Where Hope Prevails

by Janette Oke

  The thought began to resonate at last. She had never been assigned responsibility over such sweeping matters. She did not have the power to ensure anyone’s safety. She could do what she knew was right, and the rest was in God’s hands.

  Molly went on. “When ya take control, yer rollin’ the dice that ya understand it all. That yer able to see the end from the beginning. But none of us can. All we can do is go right back to number one and number two. We gotta love—and love some more. An’ we gotta pray that God will do His part and do the safekeeping we ain’t able to do. I know I ain’t got college learnin’, but I been through all the levels in the school of hard knocks, believe me. An’ I finally got that much sense in my head.”

  “Oh, Molly. Sometimes I think I’ll never grow up.”

  “Miss Thatcher, a word please?”

  Beth had been expecting it, had been certain that eventually Robert would address the issue. If her “good opinion” mattered to him as he had claimed, she knew he would feel the need to speak to her.

  Her voice held sympathy. “Of course, Mr. Harris Hughes. Please come in.”

  He took half a step forward, hands in his pockets, and paused again. He was looking beyond her, as if contemplating the picture of the king hanging on the wall above Beth’s head. “Miss Thatcher, no doubt you’re aware of the predicament in which I now find myself. There’s no point in my denying to you the assertions that have been made. You must by now have already drawn your own conclusions on the matter.”

  Beth’s brows drew together, and she finally managed, “I was told that Alice herself said you did nothing wrong, Mr. Harris Hughes.”

  He released a long sigh. “But Alice isn’t here, Miss Thatcher. And hence the matter is compounded.”

  “Yes, I do understand. What can I do?”

  There was a weighty silence, as if he were trying to gather courage. “I was hoping . . . wondering if you might speak on my behalf as a character reference during the hearing on Saturday after next.”

  “I’m so sorry.” Beth shook her head slowly. His doleful expression was almost unbearable. “I’m afraid that’s impossible. It’s to be held on the same day as my wedding. There’s no way to postpone the ceremony. All of my family will be here—and Jarrick’s. There’s no way I can be available on that day. I’m truly very sorry.”

  He cleared his throat. “I understand. Thank you, just the same,” he said, his voice strained.

  For the first time, Beth wished she could have offered a hug. A kind word seemed vastly insufficient. “I’ll pray for you, Robert. I’ll pray for justice.”

  He smiled feebly and sighed. “At this point, Miss Thatcher, I will accept help from wherever it may come.”

  CHAPTER

  26

  BETH PACED IMPATIENTLY with Julie on the wooden sidewalk in front of Coulter’s store, their sight fastened on the road to the east. The recent days, like a line of dominoes, had toppled forward one after another at breakneck speed, and now it was the Sunday afternoon before the long-awaited finale on Saturday.

  As thrilled as she was at the upcoming event, Beth was already conscious of the fact that she would miss her fun-loving, unpredictable sister very much. All of Julie’s possessions had been packed up, even her skis carefully wrapped for shipment east. The little upstairs dwelling would soon be home to Beth and Jarrick, at least until the end of the school year. Beth gave her head a little shake at the uncertainties to follow. Thank You, Lord, that I can trust it all to You.

  Even Julie’s little display of lotions inside the store had been dismantled, and after a box for Ivy had been set aside, the remaining items were distributed among the women of town. It was never about making money, Beth thought, looking with love at this dear sister. She’s not disappointed in her little enterprise, only satisfied that it was something to do and maybe a way to leave her mark on our little town.

  There’d been no ride into Lethbridge available to meet their parents at the train station. The sisters were relieved to hear that Jarrick had taken care of those arrangements, hiring a car to bring their parents to Coal Valley. They should arrive any moment.

  The upcoming week would be full—with school and final wedding preparations, as well as relishing the short time together. On Friday morning Jarrick would drive out with his family.

  There was a low rumble in the distance, and a black car emerged around the last curve, slowing as it approached the boardwalk.

  Beth and Julie rushed toward the vehicle, calling out and pulling open the passenger doors before it had come to a complete stop. Beth threw her arms around Father. “I’ve dreamed of this for so long, I can’t believe you’re really here!”

  “Gracious,” he answered, stepping out onto the dirt street and chuckling as he returned her enthusiastic embrace. “With such a vigorous welcome, I wondered if the two of you were accosting us.”

  “Oh, Father.” Beth fell into his arms again. They all exchanged a round of hugs, though Mother was somewhat distracted by her attempts to view the surroundings.

  “It is very small, darling. You told us as much, but I had pictured something a bit more.”

  “Well, there are more houses farther down the hill,” Beth assured her. “You can’t really see them all from here—some are behind those trees. But you’ll stay over there, in the boarding house. That’s Molly’s, and I think you’ll be very comfortable. And”—Beth threw her arms wide and turned in place, thrilled to share her love for the surroundings—“what do you think of this view?”

  “It’s magnificent,” Father answered for them both. “I’ve heard these mountains described on occasion, but words have not done them justice, nor even photographs. They’re absolutely majestic, Beth. And rather frightening by car.” They all laughed, except for Mother, who was still gazing about.

  Beth hugged her mother again as Father moved to the trunk and the luggage.

  “Now, darling,” Mother said, “I thought we would be staying with you. I was looking forward to your hosting us.”

  “That almost happened,” Beth said with a laugh. “And you have no idea what a blessing it is that you won’t be staying in my tiny place. Molly’s daughter, Marnie, just got married and moved out. It’s a long story. But you’ll stay in the bedroom that was Marnie’s at the boarding house.”

  “Beth’s home is right there”—Julie pointed—“above the teahouse. On the second floor.” She grinned impishly as she waited for their reaction.

  “The second floor? There is a second floor?”

  “Why, yes, Mother,” Julie answered. “But it’s, shall we say, rather petite, hidden away under the roof. An attic, really. However, it’s very snug and comfy—at least it has been for the two of us. Four . . . well, that would have meant you and Father on the bed, and Beth and I sharing a borrowed mattress tucked under the eaves!”

  Beth didn’t know whether to laugh at her sister’s delight in adding to their mother’s consternation or to send her a stern look. She decided on neither when she looked at the poor woman’s uncertainties. She stepped over to guide her. “This way, Mother, not far at all.”

  Father tucked a smaller case under his arm and lifted two more by the handles. “Well, you’ll have to show us where you live later. For now, lead on.”

  Beth escorted her parents to Molly’s, filling the short walk with brief information about the town and its residents. The door opened at their first footfall, and Frank welcomed them heartily.

  “Come in, please,” he said, warmth beaming out from his whiskered face. “We’re so glad’a to see you arrive safely.”

  “Father, this is Frank Russo. Frank, these are my parents, William and Priscilla Thatcher. And this is Frank’s wife, my dear friend Molly Russo—and their son, Teddy.”

  “We’re so pleased ya could stay with us,” Molly told them, sincerity in every wrinkle and expression as she shook their hands.

  They were shown to their room, given a chance to freshen up, and soon settled comfortably in the parlor
, enjoying the modest hospitality Molly offered. Beth was nearly beside herself when her mother produced a small album of Josiah’s baby pictures, and she and Julie huddled over it, exclaiming over every milestone in the baby’s three-month history.

  It seemed almost unbelievable to Beth that so many of the people she loved could be in one place. She stole quick glances at her mother, who seemed to have come to terms with the rather austere surroundings and was making a point of joining in the conversations, particularly with stories about young JW, who had proclaimed himself chief caregiver for his “litto brudder.” After supper her father persuaded Frank and Beth to play several duets on their violins, ending the evening with tranquility. For the first time since her parents’ arrival, Beth could see that her mother was truly impressed.

  Monday morning came, and school had its own demands, regardless of the visitors. As Beth carted home the daily grading, she was glad to see Julie, but also a bit envious her sister was able to be with their parents so much. In addition to normal tasks, Beth now had extra preparations for her upcoming week-long absence for the honeymoon. Jarrick still had not even hinted at any more details in his last letter, but it was a pleasant secret to anticipate.

  “Bethie? I asked you a question.”

  Beth turned toward her sister. “Sorry. What?”

  “I asked if you were going to have Bible club tomorrow night.”

  “No. No, we’ve decided we’re done for the year. The mothers suggested it, actually. They felt I’d be too busy with wedding responsibilities—and a new marriage.”

  “Well, I predict you’ll have trouble focusing on anything else for a while,” Julie teased, “if tonight is any sign of what’s to come.”

  Beth looked down at the blank lesson-book page. Robert would be overseeing her class on Friday, and the new school board had located a substitute for the week of the honeymoon. Her completed lesson plans for those days were essential. I have to concentrate, she told herself as she bent over the page. I’ve got to get this finished.

  “Is there any more news about Robert?”

  In truth, there had been much talk about Robert’s predicament. Residents gathered in small clusters wherever their paths crossed to share their dismay and their opinions at what was transpiring. Beth found herself frequently coming to his defense. Alice held no accusation against her teacher. But the community was largely against Robert. If only there was a way to bring the girl, and maybe her mother, back to Coal Valley to testify at the hearing. Surely it would put an end to any further questions. Beth tapped her pen against the inkwell thoughtfully. I wonder if Ivy will make an appearance too, a show of support.

  “Bethie,” Julie said in her best teacher voice, shaking her finger, “you’ll never finish if you can’t keep your mind on the lesson.”

  Laughing, Beth shot back, “Then you’ll have to stop asking me questions, my dear.”

  By Thursday Beth’s nerves were beginning to fray. At least school duties were behind her. The plan was to decorate the church that evening. The grand parade of carrying all the things Beth, Marnie, and Julie had fashioned for the event to the church began just after supper and took advantage of all available assistance. A car was offered, but Beth was afraid the delicate fabrics would be crushed if stacked atop one another. She felt a bit demanding to insist on her own way, but she gave instructions anyway. The finery was carried to the church by hand.

  Beth’s father and Frank sorted and hung the decor as instructed, leaving the ladies to fuss over the pieces, fluffing and repositioning the layers. As each bow was carefully inspected and discussed among the women—Priscilla and Julie, Beth and Molly—the men stood back and listened silently, occasionally offering a sideways grin and murmuring comments they didn’t want to be heard. Whenever asked, they would shrug and reposition anything not quite right.

  Soon the sanctuary began to look like a snowy fairyland, just as Beth had envisioned it. Dark-stained pews held soft white bows, the windows held clusters of white fabric flowers, and the stage was draped in white tulle. It was lovely—all, that is, except for the arch Beth had hoped could be crafted for the platform.

  “What about draping something from the ceiling, darling, on wires perhaps?” Mother wondered.

  “Too high,” Molly countered, tapping her lip as she gazed upward. “Them wires would sag and look all droopy. Something out of wood?”

  Priscilla shook her head doubtfully. “It couldn’t be finished properly in time.”

  “You’re right, Mother.” Beth shook her head. “It’s fine as it is. In fact, it’s very beautiful. No one else will be expecting an arch, so they won’t miss it.”

  “But you’ll miss it,” Julie objected. “And you do have some fabric left over. It’s in the back room now. Do you want me to get it?”

  “No, thanks. I don’t need to have everything I might want. This is elegant as it is. I’m so grateful—so very blessed.”

  As Beth pulled the door closed behind them she reminded herself that it was, indeed, very lovely. She could focus on what was incomplete, or she could appreciate the beauty—and the blessing of having so many family members present.

  “Mama, I’d like to introduce you to William and Priscilla Thatcher,” Jarrick announced over the commotion in the crowded entryway to Molly’s home. “Mother Thatcher, this is Sigrid Thornton. And my father, Graeme,” he said, motioning, “is hanging up the coats.” He pointed above the heads. “And in the doorway are my brothers Wilfred and Roland, and my little sister, Laura.”

  “So pleased to meet you all.” Beth’s mother extended a hand to Jarrick’s mother. “I’m glad you arrived safely. You must be rather weary from your trip.”

  “It was a pretty tight squeeze for so many of us in one car, but Jarrick followed in a borrowed truck with our luggage, along with his own possessions for relocating to Coal Valley once they’ve returned from the honeymoon. At any rate, we’re here at last. And we’ve been so excited to meet all of you. Jarrick has shared so many nice things.”

  The woman was petite, and Jarrick had clearly inherited his height from his lanky father. But there was little doubt as to who had passed on his ginger-colored hair. The slip of a woman was still wearing a black-brimmed hat, but thick red braids curled out from beneath it. “Now, where is your Beth?” she queried, looking around.

  “I’m here.” Beth quickly pushed herself forward, her stomach fluttering. “I’m so glad you’ve come so far, Mrs. Thornton. Welcome.” She reached out to shake hands and could feel the eyes of her future mother-in-law assessing her.

  “We haven’t ventured nearly as far as your own folks have. Goodness, all the way from Ontario! It must have been quite a ride by train.”

  Mother said, “It was long, but not unpleasant. We felt we got a good sense of Manitoba’s landscape as we went through—it’s a very broad country, quite flat, I thought. However, I’m sure it must be a farmer’s dream.”

  “Not so wide open as Saskatchewan, I think.”

  Beth could feel the fluttering gain intensity. She cast a glance to Jarrick in hopes he’d find a way to deflect the conversation.

  “Have they unloaded yet, Mama? Should we do that now?”

  “There’s no need just yet. We’ll send you boys out after a bit. For now, I’m sure we’d all like to get to know one another better. And, Mrs. Russo, if it’s not too much trouble, something hot would be very welcome just now.”

  “I’ve the kettle on already, Mrs. Thornton. Soon as it starts ta singin’ there’ll be tea and coffee both—or ice water, if ya like. Why don’t ya all take a seat in the dinin’ room? I’ll bring some sweets to start with.”

  Beth filed in along with the others, each hesitant to take one of the few chairs. Already Teddy was hustling more chairs from the kitchen. Soon they were all settled snugly around the large table, Beth and Jarrick seated between the two mothers.

  “Your home is very nice, Mrs. Russo,” Mrs. Thornton told her. “No wonder Jarrick described it as the cen
ter of town.”

  Molly shrugged and answered easily, “Nobody else’s got a home big enough fer so many. I’m grateful fer what God provided, but fer my family most of all.”

  Jarrick’s mother only raised her eyebrows in response.

  Beth could feel her fingers clenched together on her lap. Is it just my nerves, or is there already tension? I can’t imagine why. Is this what Jarrick means?

  Teatime proceeded with casual conversation, but Beth continued to feel that people were being too rigidly congenial. She worried that it didn’t bode well for the pressures of their time together.

  For their stay in Coal Valley, Jarrick’s family had elected to sleep at the schoolhouse in Beth’s classroom. They would lay bedding on the floor, use the privy behind the building, and carry in buckets of water for washing. It was primitive but not altogether different from how the rest of the townspeople lived.

  Molly had invited the out-of-town guests to eat in shifts at her place. Father insisted on paying for her hospitality, and the two were still trapped in an amiable contest of wills over the matter. Beth was rather certain Father would be victorious, one way or another. Though, I believe he’s met his match.

  As soon as Jarrick’s mother had sent her three sons off to move their family’s luggage into the schoolrooms—almost as quickly as the door closed behind them—she turned to Beth. “I’ve heard that you’ve already decorated the church. We would have helped, you know. Laura and I have a good eye for detail.”

  “It was no trouble, Mrs. Thornton. Just one less thing to do.”

  “May we see it, dear?”

  Beth wished there was some way to suggest they wait for Jarrick, but her mind faltered. “Of course.” She tried a smile.

  Leading the way, Beth walked with the five women to the church, her heart beating with apprehension. She was certain her own mother would not take well to anything that sounded like criticism. She slowly opened the door, relieved that it really did look beautiful. I just hope . . .