Chapter 126

"Money gives you confidence," Emily Johnson mused, rubbing the bills in her pocket. The weight of them settled her nerves.

"Samuel's sister will come by later to teach you how to knit sweaters," Michael Stone reminded her before leaving. "If you can't get the hang of it, just give her the yarn. We’ll repay her with some fabric later."

Emily raised an eyebrow. "Isn’t that taking advantage of her?"

"That girl’s only sixteen, but she’s got real skill," Michael said, buttoning up his quilted coat. "All the village girls ask for her help."

Emily gave a noncommittal nod. She’d see when the girl arrived.

After breakfast, Michael went to help his second brother. The two boys ran off to play. Emily had just pulled out her exam papers when a knock sounded at the gate.

"Who is it?"

Opening the door, she found a girl with braided hair. Her skin was sun-kissed, her hair tips slightly sun-bleached, and her thin frame wrapped in a patched-up quilted coat. But her eyes shone bright and lively.

"I’m Amy Bright," the girl said cheerfully. "My brother said you wanted to learn knitting?"

Emily blinked. So this was Samuel’s talented younger sister?

"Come in."

Amy stole glances at the rumored educated youth. Her skin was pale as snow, her features delicate. No wonder Samuel never wanted her doing fieldwork.

In the main room, Emily pushed a cup of powdered milk toward her.

"P-Powdered milk?" Amy’s hands trembled. She’d only ever seen this luxury in the Supply & Market display case.

"I’ll get the yarn," Emily said, disappearing into the inner room.

When the gray cashmere yarn was spread out on the kang table, Amy’s eyes widened.

"This… this is imported cashmere, isn’t it?" She touched it gingerly. "Three pounds could make three sweaters. The babies’ will use less—most of it will go into Samuel’s."

Emily exhaled in relief. "Then I’ll leave it to you." She pulled out a piece of floral fabric from under the yarn. "This is for you, as thanks."

"I can’t accept that!" Amy waved her hands frantically. "Samuel’s helped our family so much over the years..."

"If you won’t take it, I’ll find someone else," Emily said sternly.

Amy bit her lip. Her grandmother had whispered last night that if Emily couldn’t learn, she should just finish the knitting herself.

"Then… thank you, sis," she murmured, blushing as she accepted the fabric.

Emily then produced a bar of soap like magic. "Bought it in town—no coupons needed."

Amy’s hands shook as she held the soap. This trip was more than worth it!