NO ENGAGEMENT RING

Chapter 16

It was becoming more difficult to keep her engagement secret at school, though.

Everyone seemed to notice a difference in her. Sarah herself even commented on it.

"Spring suits you, Hannah!" she said one day with a twinkle in her eye. Hannah laughed

not commenting. She suspected that Mrs Hart knew but was being discreet.

Tuesday came and with it the excitement of getting her dress. Suppressing her excitement

was difficult especially towards the afternoon. Fortunately everyone was too pre-occupied

with exams and therefore no one inquired about her state of excitement.

When the knock on the door came that, evening, she was ready and waiting. Emily had

directed them to her door. After thanking the young couple, whom she recognised from her

father's church and who filled her in on their move to the city a while back before her

engagement fiasco, they left to get home.

Taking a deep breath, she opened the case and therein was the dress just as she

remembered. Before she could lift it out, Emily knocked on her door.

"I couldn't wait to see it," Emily confessed like a child.

"That's okay," Hannah laughed glad that she could share her excitement with someone.

Together, they unfolded the dress and laid it on the bed. "It's beautiful!" Emily stated

genuinely.

"Huh, huh!" Hannah agreed, dreamily, staring at the dress. She was glad she'd had no

inclination to wear it first time around. Simon had not inspired her to wear the dress and she

was not sure that he would have approved. So she had never even asked him.

"I would like to replace the lace though," Hannah said thoughtfully.

"Just say the word and I can oblige," Emily said encouragingly.

"You sew?" Hannah asked surprised.

"Oh, no! But I know of someone who does. Don't worry, it's someone who's coming to

the wedding," she added quickly at Hannah's alarmed look. "She just doesn't know it yet. My

younger sister," Emily proudly answered Hannah's questioning look.

"You have a sister living here?" Hannah was still surprised. "Gosh I have so many people

yet to meet. I guess my first impression of Jonathan just coming into being would be great

now," she laughed.

Emily laughed heartily. "I still can't get over that one!"

"I don't think Jonathan will either," Hannah said with mirth.

It was settled that Emily's sister would make the changes to the dress. And Hannah knew

that the dress was in good hands. She informed her mother as soon as Emily left. Elizabeth

was relieved.

The next evening, she and Jonathan had dinner with the Garricks. It had been some time

since they saw each other. For some reason, Jonathan had become very busy lately. He looked

tired Hannah noted, wishing she could do something about it. Thoughtfully, Emily and