“Amen.”
Wade’s deep voice brought her head up, and she realized she’d not prayed at all but had simply mulled over the same old thoughts she’d wrestled with all week. She gathered her things and then stepped to one side of the sanctuary to watch people greet Wade. They were all smiles. Encouraging him with their comments and approval. It warmed her heart to see their acceptance of the man she loved.
“I must say, he gives a good sermon.”
Abrianna looked to her right and found Priam Welby standing there. “He does.” She tried to think of something to say without bringing up his threats to do himself harm. “I’m glad you could be here.”
“I am, too. I hoped we might have a word.”
“To what purpose?”
He smiled. “I believe you know what purpose.”
“Mr. Welby, please do not put me in this most difficult position.” Abrianna clutched her Bible to her breast. “I cannot court you. I am engaged to be married.” She held out her left hand as if to offer proof.
“It’s lovely. Although I would give you something much grander.”
“I think it’s perfect. Just as I know Wade is the man I’m to marry.”
“I think in time you will change your mind.”
She shook her head. “Then you do not know me very well. Even if I were to dissolve my engagement with Mr. Ackerman, I would not court you. You see, I believe God has some very important work for me to do. At this point I’m not even sure it can be accomplished in marriage.”
His expression grew quizzical. “So you are thinking of remaining single? Are you planning to end your engagement?”
“I’m trying my best to leave all of my plans in God’s hands.” She hadn’t meant to give him the impression that she might not marry Wade, but concern about it was ever uppermost in her mind these last few days.
“Abrianna,” he said in a hushed voice, “you know how I feel about your work for God. I would never dream of interfering and would, in fact, be most beneficial. I would still help you to rebuild a new facility for the needy. We could reinstitute our contract, and you would see just how much it could help all those people you care so much about.”
Glancing across the sanctuary, Abrianna shook her head. “Mr. Welby, I appreciate your thoughts and your support of my calling.” She paused and gave him a smile. “But I cannot.” She started to leave, but he took hold of her arm.
“I’m not a very patient man, Abrianna.” His tone sent a chill through her. “I’m used to having what I want, and I want you.”
She looked at him for a moment and shook her head. “I am sorry, Mr. Welby. I am not for sale.”
“Everyone has their price, Abrianna. I think in time we shall learn yours.”
His eyes darkened, and the look he gave left Abrianna in a state of unease. A chill skittered through her limbs as she contemplated what lengths he might go to force his hand. Were the stories Wade and Kolbein had heard about Mr. Welby true? Had she truly misjudged him and given him the benefit of the doubt when she should have been suspect all along? This was more complicated than she ever thought possible. She narrowed her eyes and straightened her back. “Good day, Mr. Welby.”
Abrianna hurried to the back of the church where Wade was speaking to the last of the parishioners. She didn’t wait to talk to him but slipped out behind the older couple and hurried to where her father stood with the other ladies of the Madison Bridal School.
“Your Wade did a mighty fine job today.” Her father beamed.
“He did.” She let out a long breath, feeling that with her father and the others, Mr. Welby would not risk making another scene. “I’ve always thought he would make a wonderful preacher, and now I see that I was right.”
“I saw you speaking to Mr. Welby,” Aunt Poisie came alongside Abrianna. “I do hope he was not causing you grief. The world often talks of the revenge of women scorned, but I believe men can be just as dangerous.”
“I do, too, Aunt Poisie, but I am fine. Mr. Welby was merely commenting on Wade’s sermon.”
“Oh, it was grand, wasn’t it?” Aunt Poisie clasped her gloved hands together. “It was as if the apostle Paul were right there in the pulpit, although I’m sure he never had a fine black suit.” She looked most thoughtful. “But I cannot imagine Wade in robes. Even so, I’ve never heard the Scriptures recited with more reverence and feeling.”
Abrianna nodded, but her mind was still on Welby’s threatening tone. At least he was no longer talking about causing himself harm. She supposed she should be glad about that. Brother Mitchell and Wade came to join the group, causing her to let go of further contemplation.
“I’d say our young man here did an exceptional job today,” Brother Mitchell declared.
“He did indeed,” Aunt Poisie replied before anyone else could speak. “I was just telling Abrianna that it was almost like having the apostle Paul himself in the pulpit. I have never heard the Word spoken with more feeling and understanding.” She put her hand over her heart. “It moved me.”
“As it did me” came a feminine voice.
Abrianna turned to find Clara, one of the bridal school students, batting her eyes at Wade. She leaned forward and took hold of his arm. “I was truly blessed. I hope maybe later we can further discuss some of the teaching you shared. I’m afraid I don’t understand everything, but I’d like to.”
A twinge of jealousy rose up in Abrianna. The girl was throwing herself at Wade. His next words helped to put her at ease, however, as he pulled his arm from Clara’s touch. “I know Abrianna can expand on it and would love to help you understand. She’s studied the Bible with great interest.”
“But I find men to speak with more clarity and authority.” Clara had the audacity to touch him again. “Do say you’ll help me. I’m certain to understand if you will but spend a few moments with me alone. Those Scriptures are vexing me.”
“Clara, I believe you need to join the other girls in the omnibus,” Aunt Miriam said, coming from behind to give Clara a push toward the awaiting transport. “You and I will spend the afternoon going over those Scriptures that seem to vex you.”
Abrianna would have giggled had Clara not fixed her with a fierce glare. Abrianna watched as Aunt Miriam led the younger woman away and could only imagine how tormenting the afternoon would be for Clara. Aunt Miriam was quite tedious in her Bible teaching.
She turned to say something to Wade, but he was already busy talking to another parishioner. So instead, Abrianna tucked her Bible under one arm and made her way to the carriage. Without assistance she climbed up and plopped down in a most unladylike way. She said nothing, but it still troubled her that Clara could be so openly disrespectful of her engagement to Wade.
“I know that look.”
Aunt Miriam stood beside the carriage. Abrianna waited as her father helped the older woman up. Once Aunt Miriam was seated, she fixed Abrianna with a stern gaze.
“Something has irritated you.”
“I suppose it has.” Abrianna tried to arrange her skirts then gave up. Even though no one was around to overhear, she leaned forward and whispered. “I do not like the way Clara flirts with Wade. It’s unbecoming and uncalled for since she knows we are engaged.”
“I thought it might be something like that,” Aunt Miriam replied. “I will deal with her this afternoon. However, you might as well get used to such things. Men of the cloth seem particularly vulnerable to the wiles of women. Often a woman of questionable conscience will put a pastor in a difficult position. Some women do it to feel important, and others act thusly because it’s their sinful nature. My point, however, is that if Wade continues to take on the role of pastor, this is something you will face.”
“I find it appalling.” Abrianna crossed her arms, hugging the Bible close.
“As do I. But you must credit Wade for handling the matter in good order. You will need to figure out a way to deal with it and help Wade, as well. Perhaps after you are married, you could make calls
with him when he goes to visit the congregation. I know the elders never called upon people unless all three were able to go. If a woman comes alone seeking help, you might make certain that you remain with Wade as he speaks to her or prays with her.”
“I doubt he’d want my help. He’s a very independent man.” Abrianna knew her words sounded harsh and Aunt Miriam would confront her if she didn’t explain. Giving her aunt a smile, Abrianna hurried on. “But he can have my help whenever he wants it. I am determined to be helpful in whatever way possible. I suppose I shouldn’t allow my thoughts to turn to jealousy, but you know how I can be. Grief, but it seems I always have something to repent of. I know you must weary of trying to teach me. You have always been so very patient with me.”
Aunt Miriam eyed her with a look that made it clear to Abrianna she wasn’t convincing the older woman of anything. Just then, Aunt Selma and Aunt Poisie came to the carriage and, with the help of Abrianna’s father, climbed in to take their seats.
“Wasn’t Wade amazing?” Aunt Poisie began.
Abrianna settled back in her seat and fixed her attention on the church’s graveyard. She could only pray that Aunt Miriam would let the matter go. Abrianna would just have to figure out how to deal with her feelings of jealousy, as well as her doubts.
“If you ladies are ready,” Wade said, taking the driver’s seat, “I’ll take us home.”
“Drive on, Wade. We are properly assembled,” Aunt Miriam declared.
Abrianna looked to where her father was taking his place to drive the omnibus back to the school. Wade had made the large enclosed vehicle to transport as many as ten passengers. Her aunts had instructed him as to the size, the window locations, and even the paint colors of red and yellow. He really was a very talented builder and a wonderful friend.
She bit her lower lip, as she was wont to do when worrying over a matter. Losing him would be the worst thing she could imagine. Outside of her faith in God, it was her love—their shared love—that had given her life meaning.
But if I don’t change, I will lose him.
The thought settled hard on her spirit. But love was about sacrifice. Jesus showed His love by sacrificing His very life. Should she do less in her love for Wade? What if sacrificing her own desires and plans for the future was what God was calling her to? A sort of laying down her life for her friend, just as the Bible spoke about when defining the greatest love.
Sunday dinner offered little relief. Abrianna watched as Clara continued to tease and flirt with Wade and wondered if there was something she should say or do. If I make a scene, it will only let Clara know that her actions are a bother to me. I will sound accusing and petty. But it’s not petty. She’s clearly being unkind toward me and loose with Wade. That’s uncalled for.
Aunt Miriam rose as dinner concluded. “Ladies, let us be about our duties so that we might enjoy a long afternoon of rest. Today, Abrianna, you and Flora will handle washing and drying the dishes. The rest will be responsible for clearing the table and putting away any remaining food.” Several of the girls jumped up and began to take the empty plates. Aunt Miriam then turned to Clara, who continued to giggle and speak in hushed whispers to Wade. “Clara, you will be excused from helping with the cleanup.”
The girl looked quite smug. “Why, thank you, Mrs. Madison.”
“It’s quite all right. You and I have studies to see to. I will expect you momentarily in my office. Oh, and bring your Bible.” The girl’s expression fell. She could not possibly have looked more miserable and left the room near to tears.
Abrianna breathed a sigh of relief and was surprised when Wade gave her a wink and got to his feet. “I believe I’ll see my way to a Sunday nap. The week promises to be a busy one.”
Aunt Miriam nodded and waved him off. “Yes, do go rest. I must tend to business and help Clara to better understand the Bible.” A hint of a smile caused her lips to lift at the corners.
Aunt Selma rose and gave her friend a pat on the back. “I hope that should you tire in helping our Clara to understand, you will send for me. I will be most happy to reprieve you and further the lesson.”
Abrianna breathed a sigh of relief. She might not understand Wade’s mind and reasoning, but she could not possibly misunderstand that of her aunts. They loved her, pure and simple, and they weren’t about to allow Clara’s flirtatious nature to cause Abrianna and Wade even the slightest bit of grief.
Wade joined the old ladies and Abrianna later that evening in the small sitting room. In spite of a short nap, the day had worn him out, and he was more than ready to head off to bed, but he had hoped to have a word or two with Abrianna beforehand. He knew she had been pleased with his preaching. Several times he had looked down from the pulpit to find her looking up at him with an expression of pure joy. Even so, he knew she was still troubled over his insistence that they not use her inheritance for their future together. He felt he’d done a poor job of explaining it. He’d come across as demanding and dictatorial, and he, above all others, knew that was no way to get Abrianna to understand a matter.
“It’s hard to believe that today is the first of September.” Mrs. Madison shook her head. “I find the older I get, the faster time seems to pass.”
“It’s true,” Mrs. Gibson said. “I’m sure men of a scientific nature would declare it all having to do with evolution or some other equally insipid matter. It never fails to amaze me the way such things are determined. I heard that the university recently hosted a lecturer who spoke of the moon’s effect on the earth. Utter nonsense, if you ask me.”
Wade smiled. “I suppose time just has the appearance of passing quicker as we get older because we have so much to do.”
“I agree.” Miss Poisie bobbed her head. “There just never seems enough time to accomplish everything. I find myself at great odds with myself, like yesterday. I was faced with several tasks that each seemed of equal importance and felt most perplexed.”
“And how did you resolve the situation, Miss Poisie?” Wade asked.
She seemed pleased to be the focus of conversation and straightened in a most regal manner. “Well, of course I first prayed for direction, and then it seemed that everything just fell into place, and I was no longer vexed with many duties. You see, I had ironing to do, as well as cleaning in my room. But I also had dried herbs that I needed to bottle.” She gave a quick glance around. Wade knew she was used to her sister putting her in check. This time there was nothing said, and Miss Poisie hurried to continue.
“I decided I would first iron my laundry. Then after hanging it in the wardrobe, I would be free to spread out my dried herbs and bottle them. After that, I was better able to assemble my room in proper order. For, you see, had I attempted to do it first, I might have had remnants of herbs to clean up. No matter how neatly I try to work with them, they are wont to get away from me. To have to clean the rug twice would have vexed me to no end, and I would have been most disagreeable.”
Wade nodded, ever amazed at the things that seemed to upset the older ladies.
“Mr. Cunningham has agreed to build us a greenhouse, and he has found a man to come and plow up part of our acreage.” Mrs. Madison changed the subject. “He will come and plow it after the first frost and then work up the soil for planting next spring.”
“I do hope we can plant pumpkins.” Miss Poisie grew quite thoughtful. “Pumpkins can be so very useful. I find few vegetables to be as worthy of my praise. Of course potatoes are very worthwhile, as well. I suppose if I were to rank them in order of importance, a potato might rise above that of a pumpkin. However, I simply prefer pumpkins. Do you like pumpkin, Wade?”
“I do.” He smiled and added, “Especially in pie.”
“We would do well to grow beans and corn.” Mrs. Gibson picked up Mr. Masterson—a gray tomcat with smudge of black under his nose that imitated a mustache. She stroked the animal thoughtfully. “I don’t know that either will take to this soil and climate. I suppose we should consult the Farmers’
Almanac.”
“We might even speak to local farmers,” Mrs. Madison added. “I’m sure they can advise on what plants might work best for our ground.”
Wade listened as the older women continued discussing various ideas they had for the garden. There was some conversation about adding additional animals to their small collection, but everyone eventually agreed that animals were a great deal of work.
Then just as he thought to call it a night, Wade was surprised when the conversation turned in another direction.
“I don’t know if Abrianna has mentioned it to you or not, but we three are hoping that you and Abrianna might consider taking over the school after you wed.”
Wade looked to Abrianna. She gave him a little smile and shrug. “I haven’t exactly had time to talk to him about it, Aunt Miriam. We’ve been very busy with other things.”
“Speaking of which,” Aunt Miriam took the conversation in yet another direction, “have you set the date for the wedding? There is a great deal to prepare, and we mustn’t let time get away from us.”
“It’s true,” Aunt Poisie added. “Though I’ve not ever married, I was once engaged, and the preparations were quite extensive to consider.”
“I’m open to whatever date Abrianna would like.” Wade, too, hoped to pin down the date, but Abrianna had been less than forthcoming in a choice.
Everyone fixed their gaze on Abrianna. She smiled. “I’m still contemplating the matter.”
“Well, even so, we can begin work on your wedding gown.” Mrs. Madison seemed to have already given the matter consideration. “I’m certain your friend Lenore will be giving you additional gowns, so we needn’t worry about creating a new wardrobe, but a wedding dress is something special and will take time to put together.”
Love Everlasting Page 10
