by Dawn Kinzer
“But he’s hurt you before.”
“That was months ago, and it’s his word against mine. I didn’t contact the police, so there’s no record. I didn’t think anyone would believe me, other than my parents.” Hope sighed. “I never thought he’d follow me.” She’d hoped he wouldn’t.
“For as long as he’s here, you need to be careful.” Annie tapped her fingers on the table. “You aren’t on the schedule to work at the store tomorrow or Saturday. I’ll tell Mr. Carter I’m taking your place today because you aren’t feeling well. It won’t be lying.” She pushed her eggs around her plate with her fork. “You shouldn’t risk going to the store. He could show up there again, and it would be almost impossible for you to avoid him.”
A weight would lift from Hope if she didn’t need to worry about assisting customers with Henry watching or trying to speak to her. “Oh, Annie, are you sure? You wanted to spend the day at the library. You have the load of books from the library in Martindale to catalog and shelve.”
“I’m sure. Rebecca offered to help with the books, and now that we have a system in place, the two of us are having no trouble managing what needs to be done on a weekly basis.”
“All right. I’ll take you up on your offer. Thank you.” Hope’s stomach growled, a sign she was already feeling better. She slathered butter and blackberry jam on a piece of toast and bit into the sweet mix. “It would be nice to spend the day on a new design I started for Mrs. Graham.”
“Didn’t you and Clara already design and make the dress she won at the auction?”
“We did, and she liked it so much, she asked us for a two-piece suit.” Hope had been ruminating over several ideas, and getting lost in her work would help keep her mind on something besides Henry and Ben.
“That sounds like a perfect way to spend your day.” Annie’s voice trailed off, and she held her coffee cup in front of her face, looking deep in thought.
Hope laid her half-eaten toast down on the plate. “Annie, what’s going on in that head of yours?”
chapteR TWENTY-THREE
Hope glanced back and scowled. Henry leaned against the tallest oak on the church lawn, watching her as she strolled toward the church.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” Annie sounded a bit apprehensive.
“I haven’t stepped outside of the house for three days. I won’t let Henry keep me hostage because I’m afraid of facing him. It’s Sunday, and he’s not stopping me from attending this morning’s service. Plus, I desperately want to talk to Ben.” She lifted her chin and linked her arm through Annie’s. “Besides, Henry wouldn’t have the nerve to cause any trouble with practically the entire town present.”
“I wouldn’t make any wagers on that.” Annie kept pace with Hope. “He’s shown up at our door every day, trying to talk to you, with no luck. Henry may be getting desperate enough to make an irrational move.”
“I almost wish he would. Then maybe we could put an end to this nonsense.” They picked up their skirts a few inches in order to walk up the steps into the church without tripping. “Something has to give, Annie. I keep waiting for him to get so frustrated that he busts a window or tries to break down a door.”
Annie grabbed Hope’s arm. “Hope, do you think he’d actually go that far?”
“You just said it yourself. Henry may do something stupid.”
They reached the top of the church steps. “Wait. I need to tell you something before we go inside.” Annie pulled Hope over to let others pass. “When Jake came over for supper last night, he had a lot of questions about your relationship with Henry. Ben had mentioned the engagement. So, I explained everything about Henry and his cruel tendencies. But I made Jake promise not to say anything to Ben or anyone else.”
“Annie, I wanted to handle this myself.”
“I know. But, I’m worried. And Jake thought I had every right to be. It’s one thing to be brave and another to be unwise.” Annie squeezed Hope’s hand. “From what you’ve told me, Henry could be dangerous, and I don’t want anything to happen to you.”
“It won’t. I promise.” Hope tried to sound convincing, but Henry had been so relentless the past few days she couldn’t predict how far he’d go to get her attention. Her nightmares had returned, and she’d gotten very little sleep since his arrival. Charlotte’s letter warning Hope that Henry knew she was in Riverton hadn’t arrived in time to prepare her, but it wouldn’t have made any difference if it had arrived earlier. She’d have to face him, regardless. “Come on. Let’s go in.”
They stepped out of the sunshine into the dim building entrance before entering the familiar place of worship. Like a gentle breeze, a sense of peace touched Hope as they strolled down the aisle into the rainbow of light filtering through the colorful stained-glass windows lining both sides of the room. Soft organ music played as parishioners filed in. Rebecca practically glowed as her fingers caressed the beautiful instrument that had replaced the old, beaten up piano only a few days earlier.
It didn’t take long for Annie to slide in next to Jake sitting on one of the polished wooden pews. Hope waved good morning to Sarah and responded to Mary’s grin with one of her own before joining Annie in the pew.
Ben sat on the other side of his brother. He didn’t greet her or even look her way. An invisible knife jabbed her heart, and her face warmed. Was he miffed because she hadn’t told him about her broken engagement sooner? Without a declaration of his feelings and intent toward her, Hope hadn’t felt obligated to tell him, and wouldn’t have that night if Ben hadn’t seen Henry and asked about him.
“Hope?” Jake whispered as he leaned over Annie toward Hope. “Can we talk after the service?”
“About what Annie told you last night?” Hope whispered back.
He nodded. “You need to see the marshal. If you don’t tell him about Henry Shelton, I will. That man is dangerous. And there’s something else you should know. Ben thinks there’s a chance you’re still in love with Shelton. I told him differently, but you need to clear that up as soon as possible.”
Ben thought she had feelings for Henry? How could he have gotten that impression? At least his strange behavior made a little more sense now.
Despite the warm temperature in the room, an icy chill slid down Hope’s back and she shuddered. She glanced behind them, knowing what she’d see before she even turned her head. Henry sat two rows back, staring at her. He tipped his head and smiled, as though nothing wrong had ever transpired between them. Her mouth went dry.
The congregation stood to sing the first hymn, and as Rebecca played the introduction on the organ Hope got Jake’s attention. “I’ll see the marshal tomorrow morning. First thing. Will you go with me?”
He nodded and gave her a wink. Annie sighed and gave Hope a quick hug around her shoulders. Ben, his head tilted to view the exchange, appeared confused, but as soon as Hope caught his eye his focus returned to the front.
Hope didn’t need to read the lyrics to the first hymn. “Beautiful Savior” had been a comfort to her since she was a young child, and her mother sang it as a lullaby. She closed her eyes and asked the Holy Spirit to soothe her aching heart with the song’s sweet words—if even for a moment.
Fair are the meadows,
Fair are the woodlands,
Robed in flowers of blooming spring;
Jesus is fairer,
Jesus is purer;
He makes our sorrowing spirit sing.
***
As her gaze rested on the cross hanging at the front of the sanctuary, Hope mouthed the words to “Onward Christian Soldiers.” More than ever, she needed God’s help, protection, and guidance. How hard did she need to fight to accomplish her dreams and convince Ben to stop punishing himself for having his own? How many internal wounds did she need to suffer while trying to convince one man she wanted him—and another she did not?
The last stanza was sung, and Rebecca played an additional verse as people put hymnals away, picked up any personal belo
ngings, and began to file out row by row to greet Reverend Caswell at the door. Hope followed suit with Annie and Jake close behind, but Ben was engaged in a discussion with a farmer sitting directly behind him. Was it so important that it couldn’t wait until later, or was Ben finding a way to avoid her?
“Good morning, Reverend Caswell. Wonderful sermon.” Hope extended her hand and attempted a convincing smile.
“Thank you, Hope.” The corners of his mouth rose slightly, and his striking blue eyes lit up with humor. “But a pastor sees more of his congregation than they realize,” he whispered. “I don’t think you heard a word I said.”
“I’m so sorry.” Her cheeks burned. Hope thought she’d hidden her discomfort. “I’m afraid I was a bit distracted.”
“Don’t be embarrassed. I’m not offended. Please don’t tell anyone, but my mind sometimes wanders during the service too. I only bring it up because a little bird told me you’re having problems with a certain individual.”
Hope’s head turned to her cousin, and she raised her eyebrows.
“Tweet, tweet.” Annie’s face flushed.
“Annie...”
“Well...there are people who care about you.”
“She’s right, Hope, and if you need someone to talk to, or if Sarah and I can help in any way, please don’t hesitate to come to us.”
“Thanks, Reverend. I’ll be speaking to the marshal tomorrow, first thing.”
“Marshal Gates was in church this morning, and he’s over there talking to several of our members. I grew up with Chester, and believe me, he wouldn’t mind hearing your story now.”
“I don’t want to bother him. Tomorrow is soon enough.” Hope pulled Annie close to her. “We shouldn’t hold up the line any longer. Thanks for your concern.”
“I meant what I said, Hope. We don’t want to intrude, but Sarah and I would like to help as much as we can.” His eyes said he was serious. Hope could trust both of them.
“Come on, Annie.” Hope tugged her cousin down the steps. Before she reached the bottom, she scanned the area. Even with all the people socializing and the children playing tag on the lawn, it only took a moment to spot Henry leaning against the same oak tree, watching her every movement.
“What’s the rush?” At the bottom of the steps, Annie brushed loose, curly tendrils from her face.
“Annie, can I still visit this afternoon?” Jake stood a few feet away, twirling his wide brim hat in his hands.
“Yes, please. I’m looking forward to it.” Annie flashed him a bright grin. “Fresh banana cake and hot coffee will be waiting.”
“We could go for a walk down by the river. Give us a chance to talk about those new adventure novels you brought from Martindale.”
Annie glanced at Hope. “I don’t think we should venture too far from home today. We could play a game or two of Pinochle.”
“Pinochle sounds good. I might even win for a change.” He placed his hat on his head, took several steps back, then turned and headed for his wagon where Ben stood talking to several men.
Annie sighed as she watched him walk away. “He sure is handsome, isn’t he?”
“He is.” Hope blocked Annie’s view and perched her hands on her hips. “But we have more important things to discuss at the moment. Before we went into church, you said you’d only told Jake about Henry. So what’s the truth? How many more?”
“Besides Reverend Caswell, no one else.” Annie peered over Hope’s shoulder. “Sarah is waving to us.”
Hope turned around to see Sarah gesturing for them to join her and Clara. “Looks like we’re being summoned.” As she headed toward the group with Annie at her side, Hope glanced back to see if Henry had left. No. He was still there, keeping an eye on her.
Maybe if she visited with the other women, he’d tire of this game and leave the churchyard.
“Hope, I’m glad we have a chance to talk.” Sarah cradled five-week-old Joseph in her arms while Mary played Drop the Handkerchief nearby with a group of children.
“What’s on your mind?” Hope couldn’t resist touching the baby’s dark, silky curls, so soft on her fingertips. The little boy already resembled his mother. A whisper of envy lingered for a moment in Hope’s heart. Maybe she’d have a son or daughter of her own someday.
Sarah glanced at Clara, who nodded for her to go ahead. “First, we wanted to ask what you’d think about the Ladies Aid Society sending several boxes of gifts to your parents for Christmas. It’s not that we think they require charity, but the ladies send needed items to missionaries in other countries. With what your mother has shared in her letters, it sounds like they’re ministering in a variety of ways to the people there. We were wondering if they and the other workers might like to receive some hard-to-get items in that location. It would mean a lot to us to help make their Christmas special.”
“I—I don’t know what to say.” Hope didn’t try to stop the pools forming at the corners of her eyes. “I’m overwhelmed by your compassion. My parents have been donating supplies out of their own funds because they can’t stand to see anyone lacking. I’m sure they’d welcome your support. Even notes of encouragement are greatly appreciated.”
Clara grinned and clasped her hands together, obviously pleased with Hope’s approval. “We still have three months before Christmas, but by deciding to proceed now we’ll have time to talk over some ideas at the next monthly meeting, purchase or make the items, and get the boxes sent out in time to arrive for Christmas.”
Annie wrapped her arm around Hope’s shoulder and squeezed. “There you go. A rainbow moment in the midst of a storm.”
“Storm?” Clara’s eyebrows rose. “The sun is shining, and there’s barely a cloud in the sky.”
“It’s nothing.” Hope dabbed her eyes with her fingertips. “Annie was just referring to a little problem that has come along, but we’re handling the situation.”
Clara squinted her eyes, as though she didn’t quite believe the explanation. “All right. If you say so.” She gave a small shrug and smiled. “Hope, I was also wondering if I could ask for your help. One of the ladies in town asked me to make her a new dress from a pattern she saw in The Delineator. She hasn’t seen her son in five years, and now he’s bringing his wife home to meet her, along with their three-year-old daughter.”
“Oh, my goodness. What a special occasion.” Hope could only imagine the anticipation the woman must feel about meeting the new members of her family.
“You must be talking about Blanche Shepherd,” Annie said. “I heard her mentioning it to several ladies in the store the other day.”
Sarah shifted the baby from one arm to the other. “There’s no sweeter woman in town, and she’s missed her son, so I’ve been thanking God that Teddy is finally making this visit. His father was a difficult man, but now that Mr. Shepherd is deceased, it probably feels safe for the son to return.”
Annie nudged Hope. “See?” she whispered. “Some people pay heed to dangerous situations.”
“Quiet.” Hope gave her a slight nudge back, and smiled at the other two women to defuse any questions that might be surfacing. “I’d love to help.”
“I knew you would.” Clara appeared satisfied. “What Miriam has chosen is lovely, and it would certainly be a nice dress. But, meeting her daughter-in-law and granddaughter for the first time deserves something special. Her form is also a little difficult to fit, and I’ve been struggling to get the fabric to lay the way it should on her body.”
“Between the two of us, we’ll come up with something flattering.” Hope gave a quick thought to her plans for the coming week and what days she was expected at the store. “Can you start on Tuesday? I have the entire day to give.” She refused to let Henry’s presence control her actions any longer, and hopefully, once the marshal got involved, Henry Shelton would no longer be a concern.
“That sounds perfect. Come in the morning around nine o’clock.” Clara let out a big sigh. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate
your help.”
“I’m looking forward to it.” Hope meant it. A new project would help distract her from thinking about what had been happening, and not happening, with Henry and Ben.
Hope and Annie said their good-byes, then headed toward their buggy while Hope tried to keep a discreet watch on Henry. Though important she know his whereabouts, she didn’t want him getting the impression she was interested in speaking to him. Better to ignore him as much as possible.
As Annie climbed into the buggy, Hope turned her head just enough to keep aware of what was happening around her and spotted Henry striding toward them. There was nowhere to run. She’d just have to stand her ground.
He arrived at her side with a huff. “Hope, we need to talk.”
“There’s nothing to talk about. It’s over. There isn’t anything you could do or say to change my mind.” Hope heard Annie step down from the buggy as she quickly surveyed the churchyard. Several couples were still engaged in conversation while their children raced across the lawn, including the reverend, Sarah, and the marshal Reverend Caswell had pointed out. But all seemed oblivious to Henry’s presence.
His hand locked around her arm, and his fingers dug in. She flinched. “When are you going to stop this foolishness?” he asked in a deep, growly tone.
“Let me go!” Hope struggled against his firm grip.
“Leave her alone!” Annie shoved him from the side.
A jolt freed Hope’s arm. She spun to see Ben yank Henry away and swing him around. Ben held the top of Henry’s shirt in his clenched fist, and he drove that hand into Henry’s chest until he was up against the buggy.
“You heard them.” Veins in Ben’s neck pulsed, and the color in his face matched the shade of ripe tomatoes.
Jake, his lips pressed into a straight line, stood to the left with raised fists, appearing eager to jump into the mix if needed.
“No one treats a woman like that.” Ben gave Henry a shove, then released his hold. “You need to get out of here.”