His mother was right about judging others, but she’d never been around Kirby Finch. The man was a sneaky wolf. Luke wasn’t passing judgment—he was stating fact. At least that was what he told himself as he descended the hill a few hours later.
Hope’s eyes widened when she opened the door of the chapel car. “You’re early. I was washing the dishes, and Papa went over to the depot to talk to a few of the men.”
He pointed to the platform. “Can you leave that for a minute and go for a short walk with me?”
She smiled and bobbed her head. “Of course. I’d like nothing more.” When she descended the steps, she lightly grasped his hand.
Luke’s heart quickened at her touch and erased his earlier disappointment. He remained hopeful he’d convince her to set aside her plan to travel with Kirby. They stopped near a large oak and sat down in the grass.
He turned and looked into her eyes. “There’s something I need to ask you.”
“About delivering the Sunday-school materials with Kirby?”
The mere mention of Kirby’s name caused a return of Luke’s earlier displeasure. “Yes. Nellie told me about the idea, and I—”
“It’s more than an idea, Luke. It’s a plan. We’re going to begin deliveries this week.” She smiled, though he thought it appeared forced. “Isn’t it wonderful?”
“No, I think it’s a lousy idea. I can’t believe you and your pa agreed to it. Kirby Finch is a sorry, good-for-nothin’ sort who—”
“Luke! Listen to yourself. You’re a man who has dedicated his life to the Lord. How can you say such terrible things about another man who has done the same?”
“What?” The thought of Kirby Finch dedicating his life to anything other than money and a good time was preposterous. “You really think Kirby has devoted his life to God?”
“I do.” She reared away from him and pushed back until her shoulders were ramrod straight. “Kirby has made a generous offer to help the less fortunate living in the small communities throughout the area. He’s going to use his truck and contribute his time to this project for as long as we need him. If that isn’t a man who wants to serve God, then I don’t know what is.”
Luke grimaced. “I think Kirby is a man who has pulled the wool over your eyes. I doubt his offer is because he cares about the young’uns.”
She frowned. “Why else would he make such a generous offer?”
Luke released an exasperated breath. “So he can be with you. I’ve seen the way he looks at you when he thinks I’m not watchin’ him.”
Her cheeks flushed bright pink. “You’re wrong. If that were true, he wouldn’t need to go to such lengths. He could ask me to join him for a picnic or dinner at the restaurant. That would be much easier, don’t you think?”
“You think I’m making a mountain out of a molehill, but you’re wrong. I know Kirby better than you, and he doesn’t do anything unless there’s something in it for him.” Luke raked his fingers through his hair. “I think you should refuse his offer.”
“Refuse? And deprive the children of an opportunity to hear about Jesus?” She sprang to her feet. “I can’t believe you’d make such a suggestion, Luke. And unless you have some idea how to deliver the supplies without Kirby’s help, I’m not going to change my mind.”
He’d expected Hope would ask him to come up with an alternative plan before she would agree. Unfortunately, he’d been unable to think of one. He didn’t have a vehicle he could use, and even if he did, Kirby would be sure to object if Luke asked for time off at the mine. Losing his job, even if the work was irregular, wasn’t an option. Luke and his family would be booted out of their company housing if that occurred. Luke couldn’t risk it, not even if that meant Hope would spend much of her time with Kirby.
“I wish I had some other idea, but I can’t compete with Kirby.” He bowed his head in defeat.
Hope reached for his hand and covered it with her own. “This isn’t a competition between you and Kirby. It’s about serving the Lord and teaching the children about His love.” She looked into Luke’s eyes. “I begged my father to bring me along with him so I could help with his ministry. I believe this is what I’m supposed to do, Luke. I believe that’s why those unexpected supplies arrived. We need to help other folks living in these hills when we have the ability to do so.”
He studied the blanket of green beneath him as it swayed in the mild breeze. Why had this happened? There was no doubt in Luke’s mind that God could have provided him with an answer for this dilemma. Yet He hadn’t. The truth was, God could have prevented the entire happenstance. Yet He hadn’t. If there was a lesson to be learned from all this, God surely would have shown him. Yet He hadn’t.
Hope had spoken the truth. He was being selfish. Nothing about his attitude was right. Instead of being pleased there was a way to help others, he was worried about losing Hope’s affection.
The wind whispered through the overhanging tree branches, and Luke lifted his eyes toward the heavens. Where was his faith? Where was his trust? Was his faith no stronger than a blade of grass, easily tugged to and fro by the slightest wind? He didn’t want to think his belief could be so easily shaken. And where was his trust in Hope? If she truly cared for him, she wouldn’t be easily swayed by any advances Kirby might make toward her.
With a sigh, he said, “You’re right. We need to help however and wherever we can. In my heart, I know it’s gonna be good for you to deliver those Bibles and supplies.” He forced a smile. “I’ve got to remind myself that God gave you a fine singing voice for a special reason, and I’m not the one who should say where you should use it.” He pulled a blade of grass from the ground and ran it through his fingers. “Everyone ’round these parts sees how much the young’uns love you and listen to your teaching. Who am I to say you shouldn’t use your talent wherever God leads?”
“Thank you, Luke. I was sure you’d see things this way.” She squeezed his hand.
He gave a slight nod, unable to meet her eyes. Though she took his words to mean he’d accepted her decision, he still held out hope that something would prevent the arrangement. It was wrong of him, he knew, and he would pray for God to change his heart, and more important, to protect Hope’s.
Much to Luke’s disappointment, nothing had happened to prevent Kirby’s arrangement with Hope. Even worse, the folks in the small towns begged Hope to return and continue to teach the children. Of course, Kirby had been more than willing to agree to supplying the transportation for her return visits.
Although Luke had continued to pray God would change his heart, he still bore resentment each time he watched his sister and Hope climb into the truck with Kirby. He didn’t miss the fact that Kirby somehow made certain it was always Hope sandwiched in between Nellie and him. Luke had briefly considered telling Nellie she should sit in the middle, but he was sure his sister would repeat the request to Hope and she would think he was being mistrustful. So he silently brooded and watched the threesome depart several times a week. He’d begun to wonder if Kirby had intentionally scheduled him to work at the mine each time they made a run. While he was pleased for the work, even some of the other miners questioned why he was suddenly on the schedule more often than the rest of them. A few had even lodged a protest with Mr. Daniels in the office, who’d told them all the same thing. They’d need to speak to Kirby since he’d recently taken over that part of the operation. That piece of news had affirmed Luke’s suspicions.
Luke carried his lunch pail down the hill with Nellie at his side. “We’re going to Fern Hollow today. We ain’t been there before. It’s always fun when we go to a new town. The young’uns always love hearing Hope’s teachin’. I been helpin’ with the singin’, and she’s even having me help her when we have a real big group of young’uns.” Her face beamed with undeniable pride.
“That’s good. I’m real proud of you, Nellie. I hope you have a wonderful day.” He couldn’t deny her a bit of praise. Being with Hope had changed his sister. She’d gai
ned more confidence and had been in better spirits since beginning her work with Hope, and he wouldn’t do or say anything to ruin her happiness. “I’m going over to speak to the preacher before I head to the mine.”
Nellie shaded her eyes with her hand and stared down the road. “Tell Hope to hurry or we’ll be late. Kirby’s truck is already in front of the boardinghouse, so he’ll be here any minute.”
“I’m sure he won’t leave without her.” There was an angry edge to his words that he hadn’t intended, and his sister’s mouth dropped open. “All I meant was that there’s no reason for Kirby to make the trips unless the two of you are along to hold your meetings and hand out the church supplies. Otherwise he’d stay in Finch.”
“If you say so,” Nellie said, “but you sounded kinda mad to me.”
He ignored her words and pointed to the grassy expanse beside the train depot. “There’s Hope, so you can quit your frettin’. I’ll see you later.” After a quick wave, he ran off in Hope’s direction, longing for a few minutes alone with her.
He was panting when he stopped in front of her moments later. “Mornin’.” He gestured to her pale-green frock. “You look mighty pretty in that color.”
She glanced down at the dress. “Thank you, Luke. Well, I better hurry—Kirby doesn’t like to wait.”
“Sounds like the two of you are getting mighty familiar.”
“Just because I said he doesn’t like to wait? Don’t be silly.” She moved to one side and stepped around him.
He crossed his arms over his chest. “Hurry on, then. I wouldn’t want you to keep Kirby waitin’.”
Hope squinted and looked over her shoulder. “Or Nellie.” She frowned, but said nothing more before rushing off toward the truck.
Luke silently chastised himself as he trudged across the field and stepped into the chapel car.
The preacher glanced up from his Bible. “You look like you lost your best friend. What’s bothering you, Luke?”
He couldn’t talk to Nellie about his feelings, and he sure couldn’t tell the preacher about the green-eyed monster lurking around every corner. “Just tired. Didn’t sleep too good last night.” That much was true. He never slept well on the nights before Hope and Nellie were leaving with Kirby, and last night had been no different.
The preacher nodded. “I know about that. I’ve had trouble sleeping lately, too.” He waved to the chair opposite him. “If you’ve got a few minutes before you head off to the mine, I’ve got something I want to talk to you about.”
“I’m all ears,” Luke said, moving to the chair.
“Seems someone around these parts has been buying up a lot of corn. Story goes that whoever it is has been making moonshine and selling it to speakeasies around these parts.” The preacher sighed. “I can’t blame any of the men who are selling their corn. They need money to care for their families, and they aren’t going to ask questions if someone is willing to buy their whole crop—especially at a higher price than they’re used to getting.”
Luke frowned. He hadn’t heard anything about such dealings. Nobody had offered to buy his crop, and he hadn’t seen any strangers on the hill. “Who told you about this?”
The preacher shook his head. “Can’t say. I promised I wouldn’t tell, but I believe it’s true. Seems there’s also been some folks coming into the area selling shine for less than some of the locals. Anger is building among the local men who sell moonshine. Not only that, but they figure the extra activity is going to bring more revenuers into the nearby counties. I’m worried that a dangerous situation could arise. I don’t hold with anyone selling bootleg liquor, but if there are outsiders getting involved, I think it could make things a lot worse. I was hoping you knew something about it and could tell me there’s nothing to worry about.”
Luke leaned back in the chair. “Since I haven’t heard anything yet, I don’t think you need to be too concerned right now. Let me see what I can find out. I promise I won’t mention that we’ve talked.” He ran his fingers through his thick hair. “Trouble is, where there’s smoke, there’s usually fire.”
“Thank you, Luke. You’ll tell me what you find out?”
“You can count on it.” Luke stood and turned toward the door. “I best be on my way. Don’t want to be late.” He headed off to the mine determined to sniff around and see who’d been selling all their corn. If he was lucky, he might find out who was doing the buying. He’d need to take his time and be careful or he’d tip his hand before he got any good information.
Throughout the day, his thoughts remained in a jumble. He’d had little chance to talk to anyone, but he’d had plenty of time to think about Nellie and Hope out on the road. Every man on the hill knew what danger any moonshine feuds could pose, and if the moonshiners were looking to discover who was infringing on their territory, they wouldn’t hesitate to shoot first and ask questions later.
Now that he’d heard this latest news, he didn’t care if he was scheduled to work or not. He wasn’t about to let Nellie and Hope become possible victims caught in the middle of a feud. One thing was certain—he’d be in that truck with them on their next run.
CHAPTER
18
The truck bounced along the rutted road toward Fern Hollow, each pothole seeming to toss her body closer to Kirby. She gave him a sideways glance and frowned. “Are you doing that on purpose?”
“Of course not. I don’t want to ruin the tires. If you were driving, you’d soon learn that it’s hard to avoid all those holes.” He leaned the upper portion of his body over the steering wheel and looked past Hope. “Doesn’t seem to be bothering Nellie. She’s able to sleep through every bump.”
Hope glanced at Nellie. Using her sweater as a pillow, she’d positioned her head against the back of the seat and had fallen asleep. She smiled at the girl. “You’re right. I guess I shouldn’t complain.”
Kirby slid his hand from the steering wheel and slipped it across the back of the seat. The truck bounced and his hand dropped onto her shoulder. When he made no move to lift his hand, she jostled her shoulder.
After an interminable pause, he returned his hand to the steering wheel. “There’s something I’ve been wanting to talk to you about when we have some time alone.” He lowered his voice to a whisper. “Even though she seems to be asleep, I’d rather not talk when Nellie’s around.”
Hope had no idea what he might want to talk about, but this was their first visit to Fern Hollow and there was much to accomplish. “Why don’t you stay after the evening service tonight and we can talk then?” His shoulders slumped, so she explained her reasoning. “If my father is present, no one can consider our meeting inappropriate. I know you would always want to protect my reputation.”
He frowned. “That’s true, but I wanted to speak to you alone. This isn’t something I want your father to overhear, either. You’ll understand once I’ve told you of my concerns.”
“Father will be in the living quarters, and we can talk in the chapel car. He’ll be nearby, but I know he won’t attempt to eavesdrop. He’s an honorable man.” She hoped the added explanation would put an end to his objections.
His shoulders sagged, but he nodded. “That’s fine.”
She’d barely heard his mumbled response. While there was little doubt he was unhappy with her decision, at least he’d agreed. She couldn’t imagine what he might want to discuss. Her stomach knotted. What if Kirby wanted to talk about courting her? If she refused, would he discontinue their trips to teach the children in the outlying communities?
Her thoughts tossed about like a leaf in a windstorm until they arrived in Fern Hollow. Throughout their time in the small community, she and Nellie were so busy leading singing and telling Bible stories, there wasn’t time to think of anything else. The attendance had been greater than they’d anticipated, and the children had begged for a return visit.
On the journey home, the two young women held an excited conversation about the day’s events. Nellie leaned forwa
rd and looked at Kirby. “I’m so glad you picked Fern Hollow for a visit. The young’uns can hardly wait for us to come see them again. I told ’em we’d be returning every week. They promised they’d be waiting for us.”
Anger flashed in his eyes as he turned to Nellie. “Why’d you tell them that?”
Nellie’s head snapped as if she’d been slapped. “’Cause we come to each of the towns once a week? Ain’t nobody said Fern Hollow would be any different.”
“Well, ain’t nobody asked.” His lip curled as he mimicked her. “I’m the one who does the driving and decides where and when we go to each town.”
“Kirby!” Hope stared at him, shocked by his mocking response.
He cleared his throat. “Sorry, but she can’t take it for granted that we’ll return to a town every week just because we came for one visit.”
“It isn’t me you owe an apology.” Hope grasped Nellie’s hand and gently squeezed.
Kirby shrugged. “I apologize, Nellie.”
He didn’t sound sorry, but Hope doubted Kirby was capable of much more. He was a man of privilege who seemingly felt little need to apologize for anything he did or said.
“Now that you’ve stressed the fact that you’re the one in charge, why don’t you tell us when and how often we’ll be returning to Fern Hollow?” She directed a piercing look at him.
“Maybe in a couple weeks, but we won’t ever be going there every week.”
Hope frowned. “Why not?”
“Too far out.” He focused his attention on the road.
Hope rubbed her temple. Fern Hollow was located no farther from Finch than some of the other communities they’d visited, but voicing that argument would likely have an adverse effect right now. Still, she planned to mention it when they had their talk later this evening.
The Chapel Car Bride Page 18
