“I’m glad if any of my meager efforts contributed to your recovery.”
She sighed and a gloved hand reached up to touch the side of his face. “Sweet Gabriel, always my angel. Only God knows what it cost you to be by my side. I have little recollection of what happened during that time, but if I spoke aloud the words of my heart, and you heard them, you know the hope and desire I hold. Your constant faithfulness and prayers broke through the lies I’ve embraced for far too long. That alone is a gift I can never repay.”
Gabriel swallowed hard. The desire that arose in him at her touch reminded him of hopes she dashed not long ago. Was she really saying her mumblings of fever-induced delusions were the real state of her heart?
“You owe me nothing, Mattie. I am grateful that God spared you. I could not imagine living in a world where you were not present.”
“We shall see you tomorrow after church?” Her hand dropped.
“Aye. Your grandfather invited me for the afternoon meal.”
Mattie glanced toward the door. “I look forwards to your message in the morning.” She reached up and kissed his cheek sending tremors to his toes. “Sleep well, Gabriel.”
Matilda grinned to herself. She’d surprised Gabriel with her words. And yet he was so humble as to not promote himself again as a suitor. While that frustrated her, his widened eyes and the shiver she caught as she kissed his cheek, led her to believe he still had feelings for her.
Tomorrow, perhaps, it would become clearer. Just how did a woman tell a man she’d changed her mind? Gabriel was too noble to pursue her against her will. What could she do? She’d no experience with womanly wiles.
She was aided into the coach by a footman and sat across from her grandfather and next to her mother. Regaining her mother had been an unexpected blessing the past few days, as well.
“Mr. Morgan has grown into a handsome young man,” her mother proclaimed. “And quite a different style in the pulpit. I’m not sure I approve of his methods, but he definitely held my attention. Was that the baby you found abandoned?”
“Yes, mother. His name is Bennett.”
“Blessed. He definitely is if he has your grandfather as a benefactor.”
“It was the least I could do for the poor child,” Grandfather said.
“I wasn’t deriding your decision. You’ve always been generous to those in need. We’ve imposed on your generosity for too long.”
“You are always welcome in my home, dear.” Kind eyes and a soft smile echoed his sentiment as he gazed at his daughter.
Matilda grinned. After their fight, it seemed that her mother’s attitude had changed. Not only was she embracing life again, but she was taking an interest in the activities around her.
“I plan to put off my mourning wardrobe as of tomorrow,” Mattie said.
“Really?” Her mother’s surprised words were soft.
“I’m not saying you need to, Mother, but I do. My wardrobe might be a year or more out of style, but I tried some of my dresses on and they still fit.”
“You want to dazzle Mr. Morgan?”
Matilda chuckled. “The color of my dress won’t help with that, Mother.”
“You never did look good in grey or lavender,” her mother stated.
They pulled up to the house and a footman helped them descend. Tilly assisted her mother with the stairs.
“My dear, I’m not an invalid. I am getting stronger by the day, but thank you.”
“I’m glad you are embracing life again.”
“Well, when my father started to explain all that was going on, I was convinced you needed your mother’s guidance and help.”
“Help?”
“To solicit a proposal from the minister.”
Tilly’s face grew warm.
“You are not indifferent to him.”
They started up the stairs to their rooms.
“No, mother. I’ve come to realize I love him…and I always have. I was just—afraid.”
“Of what?”
“Loving someone so much I couldn’t survive without him should something happen.”
“I’ve been a horrible example to you.”
“Mother, you loved Father. We were both devastated by the fact and manner of his death.”
“But my collapse into grief put too great a burden on your shoulders.”
“Those burdens kept me busy.”
“Now they will be shared.” At the upper landing, her mother turned to her. “And I will help you with Gabriel. I don’t think it will take much to bring him up to scratch.”
“Mother!” Matilda gasped. “I don’t need you pushing us together. This is something he and I need to figure out ourselves.”
“Fine. But I have some tricks up my sleeve. After tonight’s message, I too have hope for the future.”
“Heaven help me,” Matilda whispered as she strode to her room to prepare for bed.
“He will,” Her mother called after her with a chuckle.
Matilda stretched as the sun peeked in through the drapes. Christmas Day was here. She hopped out of bed and hurried through her ablutions. Soon her maid was there, and her hair put up in an attractive style. And then the dress. A warm woolen gown with a soft print on a background of blue.
“This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” She surveyed herself in the mirror. Color was back in her cheeks, and she was eager to see Gabriel. Not only to celebrate their Savior’s birth, but for a meal and whatever else might come along with being in his company.
She descended the stairs and went to break her fast, finding her mother and grandfather already present. She selected some food and sat as a footman brought her hot cocoa.
“You look beautiful, my dear,” Grandfather said.
Her mother gave a regal nod. At least Mother had dressed in lavender instead of the blacks and greys. It was a step forward. “You are quite becoming in that shade of blue.”
“Thank you, both.”
“We need to leave soon lest we be late,” Grandfather warned.
Tilly nodded and applied herself to her meal. Once finished they all rose and fetched their outer garments. Tilly donned a pretty bonnet to wear with flowers matching the color of her dress.
Arriving at church they had just settled into their pew when Gabriel strode in to begin the service. Tilly watched him, enraptured. Hope. Desire. She had tumbled those words around in her head last night. She was free from the past, and she prayed that God would open the door wide for a future with the man who stood before her, so eloquently speaking from God’s Word. To serve side-by-side with him in this community gave her a thrill of pleasure.
When the service concluded, they made their way to the back of the church. Gabriel’s smile traveled to his eyes as he took in her appearance. “You look lovely today, Miss Wilcox.”
“You’ll arrive soon?”
“I’ll be there within an hour.”
Tilly nodded and swallowed her excitement. “Good.”
She walked to the carriage with a skip in her step.
“Nice way to bait the hook,” her mother whispered.
“What?” Tilly asked.
“She refers to fishing, my dear. You just wiggled a worm in front of the fish, and he appreciated the sight.”
“Are you two playing matchmaker?” Matilda was suddenly suspicious.
Grandfather shrugged. “Didn’t think either of you needed the help, to be honest.”
“Of course they do,” her mother asserted.
Matilda sighed as she leaned back against the squabs. Gabriel was coming. Matchmakers or not, her hope rested in the One who invented love to begin with.
After changing into another dress, Tilly paced in the drawing room by the Yule log, which burned strong in the fireplace. Mom had helped with some of the decorations, and the house seemed to be coming out of
a deep sleep to embrace color and joy again. It was Christmas. Her gift for Gabriel was sitting on the mantel and she hoped he liked it.
A knock on the outer door alerted her to his arrival. Energy thrummed through her as she awaited his entrance.
“Mr. Morgan,” the butler intoned.
“Fetch my uncle or mother, Simon.”
With a stately nod the butler withdrew, leaving the door open.
Gabriel stood there with a freshly tied cravat and a royal blue coat over his blue, gold-embroidered waistcoat.
“You may come in. I won’t bite.”
The corner of his mouth twitched “I’m not sure that’s entirely true. I remember teeth marks on my arm once.”
She nodded. “I should state perhaps that I have no intentions of biting you today.”
“Is that a promise?” He took a step forward and stopped.
“I hold no intention to, and it has been many years since I have done so, but I suppose if I were sorely provoked, it could happen. As it is Christmas, I anticipate that being highly unlikely.”
Gabriel pulled out a package from behind his back and placed it on the table.
She raised her eyebrows.
“Surely you’re bursting with curiosity.”
“But of course. It is beautifully wrapped.”
His head tilted to one side. “You look well. I’m glad you gave up wearing mourning and that silly cap.”
“Mother has moved to half-mourning, but it is a movement forward, so I won’t complain.”
“Some losses you never recover from.”
A shuddering sigh overtook her, and he was before her in an instant, placing a hand on her arm.
“I’m sorry, Tilly. I didn’t mean to evoke painful memories on today of all days.”
“Not all the memories are painful. There were many years of good ones, and I’m learning to focus on those.”
“A wise choice.”
A voice cleared in the doorway. “You young people aren’t up to mischief are you?” Mrs. Wilcox asked.
Gabriel had taken a step back and turned to face Tilly’s mother. “Why would you suspect me of mischief?”
Mrs. Wilcox chuckled. “Because the two of you, when left too long to your own devices, always scraped up trouble. I doubt age has changed that.”
“Mother, I hope we are past that now. We were discussing how only good memories are best shared on a day like today.”
“I remember holes in your stockings, shoes that needed to be replaced and gowns you would wear only when you were with Gabriel.”
Tilly’s face grew warm. “I was an adventuresome girl.”
“You still are, only now you wear proper dresses and use your energies to help others.”
Lord Hennison entered. “Oh, good. We are all assembled, and I’ve been told the meal is ready. Come along.” He held out an arm.
Mother rested her hand on her father’s wrist and the exited the room.
Gabriel offered his own arm, and Matilda touched her hand to it. As he led her from the room, she tried desperately to ignore the wiggles in her stomach and the tingles in her toes at being close to him again.
How soon could they get through this meal so she could talk with him more?
Not soon enough.
8
Their meal was a quiet affair. Gabriel was seated across from Matilda and delighted in watching her as she interacted with her grandfather and mother. They spoke highly of his message the previous evening as well as this morning. Their compliments humbled him. Lord, did they see Thee or my delivery? To be called gifted as a minister was a blessing and a curse. If lives were not drawn closer to God, then the “gift” had been useless. Melancholy began to wrap itself around him once again.
He missed the boisterous celebration with his family.
He endured the hopelessness of his love for the woman across from him even as she sparkled with life and awarded him her smiles.
At the end of the meal the women departed. Lord Hennison waved a footman to approach, but addressed Gabriel. “A glass of port before we join the ladies?”
Gabriel shook his head. “I appreciate the offer, but out of deference to what your daughter and granddaughter have endured, I will forgo the pleasure.”
“Surely there is nothing wrong in a few sips?”
“It is not the drink or the action that is my motive, but the opportunity to relieve anxiety in the hearts of the women of your household.”
“You would hold their well-being above your own.”
Gabriel nodded.
“Very well then, let us rise and join the ladies.”
As they entered the room, Mrs. Wilcox rose. “Father, Mr. Morgan. I must plead weariness, although these past days have been grand. I need to rest. I have not yet recovered my full strength.”
“It was a pleasure to see you again, Mrs. Wilcox. Happy Christmas.”
A grin spread across her features. “It was in a large part due to you, Gabriel. Thank you for being there when I couldn’t. You’ve given me the gift of my daughter, and I am grateful.”
Gabriel nodded, his attention arrested by Matilda sitting on the loveseat. Mrs. Wilcox quit the room.
Lord Hennison yawned. “I am fatigued as well, but will not leave you unchaperoned. I’ll be over by the window, enjoying a good book.”
Gabriel grew confused. They were leaving him practically alone with Matilda? A woman who had run from his offer of a lifetime of love and adoration.
“Come and sit by me, Gabriel. I have a gift for you.”
“Gifts are not usually exchanged between a man and woman who are not related.”
“Ah, but you brought one as well, so you did not abide by that either.”
“Perhaps it is for your grandfather.” He moved to her side and sat, having retrieved the gift from the table.
“I doubt it.” She thrust her package forward. “Please open it.”
Gabriel set his gift on a table and began to unwrap the package. Inside rested a stone in the shape of a heart. He glanced up at her. She had the most angelic smile.
“Do you remember this, Gabriel? We found it on one of our rambles before you left for university. You handed it to me and said that your heart was forever mine.”
“Yet you give it back to me?”
“It’s my way of saying that my heart is forever yours.”
His heart skipped a beat. He looked down at the rock and picked it up to hold it in his hands. “This gift represents your love returned to me?”
“And that I entrust it to your care. While that stone might be hard to break, my heart is not so impervious to harm; yet I willingly place it in your hands.”
She loves me. His thumb ran across the smooth stone.
She loves me. Emotion welled within threatening to burst out as tears.
She loves me. “I will hold this gift as the rare and precious thing it represents. Thank you for entrusting it to me.” He gently placed the stone back in its wrapping. He reached for the package he’d brought.
He placed the gift in her hands. “Happy Christmas, Mattie.”
Her eyes sparkled as she eagerly unwrapped the packaging. Unfolding the cloth within she pulled out a dainty pearl in a setting of gold attached to a chain. “Oh, Gabriel. This is beautiful.”
“I worked as a tutor to save money to buy that for you. And then I couldn’t find you. You are a pearl of great price, Matilda.”
“Can you secure it for me? She turned her back to him holding up the ends on either side of her neck.
“But of course.” A tingle shook him as he accidently grazed her neck with his fingers. With restraint, he closed the clasp.
She turned to face him, her cheeks a rosy pink. “It’s beautiful, Gabriel. Thank you.”
Ask her.
Gabriel closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Really? Now Lord?
Silence greeted his plea. God apparently did not need to tell him more than once.
He reached for and took T
illy’s hands in his own. “You know that I have loved you for longer than I ever realized. It broke my heart when I failed to find you. When you were ill, terror gripped me. I didn’t want to lose you again. Do you think you could find it in your heart to love a lowly minister? I don’t possess a title or a grand home, but I offer you my love which has remained constant through the years and has only grown deeper.”
“Are you asking me to marry you, Gabriel?”
He nodded, afraid to say more lest he ruin the moment with inane words.
“I would be honored to be your wife.”
His breathing hitched. “Really? You’ll marry me?”
“Under one condition.”
“What is that?”
“We adopt Bennett and raise him as our own so he won’t be alone in this world.”
A smile spread wide across his face. “Absolutely. I adore that babe, and hopefully he’ll not have to wait long for siblings.”
She nodded and rose to her feet. She pulled him up and took him to the doorway. Lord Hennison remained turned away, seemingly engrossed in his novel.
“What…?”
“I’ve waited a long time for this.” She pointed up to the kissing bough.
“I as well.” He bent his head and kissed her, wrapping his arms around her to hold her close. When he pulled back, he gazed down at her. His childhood friend and now fiancée.
A throat cleared. “I hope that means you’ll be marrying her, Mr. Morgan.”
“Aye, my lord. It does. She said yes.”
“Well done.” Lord Hennison rose from his chair and strode toward them. “You have my blessing, and I’m delighted that you’ll be close.”
“Gabriel has given me the best gift of all, Grandfather.”
“And what was that?”
“The hope in and desire for the Savior Who led Gabriel back to me.”
Gabriel turned to his benefactor. “Will you excuse us?”
Lord Hennison grinned and moved past them. “Three weeks, my son, will seem like forever.”
“I do possess a special license, so we need only my friend to come marry us at his earliest convenience.”
“Smart young man you snared for yourself, Tilly.” Lord Hennison strode away and went into his study.
“All alone at last,” Tilly whispered as she pulled him into the room closing the door behind them.
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