Chapter 226

The afternoon sunlight streamed through the window as Emily Johnson leaned against the headboard reading a novel. Since her mother's departure, she finally had peace to enjoy her books.

"Sister-in-law! Sister-in-law!" Amy Bright's urgent knocking interrupted her thoughts.

"Come in." Emily closed her book, eyeing the unexpected visitor with curiosity.

Amy rushed in, anxiety written across her face. She twisted her clothes nervously, her voice trembling. "Sister-in-law, I'm in trouble."

Emily motioned for her to sit. "Take your time. Tell me what's wrong."

"My uncle Thomas showed up today. He wants to arrange a marriage for me." Amy bit her lip. "But I won't even be seventeen until next year!"

Emily frowned. "I thought your families had separated?" A terrible thought crossed her mind—were they trying to use their niece for dowry money?

"We did separate." Amy stamped her foot angrily. "My cousin Edward is almost twenty. Since Uncle Thomas and Aunt Nancy can't afford his bride price, they're targeting me!"

"Dowries aren't that expensive here. Surely they've saved some money over the years?" Emily asked, puzzled.

Amy scoffed. "They're lazy! If the village officials hadn't witnessed our family separation, they wouldn't even give Grandma her share of grain."

Emily's heart sank. This family might truly stoop to anything for money.

"Can your eldest uncle control them?"

Amy shook her head, her eyes reddening. "He can't."

A horrifying possibility occurred to Emily—what if Amy wasn't kidnapped, but sold by her own uncle's family?

"Listen," Emily lowered her voice, "carry some beans with you. If they try to drug you, you can leave a trail."

She suggested, "Why don't you stay with me for a few days? Until your brother Samuel returns."

"No, I can't trouble you like that." Amy refused firmly.

Emily thought for a moment, then brightened. "Then go cry to the village chief. Tell him your uncle wants to sell you. That should stop them."

Amy's eyes lit up with hope.

"Remember," Emily grasped her hands, "act pitiful. Say you're too young, promise to repay their kindness when you're older. Make everyone take your side."

Amy nodded uncertainly. These tactics went against everything she'd been taught.

"Good girl," Emily said gently. "Women must learn to protect themselves. Sometimes appearing weak is the wisest strategy."