“Come for dinner Friday. Heinrich has some business to discuss with you.”
“Ja, danke,” he grunted his assent.
“What are you doing standing there?” demanded her aunt of Judith.
“I have our things and am ready to go.”
“You aren’t going anywhere! Your plain, miserable face would give me an upset stomach. You can stay here and keep house for your father.”
Shocked, her mouth hanging open as her aunt swept by, Johann in her arms, Judith never even got to say goodbye to her brother.
“Which are the baby’s things?” Judith pointed dumbly at the valise where she’d carefully placed the diapers and toys and essentials of baby care. Johann handed it to the coachman, gave his sister a quick wave, and closed the door. Then he turned and stared at his daughter, looking her up and down.
“She’s right, you know, you are as ugly as a mud fence. Since your aunt has your brother, you really are no more use here. The maid does a fine job.” A funny look crossed his face so quickly she wasn’t sure she’d really seen it but Judith had heard the noises at night.
“You already have your bags packed. Pick them up. I’m taking you to the convent. The Sisters of Mercy can have you.”
Johann flagged a hansom cab and swept her off to the convent where Sister Evangeline’s mobile features reflected as much shock and dismay as Judith felt.
“Here, I give you her dowry,” Johann insisted. “Now she belongs to you. Make her a nun, for no man will ever want her.” He wrote out a check and dropped it on the desk, then bowed curtly and strode out with nary a backward glance for his daughter.
Bewilderment was writ large on Judith’s face; she was so numb from the series of shocks she couldn’t even think. Had her father really just abandoned her? Given her to the convent to become a nun?
And what about her baby brother? She’d cared for him since he was born. Would she never see him again?
The fury on Sister’s face as she stared after Johann Müller faded into compassion as she looked at her newest charge. She swept out from behind her desk and enfolded the waif in her arms. That is what finally broke Judith’s shocked reserve and she collapsed in tears as Sister Evangeline guided her to a settee and held her while she cried out her hurt and pain.
~~~
In her quiet demeanor and self-containment, Judith appeared to be the perfect nun; however she had absolutely no vocation. Her stately composure and apparent self-confidence made her a magnet for other children in need of comfort. And as she grew older the solemn face her father had condemned as “plain” gave way to a quiet beauty, combining soft, even features with strength of purpose and resolve.
Sister Evangeline had tried over the years to overcome with love and kindness the terrible blow Judith had received from her family, when she was so thoroughly rejected by them. No one had ever come to see her, and when enquiries have been made about visiting her baby brother, they had been firmly refused; Judith was forbidden to even attempt contact.
Sister Evangeline could not understand how anyone could do that to a child, much less reject any family member so thoroughly, but these were clearly cold people. To her way of thinking, Judith was better off without them.
~~~
Although she would sometimes smile at the children’s antics, Sister had never heard Judith laugh. And then Barbara and Emily joined the group. Barbara didn't laugh either.
Sensing kindred spirits, the two girls were drawn to each other despite their different circumstances. Barbara looked up to Judith as an older sister and Judith took both girls under her wing and nurtured them. At their ages, a single year’s difference in age conferred a great deal of authority.
But as they became friends, sharing with each other and discussing things to which no one else was privy, that year disappeared and the two became inseparable. Judith shared Barbara’s obvious concern and care for her younger sister Emily, and the three girls now shared a room.
And then one day Sister actually came upon them laughing quietly at the antics of some of the younger children. Her heart lifted in hope as she offered a prayer of thanksgiving for this minor miracle.
~~~
The nuns at Our Lady of Mercy convent had provided Judith an excellent education and given her a great deal of love as well. She had arrived with far more education than most of the girls would ever enjoy, and had naturally slipped into a position as teacher’s helper.
Sister Bridget, herself highly educated, worked with Judith to encourage her in her own learning. She was adept at mathematics, and rather excelled in teaching. But even if she had wanted to take up teaching as a career, the current Board of Governors would not consider investing in an orphan. Money is tight, they would have said. It is enough just to feed and house these unwanted creatures.
~~~
While Sister Evangeline had long been in charge of welcoming new residents, for many children, especially the non-Catholics, the sight of a nun’s habit was unnerving. Of course once they overcame their shyness, most of the children flocked to sister, recognizing her as their protector.
Judith had slipped into the role of confidant for many of the children. Her calm and relaxed composure provided solidity and strength for the bewildered orphans who found their way into the home. That dispassionate demeanor hid a wealth of passion and caring which she spilled out onto the girls and even onto those nuns with whom she interacted regularly.
Another child greeting the new children, one who was clearly comfortable with the adults, helped ease the transition, and Sister welcomed the assistance.
~~~
When Barbara had arrived at the orphanage, she could barely
