonitions seemed to only be heeded for a little while, if at all. In fact, it was often at church functions where tidbits of information regarding this person or that circulated the quickest.

One Fairfield citizen, however, had reformed her ways and abandoned the gossip habit after seeing the detrimental consequences that her fiery mouth had on those for whom she cared. Mrs. Wilkins was a widow with no children and for years had been characterized as the town busybody. It was not a title of which she was proud, yet she had always been impressed by her ability to glean what she deemed as worthwhile information which others had a right to know. Yet, when her wagging tongue had a humiliating effect on Daisy and the new pastor nearly a year ago, she was faced with the stark reality of her sin. Charlotte Wilkins repented of her ways, worked toward restoration of harmed relationships, and dedicated her time to more constructive activities. Now, she was found to be the topic of other busybodies’ conversations, but she paid no attention. She was simply content at expending her energy for the work of the Lord. In fact, she was usually the first to arrive and the last to leave at every church event and joyfully spent many hours serving in whatever capacity was needed.

Charlotte Wilkins’ life had also taken on added meaning with the arrival of the Massachusetts native, Elizabeth Tucker. Miss Tucker was a young woman in her early twenties who ventured north in search of her former heart-throb, Rev. Caleb Parker, a dedicated man of God who began his assignment at the Fairfield Baptist Church more than a year ago. The sentiments of Elizabeth toward Caleb had never really been returned, but her goal in seeking him out was not to somehow win his affections. Rather, she had only weeks earlier escaped from an abusive relationship and ran to seek assistance from the first person who sprang to mind. However, it would be months before she revealed this true reason for her sudden presence in the close-knit community of Fairfield. Thankfully, many of her fears were recently quelled with the news that her assailant was apprehended in Missouri.

Unbeknownst to Elizabeth at the time she fled, her journey to New Hampshire was one of the wisest decisions she had ever made. In her quest for healing and forgiveness, she discovered the grace of God under the direction of Mrs. Wilkins. The two quickly formed a special relationship, and it only seemed natural that the young woman take up residence with her new friend. Elizabeth’s days were filled with activity — between her job serving tables at the town’s restaurant to her treasured duties as church organist to joining Charlotte in whatever was going on at church.

Amidst her circle of friends in Boston, many men would be quick to point to Elizabeth as a specimen of a beautiful woman. At the time, the young lady arrogantly prided herself in such compliments, but now she was thrilled to radiate the beauty of God’s love. Despite her newfound faith, questions continued to linger. Yet, she realized maturity did not happen instantaneously. Time and experience would continue to shape her life.

When Miss Tucker arrived in the small community several months previously, many were intrigued by the young woman who had been cultured in Bostonian society. Since New Hampshire borders Massachusetts to the north, news of new innovations and cultural updates that rapidly occur in the big city were often eagerly received by the country folk, many of whom had never traveled more than fifty miles away from home. Therefore, while Boston was relatively close in proximity, it may as well have been halfway across the country. Hence, it is evident to understand why many thronged to the young woman to gain insight into what such a cultured existence entailed. Elizabeth often replied to such queries with a smile and an assurance that country life far surpassed the frills and galas of which she had become accustomed in the city. Nevertheless, those in Fairfield felt they must remain abreast of the modern innovations that were rapidly occurring in 1857 society.

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Summer is a beautiful time in New Hampshire; but then, every season in that region is splendid. The magnificence of the Creator’s handiwork is evident with each passing month, and many are hard-pressed to pinpoint a particular favorite. The summer boasts vivid azure skies reflected placidly in lakes and rivers, the banks of which often provide choice picnicking. The temperature in June usually remains comfortable, with an occasional chilly morning and evening. Later in July and August, the weather sometimes becomes sweltering to the point of being unbearable, despite the state’s northern geographic location. At times such as these, folks are content to spend the scorching afternoon hours lazily sipping lemonade and attempting to capture the nearly nonexistent breeze.

Those unbearable days of summer quickly give way to the cool, refreshing fall air. Without a doubt, Daisy Hunter Browning identified autumn as her choice season. It was the time when her family’s apple orchard harvest swung into full gear; and a time, she believed, the beauty of nature around her in the rural New Hampshire setting could not be matched. The palette of hues that decorated the trees never ceased to amaze her, and the crispness and freshness of everything invigorated her senses. For these reasons, Daisy felt that she could never leave her beloved state, for she would not desire to abandon the wonder and thrill she received each year with the glory of autumn.

Fall never failed to give way to winter, a season which was often harsh in northern New England. The Brownings would always respect the potential treacherousness that winter brought with its storms of fury, especially after the trauma which occurred the year prior. Adam and his father had both found themselves caught in the elements for many long hours. Although Adam had fully recovered, some of the frostbite damages to the elder Mr. Browning were irreversible. He was now learning to adjust to living without any toes and with only his thumb and index finger on his left hand. Fortunately, most of his right hand had been spared, leaving all but his smallest finger and the tips of two others.

Spring was a time of rejuvenation for the citizens of Fairfield. After spending months cooped up inside, children and animals nearly busted at the seams when the snow began to melt and they were allowed once again to romp in the pastures. Love often bloomed in the spring along with the many perennial flowers which flooded fields with color. In fact, the love between Daisy and Adam had blossomed and flourished during this season of growth. It was also during that time when Abby struggled with feelings of inadequacy. On more than one occasion she wondered if she would ever experience such a loving relationship as the one which her brother and best friend now shared. Yet, a few weeks