CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Abigale knew that she had been hard on Suzie today, but she had to teach her a lesson. Suzie had to learn to take her responsibilities as a young woman seriously. She was growing quickly and Abigale did not want people to say, in particular the womenfolk, that her only girl was lacking in housekeeping skills when the time came for her to settle down.

At twelve and a half years old, Suzie’s body was gently filling out. Her breasts were growing, bigger than most girls her age. Her hips were slowly widening. She had inherited her father’s looks, mingled with a dash of hers. Suzie had taken her hair; it was long and soft to the touch. Abigale was glad for this blessing. Although she was a bit chubby, her Suzie was pretty. She