“Theater is a good comparison. Harlie and Ulys love drama with them at the center. At the same time, they play politics like the most aggressive candidate for office.”
“I don’t understand what they hope to gain. They must be such unhappy people. I’ve never seen either of them or their wives smile. I don’t like them but I can’t help feeling sorry for them.”
“Because of your considerate nature. I’m sure I have you to thank for our attendance. I don’t know how you accomplished getting so many people to come tonight, but I’m grateful.”
“Actually, Michael and Adam were the ones who drove buggies to pick up the elderly. The rest was you, Grady. People in this town admire and respect you. Even the Horowitzs were here and they’re Jewish. Two complainers out of all those in this community are such a small percentage of your flock.”
“A loud, clamoring percentage who enjoy spreading discontent.” He opened the parsonage door and let her go in first.
She lit a lantern as he set Matthew on the floor.
Angeline looked at her husband. “I’d sure like to know what Reverend Rhea is saying to those two men, wouldn’t you?”
He hung his jacket over the back of a chair. “I can imagine, but I doubt he’ll be able to make a difference in their attitude. They don’t believe they’re wrong and nothing and no one will change their minds, especially not Harlie Jackson’s.”
Angeline put a tired and sleepy Matthew to bed. Before she went to her own room, she had something to say to Grady.
He sat on the parlor sofa, jacket off and tie loosened. Staring at the wall, he appeared deep in thought. Seeing him so desolate broke her heart.
After lighting the lamp, she sat beside him. She picked clasped his hand in both of hers. “Thank you for defending me in front of everyone. You have no idea how much that means to me.”
He met her gaze. “I only spoke the truth, my dear.”
“All my life my parents viewed me as an accessory to enhance their social standing. I had to behave a certain way, sparkle when we had guests, do anything possible to assist my father’s social status. No one ever valued me for myself or defended me. Even when Horace assaulted me, my father blamed me. You’re the first person who publicly spoke out in my defense.”
He tugged her closer. “Angeline, I’m filled with compassion for you and with resentment toward your parents. They were cruel to use you and then turn you out instead of protecting you. But, I’m glad you came to Tarnation. Otherwise, I’d never have been blessed by having you as my wife.”
“Thank you for saying so. I am blessed to have found you and Matthew.” She wanted to tell him she was ready to be his wife in every way, but there was a knock.
Grady went to answer and found Reverend Rhea. “Come in. Have a seat.”
The official did, hat in his hands. “I saw your lights on or I wouldn’t have bothered you. I want to assure you that my report to Indiana will be glowing. I gave those two a stern talking to and I hope they’ll take what I said to heart.”
“I doubt they’ll ever change, but I appreciate your effort.”
“I’ve seldom encountered two more cynical and sanctimonious men.” Reverend Rhea scrubbed a hand across his face. “Forgive me. I shouldn’t say those things, but they really raised my anger.”
Angeline asked, “Would you care for a dish of peach cobbler?”
The ministerial official perked up. “I’d be grateful. Probably get rid of the bitter taste those two left in my mouth.”
She hurriedly prepared coffee and dished up the cobbler. She carried in a tray for the men. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll leave you two to discuss matters privately and I’ll turn in.”
Grady’s lovely hazel eyes held concern. “Are you all right, my dear?”
She offered him a smile. “Just a little tired from the week’s events. Good night, gentlemen.”
Fatigue dragged at her. Pregnancy combined with worry for her husband had her keyed up for the past few days. Now that the furor was over, her energy evaporated. Tomorrow night would be soon enough to tell Grady she was ready for intimacy.
Chapter Fourteen
The McIntyres were eating breakfast the next morning when Riley Gaston stopped by.
Angeline admitted him to their home. “You look exhausted. I’ll bet you haven’t had breakfast, have you?”
“Guilty on both counts.” He followed her to the kitchen.
“Sit down and I’ll soon remedy the breakfast part.” She quickly scrambled two eggs while bacon fried.
Grady reached for another biscuit. “I’m happy to see you, Riley, but I suspect you came with bad news.”
“Victoria Hunter fell during the night. Must’ve become disoriented and fell down the stairs.”
Angeline set a plate of food in front of the doctor. “Mrs. Hunter? How badly is she hurt?”
Riley picked up his fork and dug into the eggs. “She’ll be in bed for several days. Twisted her ankle and will be off her feet. Has a black eye and pretty good concussion plus bruised her arm and shoulder and sore muscles.”
Grady laid down his knife. “What time was this?”
The doctor spoke around a mouthful of biscuit. “Around one. Judge heard her yell and started looking for her. Found her at the bottom of their stairway. He panicked and tried to lift her and hurt his back. She sent him for me.”
Grady took a sip of coffee. “I’ll go by this morning.”
Angeline hurried to the ice box to see what she could prepare quickly. “I can send some of the roast we had last night.”
Riley said, “They have a cook-housekeeper, Angeline. Save the meat for your family. Any little thing will cheer her. Why not make a bouquet of your flowers?”
“Oh, those will be faster, too.” She grabbed her sheers and basket and rushed outside.
Grady waited until his wife was outside to speak frankly with his doctor friend. “I have to thank you for speaking up for me last night. I worried I’d lose my job, maybe even my license.” He leaned back and stretched. “I love living in Tarnation and I’d like this as a permanent home. However, I was most concerned about Angeline.”
Riley pushed his empty plate aside and leaned his arms on the table. “In your place, I would be too. You’re both good for this community and I’d sure like for you to stay. What did that official say to Harlie and Ulys after we left?”
With a shrug, he replied, “I don’t know. He asked to be left alone with them. He came by later and told me he hoped the two wouldn’t be a problem any longer.”
Riley leaned back and raised his eyebrows. “Harumph. Do you believe that?”
Grady laughed. “Not until I see results. But I don’t care. If their constant bellyaching doesn’t cause unrest among others in the congregation, then I’ll be content.”
“You’re a better man than I am. I’d want them to grovel in public.”
After picking up the coffeepot, Grady refilled both their cups. “Really, can you see either Harlie or Ulys ever apologizing?”
Riley took a sip of his brew. “Not in this lifetime. At least they were chastised for causing you so much trouble. Ought to slow them down for a few months. How’s your wife feeling?”
“Seems to be doing well. She does tire more easily, but I guess that’s normal.”
“At this stage, yes. I’m glad you sent her to see me. She knew nothing at all about her condition or what to expect later. I asked her to return once a month until the last month when she should come in once a week.”
“She’s led a cold, loveless life. I intend to see she has warmth and happiness now.”
“You can use the same, my friend. Your last couple of years haven’t exactly been all fine and dandy.” He stood to leave. “Thanks for the breakfast. You’re a lucky man.”
“Yes, I am. Have you chosen one of the Bride Brigade yet?”
The doctor stroked his mustache. “I haven’t spoken for her, but I have my mind set on one I’ve taken a shine to. She doesn’t seem
averse to me so far.”
Grady met his friend’s gaze. “Don’t wait too long, Riley. You’re a fine looking man but you have a lot of competition.”
After Riley left, Grady cleared the table. Before he could wash the dishes, Angeline returned with a basket of flowers.
His wife sent him a wide smile. “Thanks for your help, but I’ll arrange these while you get dressed to go out. Mrs. Hunter must be aching something awful.”
“Riley probably gave her laudanum or something to ease her. I’ll hurry.” He went to the bedroom for his tie and jacket.
When he went back into the kitchen, she had found a vase and created an attractive arrangement of mixed flowers. “Looks very nice. I’ll stop by for the mail on my way back.”
She widened her eyes. “I hope all we get is good news from now on.”
He brushed his lips across hers and gave Matthew a pat on the head. His son was still eating bits of buttered biscuit and wore most of the bread.
Carrying the flowers, he walked the two blocks to the Hunter home. Mrs. Parnell, the housekeeper, answered the door. Inside he found the Judge slumped in one chair and Mrs. Hunter in another with her feet propped on an ottoman. Both had blankets covering them.
“I thought you’d both be asleep. How are you feeling?”
Victoria Hunter flicked her hand. “I’ve been better. Are those flowers from your wife’s garden?”
Grady couldn’t help smiling as he set the vase near her. “Yes, technically it’s the church parsonage garden. She just revitalized it until it’s flourished.”
Mrs. Hunter lifted the flowers to her face and inhaled. “Lovely fragrances from a lovely woman. She’s perfect for a minister’s wife. I’m so glad you two found one another.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Hunter. I’m thankful Angeline came into my life.” He met the Judge’s gaze. “How are you, Judge?”
“Feeling my age. Good thing Mrs. Parnell lives on the premises and came to our rescue.” He sat a little straighter in his chair. “Say, I’ve a mind to tell Jackson and McGinnis you’re going to sue them for harassment and slander if they don’t stop complaining.”
Grady chuckled. “You know I’d never do that, Judge.”
“But telling them off will make me feel a lot better.” He reached for a glass on the table beside him and took a sip before he smiled. “Don’t worry, preacher. I won’t cause you more trouble.”
After another five minutes, Grady said a prayer for their quick healing and left. He never stayed long on calls unless the person he was visiting indicated they needed to talk longer. He only wanted to bring comfort and console, not tire the person he visited.
He went by the mercantile to check on his mail. Michael and Josephine greeted him.
He extended his hand to Michael. “Thank you both for helping me last night. I owe you more than I can ever repay.”
Michael shook hands. “You owe us nothing. Friendship works both ways. Besides, you’re a good minister and we want you to stay here in Tarnation.”
Josephine handed him two letters. “You have mail today, one for you and one for Angeline.”
Grady studied the envelopes. “This is from my mother. I don’t know about the other. Looks fat, doesn’t it? I’ll go on home and give it to my wife.”
As he walked toward home, his heart was bursting with gratitude. To a newcomer, the dusty street and drab businesses might not look impressive, but he knew the people in those stores and homes. At home, he had a lovely wife and growing son waiting for him and soon they’d have another addition to their family. He was one lucky man.
He walked into the kitchen and sat at the table. Matthew was in his high chair eating an apple. Angeline was busy shaping bread into loaves to rise.
He opened his envelope. “We have letters. This is from my mom. I’ll read it to you.”
“Dear Grady,
We were so happy to learn you’ve married and are happy. I wish we could have been at the wedding. I’m sure it was lovely.
Your Angeline sounds like the angel Matthew has named her. We were surprised she’s with child, but who better than a minister to marry her? You two sound evenly yoked in work in the community. We are eager to meet Angeline and welcome her to the family.
We look forward to more details in your next letter. Yes, that is a hint. I know you are busy, but we want long letters telling us of your life there. Is the town growing or are the potential brides the only newcomers? How many of the young women have found a husband?
Your father is doing well as am I. Jenny and Bob will welcome a new addition around the new year. Annie and Jim may adopt a child. David and Eleanor will be moving and we hope they will not go far. His company wants him to relocate either to Cincinnati or St. Louis. Having one son halfway across the country is hard enough.
We plan to visit you in October to help with the new baby if that fits with your plans. We hope you and Angeline and Matthew are well.
All our love,
Mother”
When he looked up, Angeline stood as if frozen with her gray eyes widened.
She wiped the remains of dough from her hands. “You told your parents about me? All about me? And yet they think we’re well matched? They must be incredible people.”
He smiled as he refolded the letter. “I think they are. I hope you don’t mind that I revealed a bit about you and also hope you won’t mind having them visit.”
She sat at the table across from him. “I’ll love meeting such kind-hearted people. No wonder you’re such a good man with parents like yours. Have they visited you before?”
“Yes, twice. They came about five years ago and then when Matthew was born.” He nodded at the other envelope. “Aren’t you going to read your letter?”
She stared as if the paper might attack her. Tentatively, she reached for the missive. “From my mother. Who’d have thought we’d get letters from our mothers on the same day?”
She ripped open the envelope and read silently. Although she appeared angry, tears trailed down her cheeks. Throwing down the papers, she leapt up and hurried out of the room.
Unable to resist, Grady picked up the sheaf.
“Dear Angeline,
I have a great deal of news. Your father had a heart attack and died. His funeral was last week. The service was very well attended. Even the mayor and his wife came. We had luncheon here at the house afterward. Mrs. Culbertson catered. You remember what a nice job she does. Fontaine’s did the flowers and the house looked lovely.
I met with the lawyers today for an eye-opening discussion. I had no idea we were as wealthy as we are. Your father invested well and I can live quite comfortably in my current lifestyle or better.
In addition, you have a trust fund left by your Grandmother Chandler in the amount of ten thousand dollars that was to be yours when you married. Although I shared your letter about your wedding with your father, he did nothing about the trust. I didn’t know about it or I would have at least asked him to notify the lawyers. I’ve enclosed the information you’ll need to claim your bequest.
Now that your father has passed on, you are free to come home. You can give your child up for adoption and leave that dusty little town behind. We can think of a story to tell our friends about your absence.
Love,
Mother
His heart hit his shoes. She had a huge inheritance. Would she leave him now? He couldn’t let her go, not now. Tossing the papers on the table as he rose, he hurried after her. He found her leaning on his desk in his study.
He put his arms around her shoulders. “Angeline, don’t go. I know you can go anywhere and do anything you wish now, but say you’ll stay with me. With Matthew. We both love you.”
She turned in his arms and laid her head on his chest. “I so wanted to hear you say that, Grady. I love you both. I would never leave you. Never!”
“When you rushed out, I read the letter. I thought… I feared you were going to pack your things and go to Missouri.”
Her luscious lips thinned into a thin line. “You read that letter and thought I would go back? That I would give away my baby, the baby you call ours? You should know me better than that, Grady McIntyre.”
“I hoped I did, but that inheritance came out of the blue and I didn’t know what to expect when you rushed out.”
“I came in here to get paper and pencil. We have to decide how much to spend and how much to save. I was going to make lists.”
He laughed and hugged her. “My wonderful Angeline. How like you to be practical and busy.”
“Thank you. I do believe this is where I belong. Even with the shame of your marrying a fallen woman, we do fit together very well, don’t we?”
Gently, he tipped her chin to meet his gaze. “Yes, and I hope soon you’ll trust me enough to be my wife in every way.”
“I do now, Grady. I’m afraid I’ve fallen in love with my husband.”
A broad smile split his face. “That’s wonderful, my dear, because I feel the same way. I love you, Angeline McIntyre.”
“Truly?”
“Yes, I realized at that party where I asked you to become Matthew’s nanny. Adam suggested Elias should court you and I wanted to punch our sheriff in the mouth. All the way home, I pondered over why I should care. By the time I reached the parsonage, I realized I didn’t want anyone but me even escorting you somewhere.”
She stood and tugged on his hand. “Let’s put Matthew down for his nap and go to bed ourselves, husband. Although it isn’t night, I believe it’s time we shared the same room.”
He stood and swept her into an embrace. “Past time.”
After hurrying back for Matthew, he tucked their son into bed for his nap.
Grady joined her in the other bedroom and gathered her into his arms. “I want to teach you the difference between your bad experience and making love as a husband and wife should.”
When he broke the embrace, he took her hand and led her toward their bed. “Come, my love, and let’s begin the new phase of our lives.”
“I told you I would follow you anywhere and I meant that with all my heart.”
Angeline (Bride Brigade Book 2) Page 12