Refining Fire

by Tracie Peterson

  “Hello, Abrianna. I’m fine, thanks.” Wade helped her into the wagon.

  “Thank you. And I’m glad you’re fine. Now, are you going to answer me?” She pointed to a basket of cabbage. “Don’t forget that.”

  Wade came to assist Militine and afterward loaded the basket and crate that were to accompany them. He leisurely climbed into the wagon and picked up the reins. Without a word to Abrianna, he urged the horse to walk.

  “Are you feeling deep guilt? Is that why you say nothing?” Abrianna pushed. “I do not hold any ill feelings against you for Pastor Walker’s interference, but do tell me that you defended my honor.”

  “Oh, Abrianna, no one needs to defend you. You do quite enough on that count. However, if it makes you feel any better, I did tell Pastor Walker that you were well supervised and protected from any harm.”

  “Supervised? Protected? That’s all you told him?” She gave a heavy sigh. “It is truly a burden beyond measure to be me. As if having red hair isn’t enough of a curse, I cannot even count on the defense of my friends in times of trouble.”

  Wade chuckled, which did not sit well with Abrianna. With a huff she crossed her arms and looked away from him. Militine could tell he was only amused at her pretense to give him the cold shoulder. However, after a few minutes of silence, Wade spoke.

  “I am sorry that I didn’t defend you in the way you believe I should have. I did do my best to point out to Pastor Walker that you were serving God by serving the poor. He doesn’t have to understand your actions for them to be right. I don’t know why you worry about what he thinks, anyway.”

  “Because he worries Aunt Miriam and the others with his constant complaints against me.” She whirled back around. “Don’t you see, Wade? He doesn’t like me, so he figures to put a stop to my ministry.”

  Wade gave her a stern look. “Your ministry? I thought it was God’s.”

  Abrianna closed her eyes. “Yes. You are right. I am wholly out of line. Goodness, but the man so upset my senses that I have been given to wrong thinking. Forgive me.” She straightened and looked toward the sky. “God, please forgive me. Of course it is your ministry. It might be my calling, but it has always and ever been your ministry.”

  To hear her friend so quickly humble herself impressed Militine. Abrianna might be the first to head into trouble, but she was always good to yield to correction. Well, at least when she could see that she was in error. Militine admired her for that. The very idea of admitting to such a thing was yet another area that left Militine feeling vulnerable. In time, she hoped she might be able to be as willing to give in to such a point as was her friend.

  Of course, maybe such humbling required a better relationship with God. It bore some consideration.

  Hours later, Abrianna was still fuming over the pastor’s unkind remarks. Her frustration was such that she hadn’t even bothered to get Wade’s help in accompanying her and Militine to the Madison Building. Now they had to deal with Mr. Welby’s man without Wade’s protection, and for once she questioned her decision.

  “Mr. Welby ain’t here,” a tall man with brown hair and a scar on his forehead told Abrianna and Militine. He leered. “I’m sure I could help ya.”

  Abrianna looked past him to the closed office that Lenore’s father had once occupied when the bridal school had resided upstairs. “Do you know when he’ll return?”

  “No. Why don’t you tell me what you need.” He let his gaze travel the length of her body.

  “There is a trunk of costumes that my aunt believes was left behind in the basement. If you would allow us, we can just make a quick search and be gone. However, I suppose if the trunk is found, we might need you to carry it upstairs for us.”

  “I can’t allow you in the basement.” He scowled and his lewd nature faded. “Ain’t no one allowed down there. Got some repairs going on.”

  “I suppose we can return another time. We do need that trunk, and it would certainly put Mrs. Madison in your debt if you were to at least look for the trunk.”

  “I tell you what. Once you go, I’ll be happy to go downstairs and take a look. I’ve been down there many a time and can’t say I’ve ever seen any sign of a trunk, but I’ll search it out.”

  With nothing else to be done, Abrianna nodded. “Thank you. Please tell Mr. Welby we were here.”

  “He ain’t often here, but I’ll tell him if I see him,” he called after them.

  Once they were outside Abrianna was surprised when Militine touched her arm. “We should go back to Wade’s and get him to take us home.”

  “Nonsense. He would only question me as to what I’ve been doing. We can catch a streetcar. I have the coins.”

  They hurried up the street and across the intersection to wait for the streetcar. Abrianna once again allowed her thoughts to go to what the pastor had said. His remarks were uncalled for, and she felt new determination to make certain he knew exactly what she thought on the matter.

  “Thane wants to court me.”

  A bustle of people momentarily separated them. Abrianna looked at Militine and shook her head. “I’m not sure I heard you right.”

  “Thane wants to court me.”

  Two men tipped their bowler hats and hurried past the girls, giving Abrianna a moment to consider the comment. “I do not know whether to be happy for you or alarmed. You’ve told me on more than one occasion that you do not intend to marry. It was our secret.”

  “I know. I’m not suggesting that I would marry, but I rather like the idea of courtship.”

  “But courtship is set aside for the ultimate goal of marriage. Courting without marriage in mind would be like planting potatoes with no thought of eating them.”

  “But courtship doesn’t always work out.” Militine pointed down the street. “The streetcar’s coming.”

  They boarded and Abrianna paid the toll before they took seats toward the back. Uncertain how she should respond, Abrianna reached out to pat Militine’s arm. “Whatever you decide, you know I am a faithful friend. I will neither condemn you for your choice nor advise you toward it. I will simply support you either way. I know from experience that I am given to doing things in an unconventional way, and I cannot fault you for desiring to do the same.”

  “Thank you, Abrianna. No one has ever been so accepting of me or my choices.”

  On Sunday, Abrianna could hardly contain herself as Brother Mitchell rose to give the benediction. It hadn’t been easy to sit for the short sermon Pastor Walker had given, nor to sing every verse of the final hymn with the rest of the congregation. Pastor Walker finally left the pulpit and moved down the aisle to the back of the church. It was his habit to greet the parishioners as they exited the building, and today was no different.

  Abrianna slipped out while the pastor was occupied with one of the elders who seemed to have quite a bit to say. The day outside was fair, and most of the congregants seemed happy to mingle on the church lawn and catch up on news with their friends. Abrianna was determined to have a word with Pastor Walker, but first she needed to assess the situation and determine if there was enough time. She knew that Aunt Miriam was off in search of Aunt Poisie, who had told her of some problem in the children’s Sunday school. Abrianna overheard Aunt Miriam instruct Aunt Selma to gather the others to wait for their return, so they could all walk home together. This gave Abrianna the perfect, if not God-appointed, time to berate Pastor Walker for his maligning comments. But she would have to wait until he was alone. There was no sense in humiliating him publicly. Even if he was given to speaking ill of her to others.

  When the last man bid the minister good day, Walker started back inside the church. Abrianna approached him with what she hoped was a look of confidence. “Pastor Walker.”

  He turned back, looking reluctant. “Good day, Miss Cunningham.”

  “No, it is not a good day, and you are the reason.” He appeared shocked by her outburst, but she didn’t allow that to deter her. “You have been given to the sin of g
ossip and dissension.”

  “I beg your pardon?”

  “You should. How dare you approach my family with your so-called concerns about my work with the poor? You have no right to condemn me. I am answering a call upon my life and will continue to do so whether you understand such a thing or not. It’s no different from what Deborah did in the Bible. That’s found in Judges, just in case you are confused.” His eyes widened and mouth fell open.

  “Apparently you aren’t used to seeing people follow the Scriptures. I think in all the weeks I’ve listened to you preach, you’ve only quoted the Bible on three occasions. Instead, we’ve been forced to hear stories of a personal nature that seldom correlate to Scripture and often upset old ladies’ sleep.”

  “Now just a minute, Miss Cunningham. You are at fault to speak to a man of God in such a manner. I spoke to your aunts out of concern for your well-being. Not only that, but as far as the Bible is concerned, you should not be in a position of leading men.”

  “I’m not leading them. I’m feeding them, something the church should be doing. Perhaps it is foolish to speak to you about this. It might be better for me to take it up with the deacons and elders. After all, they know me and my heart. You have been here for only a couple of months and apparently have decided to judge my actions with no regard to the fruit being produced.”

  “I have to say, Miss Cunningham, I did consider the matter, and that is why I spoke with Mrs. Madison. It is not appropriate for a young unmarried woman to display herself in such a manner. You put yourself in grave peril, and risk not only your reputation but your life.”

  She couldn’t help but smile. A calm came over her that Abrianna hadn’t expected. “Such things are only of this world, Pastor Walker. The Bible makes it clear that we needn’t worry about those who can take our lives but not our souls. I am not afraid to die. However, I would be afraid to face my God and not have done all that He gave me to do.”

  “You are an arrogant woman, Miss Cunningham. Furthermore, I know very well what the Bible makes clear. I know more about what is in this book,” he said, holding up the Bible, “than you could ever know.”

  “I didn’t realize it was a contest. Seems to me your job is to teach the Word so that all in your congregation might know. If you believe there is a deficit, perhaps you should search your own soul for the reason.”

  His mouth dropped open, and it seemed words were stuck in his throat.

  Abrianna knew she had no need to further chide this man. It was obvious he felt the impact of her statement. She walked from the church with a peace she hadn’t thought possible. Perhaps the confrontation was uncalled for. For certain her actions done out of anger had been wrong. She prayed God would forgive her for allowing her temper to get the best of her. However, now instead of anger, she just felt sorry for Pastor Walker. There was something of a void in his spirit. She could sense it but not truly understand it. Perhaps God would show her in time. If not, it didn’t matter. Only the truth did. Of course, the truth might include her aunts learning about what had just transpired, and then she would have to smooth those troubled waters.

  “It simply isn’t easy being me,” she murmured to herself.

  13

  Why is he here?” Abrianna asked Lenore. She cast a side glance across Lenore’s parlor to where Kolbein Booth and Wade were entertaining Pastor Walker.

  “Kolbein wanted to invite him to dinner, since we hadn’t yet hosted him in our home. I thought having you and Wade here would round the number out nicely and give us a time to chat. Honestly, Abrianna, what have you against the man?”

  “He is a thorn in my flesh.” Abrianna smoothed out the elegant satin of her gown’s skirt and sighed. “I do not wish to say anything more.”

  “Now, that is a surprise. I don’t think I’ve ever known those words to come from your lips.”

  “It wouldn’t do any good to speak on the matter. Suffice it to say, we have our differences. I’m praying fervently for the man. He seems to need it.”

  “I honestly know very little about the him. I can’t say that I enjoy his preaching as much as I did Pastor Klingle’s, but I suppose every minister has his own style.”

  “And agenda.”

  The butler came to announce supper, and Lenore and Abrianna rose. Lenore moved to stand beside her husband. “Might you offer a prayer of thanksgiving?” she asked Pastor Walker.

  Abrianna grimaced but bowed her head. Pastor Walker gave a short blessing, much to her relief. She wanted most fervently to hold her tongue for Lenore’s sake, if for no one else’s.

  When he concluded, Lenore took hold of his arm. “I would be honored to have you escort me in to dinner.”

  Abrianna stiffened at the sight of her dear friend on the arm of the pastor. She had to give her feelings of frustration over to the Lord. To do otherwise would only prompt sin in her heart. Please, Lord, help me to see the good in this man.

  “You’ve been awfully quiet, Abrianna. Are you ill?” Kolbein asked as he offered his arm.

  She took hold. “I’m quite fine, just deep in thought. There are a great many things on my mind these days.”

  “I wouldn’t expect it to be otherwise.” Kolbein led her to the dining room. He assisted her into a beautifully carved mahogany chair before leaning down to whisper, “Try to behave yourself.”

  She looked at him and caught a wink. “I will endeavor to do nothing that will shame you or Lenore.” She looked across to Wade, who was now seated. He smiled but said nothing. He looked quite handsome in his black suit. Unlike Pastor Walker, who was wearing the same boring gray suit that he preached in every Sunday. Goodness, but couldn’t the man dress in black like most respectable ministers? And that mustache of his was abominable. He should preach with a clean-shaven face, lest others think he had something to hide.

  She shook her head. She was again allowing thoughts of the man’s shortcomings to occupy her thoughts. God, help me to move beyond such thinking.

  “I do want to thank you and Mrs. Booth for having me to your home for dinner. I am eager to know you better,” Pastor Walker said as a servant placed the first course in front of him. “My, what beautiful china and silver.”

  “Thank you,” Lenore replied. “They were wedding gifts from my parents.”

  “You come from a wealthy family?”

  Everyone around the table looked surprised except for the man who’d posed the question. It was appalling bad manners to speak of finances in public, but apparently he didn’t realize this.

  Kolbein took charge of the matter. “Her father is now retired, but in his younger years he was a prosperous businessman. Now, I understand that you are new to the Northwest. What prompted you to leave such a warm climate as Texas?”

  Abrianna sampled her soup and tried not to act as though she cared in the least what Walker had to say. The delicate flavors of the leek soup were soothing to her stomach, which had been in knots since arriving to find the pastor in attendance.

  “The climate is of no concern,” Pastor Walker replied. “When God calls you to a place, you must obey.” He tasted his soup and then picked up a piece of bread on the dish to his left. With no concern for table manners, he tore the piece up and plopped it into the bowl to soak up the liquid.

  No one said a word, and while the silence was most uncomfortable, Abrianna knew better than to promote a topic of conversation. For several awkward minutes they did nothing but eat. Finally the servants arrived with the next course, a buttery fish served atop steamed asparagus. There was no telling what the Texan would do with this.

  “I have to say your cook does a wonderful job,” Pastor Walker praised. “However, I am accustomed to much simpler fare. I’m afraid the wages earned by a man of God are often quite inadequate.”

  Kolbein cut into his fish and, without looking to meet the man’s gaze, said, “I find the meal to be perfect.” He gave Lenore a smile. “You have outdone yourself in the planning, my dear.”

  “Of course such
finery as you have here could go a long way to benefiting the church and spreading the gospel. The setting on the table is a thing of beauty, but providing adequate funding to do God’s work is perhaps more honorable. Your church has a great many needs, and the proper funds could benefit the congregation and make my living arrangements much better. For example, the silver you have here. There is quite a bit of it, and I assume the value of such is high.”

  Lenore coughed into her napkin, and Abrianna shook her head in protest. “Sir, you offend with this constant discussion of money.”

  “I would think you might be on my side where this subject is concerned,” Pastor Walker declared. “After all, you seek support for that food house you have. Think of the money that could be offered on behalf of the poor should wealthy people live more simply. If more money were provided the church, we might not have need for our fairer sex to be doing business on the wharfs.”

  Wade looked to Abrianna and shook his head. She knew it was his unspoken warning to say nothing more, but she couldn’t help it. Pastor Walker made her ministry sound like she was instead running a brothel.

  “I trust in God to provide for the needs of His ministries. I answered the call prior to there even being financial support. I find that when we obey God, He always provides. Not only that, but you did agree to a particular salary and provision when you took on the pulpit of our church.”

  “While that is true, Miss Cunningham, I did so on the assurance of God that the small wages would soon be increased to better support my needs.”

  “I’m sorry, Pastor Walker,” Kolbein interjected, “but I do not approve of such a discussion over dinner. You and I can speak more at length about these things afterward. As a deacon of the church, I feel confident that we can look into any concern you might have.”