Wolf In Sheep's Clothing

Wolf    in    Sheep’s    Clothing?

Gertrude Wicksberg, Eve’s mother, is another character who wasn’t on the original cast of Baggage burdens. Jill would prefer to ignore this very conservative woman. That becomes difficult after Jill’s son marries Gertrude’s daughter.

As a long time faithful member of the  Orthodox Community Church one could expect to see Gertrude cast as a caring sheep in God’s flock. How then can Jill see Gertrude as a wolf in sheep’s clothing?

Orthodox Community Church is a supportive body. Church members help Joseph build his garage that burnt down. They also work on the extension to his house and the development of a basement suite for his Camrose house. Daniel’s seventh birthday follows shortly after his sister’s birth. Mothers from the church come for Daniel’s party. They bake supervise and entertain Daniel’s friends.  At Daniel and Eve’s wedding Jill and Gertrude light a third candle to symbolize the two families coming together. Gertrude and her husband visit Jill in the hospital after her car accident.

Whenever possible Jill avoids visiting the Wicksbergs. She knows Gertrude doesn’t like her. Jill must be on her guard so as not to challenge Gertrude’s conservative values, a task she finds almost impossible. “Gertrude has a microscopic eye that would detect a saint’s flaws.”

Gertrude’s dislike for Jill manifests itself in verbal attacks. After a church service Jill overhears Gertrude’s explanation for Jill’s stillborn child. She must have been a hellion before she married. Sarah, Jill’s second daughter asks her sister, what is a fraud. The term was applied to Jill. The speaker? Gertrude Wicksberg.

My novel relates many more incidents between Jill and Gertrude. After reading the novel you decide Gertrude’s true character––the Lord's sheep or the devil's wolf?

Know anyone who is seen in a totally different light from others? Why is that?

The development of Baggage burdens. produces another unexpected person––Rebecca, a very complex character. She’s part of the close knit church community, a good friend to Joseph. At times Jill finds her supportive and other times their relationship is strained. Join me as I look at Rebecca in my next blog.