Chapter Ten
As he neared Colfax Avenue Church, Josh thought about what to say to Reverend Tobias Oliver. With the success of the little church in Brick’s Saloon, he felt compelled to pay a call on local clergy to introduce himself. He’d preached two Sundays and attendance had increased to twelve. Not everyone approved of a church in a saloon, but he’d learned in his travels that a Harvard degree silenced his critics. Like Paul, Josh didn’t mind revealing his credentials for the cause of Christ.
He also wanted to speak to the man about Pearl. Of the two missions, the second would be the most difficult. Josh had no business raising such a personal matter, but how could he keep silent? If someone had taken him to task for his hypocrisy, Emily would be safe in Boston and he’d be…Josh didn’t know where he’d be. He rued the reason for his travels, but the past year had made him a better man. If Emily hadn’t left, he’d have missed the biggest challenges—the biggest blessings—of his life.
Those blessings included Adie. Josh had never been on such a twisting road. He cared for her. Every day his feelings deepened. She also exasperated him with her silence. She hadn’t spoken to him in days, but he knew her habits. She hadn’t been sleeping well. At night she wandered in the flower garden behind the wounded vegetables. He prayed constantly for her. When he left Denver, it would be with the regret that he’d failed yet another woman.
Today, though, he could help Pearl. He expected to find Reverend Oliver in the church office, but before he reached the main building, he saw a house set back from the street. A wide porch surrounded a stone cottage with a gabled roof. Ivy climbed up the sides and lilacs bloomed at the base of the steps. On the porch sat a man in a black coat, sipping tea as he read a book.
Josh strode down the brick path to the porch. “Reverend Oliver?”
“That’s correct.”
“I’m Joshua Blue.”
“Ah,” he said. “The minister from Boston. I’ve heard of you.”
“That’s why I’ve come,” Josh said. “I’d prefer to meet face-to-face than listen to talk.”
“My feelings exactly.”
The older man waved Josh up the steps. After they shook hands, he indicated a chair. As Josh sat, Reverend Oliver went into the cottage. He returned a few minutes later with a refreshment tray. He set it on the table, sat and lifted a flowered teapot with a gnarled hand. He looked at Josh with stark apology. “If my daughter were here, she’d serve cake. All I can manage is tea.”
“Tea is fine, sir. Thank you.”
In the time between Emily’s departure and his own, Josh had been in this man’s position. He’d fumbled with teapots and served stale baked goods. Few men appreciated a woman’s touch until they had to manage on their own.
The reverend filled Josh’s cup and handed it to him. “I understand you’re living at Swan’s Nest. How’s my Pearl?”
His openness took Josh by surprise. “She’s fine.”
“And the baby? It’s not here yet, is it?”
“No.”
The man sipped his tea. “It’s a tragedy.”
Josh saw an opening and took it. “It depends, sir.”
He frowned. “On what?”
“What Pearl does next.”
Reverend Oliver set down his cup and crossed his arms. “You seem rather sure of yourself.”
“I am.” Josh settled back in his chair. “I didn’t come to speak of Pearl, sir. I came to tell you about myself. I have a sister. About a year ago, she left Boston under circumstances similar to your daughter’s situation.”
The reverend huffed. “She did you a favor.”
“I don’t think so.”
“Come now, Reverend. You know how people talk.”
“I do,” Josh said. “I also know that I called my sister an unspeakable name and she left in the middle of the night. She took a westbound train and never wrote. For all I know, she could be dead. The baby—” Josh sealed his lips. “I can’t stand the thought of what might have become of the child. Sir, you don’t want to know what that’s like.”
Reverend Oliver stared hard at Josh. “My daughter sinned.”
“Do you know that for a fact?”
“It’s obvious!”
“Not to me,” Josh said quietly. “I don’t know who fathered my sister’s baby. I don’t know if she was seduced or raped. All I know is that she needed help and I threw stones at her.”
The old man’s eyes narrowed. “It’s no mystery what happened to Pearl. I’ll be candid with you, Reverend Blue—”
“Please, call me Josh.”
“Then I’m Tobias.” The old man cleared his throat. “I’m not naive. I know that men and women stumble, even good Christians like my daughter. I’ve sinned. You’ve sinned. Frank wants to make things right. I don’t understand why Pearl won’t let him.”
Josh knew, but he couldn’t break Adie’s confidence. “Ask your daughter.”
“I’ve spoken with Frank,” he said confidently. “He came to me after the buggy ride that led to this mess. I blame myself for letting them go alone, but they’d been courting for months. I trusted him.”
A wolf in sheep’s clothing, Josh thought.
“He confessed their mistake and asked for permission to marry Pearl immediately. Of course I granted it.”
“Did you speak to Pearl?”
“Her feelings were evident.” Tobias frowned. “If they’d married right away, there wouldn’t have been any talk at all.”
Tobias wanted to spare himself the embarrassment, but Josh didn’t doubt his desire to protect Pearl. Josh had been misguided about Emily in the same way. He’d honestly thought giving up the baby was for the best.
He had another question for Tobias. “Are you aware of Mr. Dean’s visits to Swan’s Nest?”
“Only vaguely.”
“He’s been forceful.”
Tobias wrinkled his brow. “He loves Pearl. He’s concerned for his child.”
Josh tried again. “Mr. Dean has proposed marriage. Is that right?”
“It is.”
“And Pearl said no.” Josh lowered his voice. “Haven’t you wondered why?”
Tobias said nothing.
Josh reached for his tea, took a long sip and made a decision. He couldn’t break Adie’s confidence, but Reverend Oliver had to know the truth. “Sir, do you recall the story of Amnon and Tamar?”
His eyes narrowed. “Of course, it’s in Second Samuel. Amnon was a son of David. He took Tamar against her will and died at Absalom’s orders.”
“That’s right.”
“What are you implying?”
Josh raised his chin. “Amnon was the son of king, a trusted member of the household. Tamar was innocent.”
Reverend Oliver’s cheeks flamed. “Are you saying this happened to Pearl?”
“I’m telling a Bible story.”
“Don’t beat around the bush, Reverend. How do you know?”
Josh prayed to do the right thing. “I can’t say, sir. But you need to speak with your daughter. Don’t lose her the way I lost Emily.”
Tobias’s face turned red. “I just assumed…Pearl’s mother is gone. I couldn’t speak with her about something so—so private.”
Josh understood. “It’s a taboo subject, but the sin is very real.”
The old man shot to his feet. “He deserves to hang for what he did!”
“It’s an allegation, sir. Pearl might not want to speak up.”
Tobias sat back down. “I’ll do anything for my daughter. She talked about leaving Denver, but I said no. My church is here. My congregation needs me.”
“May I offer a suggestion?”
The old man looked as if he’d been punched. “Please.”
“Speak with Pearl.”
“I will.”
“Let her decide what’s best.”
Tobias looked across the yard to the stone church. Josh followed his gaze and saw a row of stained glass windows. The first depicted a shepherd and five sheep. Josh thou
ght of the women at Swan’s Nest. The second showed Christ with children in his lap. The third displayed an empty cross and a rising sun. Red and purple made up the cross. The sun, a yellow circle, gleamed against a royal-blue sky. The fourth window showed the woman at the well. Jesus had personally told her to go in peace, that her sins were forgiven.
Pearl’s father looked back at Josh. “Do you think Pearl will see me?”
“I hope so.”
He raked his hand through his iron-gray hair. “I’d go tonight, but the elders are meeting. Frank’s on the board. If what you’re saying is true—and I believe it is—I have to address it.”
Josh knew all about church politics. Women got blamed for gossiping, but men were just as prone to talk too much. He didn’t miss the chatter at all. “A suggestion, sir?”
“Of course.”
“Speak to Pearl first.”
“I will.” Looking haggard, Tobias took a drag of tea and grunted. “It’s not strong enough, is it?”
“No.”
He sighed. “Pearl makes perfect tea.”
“Come tomorrow,” Josh said.
His eyes turned shiny. “I’ve missed her.”
Silence settled between them. Tobias finished his tea, then straightened his back and crossed his arms. “So, I hear you’ve started a church. Do you intend to stay in Denver?”
“Only as long as I have to,” Josh answered. “Unfortunately, there’s more to the story about Mr. Dean.”
His eyes narrowed. “Tell me.”
Josh told him about the garden and Horace’s visit to Brick’s Saloon. “Miss Clarke believes—and I agree—that Dean wants her house.”
“Why?”
“Land values are increasing almost daily. She’s also giving sanctuary to Pearl. Until we know who’s behind the vandalism, I intend to stay at Swan’s Nest.”
“A wise call.”
“And necessary.”
“Then what?” Tobias gave him an assessing look.
“I’ll resume searching for Emily.”
“And starting churches in saloons?”
“Sure,” Josh replied. “Not everyone’s comfortable behind stained glass.” He wasn’t, not anymore.
Tobias looked hard into Josh’s eyes. “You’ve suffered, haven’t you?”
His chest felt heavy; then his body lightened with joy. He recalled Gerard Richards telling him he’d be a better preacher after he suffered. How true those words had been…. Without the struggle of the past year, he’d still be an arrogant know-it-all parading in his black robe, speaking in high-minded tones and hiding his bottle of laudanum. Gratitude washed over him. If his story would help Tobias, he had to tell it.
He looked the older man in the eye. “I failed my sister, sir. I prayed every night and memorized scripture. I claimed to love God more than myself, but when my position was on the line, I treated Emily like a leper.”
“You succumbed to pride,” Tobias said. “I know the temptation.”
“It’s ugly.”
“And unavoidable. Don’t despair, Josh. We worship a God of mercy.”
“That we do.”
Being of one mind, the men stood at the same time. Tobias held out his hand and they shook. “Come some evening for a visit. It’s lonely without Pearl.”
“I’ll do that.”
As Josh turned to leave, his gaze landed on the window showing the shepherd and five sheep. He thought of his “sheep” at Swan’s Nest and felt a tug he’d never experienced before. He didn’t want to leave them, especially not Adie, but he had to go. Somewhere, Emily and her child needed him. Maybe more, he needed them.
Josh walked back to Colfax Avenue and headed for the part of town where pawnbrokers ran shops. He hoped someone had heard of Emily or seen her jewelry, but more likely, he was grasping at straws. The thought filled him with despair. Instead of visiting the stores, he headed for the café where Mary worked. He needed a strong cup of tea, one that didn’t remind him of Pearl and Adie, broken lives and people who threw stones.
With the mortgage receipt tucked in her reticule, Adie left the bank and headed for the café to say hello to Mary. She’d avoided Franklin Dean, but a knot had formed in her belly the instant she entered the building. A cup of tea would settle her nerves, plus she had promised Mary that she’d stop by the café.
Ever since the vandalism, Mary had been extra vigilant. She’d told Adie to ask Josh to accompany her to the bank, but Adie had refused. Josh would visit pawnbrokers and she didn’t want to go with him. She’d see the hope in his eyes, then the disappointment. All the time, she’d feel guilty.
She turned on to Grant Avenue. At the sight of Franklin Dean’s carriage, she paled. She would have turned around, but his driver spotted her. With a cold smile, he tipped his hat. Adie looked away without acknowledging him and found herself looking at Dean himself. He’d just come out of a fancy barbershop. Even three feet away, she smelled his cologne.
“Good afternoon, Miss Clarke.”
“Mr. Dean.”
He smiled. “May I offer you a ride to Swan’s Nest?”
“No, thank you.”
As she tried to pass, he blocked her steps. “It’s not the least bit out of my way.”
He’d told a flat-out lie. Swan’s Nest sat on the outskirts of town. No one traveled in that direction unless they lived in the neighborhood. Taunting the banker would fan his temper, so she tried to sound pleasant. “If you’ll excuse me—”
“Tea, then.”
“No, thank you.”
He scowled at her. “You’re making this difficult, Miss Clarke. I want to know about Pearl. The baby’s due in a few weeks. I have a right—”
“You have no rights!”
His eyes narrowed to snakelike slits.
Adie regretted the outburst. She had a strong will, but she couldn’t outstare a man as cold-blooded as the banker. She softened her voice. “The baby’s not due for a month. Pearl’s doing just fine. When the time comes, Bessie will see to them both.”
Adie expected a rant. Instead he reached inside his coat and lifted his wallet. He took out several bills. “Give this to Pearl.”
Adie couldn’t stand the thought of touching the money. Pearl would be revolted.
He shoved it closer. “It’s to pay for a real doctor.”
If Adie took the money, Pearl would be indebted to this man. If she didn’t, Dean’s temper might explode. She risked the explosion. “Thank you, but Pearl’s needs are met.”
She forced her way past him. Walking as fast as she could, she headed for Mary’s café. Behind her she heard the rattle of the carriage, then Dean’s voice coming from the backseat. “You’ll regret that, Miss Clarke.”
“I don’t think so.”
“Then think again.”
He tapped the seat with his gold-tipped walking stick. The driver gave the horses free rein and they picked up their pace, stirring dust as the carriage passed her. Shaking, Adie watched him go, then hurried into the restaurant, where she saw Mary serving a man at a back table. She couldn’t see his face, but she recognized the angle of Josh’s shoulders. Mary waved her forward.
Common sense told Adie to leave, but her insides felt like jelly. She needed tea and safety. Being with Josh offered both, so she walked to his table. At the sight of her, he stood and gave a slight bow. His fancy manners unnerved her even more and she wished she’d left the café.
He touched her arm. “Are you all right?”
“I’m—I just—”
He pulled out a chair. “Sit.”
Mary urged her into it. “I’m bringing tea.”
As the waitress hurried away, Adie took a breath to steady herself. Her chest felt as if horses were galloping inside her ribs. As Josh held her hand, the gallop turned to a dead run.
“What happened?” he said.
“I saw Franklin Dean.”
She told him about the money for Pearl and how she’d refused it. When she described Dean blocking her path,
his mouth thinned to a line.
Mary brought the tea but couldn’t stay. Adie lifted a spoon to add sugar, but her hand shook so badly that the crystals showered the table. Josh took the spoon from her fingers, put the sugar in her cup, then added a second spoonful and a dash of milk. He knew exactly how she took her tea, a sign that he’d been watching her every move.
Using both hands, she raised the cup and sipped. If she hadn’t managed on her own, Josh would have held it to her lips. All her life, she’d stayed strong for other people. Josh wanted to be strong for her. What would it be like to lean on this man? Adie didn’t want to know. He posed a threat of his own. Shaking, she set the cup on the saucer. Frightened or not, she had to finish her story. “Dean threatened me.”
“What did he say?”
“That I’d regret not taking the money for Pearl.”
Josh’s fingers curled into a fist. “That low-down—” He clamped his jaws.
Adie wanted to do more than call Dean names. “The broken window, the garden…I don’t know what he’ll do next.”
“We need to see Deputy Morgan.”
“I don’t want to.”
“Why not?”
Adie knew about Josh’s visit to the sheriff’s office. He’d reported the garden incident and nothing had been said about Maggie, but that could change. Besides, what if Josh wasn’t Stephen’s uncle? What if a man as evil as Maggie had described was still looking for her? She wanted as little exposure to the law as possible. She shook her head. “It’ll make things worse.”
“So will doing nothing.”
“But…” She couldn’t think of a single excuse.
“We’ll go right now.”
“Tomorrow.” Her insides were still trembling and she couldn’t think straight. If the sheriff asked questions, she had to be calm.
Josh’s mouth tightened. “Tomorrow it is.”
Behind Adie, a plate crashed on the tile floor. She jumped as if she’d heard gunfire.
Josh clasped her hand. The warmth of it stole her breath. It took away the terror of Dean’s threats and the coldness of being alone. She raised her gaze and saw the heat of war in his eyes. This man would fight for her. She wanted to fight for him, too. She’d fed him bread and milk. She’d seen him hurting and she’d seen him heal. If she couldn’t trust Josh, whom could she trust? Surely he wouldn’t pull Stephen from her arms?
The Maverick Preacher Page 12
