Everyone knew of Lucy’s dreams and most thought that’s all they would ever amount to but Lucy was determined to prove them wrong. She would live in the big city; she would wear fine clothes and go to fancy parties. The good Lord would guide her and she was prepared to do whatever it took.

The one bright spot in her dreary life was Sunday when she and her parents went to church. Reverend Phelps’ sermons were of the fire and brimstone variety and she sat transfixed and sometimes a little frightened by his warnings of the consequences of not abiding by the Lord’s will. She had listened to the Reverend all her life and believed every word. The Lord was to be feared and obeyed and the Reverend Phelps was his instrument here on earth. She never saw how the older men, as well as the local boys, would sneak lusting glances at her as she sat at the end of a pew. Although poor, the Holt’s always had enough to eat, never a surplus, but enough. Their mostly home-grown food was healthy and nutritious and the daily, rigorous exercise ensured a fit body. Lucy had grown into a very desirable young woman. She filled out her homemade dresses in all the right places and left little to the imagination of riches that lay beneath. Her beauty had not escaped the piercing gray eyes of the Reverend and several months ago he’d decided she would be next.

After church she enjoyed the attention of the local boys and their clumsy flirtations. One Sunday as the boys gathered around she noticed her parents in a long discussion with Reverend Phelps. They came away looking well pleased with themselves and on the ride back to the farm told Lucy the news. The Reverend needed help with a few chores after church and wondered if Lucy would be available. The small amount of money he offered would certainly be useful and they readily accepted for her. He would even bring her home to the farm when her chores were done. Lucy was ambivalent; chores were chores whether at the farm or the Reverend’s house but maybe, just maybe, her parents might give her a little of what she earned for herself.