Little Mrs Cutting

by BobwhiteBobwhite

He took away her father, her brother, and her identity. She became what the butcher wanted under the threat of his knife. Can a young stranger called Amsterdam reawaken his sister beneath the sweet, subdued housewife that Bill Cutting has spent years creating?

11. Chapter 11

"Mrs. Cutting!" Jenny cried, surprised by her unexpected visitor.

"Jenny," Emily greeted her. She went to hug the young woman, but Jenny backed away with a flash of fear in her eyes.

"Forgive me, ma'am," Jenny said quietly, "I wouldn't dare."

Emily shrugged. She then pulled a small golden necklace out of her dress pocket. She held it out to her friend.

"A gift from Bill," she explained, "A peace offering, if you will. He hopes the two of you can still be friends."

Jenny looked at the necklace for a moment before taking it.

"You'll pass in safety," Emily said, "You'll always have a place in our home if you need it, and you'll pay no quarter to the butcher."

"What about you?" Jenny asked.

"What?" Emily asked.

Jenny placed the necklace in her own pocket. "It's all very well that the butcher has no hard feelings," she said, her eyes growing wet, "but I want to know if his wife could ever forgive me for what I've done."

"Oh, Jenny," Emily said, taking the young woman's hands in hers, "There is nothing to forgive. You have always been my dearest friend and I hope you always will be."

Jenny breathed a shuddering sigh, blinked her tears away and smiled.

"May the Lord bless you, Mrs. Cutting," she said quietly.

"And you, Jenny," Emily returned, releasing her hands, "until we meet again."