Love Finds You in Maiden, North Carolina

by Tamela Hancock Murray

  “Now you sound exactly like Hestia. Are you sure she didn’t send you here to butter me up with flowers before your sermon? She’s got me memorizing a psalm from the Bible as it is. A praise psalm.”

  “Does it make you feel better to read and think about it?”

  She didn’t want to admit how enthusiastic she felt. “I suppose.”

  “Good, because it would do you good to get to know Him better, just as I had to after I fell away for a time. God has given me second chances many times.”

  Selene nodded.

  “So you know.”

  “People have hinted to me about your past. But I don’t care about that.”

  “Did they tell you I was a gambler and a drinker?”

  “I could guess. And I understand.”

  “I’m glad you do. That kind of life was no good. Through the love of my grandmother—that’s her house I live in now—and a preacher who took an interest in me, I realized I didn’t need those crutches to live. What I needed was Jesus Christ.”

  “Oh, dear. Where’s the collection plate?” She chuckled, but Artie didn’t smile. She straightened her lips to show her regret. “I’m sorry. It’s just that my father sends our church lots of money but we only go to church on Christmas and Easter. He doesn’t have much use for Christianity. He thinks money is what runs religion.”

  “A lot of people, especially people like your father who have comfortable lives, think that way.” She admired how he didn’t sound critical. “They look more to what the church does for them and end up missing the joys of fellowship with Christ. But you have to make an effort toward Christ, just as you might make an effort to make good in business. Worshipping with other Christians can help you grow in Christ. No disrespect meant toward your father, because I’m sure he’s a fine man, but if he put a tenth of the effort into his relationship with Christ as I imagine he puts into his business, his life would be better.”

  Selene thought for a moment. True, Father didn’t put much effort at all into Christ. He went to church twice a year and gave some money, but that was it. She could see that Artie went well beyond that. “So Jesus cured you of drinking and gambling? I doubt you drank or gambled all that much.”

  “You don’t give Him enough credit. My parents died when my sister and I were in high school. Grandmother wanted to take in my sister, but she wanted to stay with me. So I tried to raise her myself. She died unexpectedly—in an accident—and I felt like it was my fault. I felt as though our family had a big, black cloud over us. I tried to lose myself to the world because I didn’t want to face my loss.”

  Selene couldn’t believe such heartbreak. Her problems almost seemed minor in comparison. “I’m sorry.”

  “Thank you. I’ll tell you, losing yourself doesn’t work. Oh, you’ll lose, that’s certain. I lost a small fortune gambling, and some nights I drank so much that the next morning I didn’t remember what I’d done. But no more.”

  “Booth said you’re shy. Are you afraid of people?”

  “No. But I don’t seek out events where alcohol is served, and I don’t take any bets. I rely on hard, honest work. Thankfully, in a small town like Maiden, it’s easy to find people who are interested in God and in having a good time in a way that honors Him. In fact, that describes almost everyone I know here.”

  “I haven’t seen much of Maiden, but I’d have to agree. It’s quite different in New York, at least in my crowd. I guess it’s obvious I wasn’t very ladylike by the standards they set around here.”

  “I know what strong drink will do, and I understand. Now, don’t think that means I feel sorry for you. That’s not the same thing. We all make our choices every day, and every day is a new day. I just hope since the Lord put you in my path, you’ll see fit to let me help you make the right choices every day. And besides, you’re easy on the eyes and smell good, too. I would like to call on you, if that’s okay with you.” He grinned, and she grinned back.

  Aunt Louisa chose that moment to enter the kitchen. “I thought I heard talking out here. Why, a decent woman can’t even take a bath anymore without being invaded.”

  Artie rose from his seat out of respect for Aunt Louisa and came close to blushing. “I’m sorry, ma’am. I know it’s after dinner, but I didn’t realize you womenfolk would be getting ready for bed so soon.”

  Sensing Artie’s discomfort, Selene wanted to defend him. “I waited for Hestia to go to the door, but when she didn’t, I thought it would be rude not to answer.”

  “Hestia’s visiting next door at Booth’s. Never mind.” Aunt Louisa waved her hand. “I should have told you not to answer.”

  “I’m glad you didn’t, Aunt Louisa. I have enjoyed seeing Artie.”

  “I suppose it doesn’t matter on all fronts since your reputation is in tatters and you can’t possibly get into any more trouble than you’re in already.” Aunt Louisa looked longingly at nothing, as though imagining Selene when she was still an innocent babe.

  Selene winced.

  Artie looked Aunt Louisa in the eye. “I beg your pardon, ma’am. If I discover that Selene isn’t properly chaperoned the next time I stop by, I won’t come in to your house.”

  “That would have been the wisest decision, in any case,” Aunt Louisa lectured. “What was so urgent it couldn’t wait?”

  “Well, the flowers I brought her might have died.” His sheepish expression conveyed apology. “They’re the last of the season.”

  “Flowers?” Aunt Louisa looked at the asters. “Oh, they are pretty. You brought those to Selene?” She said it in a tone that made it sound as though the gesture was the most ridiculous idea in the world. Selene tried not to show her hurt feelings.

  “Yes, I brought them for Selene. And I had something else to say to her, but we started talking about a different topic. An important topic, but it did keep me from asking the question I actually came to pose.”

  Aunt Louisa crossed her arms. “And what is that?”

  “I’d like to know if Selene, you, and Hestia would like to have Thanksgiving dinner with a couple of friends from my church. You might know them. Steven and Arlene Chester. Steven and I are going deer hunting that morning, so the meal is scheduled for three o’clock or thereabouts.”

  Happy for an invitation of any description that would mean taking her out of the house—and with Artie—Selene nevertheless refrained from clapping.

  Aunt Louisa seemed shocked. “Oh, yes. I know them. And they don’t mind if Selene comes to their house to eat?”

  “No, ma’am. Arlene’s sister and brother-in-law plan to come from Hickory to join us, but that’s it. Arlene said all three of you could come along with me if you like.”

  “Oh, please, can we go?” Selene asked.

  “Are you sure as respectable a woman as I know Arlene Chester to be would permit Selene to enter her house, let alone dine with her family?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Times sure are a-changing.” She took in a breath. “That is mighty generous of the Chesters, especially to include all of us. I do need to consult with Hestia before I can give you an answer. I’ll be sure you know by Saturday.”

  “Thank you. I’ll be taking my leave of you now. Good night, Miss Louisa.”

  “Good night.”

  “I’ll walk you to the door,” Selene told Artie.

  “I don’t think our house is that large.” Aunt Louisa looked toward the door even though it wasn’t visible from the room. “He can find his way.”

  “But…”

  “That’s fine, Miss Louisa. Good night, Selene.” The way he said her name sent goose pimples up her arm.

  “Good night, Artie.” She smiled her sweetest smile.

  “Look, there’s Artie,” Hestia pointed out to Booth as he walked her home from his house. Though she could certainly find the way home by herself, he enjoyed walking her anyway. “Wonder what Artie wanted?”

  “Hard to say. I’m sure Miss Louisa will let you know.”

  The
y exchanged friendly waves, after which Booth walked Hestia to the veranda. At times like this, Hestia wished she never had to leave Maiden. Aunt Louisa had been thrilled by the idea of her staying longer, and Papa had sent a letter permitting her to remain until spring—but she had a feeling spring would arrive all too soon.

  Booth was so close. She longed for him to embrace her good night. But he always displayed the manners of a gentleman. Never did he presume to touch her, except for the occasional light pressure on the hand for reassurance or to emphasize a point. Perhaps it was better this way.

  “I have a question to ask.” Booth swallowed.

  “Yes?”

  “I would like you and your family to have Thanksgiving dinner with us. And of course, Mother and Daddy would welcome you as well. I already asked.”

  “They would welcome all of us?”

  “Of course. Why would we omit anyone?”

  She didn’t want to answer.

  “I know what you’re thinking. And yes, we want Selene to be there. I know she’s going crazy staying in the house all the time.”

  “She’ll thank you for inviting her.”

  “It’s our pleasure. So do you think your aunt will consent?”

  “I hope so, but I’ll have to ask.” Then she remembered. “We also have an invitation from Judith Unsworth’s family.”

  “I might have known I couldn’t keep you to myself forever.” His grin looked somehow melancholy.

  “I didn’t know you wanted to keep me for yourself.” The thought left her happy. Very happy indeed. Again she found herself wishing Booth would kiss her, but she knew she shouldn’t think such thoughts. After all, she had to leave as soon as Selene delivered her baby.

  Aunt Louisa chose that moment to come to the front door. “What are you children doing out here?”

  “Just chatting, Aunt Louisa.” She suppressed a giggle.

  “Come on in, Hestia. You’ll catch your death of pneumonia.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” She was just about to invite Booth in when her aunt chirped, “Good night, Booth.”

  “Good night, Miss Louisa.”

  Hestia went into the house.

  “Aren’t you about to freeze?” Aunt Louisa frowned.

  “No, ma’am.” When she was with Booth, she never thought about the weather unless she’d failed to wear her shawl. “Oh, we got an invitation to eat Thanksgiving dinner with his family. They invited Selene, too.”

  Instead of being happy, Aunt Louisa lifted her hands in surrender. “I don’t know what to think. In my day, if a wayward girl were waiting for her baby at her aunt’s, she never would have been permitted anywhere. Now it seems Selene is more popular here than she ever was in New York. What is the world coming to?”

  “Maybe things are getting better, Aunt Louisa.”

  “I’m not so sure they are. Paul wrote that we are not to keep company with fornicators.”

  “From what I remember, his list to the Corinthians included some others, too. The covetous, slanderers, and idol worshippers, to name a few. But that only includes people who say they are Christians, Aunt Louisa.”

  “Selene says she is a Christian.”

  “I doubt she’d claim to be a very good one. And that’s not her fault, really, considering her upbringing. And please remember, she has repented.”

  “So you say. I caught her making goo-goo eyes at Artie here in the kitchen earlier, unchaperoned to boot. I was very disappointed in them both. I know my brother was too liberal with Selene, but Artie certainly should have known better.” She harrumphed.

  Aunt Louisa’s harsh outlook, a result of her times and strict rearing, made Hestia realize all the more that Selene needed an advocate. While Hestia didn’t agree with Selene’s behavior, she deserved compassion. “Selene will always be romantic. It’s her nature. But I would be very, very surprised if she engaged in immoral behavior again. Not after this experience.”

  “Oh, I’m sure she’s thinking about what she did. But I’m still not positive I should encourage respectable people in this town to dine with her. I think I have the solution. I don’t much feel like going anywhere most of the time anyway, so I can stay home with Selene. Maybe your hosts will let you bring us a few leftovers.”

  Selene entered. “Stay home? When?”

  “For Thanksgiving. We have three invitations as of now.” Aunt Louisa’s disgust evidenced itself in her voice.

  “Three invitations?”

  “Booth, Artie, and Judith.” Hestia counted down on three fingers.

  Selene took in a breath. “I hope we’re choosing Artie.”

  Aunt Louisa shook her head. “I don’t think we should impose on the Chesters.”

  Hestia looked for a bright spot. “Maybe my uncle can visit us.”

  “Piffle.” Selene crossed her arms and pouted. “He wrote me that he’ll be on a steamship to Europe throughout the holiday. He won’t miss me at all.”

  “Oh, I’m sure he will.” Hestia wanted to comfort Selene but wondered if her uncle would miss his daughter. Selene knew him better than she did. What a sad life for Selene.

  “Miss me? Tell it to Sweeney. I imagine he’ll be dining and dancing with his latest paramour, not giving me a second thought.” A sad, faraway look touched Selene’s eyes.

  Hestia’s heart ached for her cousin. At least some of her uncle’s love should have been reserved especially for his daughter.

  “Now, now.” Aunt Louisa chastised, but her unwillingness to look Selene in the eye bespoke her embarrassment over her brother’s behavior. “You mustn’t speak about your own father in such a way. It’s not right.”

  “Yes, it is right, because it’s accurate. Oh, Aunt Louisa, won’t you let me have a little turkey at somebody’s house for Thanksgiving?” Selene touched her aunt’s arm.

  “Even if I were so inclined, which invitation would we choose?” Aunt Louisa shrugged.

  “I know! Three invitations. Imagine! It almost feels like the old days back in New York.” Selene sighed. “I wonder what my friends will be doing.”

  “Eating turkey like everybody else, I suppose,” Aunt Louisa ventured.

  “I want to eat with Artie.” Selene spoke with more enthusiasm than she’d displayed in quite a while.

  “I’m thinking the best thing for us to do is eat here and not impose on anyone’s generosity.”

  “Please don’t make us stay here alone.” Selene’s posture deflated with the prospect. “I’m going stir-crazy sitting in the house all the time.”

  “I’m sorry, but you should have thought of that before you got into the shape you’re in now. And you won’t be alone. I’ll be here.”

  Hestia felt she had no choice but to intervene. “I know Selene’s situation isn’t ideal, but obviously people are willing to let her come to their houses.”

  “I didn’t say you couldn’t go.” Aunt Louisa pointed at Hestia for emphasis. “Just Selene.”

  “Oh, this is dreadful!” Selene left the room crying.

  Hestia couldn’t help but feel sorry for her cousin, but she had to consider her aunt, too. “Let’s sit down.”

  Aunt Louisa nodded and followed Hestia into the den. The women chose their favorite chairs in the room. “I don’t mean to be disrespectful, Aunt Louisa, but I think you should reconsider. You can see by how upset she is that going out for the holiday would mean a lot to her.”

  “I’ll see. She’s got to understand the reality of her situation. She hasn’t done what’s right, and she has to think about that.”

  “Oh, I think she has.”

  “What shall we tell everyone?” Aunt Louisa rocked back and forth.

  “I don’t know. Whether Selene stays or goes, you’re right in that we have too many invitations to accept. Even on the best day, we can’t eat turkey three times.” Hestia chuckled.

  “Clearly it would mean the most to Selene to eat with Artie.”

  “Artie used to have a reputation as a rounder, but he’s changed. I think he�
��s a good man. If anyone can be a good influence on Selene, it’s him. You know, I do believe she has eyes for him.”

  “Me, too.”

  “Nothing can come of it, though. She’s a tainted woman, and she’ll be going back to where she came from soon after the baby arrives.”

  Hestia didn’t answer. She’d be going back, too.

  Chapter Twelve

  The next day Hestia added cheddar cheese to the scrambled eggs for breakfast. Perhaps the special touch would put Aunt Louisa in a mood to allow Selene out of the house for Thanksgiving.

  The women talked about everything but the upcoming celebration as they shared the meal. Obviously desperate for a topic, Selene even discussed her father’s trip abroad. She’d just received a postcard from Paris and shared the image of the Eiffel Tower with them. “Do you want to visit Paris one day, Aunt Louisa?”

  “Child, I’m well past the time to think about exotic travel. Why, I’ve never even seen the Atlantic Ocean.”

  At first Hestia found such an admission surprising, but then she recalled her own lack of experience. “I’ve only seen it once.” Hestia remembered a long-ago vacation to Carolina Beach. The trip marked one of the few times her father felt he could leave his practice long enough to enjoy recreation. “I’ll never forget it.”

  “It’s not so lovely when it separates you from people.” Selene picked at her egg.

  “Maybe you won’t have to be separated for long.” Hestia reached across the table and patted her cousin’s hand.

  Aunt Louisa touched her lips with her napkin. “I know what you girls have on your minds, and it’s not the ocean. You want my decision on all these invitations. I have the perfect solution about what to do for Thanksgiving.”

  Hestia wasn’t sure any solution would be perfect, but she wanted to hear what Aunt Louisa had to say. She set down her fork and noticed that anticipation covered Selene’s expression.

  Aunt Louisa set her napkin beside her plate. “Rather than us going anywhere, I’d like to host a coffee and dessert gathering here in the evening.”

  “A coffee and dessert?” Hestia thought this a poor idea but didn’t want to say so.