The Chapel Car Bride

by Judith Miller

  After a few minutes exchanging happenings of the day, Nellie would return up the hill and Hope would help her father prepare for the late service. Luke continued to preach at the early service, although conducting both meetings, working his shifts at the mine, and helping with repairs on the miners’ homes had taken a toll on him. Hope insisted her father could lead the late meeting. Besides, the railroaders were aware of her father’s condition, and when he occasionally forgot a word or addressed one of the men by the wrong name, they were always forgiving. Even Kirby had overlooked her father’s inability to recall who he was for several nights.

  Hope sat beside her father, reading the sermon he’d written earlier that day. “This is quite good.” She beamed at him. “You’ve made wonderful progress. You’re getting better with each day that passes.”

  Her father shrugged. “I’m still not feeling confident during meetings, but the doctor says eventually I’ll feel like myself again. He says recovering from a head injury is different for everyone.”

  “And you have been particularly fortunate, Papa. I know it’s answered prayer. And I’m thankful I was with you.”

  “As am I. If you wouldn’t have been with me to keep things going, I don’t know what would have happened.” He shook his head. “And to think I tried to talk you out of coming with me.”

  “I did my part with the children, but Luke was the one who was able to keep the adults sitting in the pews each evening. At first I thought I should write to the headquarters and tell them what happened to you, so they could send another preacher. But after hearing Luke preach his first few sermons, I knew they wouldn’t send anyone who could do a better job.” She reached over and squeezed her father’s hand. Her father grinned. “I doubt headquarters could have found someone willing to come here, even on a temporary basis. Fortunately, we didn’t need headquarters. The Lord took care of matters for us.”

  “Miss Hope! Miss Hope! You inside?”

  She leaned toward the open window of the railcar where she caught sight of Jed King, one of the railroaders loping toward the spur. She called out to him and then walked to the rear door and met him near the small platform. “Something wrong, Mr. King?”

  He gulped for air, leaning against the metal railing of the platform. “Got a big delivery for your pa over at the station. Lots of large crates. Some of us was gonna bring ’em over, but then we got to thinking maybe you wouldn’t have room for whatever it is in all them crates.” He inhaled another breath. “What do you think? Should we bring ’em?”

  While Jed was telling her about the delivery, her father stepped outside and Hope turned to him. “Were you expecting a delivery, Papa? Did you order something before you had your accident?”

  Her father kneaded his forehead. “I don’t recall ordering anything.” He looked at Jed. “Was there any information on the shipping tags?”

  Jed frowned. “I think it said some kind of headquarters or something like that. You want to come and take a look? We could open one of the crates.”

  Her father nodded. “That would probably be easiest. Once I know what it is, I can make a decision.” Jed descended the steps, and her father followed.

  “Wait for me.” Hope scurried down after them. The huge wooden boxes sitting on the station platform caused a stirring excitement, the same anticipation she’d experienced as a young child on Christmas morning.

  She grasped her father’s arm as they stepped onto the station platform. “Look at all of them, Papa. What do you think is inside all those crates?”

  He traced his finger along the printed tag. “They’re from the association headquarters, but I have no idea what all of this can be.”

  “The crates got numbers on ’em, Preacher. Want me to open number one? I got a pry bar right here.” Jed picked up the bar that was leaning against one of the crates.

  “Makes sense. They’re probably numbered for a reason.”

  Jed didn’t need any further encouragement. He pried off the top of the crate and peered inside. Reaching in, he pulled out an envelope. “Got your name on it, Preacher.” He handed the envelope to Hope’s father, then pulled out a Bible. “This one looks like it’s full of Bibles. No wonder these crates are so heavy. Maybe they all got Bibles in ’em.”

  Her father shook his head and flapped the letter in the air. “Only this one has Bibles, Jed. One has hymnbooks, and the rest are filled with Sunday-school materials.”

  Hope’s mouth gaped. She gestured to the remaining crates. “All of those?”

  “The letter says the ladies throughout the state raised funds and wanted the money used toward teaching materials for children.”

  Jed scratched his head and stared at the crates. “The young’uns will be full growed before you can use all of this, Miss Hope.”

  Her father placed his hand atop one of the crates. “I’m more concerned about where we’re going to store the contents. We have no room in the chapel car, and we can’t leave the crates sitting outside. The contents will be ruined.”

  “You can leave ’em under the eaves here on the platform for a day or two until you decide, Preacher. Maybe one of the folks who attend the meetings will have an idea where you can store the crates. Won’t hurt to ask.”

  “Thanks, Jed. Good idea, I’ll do that.”

  Hope clasped her hands over her heart. “God will provide, Papa. I just know it.”

  Kirby rolled out of bed with a smile on his face. The preacher had announced he was in need of storage space for several crates of supplies during a late-night service earlier in the week, and Kirby had been quick to offer an area in the mining company offices. If he could convince the preacher and Hope to go along with his latest plan, he’d solve the problem of delivering moonshine. Hope, along with those church supplies, would provide him with the perfect cover. Of course, he’d need to make an exceptional pitch to the preacher, but he doubted he’d have any trouble convincing Hope. She seemingly couldn’t do enough to help unfortunate children.

  Instead of making his usual trek to the still he and Jimmy Ray had located in the woods about a mile from the mining office, Kirby ate breakfast and ambled toward the railroad spur. He whistled a soft tune, his mood much improved now that he had a plan.

  Hope was hanging wet clothes from the makeshift line she’d strung between a couple of trees not far from the railcar. He smiled at the sight of her. She would be a delightful conquest. He didn’t know which he’d enjoy more, winning her affection or besting Luke.

  He waved his hand in greeting as he approached. “Good morning! Looks like it’s going to be another warm day.”

  She stood on tiptoes and peeked over the clothesline. “Good morning, Kirby.” She pegged a dish towel to the line, then walked over to him. “What brings you over here this morning? If you’ve no work to complete at the mine, we can always use help with repairs up on the hill. Neither Luke nor I have been able to devote as much time as we had before my father’s incident.”

  His good mood soured a bit. He didn’t want to think about repairs needed to the company houses up on the hill. “I wanted to speak to you and your father about the crates of supplies he received.”

  “I hope you haven’t decided against storing them. I truly don’t know where we’d put them, and yours was the only offer we received.”

  “No, there’s plenty of room for them. But instead of storing them, I’ve thought of a way you could put those children’s materials to good use. Of course, it’s up to your father and you, but . . .”

  Her face brightened. “Truly? I’m curious. Tell me what you’ve come up with.”

  He extended his arm to her. “It’s probably better if I tell you and your father at the same time, since the idea would need his approval.”

  “Now I’m even more curious. I’ll be only a minute more.” She bent down and lifted one of her father’s damp shirts from the basket at her feet. The fabric snapped as she gave it a quick shake, then hung it on the line. She grasped the basket handle and gave h
im a nod. “All right. Let’s go and talk to my father.”

  The preacher arched his brows when Kirby entered the railcar a few steps behind Hope. “Kirby! Not used to seeing you at this time of day. Sit down.” He indicated a nearby chair. “I hope nothing’s happened that requires extra prayer.”

  Kirby shook his head. “No, nothing like that, Preacher.” He waited until Hope was seated and then sat opposite the preacher. “Last night I had an idea about how you might want to use some of those supplies you received from your church association.”

  The preacher folded his hands together. “I’m eager to hear what you’ve got in mind. Those supplies don’t do anyone a bit of good sitting in your offices.”

  “Exactly!” Kirby nodded his agreement. “I’ve made several trips to some of the small towns around here and a few farther away, and I discovered that even though a couple of them have churches, they don’t have the kind of teaching material Miss Hope uses when she teaches the children here in Finch. Folks in those little towns would feel beyond blessed if they received some of those items. Of course, they’d need Miss Hope to provide them with a bit of training on how to use the materials, but she’d know about that better than me.”

  Hope’s eyes gleamed with anticipation. “Oh, Papa! Kirby’s solution is an answer to prayer. Isn’t that a marvelous idea?” Before her father could reply, she turned to Kirby. “We’ve been praying the Lord would reveal how we could put those materials to good use, and now you’ve given us the perfect solution.”

  Kirby leaned back and let Hope sell the idea to her father. She thought him to be a knight in shining armor, who was going to help her save the needy children of the countryside. All the material that made for a good fairy tale. But women, especially the young ones, liked the idea of a handsome prince or valiant knight coming to their rescue. By the time she realized she was the one coming to his rescue, he’d be out of town.

  Her father stroked his chin. “Now, hold up, Hope. We need to talk this through before you get all excited. I think Kirby’s idea is fine, but there are some problems, as well.”

  “What problems?” Hope said.

  “First off, we’d need to come up with a way to get the supplies to the folks and then locate someone willing to help put them to use with the children in each little town. You can’t just dump a basketful of materials on someone’s doorstep and believe it will do the good work for which it was intended.”

  Kirby cleared his throat. “I can help with the delivery portion, Preacher. I’d count it as an opportunity to serve the Lord and the folks of West Virginia if you’d accept my offer.” He ducked his head. “I can’t offer to teach them about how to use the materials, but I’d be willing to take Miss Hope along with me, and perhaps she could offer her help. We could promise to stop back in the towns every so often so she could provide any added assistance the folks might need.”

  “You see, Papa! It’s perfect.”

  “I don’t think your plan will work, Kirby. Please don’t take offense, but I couldn’t allow Hope to travel alone with a man. It simply wouldn’t be proper, and I don’t think I’m up to such travels just yet. Your willingness to help is greatly appreciated, but—”

  “Wait, Papa. I’m sure we can find a solution if we give it some thought. We don’t want the supplies to sit in a building unused without giving Kirby’s suggestion more consideration.”

  Kirby leaned forward and looked at the preacher. “Is traveling alone with me your only objection to the idea?”

  “I’m not sure. What time of day would you be making the deliveries? I need Hope here to help with meetings in the evening. Besides, I wouldn’t want her traveling through the hills at nighttime.”

  “I understand. We could leave Finch as early in the morning as she’d like, and we could plan to return by midafternoon at the latest. Do you think that would work?” He glanced back and forth between Hope and her father.

  Hope bobbed her head, but her father immediately disagreed. “No. Even though the time of day works, we still haven’t solved the problem of Hope traveling alone with you.”

  “I know!” Hope clapped her hands together. “I can ask Nellie if she’d go with us. You wouldn’t object if Nellie was with us, would you, Papa?”

  Her father smiled. “That would solve the problem.” He looked at Kirby. “What do you think, Kirby? Would having Nellie along be all right?”

  He hiked a shoulder. “Whatever will make it possible to get those materials to the children. I just want them to have the same opportunities Hope has given to the children in Finch. I know their families will be grateful, as well.”

  He’d done his best to sound nonchalant, but his insides churned at the thought of having Luke’s sister ride with them. Of all the people Hope might have suggested, Nellie would have been far from his first choice. No doubt the girl would report everything that was said and done to her older brother.

  “Before we decide on when we’ll make our first trip, you should make certain Nellie will be able to go with us. I think you mentioned she helps care for her younger brothers and sisters. Her mother may not want her to come along.” He forced a weak smile. “If that should happen, you could always see if one of the other girls could accompany us.” He pushed up from the chair. “I should be getting to work now, but I’ll be at the late meeting tonight.”

  Hope jumped to her feet. “I’ll walk as far as the street with you and then go up the hill and talk to Nellie. I should have a definite answer for you this evening.”

  She brushed a quick kiss on her father’s cheek. “I’ll help with some repairs while I’m up on the hill, and then I’ll come back in time to prepare lunch. You can work on your sermon in peace and quiet.”

  A pang of jealousy shot through Kirby as he watched the exchange between father and daughter. They shared a special bond, something he would never experience with his father. He shook off the dark thoughts of his past and assisted Hope down the platform steps.

  She was giddy with excitement. Shouldn’t he feel the same? After all, he’d succeeded in what he intended. Why then did he feel this might prove to be a mistake?

  CHAPTER

  17

  Luke trudged up the hill from a long day at the mine. He’d been on the schedule more of late and wondered if Kirby was making certain he’d be at the mine so he couldn’t work alongside Hope doing repairs to the houses. He’d told himself it was a silly thought and he should be glad for the paid hours. They could certainly use any extra money he could earn, even if he’d not see any of it.

  Between rent and their credit account at the company store, his wages would be held back for payment owed. Mr. Farragut always made certain the company was paid before the miners ever saw a penny. Only the miners who worked every day still received a bit of cash in their pay envelope. The rest of them received an empty envelope with scribbled calculations on the outside—usually telling them they’d earned less than they owed. Escaping the vicious cycle had become impossible for most of them.

  Nellie ran toward him as he topped the hill, her hair flying loose behind her. “Guess what, Luke!” She pranced alongside him, her face alight with pleasure. “I had something wonderful happen today.”

  Luke pushed his hat back on his head and looked down at her. “I’m glad to know someone has some good news, but I doubt I’ll be able to guess. Why don’t you just tell me?” He didn’t want to spoil her happiness, yet he was too tired for guessing games. As soon as supper was over, he’d need to clean up and get back down the hill to help with the evening meeting.

  Nellie frowned for a moment, then clutched his hand. “I’m gonna get to go all over the countryside with Kirby Finch and Hope, delivering the church supplies that were sent to the preacher. That means I’ll get to ride in that nice company truck he drives and get to see places I ain’t never been.” She tugged his arm. “Ain’t that grand, Luke?” She giggled, tightened her grasp on his hand, and tried to swing his arm back and forth.

  Luke s
hook loose of her hold and stopped in his tracks. He didn’t want to believe it. “You’re joshin’ with me, ain’t ya?”

  Nellie’s laughter died. “No, I’m telling you the truth. Why would I joke about something like that, and how come you’re looking mad as a hornet?”

  Luke’s jaw quivered with a slight tic. He didn’t want to say anything he’d regret, yet he couldn’t remain silent. The thought of Hope traveling with Kirby Finch set his blood to boiling. “When did all of this happen? I was with Hope last evening and she didn’t say anything to me.” Disappointment washed over him. How could Hope agree to such a plan?

  “She didn’t know until today. Kirby stopped at the chapel car and talked to Hope and her father. Hope thought his idea was a good one, and her pa agreed so long as she didn’t travel alone with Kirby.” Her wide smile returned. “So she thought of me, and Ma said it would be fine if I went along with her. Ma says she’d never stop me from doing the Lord’s work.”

  A stab of guilt shot through him. How could he find fault with such a noble cause? He shifted his metal lunch pail and let the idea settle into his consciousness. Only a moment passed before he’d formulated an answer to his own question: Kirby Finch. Even though the man attended most of the late meetings, Luke questioned his motives. The only times he appeared truly attentive was when Hope was playing the organ and singing.

  Was Kirby’s offer because he wanted to spread God’s truth, or was it merely an opportunity to have Hope sitting close at his side? He suspected it was the latter, but when he quietly mentioned that possibility to his mother, she’d pinned him with a hard look. “You best be rememberin’ what the Bible says about judging one another.” She squeezed his shoulder and leaned close. “Sounds to me like that gal’s sent your heart a quiverin’ and now you got yer dander up for the wrong reasons.”