Mable's head tilted back to allow the sun to touch all over her face, being reminded of how much she enjoyed the feeling of it as Nettie spoke.  "The rain is nice too, but you're right that it's not the best for shopping.  Or for travelling, which means as long as the weather remains so clear, I'm sure Father will be back in no time!"

Her words sounded bright and positive, but beneath them was a seed of doubt and nervousness that remained.  She still couldn't quite believe that Father Brennan was okay until she saw him herself.  For some reason, she kept imagining him buried in a makeshift grave on a farm across the ocean, like her dad.