Grandmother placed her hand on her chest. “My goodness, I’m glad you subdued him but even more glad I wasn’t there to see it happen. My poor heart couldn’t take in such a wild show.”
“I agree with you, Mrs. Hayes.” Mrs. Birdwell gave a firm nod. “It’s hard enough to hear them speak of it. I can’t imagine living through it.”
Maggie grinned. Mrs. Birdwell had been so absorbed in their story she hadn’t taken a sip of tea since Nate and Maggie started talking.
Grandmother patted Mrs. Birdwell’s hand. “But we can rest easy now. Maggie and Nathaniel are all right, and the man, Dixon, is behind bars.”
“Yes, and it’s a good thing he is. What a scheming, hard-hearted man.”
Grandmother glanced at the small clock on the shelf. “Oh my, look at the time. We’ll be late for church if we don’t hurry.”
Maggie was about to tell them what had happened to Mrs. Harcourt, but she decided it would be better to tell Grandmother later in private. There was no need to upset Violet with that part of the story.
They quickly gathered what they needed and headed out the door. Mrs. Birdwell was hesitant to ride in Nate’s motorcar, but Grandmother finally convinced her it was safe, and she squeezed in the backseat with Violet and Grandmother. Maggie climbed in up front next to Nate, and they set off.
When they arrived at the church, the congregation was already singing the first hymn. They entered quietly and slipped into one of the back pews. A few people turned to stare at them. Some even whispered to the person next to them, causing a stir.
Maggie’s face flushed, but she straightened her shoulders. She was proud of what Nate had done and grateful for his devotion and courage. She would stand with him in church—or anywhere else, for that matter. No one had better say a negative word about Nate Harcourt in her presence or she would give them a piece of her mind.
Nate opened the hymnal and stepped closer to share it with Maggie. She smiled up at him, hoping to convey what was in her heart, then she joined him in singing “Amazing Grace.”
Nate returned the hymnal to the holder on the pew in front of them and sat down next to Maggie. His arm touched hers, and comfort flowed through the connection, stirring his affection and gratitude. She was not ashamed to be seen with him despite all that had happened, and he was confident he could count on her support in the days ahead. Maggie was a true friend, and he hoped and prayed she would soon agree to be much more.
Two pews in front of them a woman wearing a black-veiled hat turned slightly and looked his way. Her eyebrows arched. He held his gaze steady, and she quickly averted her eyes. But a moment later she leaned toward an older woman seated next to her and whispered something in her ear. The older woman looked over her shoulder and spotted Nate. She pursed her lips and sent him a disdainful glare.
Irritation burned Nate’s throat. It was clear the news of Dixon’s arrest at Morningside and Helen’s involvement were already the focus of village gossip. Perhaps when the full story was known, people might not judge him too harshly, but it would take time for the truth to come out. There would most likely be many more uncomfortable moments ahead for him and his family.
Mr. Iverson gave the announcements for the morning, and a few more whispers traveled around the sanctuary, followed by heads turning their way.
Maggie glanced at Nate, concern in her eyes. He wanted to reach for her hand to reassure her, but that wouldn’t be appropriate in church, and the last thing he wanted was to cause more gossip.
Reverend Samuelson moved into the pulpit and led them in the opening prayer, then he asked them to turn to Romans 12 and read the Scripture passage aloud. “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Nate listened carefully as his friend expounded on the points in the passage and encouraged them to take those challenging instructions to heart. Considering the strike and the conflict with Helen and Dixon, the call to live peacefully with everyone was quite timely. Overcoming evil with good was a high calling and one he would need to make a matter of prayer. It would certainly take God’s grace and strength to apply it in his present situation.
He glanced at Maggie a few times during the sermon, and she seemed just as caught up in Samuelson’s message, her expression intent and absorbed.
When the service concluded, Nate waited until most of the congregation left the sanctuary before he rose to exit the pew with Maggie and the others. Mrs. Birdwell, Mrs. Hayes, and Violet reached the door first and thanked Reverend Samuelson for his message, then they walked outside.
As Nate and Maggie approached Samuelson, Nate extended his hand. “That was a powerful message. Thank you.”
“I’m glad to hear it was meaningful for you, and I’m very glad to see you. I heard about Dixon’s arrest. How is Mrs. Harcourt?”
Nate blinked. “How did you hear?”
“Mrs. Wilton came to me before the service. Her husband was one of the police officers called to Morningside yesterday. She was quite concerned about your stepmother’s injury.”
Nate glanced toward the door. Was Mrs. Wilton out in the churchyard now? How many others had she told about his stepmother’s shameful actions and the distressing results? He shook off that thought and focused on Samuelson again. “The doctor expects Mrs. Harcourt to make a full recovery.” He wished he could explain the rest of the story, but this was not the time or place, especially when Mrs. Hayes, Mrs. Birdwell, and Violet were waiting for them.
Samuelson smiled. “That’s good to hear.” He turned to Maggie. “And I suppose this means you found the answers you were looking for?”
Maggie sent Nate a surprised glance.
He shifted his weight to the other foot, knowing he owed her an explanation. Actually, there were still several things he wanted to tell her, but he needed a private moment to do it, and there hadn’t been one yet today.
Maggie focused on Samuelson. “Roland Dixon admitted damaging the boat, though he says he only intended to give my father a warning and didn’t know the whole family was going out that day.”
Samuelson nodded. “I’m sure there’s much more to the story, and it will all come to light now that the police can look into those events. I’ll be praying the resolution brings you peace of mind as well as justice for your cause.”
Maggie’s eyes glimmered. “Thank you. I appreciate that.”
Nate glanced out the door again. “We don’t want to keep you. I’m sure you have plans for the afternoon.”
“I have an invitation to dinner at the Wentworths’, but before you go, I thought we might arrange a time to meet. I’ve been praying about the situation at Clifton, and I think we must keep looking for a way to bring the two sides together as soon as possible.”
“I’m open to any ideas you have.”
“Can you come and see me tomorrow?”
“The police are coming to Morningside at nine, but I could meet with you after that.”
“Good. Let’s say eleven o’clock, then, at my house?”
“I’ll see you then.” Nate placed his hat on his head, and he and Maggie walked toward the door.
As soon as they stepped outside, several people turned and looked their way. Nate lifted his gaze above the crowd and started down the path toward his motorcar with Maggie at his side. Someone called his name. He steeled himself and turned.
Geoffrey Rowlett strode toward them, his face set in a dark scowl. “Is it true? Was Mrs. Harcourt shot down by an intruder…while you stood by and watched?”
Maggie pulled in a sharp breath.
Nate straightened to his full height and riveted his gaze on Rowlett. “No, that is not what happened.”
Rowlett narrowed
his eyes. “So you’re saying Mrs. Harcourt wasn’t shot yesterday at Morningside?”
Nate hesitated, searching for an explanation. “It’s true she was injured, but it happened when I wrestled with the man and his gun went off.”
“So you’re saying it was an accident?” Rowlett’s tone made it clear he questioned Nate’s word.
“The police will investigate the matter, and the Crown will decide how to proceed.”
Rowlett huffed. “Well, this is just fine.” He took a step away, then turned back and pointed at Nate. “Your father has only been gone for a little more than a month, and in that time you’ve managed to put all our futures at stake by pushing the workers at Clifton into a strike. Now you’ve failed to protect Mrs. Harcourt from serious injury, to say nothing of sullying your family’s reputation and Clifton’s in the bargain.”
Nate stared at Rowlett, stung by his accusations.
Rowlett leaned toward him. “That’s quite a list of accomplishments for such a short period of time, but I don’t think your father would be pleased.”
An angry tremor shook Nate. He wanted to lash back at Rowlett, but the words of the sermon rose in his mind. He pulled in a deep breath and wrestled to regain control. “Sarcasm and false accusations are not going to resolve these issues. I suggest we discuss this another day, after we’ve both had time to consider our words and prepare ourselves to be reasonable.” Nate placed his hand on Maggie’s back and guided her away from Rowlett.
Maggie shook her head. “Oh, what a dreadful man! He has no idea what he’s talking about. How could he be so malicious?”
Nate tried to calm his breathing and dismiss Rowlett’s accusations, but they cut deep. Not everything the man said was true, but these facts remained: Nate had failed to bring the two sides at Clifton together, and beginning tomorrow morning, the impact of the strike would be felt by everyone. He’d also failed to protect Helen, and she lay in bed at Morningside with a serious injury because he hadn’t subdued Dixon in time.
What would his father think about his choices and actions? Would he understand the struggle Nate had been through, trying to do what was right but often failing to reach his desired goal? How could he resolve these issues in a way that would honor his father’s memory and preserve his family’s name yet still remain true to the principles of his faith and conscience?
An unexpected sense of awareness flooded through him, and with it came the first faint breeze of peace. This was not something he could accomplish on his own. It would take God’s intervention to change men’s hearts and the power of the Spirit, working in and through him, to see good come out of these painful times. He would hold on to that insight and let it help him form his prayers. He pulled in a deep breath, and the tension began to drain from his shoulders.
With God’s help he would press on to see this through and do all he could, trusting the Lord to guide and direct him as he faced the challenges ahead.
Rob took Lilly’s hand, and they started down the winding path through the hillside garden toward the stream. A light breeze carried the refreshing scent of cedar, damp earth, and moss. The sound of the water rushing over the rocks below and birds calling to each other in the tall evergreens soothed Lilly’s mind.
Rob glanced at her, and his mouth tugged up on one side. “I hope the strike won’t last too long, but I’m not sorry to have time off so I can spend the afternoon with you.”
Lilly smiled and ducked her head. “It’s a comfort to be together, especially after everything that happened yesterday.”
His expression sobered, and he gazed up the hill toward Morningside Manor. “It’s hard to believe Mrs. Harcourt’s brother was the one behind that boat going down.”
A shiver traveled down Lilly’s back. “All these years, everyone thought it was an accident, but Maggie and Mr. Harcourt were set on finding the truth.”
“Yes, and it almost got them killed.”
Lilly had told Rob the full story as soon as they’d walked out of church that morning. She would’ve told him sooner, but he’d already been sitting with his mother and sisters when she arrived. She joined them in the second-to-last pew and tried to focus on the service, but she’d been bursting to relay what had happened at Morningside and hear their reactions.
The churchyard was buzzing with the story by the time they stepped outside. It seemed word had spread through the village that morning, and everyone was talking about Mrs. Harcourt’s injury and the way her brother had held Maggie and Nate at gunpoint. Owen Campbell was considered a hero for confronting Roland Dixon and taking him down.
Lilly swallowed and pushed away those thoughts. “I’m just glad that man is behind bars and he’ll have to face a judge and jury for what he’s done.”
“Do you think Mrs. Harcourt will be all right?”
“I hope so. The doctor came again this morning. Miss Clara has hardly left her side.”
They reached the stream, and Rob helped Lilly step up on a large rock next to him. “How are Maggie and Mr. Harcourt? They’ve been through quite a bit of trouble.”
Lilly smiled. “They seem closer than ever, and I wouldn’t be surprised to hear some happy news from them soon.”
Rob’s eyebrows rose. “So you’re saying there’s a romance going on between them?”
Lilly shifted her shoulders back and forth, still grinning. “Maybe so, maybe not.”
“You are a tease.” He reached over and tickled her side.
She laughed and squirmed away, almost losing her balance.
“Careful!” He caught her and wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her closer.
Her breath caught, and she looked up into his face. His eyes looked directly back at her, and smile lines creased the area around his mouth. He was the kindest, dearest man she’d ever known, and she loved him so much.
His gaze softened and traveled over her face. “You’re a treasure, Lilly Neatherton. My life wouldn’t be the same without you.”
Her heartbeat sped up. “I feel the same way about you.”
“Do you now?”
She smiled and whispered, “You know I do.”
“Then I suppose we’ll just have to find a way to move up the wedding date.”
Lilly pulled in a quick breath. “What?”
“I’m tired of saying good-bye and never seeing you. I don’t want to wait to save more money to have a place of our own. If we married soon, you could leave service and we could live with my family.”
Hope and possibilities filled Lilly’s mind. She loved Rob’s mother and sisters, and she could help ease their load if she moved in with them, but she’d still need some kind of income. “Maybe I could find a job at one of the shops in the village.”
“That’s a fine idea. Any shop owner would be glad to have a smart, hardworking woman like you.”
Lilly’s cheeks warmed at his praise. “Do you really think so?”
“Of course. But what’s most important is that we’d be together to face whatever comes.” He studied her face a moment more. “What do you say?”
Her answer rose from her heart. “Yes!”
Rob’s happy grin spread wider, and he took both her hands in his. “Let’s speak to your father and then to my parents. If they’re agreeable, we can go to Reverend Samuelson, have the banns read in church, and be married in a month.”
Dizzy happiness spiraled through Lilly. “Oh, Rob, that sounds wonderful.”
He slipped his arms around her waist and drew her near. She nestled against his chest, feeling safe and loved. She looked up, drinking in the look of love in his eyes.
He leaned down and placed a tender kiss on her lips. Her eyes drifted closed, and she kissed him back, thanksgiving filling her heart and soul.
Monday morning after breakfast, Maggie stood by Mrs. Birdwell’s front window, watching the road. Nate had said he would send a carriage for her at eight-thirty, and she was eager to be on her way back to Morningside. Today she would finally be able to tell th
e police what she’d learned and turn the investigation over to them. But as eager as she was to hand it off and see that justice was carried out, she was even more eager to see Nate. His difficult encounter with Mr. Rowlett after church came to mind again. Just thinking about that man’s harsh words stirred Maggie’s anger. But Nate’s clear and strong reply had put Mr. Rowlett in his place, and it made her admire Nate even more.
The sound of the motorcar reached her before it came into view, and her heart leaped. She leaned toward the window and smiled as the car rolled to a stop by the front gate and Nate hopped out.
“I’m leaving,” Maggie called, then she pulled on her gloves and opened the door before Nate had a chance to knock.
“Good morning, Maggie.” He smiled, his gaze traveling over her with a look of approval.
Pleasant warmth flooded her cheeks. “Hello, Nate. How are you this morning?” My goodness, she sounded almost breathless.
His smile widened. “Very well. And you?”
“I’m fine, thank you.” The formality seemed so out of place, she laughed softly. “And I’m ever so glad to see you.”
He chuckled and offered her his arm. She slipped her hand through at his elbow, and they set off down the path toward his car.
Twenty minutes later they arrived at Morningside. As soon as they settled in the library with Clara and Owen, Jackson announced Detectives Blanchard and Rider and showed them in.
Maggie stood with Nate, her stomach tense, as the detectives introduced themselves. They asked to speak to Helen first. Nate gave his permission and instructed Jackson to show the detectives to Helen’s room. Clara followed them up to offer her mother support during the questioning.
Forty minutes later the detectives returned to the library and met with Maggie, Nate, Clara, and Owen. Their questions were direct, but their manner was polite, and Maggie soon relaxed. The detectives took turns questioning each of them, jotting the answers in their small notebooks until they had the full story.
Shine Like the Dawn Page 33
