Sins of a Shaker Summer by Deborah Woodworth Page B

a time of growth and vibrancy in the Society. But she knew that, practical in nature as she was, she would probably have been more observer and recorder than participant. She served her people in other ways.
    Wilhelm’s soul lit up at any hint that Mother Ann had returned to do her work again among Believers. Because Elsa had exhibited such gifts of the spirit, Wilhelm protected her from Rose’s legitimate authority over her. And now Sister Patience seemed to demonstrate these same gifts, but in more depth and abundance than Elsa. Despite the growing heat, Rose shivered with both fear and excitement. She replaced the book as she had found it. With relief, she left Wilhelm’s room and headed for the Ministry dining room.
    â€œI’ve sent two of the brethren to spread word throughout Languor that our worship service will be open on Sunday,” Wilhelm said as he smoothed a small portion of raspberry preserves on a thick slice of brown bread. “And I want to add a dance or two to the service—with Patience leading the sisters.”
    Rose’s hand hesitated as she reached for her water glass, but she said nothing.
    â€œDoes this disturb thee?” Wilhelm took a large bite and watched Rose as he chewed.
    Feeling his eyes on her, Rose spooned some preserves onto her plate, then began to spread it evenly across herbread. The silence thickened the already heavy air in the sunny room.
    â€œI do not need to remind you that normally the eldress leads the sisters in the dancing,” Rose said.
    Wilhelm sliced himself more bread. “Nay,” he said, “I need no such reminder.”
    â€œI am not required to agree, as you also know,” Rose said, after enduring more moments of silence.
    Wilhelm nodded once without looking at her.
    â€œAnd why should I agree?”
    Finally Wilhelm glanced at her, one bushy white eyebrow high over an ice-blue eye. “Because,” he said, “in the end we have the same hope, do we not? Is it not thy wish, as well as mine, that the Society thrive?”
    â€œIf it is God’s will,” Rose said.
    â€œOf course.” Irritation tinged Wilhelm’s voice. “But we cannot sit by passively waiting for perfect understanding. We must push forward with all our might to know God’s will for us and to accomplish it. We know quite clearly that Mother Ann put herself in mortal danger to help the Society form and grow. She willingly let herself be imprisoned and starved for us.” Wilhelm’s eyes flared with blue flame, and his half-eaten bread lay forgotten on the plate before him.
    â€œWilhelm, Mother’s world isn’t our world. What we are meant to do may be quite different now.”
    â€œNonsense. Our mission is timeless. We are called to live as the angels, chaste and apart from the world.”
    â€œYea, indeed, but must we grow in number to fulfill this purpose?” As trustee of the North Homage Society, with her mind on practical matters, Rose had been exhausted by discussions such as this one. But lately, as she grew into her role as eldress, spiritual matters intrigued her more and more. She could feel herself rising to Wilhelm’s challenge.
    â€œOf course we must grow,” Wilhelm said. “How else can we show the world a heaven on earth? Without our example, the world’s people will be hopeless slaves to their carnality.”
    â€œAnd without their carnality, there would be no new Shakers,” Rose said, “and we could not grow.” She leaned back in her chair and tilted her head at Wilhelm, waiting for the powerful response she knew would come.
    Wilhelm’s already ruddy complexion reddened. “Perhaps,” he said, “that would be for the best. I would welcome our own demise if it meant the end of carnal relations in the world.”
    â€œBut, Wilhelm, not everyone is called to—”
    A swishing and panting sound drew their attention to the open entryway