by Janette Oke
“Why, it’s lovely. And you made all of these flowers, dear, by hand?” Mrs. Thornton complimented. “How clever. But weren’t there any roses to be found? I’m sure you could have had some shipped in. Perhaps we could have brought them with us. What will you do for a bouquet?”
Mother cleared her throat as if to answer, but Beth hurried to reply, “We’re making that too, Julie and I, but . . . uh, it’s going to be a surprise.” Biting a fingernail, she followed the group, trying to avoid commenting and refusing to meet Julie’s eye. She knew without looking that her sister was already in danger of rolling her eyes in frustration.
“Your pew bows are charming. Wouldn’t a nice red rose or two have just set them off? Or pink lilies from a greenhouse? Yes, that’s what I would have done. What do you think, Laura? Oh well, what’s done is done.” She walked to the front and looked at the platform for a moment. “Oh, there’s something missing. Don’t you think so? It needs a central focal point. Something to draw the eye.”
Julie’s voice from behind Beth echoed confidently through the large room. “Oh, it won’t be lacking a thing tomorrow, Mrs. Thornton. You see, Bethie will be the focal point. All eyes will be on her and on Jarrick. We wouldn’t want anything to take away from that, would we?” Passing nearby, Julie reached out to squeeze Beth’s hand and moved on.
Beth’s mind hummed, trying to sort through the difficulties. Love God. Oh yes. Love people—well, that’s more difficult. This is her son’s wedding too, though. Something she’s been wanting for some time. I’ll treat her respectfully, lovingly—not just for Jarrick’s sake, but for her own.
“I’m sorry it’s not what you envisioned, Mother Thornton,” Beth began. “It’s the best we have to offer so far from . . . well, so far from almost everything.” She gestured toward the windows. “But please remember the wonderful view. God’s creation is breathtaking—so much more than anything we can try to duplicate. I’m so blessed to be married in such grand surroundings.”
Beth quickly moved to another subject. “Did you find everything you needed at the school? Perhaps we can make you more comfortable there. Do you have enough blankets?”
The little group was soon finished with their inspection, and Beth breathed a sigh of relief as she shut the church door.
CHAPTER
27
ALTHOUGH BETH REGRETTED leaving Mother alone with Mrs. Thornton and Molly, there was still her bridal bouquet to assemble. Her fingers trembled a little as she drew the box from its place in the wardrobe and laid out the final wedding project on the table. There was little doubt as to what her mother-in-law-to-be would think. Homemade, no fresh flowers. The woman would find it inadequate. But I love it, and I’m certain Jarrick will too. So I won’t let her steal away my joy.
Working carefully with the delicate materials, Julie and Beth gathered the white rosettes they had fashioned out of folded lace handkerchiefs and attached to long wires for stems. Beth assembled them carefully into a tight rounded bunch. One after another she added a variety of glittering silver brooches on wires of the same length so that they stood even with the tops of the lace flowers, a scattering of sparkle and elegance. Finally, she took Molly’s best embroidered handkerchief—Beth’s something borrowed from a very special person—and carefully wrapped it tightly around the mock stems.
When Beth held up the finished bouquet, Julie pronounced it worthy of any high society wedding. She took it from Beth and held it against the wedding gown, now hanging on the outside of the wardrobe, and they both gasped in awe at how the two wedding pieces enhanced one another.
Next came simple boutonnieres fashioned out of various-sized white buttons, stacked two or three high and then clustered over a crisply folded, cornflower-blue man’s handkerchief.
Just as the sisters were packing away the last of their work, they heard a knock at the door.
Beth rose to open it, somewhat fearful of whom she would find on the other side, and was relieved to discover Jarrick.
“Can we go someplace?” he said against her ear.
“Of course. Julie, I’ll be back soon.” Reaching for her wrap, she stepped out onto the landing and followed him down the steps.
“I know it’s almost suppertime,” he said softly, taking her arm and guiding her behind the building toward the clearing where Beth had once hosted a picnic. “I want some time with you—alone.”
“I’d like that too.”
Beth lowered herself onto a stump, and Jarrick pulled a log closer for himself.
“How did it go with my mother at the church? I was so afraid she’d criticize.”
Beth shrugged. “She did. But she also said affirming things too. I’m sorry it isn’t up to her vision—truly I am. But I have to say that I’m very pleased, even proud of what Julie and I accomplished, and Marnie too. It’s a labor of love for us, Jarrick, and as long as we’re satisfied, I think it’s enough.”
“I’m sure it’s more than anything I had imagined.”
“No doubt it is.” Beth laughed and reached for his hand. “Since you didn’t really bother imagining all that much.”
He laughed too, looking a little embarrassed. Then his expression turned serious. “I’m sorry I didn’t prepare you better to meet Mama. I thought about what else I might tell you so many times, but I was afraid of how it would sound—to effectively criticize my mother before you even met her. I didn’t want to turn you against her. And in truth, what I want even now is to help you understand her.”
Beth nodded guardedly, and he continued, “You see, she’s from a large family, and her own mother, my grandmother, is quite blunt and outspoken. The daughters naturally picked up her manner. I promise you, Beth, I don’t think they even know how they sound to other people. They all love each other, but they don’t realize what others might think, beyond the family circle.” Jarrick put his arm around her shoulders.
“But Laura told me how outspoken she was, and I want you to know that I’m sure she didn’t mean to be hurtful. It’s just the way she is. It’s the only way she knows how to participate, to attempt some involvement with you in the wedding.”
Is that what I’m to expect? Years of these awfully direct opinions? “You’re asking that I simply ignore her?”
He rubbed a hand across his face, drew her closer. “No, not to ignore her. I’m asking you to love her. But in a way even more difficult than merely overlooking her words. I’m asking you to join me in respectfully, lovingly confronting her from time to time, communicating to her some lines we won’t let her cross, in standing united about how we manage our own home. This was one of the things I spent extra time discussing with Lester Carothers, the man who counseled me.” He turned to face Beth, his face full of his care for her, his concern. “I know it’s a lot to ask, my Beth. But I promise to stand with you—to be a gate for you, ready to come between and close her off when it’s too much. And I only ask that you be ready to allow her in as often as you’re able.” His hand rose to his cheek, and Beth realized with a jolt that he was wiping away a tear. His voice constricted with emotion. “I love her, Beth. She’s my mother, after all. And loving someone isn’t always easy.”
Reaching to embrace him, Beth turned her face close to his. “I will. I’ll love her with you.”
“I was certain you would.” Both arms folded around her. “I’ve watched you love all kinds of people, give yourself freely and sacrificially to them. It’s one of the many things I treasure about you. I’ve been convinced you could handle Mama too—that we could manage together, that we’ll form a bond close enough to weather any storm. It’s not really what a bride wants to hear, I suppose. But if it serves to make our marriage stronger in the end, won’t that be blessing enough?”
Her head on his shoulder, she silently nodded her agreement.
He started chuckling, and she lifted her head to look at him. “You know, I remember a long time ago when we first met,” Jarrick explained. “You asked what my mother called me, and I told you �
��Jarrick’—and that’s what you’ve always called me, instead of Jack like everyone else. I didn’t say anything at the time, but it took a while for me to come to terms with that decision of yours. Because I haven’t always liked my name. Or, maybe more accurately, the way I’ve heard it spoken.” He kissed her gently. “It sounds so different coming from you though. It made me think about how I even like who I am more when I’m with you—the way you challenge me, expect the best from me. I believe we’re better people when we’re together. At least, I hope I make you feel the same way.”
Beth’s arms tightened around his neck. “I know I want more than anything to be your wife. I know you’re the one God brought into my life to be my husband. So I’ll accept whatever comes with you also.”
His cheek brushed against her hair, and then he drew away to look into her face. “There’s something else we need to discuss. Your father cornered me this afternoon, Beth. He wants to move forward with plans for our relocation east this summer.”
Beth stared back at him, holding herself quiet.
“I wasn’t sure how to answer him.”
“You weren’t?” she whispered.
Jarrick faltered. “I want you to have everything, sweetheart. But I don’t have peace about that decision yet. Every time I pray, it doesn’t feel quite right.”
Beth closed her eyes, praying for courage to speak her mind honestly as she had promised him and leave the rest to the Lord. “I’m relieved to hear that.”
“What . . . what do you mean?”
“I’ve tried not to direct you, to let you make the decision, but I fear that maybe it wouldn’t be for the best.”
“But, Beth, I thought you’d want to be near family, to have the comforts of the city. I just assumed it would be what you—”
“Oh, Jarrick,” Beth whispered anxiously, “when have I ever said such a thing? But it’s my fault, really. I should have talked honestly with you long before this. I just didn’t want to . . . to sound like either your mother or mine. I wanted to let you be the leader of our new family. But what I really did was leave you to carry this burden alone. And now I don’t think that’s what God intended for a wife to do either.”
He shook his head and breathed in deeply. “Oh, Beth, I’m so relieved—so glad you did speak up.”
“Well, I promised to be honest. And I guess I understand a little more now about what that means.”
He put both arms around her shoulders and laughed. “Wait till I tell Philip about this. It’s what he’s been saying all along.”
Beth smiled and relaxed against him. What a waste of worry we’ve both been through. “And now it’s your turn, Jarrick.”
“For what?”
“To be honest.”
He frowned. “But I have been—”
“I’m afraid not,” she said, eyebrows arched.
“I’m sorry, Beth. I don’t know what you mean.”
“Where are we going, Jarrick? I think it’s high time you let me in on your little secret.”
A smile played slowly across his face. “You want to know about the honeymoon destination.”
“I think it’s best.”
He laughed. “I really thought you would have guessed. We’re going to Banff. Now mind you, not to that big, fancy chateau. I couldn’t afford that. But we’ll have a cabin, very comfortable and snug. And there’s a dining room in the lodge. So you won’t have to worry about a thing.”
Beth chuckled. “That’s a relief. We’ll have a blissful first week together before you’re introduced to my cooking.” She looked up into his smiling eyes. “That’s lovely. It’s perfect.”
She paused a moment, looking into the distance. “You know what, Jarrick, I do believe Banff is where my aunt, the first Elizabeth Thatcher, went on her honeymoon.” She turned back to look into his face. “I love that you chose it for us too.”
It was silly, perhaps, for a ride to be waiting at the bottom of the stairs to carry Beth the short distance to the church, but dear, thoughtful Frank had arranged to borrow the company car and for Alberto to drive it. He had insisted that she shouldn’t have to worry about the hem of her wedding gown on the dirt road.
With Julie behind her, Beth adjusted the layers of the full skirt and stepped out onto the stairs for the last time as Miss Elizabeth Thatcher. But her eye was drawn instantly to two vehicles parked in front of the school building. Robert’s hearing. Oh dear, it’s going on now. Beth had somehow forgotten that Robert was facing his accusers today. In all of the last-minute scurrying, she had even forgotten to pray for him as promised.
Heavenly Father, she hurried, please help the truth to come out for Robert today. Please give him people to speak on his behalf so that justice is done—so that Fred Green, or whoever started this vicious lie, doesn’t all but destroy his life.
But who could stand with Robert? Almost everyone who might speak for him was already waiting at the church. And the wedding ceremony is about to begin, she thought in a panic.
Beth turned helplessly back to her doorway and Julie, who was looking puzzled, then peeved. Their father was at the bottom of the stairs waiting to help her into the car. She smiled weakly at him. Even at this distance she could tell his eyes were misted with emotion at seeing his daughter wearing the same dress in which he’d married Mother.
But just at that moment Beth recalled the look on Jarrick’s face as he described being unjustly accused by his own townsfolk and the many years of hurt a false accusation could cause. And Robert’s accusation is much worse. What if he’s convicted, sent away wrongly?
An image of the church now crowded with family and friends flashed in her mind. Maybe Jarrick is already standing at the front, or is he still waiting in Philip’s office? She swept a finger across the handle of her bouquet, tracing the lines of Molly’s handkerchief. What would Molly do? Would she fail to speak up for someone in need just because it came at such an inopportune moment, even a very difficult time? Would that break that important second rule?
Beth moved slowly down the steps, Julie guarding the gown in the back. Father met her at the bottom, reaching out to offer his hand, guiding her to the open car door. Beth slid onto the seat and bunched the dress around her while Julie entered on the other side. What if I just stop at the school? She looked down at her attire, so obviously out of place. But can I live with myself if I just ignore this moment? After all, it’s only a dress. But what will everybody think? What will Jarrick’s mother say?
Her ashen face turned toward Father. “I have to make a stop first,” she whispered.
“What . . . what do you mean, my dear?”
“There’s something I have to do right now.”
Father was speechless, and Julie stared as if she’d lost her mind.
“Alberto,” Beth pleaded, “can you just stop first across the street? Please let me out right on the sidewalk so I don’t get any mud on the dress, but I’ve got to stop at the school for just a moment.”
“Yes, miss,” he answered evenly.
Father’s face was full of consternation. “Oh, Beth, you can’t!”
Beth passed the bouquet to Julie. “I have to, Father. I’ll never have another chance. And it might be enough to change the outcome of a man’s hearing, of his life. There’s no one else to speak up for Robert today. I can’t explain it all just now. You’ll have to trust me.”
He shook his head from the front seat. “Do what you have to do.”
The car edged forward at a sharp angle, making a three-point turn in the street and drawing to a stop so Beth’s door opened directly next to the wooden walk. Gathering up the folds of lace again, she accepted Father’s help out of the car. She stepped gingerly toward the familiar door, her hand trembling as she opened it.
The sound of conversation came from Robert’s room, and she knocked timidly. A terse voice said, “Come in.”
Beth stepped into the room, and the looks on the circle of faces could not have been more flabbergasted. All debat
e stopped midsentence to take in this bride who had obviously lost her way. Beth’s eye caught Robert’s, and she smiled faintly, apologetically. Next to him sat Ivy, gaping in disbelief.
“I’m so sorry to interrupt, gentlemen,” Beth began. “I guess it’s clear that I have somewhere else to be just now.” She tried a little laugh, but her mouth was too dry. “I simply couldn’t ignore the fact of this hearing, and I want to speak on behalf of Mr. Harris Hughes, if I could do so very quickly.”
Still without words, the chairman motioned Beth to the front, and she moved forward, willing her body to remain steady. Looking at the stern faces of three strangers, as well as those of the town council, Beth breathed a prayer for courage.
“My name is Elizabeth Thatcher. I’m the second teacher here at our school. I want to state for the record that I have never seen Mr. Harris Hughes engage in any activity that was inappropriate. He has always shown proper decorum and respect in every situation in which I’ve observed him. I have also been assured by several of his students—those who were nearby as he was tutoring Alice McDermott—that they have never felt he crossed any threshold of impropriety.” She cleared her throat, hoping her next words would be effectual. “And although I didn’t hear her say this myself, I was told by a very reliable source that Alice McDermott has denied any validity to the charges brought today.”
“Is that all, Miss Thatcher?” the chairman asked calmly.
Her mouth opened, then closed again. “I suppose it is. . . . Is there anything you want to ask me?”
“No, I think what you’ve said is quite sufficient.”
Beth nodded.
“Miss Thatcher?” Bill Shaw queried, a lopsided grin on his face.
“Yes?”
“Might it be more appropriate for you to hurry on to the church? No doubt there’s a young man very anxious to see you appear.”
“Yes, thank you.” Beth turned once more to look at Robert and Ivy.
Tears were rolling down the woman’s cheeks. Thank you, Ivy mouthed silently.