“So she knew, thought Jancsi. Under that gentle smile she was hiding the same fear, smiling so we wouldn’t be frightened. Just as she was smiling when I came home without him and she said: I know Jancsi. He kissed us goodbye… So women were not all gentle, helpless softness, either; they too had a steel armor that would not let them show the tears inside.”
~ Kate Seredy, The Singing Tree
People keep mentioning this book and I think your quote illustrates why. I like how yours and Lisa's go together with women and their resolve to do what they were called to.
This one is the sequel to The Good Master. They are both wonderful books. I highly recommend them. I was sad when I finished them.