by Dara Girard
"Because Brother Jerome spoke to Daddy and Mother Shea said that it wasn't meant to be," Beverly said.
"Yes." Janet chewed her lip. "but I wonder what they told them that made them react so calmly?"
Mrs. Barnett stepped outside. "Get cleaned up I've just invited Brother Jerome to stay for dinner."
Janet suppressed a groan. "Can Valerie stay?"
"Yes, that's fine," Mrs. Barnett said absently. "Just remember to look your best." She went back inside.
Janet stood puzzled. "It's the strangest thing. We see him more now than when you were engaged."
"Perhaps he feels guilty," Beverly said. "And wants to show the community that everything is okay between our family and him."
"Perhaps, but I think he's over doing it. Everywhere I look he seems to be there. He sat beside me on church movie night; he waves at me every Sunday and seeks us out after church. Ugh. It's creepy."
"He wants to ease the gossip."
"I just hope it ends soon." Janet took Valerie's hand. "At his house I was left alone with him for twenty minutes while he showed me his art collection. I never want that to happen again. Please stay with me."
Unfortunately, Valerie didn't get a chance to. Brother Jerome placed himself beside Janet the moment he entered the house and never left it. Francine offered to say the blessing and started before anyone could protest. After several minutes her mother interrupted. "And Lord bless this food and keep it warm." Everyone said "Amen" except Francine who felt annoyed that her blessing had been cut short in front of a guest she'd wanted to impress.
Janet cringed each time Brother Jerome's knee accidentally touched hers, and avoided his gaze. He talked about the property he had inherited in Pennsylvania and the enormous five-bedroom, three-bath colonial there. He then went on to share, in detail, his connections there with several rich and influential people.
Janet wondered if he'd ever come across the scripture Be not boastful in your manner. Or had he just glossed over that one.
"You'll love it there, Janet," he said. "They have a fantastic museum I can show you."
Janet forced a smile. "You're very kind."
He returned her smile and looked at Mrs. Barnett whose face beamed. At the end of the meal, Mrs. Barnett jumped up and said, "Maxine and Trudy, help Mrs. Lind with the items for the church yard sale. Francine and Valerie I need the two of you to sort a few things for donation. And Beverly, please help me with something in the kitchen."
Janet looked at her mother with panic. "Isn't there anything you'd like me to do?"
"No. Just finish your meal."
In seconds they were all gone. Janet sat paralyzed left alone with her father, who continued to eat, and Brother Jerome. Suddenly Brother Jerome picked up his napkin and daintily wiped the corner of his mouth. He slowly rested the napkin down. "Let's go for a walk," he announced as though he was about to take her on a grand voyage. He pushed his chair back and stood. "Do you mind Brother Barnett?"
"Not at all. Enjoy yourself."
Janet sent her father a pleading look, but he'd lowered his gaze to his meal.
"Come Janet," Brother Jerome said. "It's a beautiful evening."
Janet looked at her father again and this time caught his eye, but his stern expression made no allowance for disobedience. She reluctantly rose to her feet and followed Brother Jerome into the garden.
* * *
"Everything's all set," Brother Jerome said with pride as they walked the small garden path with its broken red bricks and aromatic mint growing along side. He tucked her hand through the crook of his arm. "You have nothing to worry about now."
"What are you talking about?" Janet asked shocked by his brazen behavior.
"Don't be coy anymore, Janet. You know what I mean."
Janet eased her hand away. "I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about."
"Fine," Brother Jerome said with an indulgent shrug. "If you need me to say it, I will. We are now engaged."
Janet halted and stared at him open-mouthed. "What?"
"I spoke to your father this evening and he gave me permission to take you as my wife. Your mother, of course, is overjoyed because this lifts a heavy burden from her. She'll have a daughter married. I thank God I can be of service this way."
Janet collapsed onto a wooden bench behind her, stunned. "But this can't be true." She placed a trembling hand against her forehead. "This is unbelievable."
"No, my dear. It's very true. We're engaged and will be married before the end of summer."
Janet squeezed her eyes shut. "I'm not hearing this. It's not happening."
Brother Jerome sat beside her and took her hand in his. "I know you were probably upset because I selected your older sister first; however, I want you to know that once we are married, you will always be number one in my heart."
Janet sat speechless. How could her father have agreed to this? He of all people? How could he have put her in this awkward position? She snapped back to attention when she heard his plans for them.
"You're moving?"
"We're moving, yes. That's why we will need to get married right away. You'll enjoy Pennsylvania. And the house will suit us."
Janet pulled her hand away and stood. She took a deep breath to steady her voice. "I'm honored and flattered that you would choose me, but I cannot marry you."
"Of course you will. You have to." He stretched his legs out and rested his hands at his sides. "What other prospects are out there for you?"
"I don't know about my prospects, but I do know that I'll make a terrible wife."
"Don't worry my dear. I decided that if Mother Shea's vision hadn't altered, I would have married your sister, and I was willing to accept her many faults. I came to realize that God was testing me to see how humble I am. You're from a Christian family, and no matter what your failings, I am willing to accept them."
Her temper snapped. "Brother Jerome you must listen-"
His face lit up. "Your passionate nature is what I love most. It's invigorating. Don't concern yourself. I know the prospect of being my wife might seem intimidating, but you'll grow into the role. We'll have a quick wedding then you'll be mine." He leaned forward to kiss her.
Janet stepped back with her hands held out. She swallowed then chose her words carefully. "I think I framed my response wrong. I didn't mean I can't marry you. I mean I won't. I am sorry." She turned and ran into the house.
Brother Jerome watched her departure with amusement. His little wildcat. Poor Janet was just overwhelmed by the prospect of leaving her family and having her dream of marrying him come true. He should have been gentler in explaining the move. But he would next time, with Brother Barnett's help. He went inside and saw Mrs. Barnett first. "Where is your husband?"
"In his study. How did things go?"
"She said she wouldn't marry me, but I know that's only because of the shock of moving." He walked past her to Mr. Barnett's study. "Don't worry, I know how to handle women," he said seeing Mrs. Barnett's angry expression. He knocked on the study door then went inside.
Mrs. Barnett stared at the closed door then spun around desperate to find Janet. "Where is your sister?" She demanded when she saw Francine heading to the family room.
"Which one? I could tell you where Maxine and—"
"Janet. Where is Janet?"
Francine pushed up her glasses. "I think she's in her room."
"Then get her."
Francine tapped her chin. "However, she didn't look happy when I told her Valerie had gone home so she may not still be there."
"Then find her," Mrs. Barnett said in a tight voice.
"And tell her to come to me." She stormed into the family room.
Moments later Janet entered. Mrs. Barnett stared at her for a long while then quietly said, "You will not ruin this opportunity."
"What opportunity?"
"Brother Jerome. This is the best opportunity for all of us."
Janet began to shake her head. Mrs. Barnett leaped from her chai
r and pointed at her. "You must marry Brother Jerome. Do you know how much your father and I have sacrificed for you children over the years? Him working two jobs in New York and me having to scrub floors, until my knuckles were raw and my hands calloused. This is God smiling on us. Don't throw it away."
"I don't want to marry him."
"I don't care what you want. You will. This is the way it will be."
Janet's voice cracked with anguish. "My soul belongs to God, my house belongs to my father. Shouldn't my life belong to me?"
They heard heavy footsteps head towards the front door, Mrs. Barnett followed them. "Brother Jerome, you're leaving?"
"Just for the night," he said flashing a bright smile. "We've talked and everything is settled." He left.
"I will not marry him," Janet said in a low voice.
Mrs. Barnett spun around. "Yes, you will. Do you know why I married your father?" She continued before Janet could reply. "Because of my pastor. I knew your father by reputation and nothing else. I knew that he'd returned to the church and he seemed a good man, but I hardly knew him. But he went to our pastor and told him that I'd won his heart and that he wanted to marry me. Soon my father was telling me I was getting married because the pastor said so. I did not go against my father or my pastor. I did as I was told and that was it. And we've had a good marriage and you will too." She seized her daughter's shoulder. "You must do this for us. Remember the scripture Honor thy father and thy mother. This is your chance to do so. Besides he is rich."
"I'll make money this summer. I have a chance to work with a very rich woman."
Mrs. Barnett folded her arms in disdain. "With her or for her?" she sniffed. "I've worked for rich people most of my life and trust me, it's nothing special. I've scrubbed their floors, washed their clothes and watched their children. That's not the life I want for you. Your father works, Beverly works, I take in work, but still it's not enough." She opened a desk draw and waved a stack of papers at Janet. "These are requests from back home: Emails and letters that never stop coming." She tossed them one by one in Janet's direction. "People asking for clothes and food and tuition money. People who expect us to help them. Can you lift that burden from our shoulders with this new job?"
Janet picked up the papers strewn on the ground. "I will try." She handed them back to her mother.
Mrs. Barnett snatched them, shoved them back in the draw then slammed it shut. "Trying isn't enough. Your father has been trying for over twenty years! Trying to make it big in this country. I thank God for how far we've come, but we haven't come far enough. Your father is a strong man, but it has not made the struggle any easier. I've seen so many of my dreams die away as the years have past." She held out her hands in a plea for understanding. "I've always wanted my daughters to marry well. Make my dream come true."
Janet stared at the ground. "I hope to one day, but I can't marry him, Dee-dee." She raised her gaze. "I will work hard and I will help you."
Mrs. Barnett's hands fell and hung limp by her sides. "So you still refuse to marry him?"
"Yes."
Mrs. Barnett pursed her lips. "Come. Let's see what your father has to say."
Chapter 21
Mrs. Barnett dragged Janet towards Mr. Barnett's study. She pounded on the door then opened it and shoved Janet inside.
"What is this?" Mr. Barnett said in surprise.
Mrs. Barnett rested her hands on her hips. "Winston, talk some sense into this dawta of yours."
His brows shot up perplexed by the anger in his wife's voice. He had to tread carefully when she was in one of her moods. "Daughter of mine? You no longer hold claim to her?"
"Only if she starts acting as a daughter should." She gestured to Janet as though she were some stranger she'd picked up off the street. "This girl tells me that she won't marry Brother Jerome. She won't have him." Mrs. Barnett pressed her hands together as tears filled her eyes. "No matter what I tell her she won't listen." She pounded her chest. "This girl stomps on my heart every time she opens her mouth."
"My dear, calm yourself," Mr. Barnett said, saddened by his wife's tears.
She stomped her foot. "Tell her to marry him!" He held up his hand and Mrs. Barnett took a deep breath. "Tell her," she said in a softer tone.
Mr. Barnett moved his gaze from his wife's tormented expression to stare at his daughter's cool one. "Is what your mother saying true? You refuse to marry Brother Jerome?"
Janet nodded. That simple gesture made something inside Mrs. Barnett burst, forcing her to raise her hands upward. "My heart is breaking. Dear God in heaven help me." She pointed at Janet as if her hand were a weapon. "Tell her that she must marry him, or I'll never speak to her again."
"Be careful wife, you don't want to give her another reason to say no."
Janet hid a smile, while Mrs. Barnett narrowed her eyes finding no humor in his comment. "Talk to her." She approached his desk and rested her hands on it. "Or I promise you that you will not rest tonight."
Mr. Barnett lowered his voice and said in a gentle voice, "I will. Trust me. Now go. I will talk to her alone."
Mrs. Barnett saw a small glint in her husband's eyes that reassured her and she wiped her tears and nodded. "Good." She turned to Janet. "Listen to your father," she said then left.
"Sit down, Janet," Mr. Barnett said once the door was closed.
Janet sat then waited.
He clasped his hands together and looked at her pensive then sighed. "I know what this is all about. You're afraid."
"I'm not afraid," she said in a clear voice.
He ignored her. "You are afraid that marriage will interfere with your schooling, but I can assure you it will not. Brother Jerome says there are excellent schools in Pennsylvania and you can finish your last year there."
"I can't marry him"
"But you will."
"Daddy—"
He pounded his hand on the desk. "This is not a discussion. You will marry Brother Jerome. Do you hear me?" Janet nodded but he saw the defiance in her eyes. The look propelled him to his feet. "I don't understand you. Only months ago you wanted to leave my house and now that I have arranged that for you, you look at me as if I have betrayed you." He tapped the desk with his forefinger. "I was made to believe that you had grown to like him. He can pay for the rest of your schooling. You'll live in a grand house. A house of your own."
"The house of my husband," Janet said bitterly.
"He will be good to you. I will make sure of that."
"You do not need to make sure of anything because I won't marry him."
Mr. Barnett stared at her his eyes turning to onyx, his tone flat and hard like steel. "Yes. You. Will." He sat back at his desk and resumed what he'd been doing before being interrupted.
Janet felt like all the air had been sucked out of the room and the walls were closing in on her. Her fate was sealed and he would not retract. She had two choices: She would either honor him or dishonor him. He would either claim her as his daughter or... There was no option. Without her family she had nothing. Although she dreamed of freedom, she didn't want it at the risk of being forced into exile. She didn't want to be shut out from the only life she knew. She would cease to exist like her friend Ramani.
But she couldn't obey him without the seeds of her resentment coming to full bloom. Please don't force me to hate you, she wanted to scream. She loved him, but at times felt that that love was tearing her apart. Janet stood and stared at him, searching her mind for something to say.
She had to make her father understand. She rushed to his side and fell on her knees, tears filling her eyes. "Daddy, please listen," she said, desperation making her voice shrill. "I'd rather die in this house than live with that man. He is rich, but he is not bright." Mr. Barnett continued to write as though she was not there. "Who will I play chess with? Who will listen to my advice?" She gripped her hands together. "He will trample my soul with his condescension and vanity. Is that the man you want me to give my life to? Please father, my
provider, my counselor, please don't force me to do this."
Mr. Barnett set down his pen and turned to her. "I. Gave. My. Word."
"I will leave school immediately and get a job. Name your price and I will pay that debt with every breath in my body."
Mr. Barnett shook his head. "Don't talk like that." He placed a hand on her shoulder and gazed down at her with pain. "If only I could rid you of your unholy passion. Why can't you be like the others? Why can't you do as you're told and listen to our guidance? What has happened to obedience?"
"I wish to be obedient but—"
Mr. Barnett threw up his hand and stared at the ceiling, anger making his accent more prominent. "My God! Why did You choose to saddle me wid a stubborn dawta like this? Am I not a good man? Am I not trying to serve You in all the right ways?"
"Daddy—"
He surged to his feet, knocking over his chair. "We shook hands! I gave him my word. My word. You know I am not a rich man, my only golden possession is my word and I do not give it out freely. But you." He pointed at her. "You want mi fi throw it away."
Janet shook her head. "No, I—"
Mr. Barnett took a deep breath, trying to reign in his temper. "You wish to rip the joy from your mother's face. Your mother is so happy. It's done. The future of your sisters remains unstable. Who would want to marry daughters from a man who cannot control his own children?"
"But Beverly can help us."
"What does she have to do with anything?"
"She's been at the Farmers' house a lot lately, and I believe Jeffrey Framer is interested in her."
"He hasn't come to me yet."
"I know, but—"
"That means nothing." He tapped the desk. "This is settled. You will marry Brother Jerome and that is final. It was not to be Beverly, but it will be you!"
Janet lowered her head in defeat. "Very well." She loosened the long braid that hung down her back. "I will not shame or dishonor you." She grabbed a pair of scissors lying on a stack of papers nearby, then lifted her hair. "The end of my life starts right now."
Mr. Barnett grabbed the scissors and threw them across the room. He violently shook her. "Why won't you see reason? Why can't you see dat I've thought of nothing but you? I'm not a monster, and yet you turn away from mi as though I am some kinda beast. Is it wrong for a father to lead his child in the right direction? I have prayed all my life asking God to help mi make all my children happy, but wid you I always seem to fail."