Refining Fire by Tracie Peterson

always have to happen when I’m at my busiest?
    â€œYou should also know that we will conduct a variety of classes, including etiquette, elocution, music, and foreign languages. These are important for ladies of society to know. Some of you may never hold a dinner party or host a ball, but you will know how to if the need should arise.” This caused many of the girls to giggle, but Aunt Miriam quickly put a stop to that.
    â€œI will not brook silly girls in my school. We will be pleasantand enjoy our studies and each other’s company, but there is no tolerance of nonsense.” The clock sounded the hour of one, and Aunt Miriam gave a slight nod. “We will now conclude and conduct ourselves upstairs, where Miss Poisie Holmes, my sister, will instruct you in the art of ladylike comportment. You are dismissed.”
    Abrianna had participated in more comportment classes than she liked to remember. She had walked with more books balanced on her head than were shelved at the university’s library. Of course, not all at once, but in such a succession of volumes that it was a wonder she had reached a sizable height at all.
    Liang appeared as the other girls were making their way upstairs. She pushed through the crowd and made her way to where Aunt Miriam and Aunt Selma were deep in discussion.
    No doubt they are discussing my tardiness. Abrianna closed her eyes and uttered a quick prayer that they might overlook her actions just this once.
    Liang reached the older women and spoke in a hushed tone. At once, Abrianna’s aunts headed for the door, motioning her to come. Abrianna joined them none too quickly. Aunt Miriam frowned. “I will speak to you about your lateness after we address another matter. It would seem some of the elders are awaiting us in the receiving parlor. I want you to go there and make them comfortable while I freshen up.” She turned to Aunt Selma. “Go get Poisie. Tell her to have one of the older girls read to the girls from the etiquette book until she can return.”
    Abrianna thought it marvelous that she was being included in the meeting. No doubt the men had come to discuss calling a new pastor. This was something quite important to consider.
    â€œGood afternoon, gentlemen.” She entered the room and smiled at the three men. “My aunts will join us shortly. In the meantime, please make yourselves comfortable.” She took achair near the window, knowing they would not sit until she did.
    â€œGood afternoon, Miss Cunningham,” Brother Mitchell said, nodding. “We are sorry to arrive unannounced, but the matter is of the utmost importance.”
    â€œFilling the pulpit?” She posed the question, hoping they would jump right into the details.
    â€œYes.” Brother Mitchell said nothing more, but took a seat with the other men.
    In a matter of minutes the three hostesses of the Madison Bridal School entered the room, one after the other. They crossed the room to greet the three elders as they rose.
    â€œBrother Mitchell,” Aunt Miriam said, extending her hand. “To what do we owe the pleasure of your visit?” She nodded toward Brother Adams and Brother Williams. “It is good to see all of you but most unexpected.”
    The two trios finished with their greetings and everyone took their seat before Brother Mitchell began. “It seemed imperative that we begin an immediate search for someone to fill the pulpit. We met with the elders, and it was determined that because you ladies have been some of the most faithful and generous supporters, we should seek your wisdom on this, as well.”
    Abrianna’s aunts nodded, as if this were completely expected. She still wasn’t sure why Aunt Miriam had decided to include her. Perhaps it was simply to keep her from escaping again. However, if given a chance, Abrianna intended to share her thoughts on the type of man they should bring to the church.
    â€œOf course no