Laelia

by Ruth-Miriam Garnett

  “We are delighted that all of you were able to come to our home today and continue our Christian fellowship. We wanted everything to be festive, and hope you have been enjoying yourselves. But we also wanted the opportunity for ourselves and for all of you to witness to some of the hardships we face as women. My sisters and I have made known the burdens we have carried with our menfolk, and we invite you to share your own with us. We believe that in the mutuality of prayer, we can truly gain strength and understand the way the Lord wants us to walk.”

  The room quieted immediately when Claudia began speaking. She continued, encouraging the women to give testimony of their travails and offer them up for prayer. Claudia paused, thinking that the women needed to overcome an initial shyness. She had not heard the front door open and did not turn her head as a number of women trickled in, positioning themselves some distance from her in the large front hallway. But when the faces of her audience registered shock, she turned her head to see who had entered her home. There, behind her, unassuming and interested, stood Hillary Clinton with her entourage. Without giving it any thought, Claudia immediately rushed over and hugged her icon.

  “You came! I am so happy and honored you came!”

  Turning again to the church ladies, Claudia acted swiftly and with flawless composure.

  “Well, we are truly blessed today, are we not, ladies? Mrs. Clinton needs no introduction. After hearing her speak yesterday, I told her I wished my dear friends and neighbors could share the experience. She told me she would try her best to stop by today, and I see that she is a woman who keeps her word.”

  Claudia, taking Hillary’s arm, steered her to the center of the room. Beaming and relaxed, the First Lady spoke to the hushed group of women. After noting the beauty of the Cates mansion, she congratulated the churchwomen on the Harriet Tubman play, saying Claudia had told her about it and mentioned how it was important to provide women with role models at an early age. She recounted other things Claudia had told her the previous day about Peoria as a community and the history of the First Baptist Church. She encouraged the women to stay in touch with her by writing letters and making her aware of concerns they had about their children’s health, education, and welfare. After speaking, Hillary accepted a small plate of hors d’oeuvres handed to her by a delighted Lucy Sims. She spoke easily with the women who approached her, asking them questions about their lives. After an hour, Hillary departed with her attendants, cameras flashing from the edge of the front lawn as she climbed into her limousine. The women, elated following Hillary’s appearance, talked excitedly about her intelligence and friendliness. They were amazed at Claudia, at how she was so comfortable having Hillary as a guest in her home, reacting to her like an old friend. Rebecca, reading the thoughts of the mesmerized women, smiled to herself, thinking how inexhaustible were her glamorous sister’s resources.

  Claudia again positioned herself in the center of the room and invited the women to begin their testimony. Many women spoke, asking for specific prayers for a husband or child, or for themselves to have bodily strength and clear minds to support their loved ones. Many also asked for blessings for the Cates sisters as leaders of their church and community. Amelia Bartleson alluded to Wilson’s tirade of earlier that day.

  “I don’t intend to keep apologizing for my daughter. She’s a good child and doesn’t deserve to be slandered, especially not from the pulpit.”

  “Amen,” several of the women commented.

  To everyone’s surprise, Julia Wilson spoke next.

  “We need you to stand up for us, Sister Rebecca. You make your own living and you’re powerful. None of us knows how to do what you’ve done, but we can learn from you how to be strong women. I don’t know how somebody can see, always facing the ground.”

  Though not elaborating on her personal experience, she had said enough to alert the churchwomen. Many of them had already detected her air of unhappiness. They also noticed how her husband dominated her. They looked at her admiringly for the first time, understanding at what price she mustered such candor. Rebecca, who had no concept of being dominated, knew Julia Wilson singled her out because that morning she had stood up publicly to the pastor.

  “We’ll get together again soon and talk over these things,” she responded sympathetically but with characteristic caution. “I promise we will.”

  Soon after, the women departed. The Cates sisters happily did the cleaning up from their event, then headed up to their rooms.

  Rebecca climbed into bed, her thoughts of Julia Wilson. The normally timid woman had opened herself during their female camaraderie, in the process confessing how much she admired Rebecca. Rebecca felt even more dismal about her plans to tell the trustees about Julia’s implants, and her worry increased. Not only would she be injuring Leighton’s professionalism, she would also hurt and embarrass Julia. The unassuming woman had stirred Rebecca’s protective nature like a flower she could not bring herself to crush. Further, she understood that with Claudia’s triumph that afternoon and Gracelyn’s success with the play, the Cates women had taken up the reigns of leadership in their small community of women. The churchwomen’s newfound sense of purpose opened the door for them to discover how limitless they were. Rebecca had gambled on their craving for leadership and she had won. But she would also lose.

  XI

  REBECCA STOOD OVER her laelias early Monday morning, watering them and slightly stirring the dirt in each pot. The blooms were coming on brilliantly, and she made a mental note to photograph them later in the week when they were at their peak. Steeling her mind against the possible loss of her lover, she wanted to preserve this memory of Leighton’s gift. Despite her looming sadness, she reviewed the upcoming day. Gracelyn and Claudia were to sleep late, per her instructions, while Rebecca fed and bathed the men. Lucy Sims would be in by lunchtime and stay with Jake while the women traveled to Briney Memorial with Timothy and Herbert. Rebecca would return Wednesday afternoon in time to meet with the trustees that evening.

  Rebecca hated worry. Her remedy was to refocus her mind and keep busy. Luckily, this morning she had more than enough to do. As soon as she left the greenhouse, she began making the men’s oatmeal, keeping her ears alerted for any sounds coming from the second floor. Timothy, who had never eaten adequately, ate even less in the few weeks since Dr. Meyers provided Rebecca with his sedative. Under the new drug, he slept most of the time and didn’t seem to mind being groggy. Rebecca told a relieved Claudia to no longer be involved with his care, and Rebecca kept him clean and fed. Carrying the breakfast tray up the stairs, she reflected that today was the last day Timothy would be in her household. After depositing him at Briney Memorial tomorrow, there would be only Jake left to settle at Sacred Lamb.

  Following her chores with the men, Rebecca sat at the kitchen table drinking coffee. She decided to wait to eat until Claudia and Gracelyn woke up, so they could have breakfast together and go over plans for their trip. Hearing the front doorbell, Rebecca arose quickly, thinking that it must be Wayne, or that Lucy’s husband may have needed to drop her off earlier than noon.

  Rebecca opened the massive door and, to her complete astonishment, Julia Wilson stood on the front porch. She appeared hastily dressed, wearing a faded melon shift and beige cotton sweater tied by the sleeves around her neck. Her eyes were glassy, and her mouth was pursed above her tightly clenched jaw.

  “May I come in, Rebecca?”

  “Of course, Julia. What brings you here so early? Is everything all right?”

  Rebecca had started to add, “with you and the pastor,” but something kept her from mouthing the words.

  “I’ve left him,” Julia said simply, her voice trembling slightly.

  “Lord help us. Please come in and sit down.”

  Rebecca gently ushered Julia to the kitchen, directing her to the table. She did so obediently, and Rebecca poured her a cup of coffee.

  “How do you take your coffee, dear?”

  “A little cream is
fine. No sugar.”

  “Now, just relax. If you’d rather, we have some peppermint tea.”

  “No, Rebecca, thanks. I need the coffee. I think I’m more relaxed than I’ve been for a long time.”

  “That’s good. You don’t have to talk about it, but is there any way I can help?”

  Julia Wilson spoke decidedly.

  “I’m not going back. I’ve taken it for years. I’ve never complained. I’ve tried to do whatever he’s wanted. But he’s mean. He was mean to talk about that little girl like he did Sunday morning. I don’t mind telling you he hates women. He hates us all. I don’t know why, and right now, I don’t care why. All I want is to get away.”

  Julia paused, sipping her coffee. Sensing she had more to say, Rebecca did not speak.

  “He’s done things to me, to my body. Things I should never have let him do. I have been so ashamed sometimes. I thought I needed to keep him happy, but nothing helped. I did whatever he asked. Nothing satisfied him. Our daughters, I’m glad they’re both gone. They’re good girls. One has her own family. One’s in college. They couldn’t wait to leave our home. They’ve always wanted me to leave him. Sometimes I couldn’t look my girls in the eye. They’ve known everything. They’ve known about his appetites, his other women.”

  Julia paused again. Rebecca noticed she had begun crying, but she continued talking, her voice steady.

  “I don’t know how I kept lying to myself. I spoke to both my girls last night. They told me they loved me and not to blame myself. Can you believe that? They’ve suffered too. I said I’ve got to do this for me and for them. If they can be strong, I know I can.”

  Rebecca touched Julia’s shoulder sympathetically, her heart touched by the woman’s confession.

  “What I need, Rebecca, is two hundred dollars for bus fare to Ohio. I have family there. I’ll pay you back as soon as I find work. I want to leave right away. He was there when I left and he wouldn’t let me take anything out of the house. But there’s nothing there I want. He thinks I’m coming back. He doesn’t know I’m with you. I promised him I wouldn’t come by here yesterday for the tea. But he went to play golf, and I had one of the church sisters pick me up. He doesn’t know what I’ve been doing or thinking for a few days. I want to keep it that way.”

  “That’s wise,” Rebecca answered her. “Julia, my sisters and I are leaving early tomorrow morning. We’re heading north, up near Chicago. Why don’t you spend the night here, and we’ll drop you off at the airport so you can fly to Ohio. I can write you a check for your ticket, and I want you to take some cash. You can pay me back when you’re comfortable, so don’t worry about it. I’d feel better thinking you weren’t alone on the bus all that time. You have enough to do getting yourself settled. I’m glad to help.”

  “I’m grateful, Rebecca.”

  “Good. Come on, I’ll take you upstairs to our guest room. Would you mind if we packed you a travel bag? You look to be about Claudia’s size.”

  Overcome by Rebecca’s concern, Julia started to cry again.

  “Right now, I just want to lie down.”

  “Fine, rest as long as you want. No one will know you are here. You’ll be safe.”

  Rebecca showed Julia the third-floor room and brought her a towel and washcloth. Shortly after she returned to the kitchen, Claudia came downstairs, dressed and alert.

  “Who was that at the door?” she asked Rebecca.

  “Tina Turner.”

  Rebecca, still a bit stunned, did not explain her sarcasm. It turned out there was no need, as Claudia continued distractedly.

  “Oh, I just thought it might be Wayne. I know he’s not due here today. I guess I was just thinking about him. We had such a time this weekend. I couldn’t have finished all that food without his help.”

  “Yes, dear. Did you hear Gracelyn stirring?”

  Before Claudia could respond, Gracelyn walked into the kitchen, her face glowing.

  “I sure got all the sleep I’ll need for a while. I have a taste for pancakes. That all right with you all?”

  “Fine with me. Gracelyn, I’m glad you feel rested. You deserve it. You did a wonderful job with that play. And, Claudia, whoever thought we’d have the First Lady under our roof. I’m proud of my sisters.”

  Rebecca regarded the two before continuing, her expression serious.

  “You know we need to go over a few details for our travel tomorrow. But before we go into all that, I want both of you to take a deep breath.”

  Hearing Rebecca, Claudia’s eyes widened while Gracelyn’s narrowed. They were not used to hearing Rebecca, normally so matter-of-fact, speak with traces of emotion in her voice. Even Sunday, when she was incensed by Wilson and rising to address the congregation, her words had been measured, her tone barely inflected. But just now, they heard her sound slightly strained. Rebecca spoke again before Claudia or Gracelyn could speculate further on what was wrong.

  “Julia Wilson is upstairs in the guest room. She has left her husband.”

  Rebecca let her remarks sink in before continuing. “She’ll be leaving with us tomorrow morning, and we’ll drop her at the airport. She’s moving to Ohio to be with her family.”

  “Oh, I see,” Claudia said knowingly. “You know, I’m not surprised.”

  Gracelyn, frantic, and immediately understanding the importance of this turn of affairs, was more vocal.

  “Rebecca, are you serious? He’s history! No, I mean it, he’s really toast! Don’t you see? We can really get rid of him now. Oh, I’m sorry. I should be more concerned about Julia. Is she all right?”

  “She’s fine. She just needed rest. And you’re right, Gracelyn, this makes things a lot easier on us.”

  “Are you going to tell the trustees about this?”

  “I’m still making up my mind. I have enough to tell them as it is.”

  Hearing this, Claudia reentered the conversation.

  “Rebecca, you never told us what you planned to tell the trustees. I know you said it was confidential. Will we ever find out?”

  “Honey, I imagine everyone will find out. I have to tell them about some money Pastor Wilson spent. Some church money. When I looked over the books, something didn’t look right to me. So I looked into it further. He did something with some church money that he shouldn’t have done. That’s all I can say for now. Since Julia’s leaving tomorrow, I don’t suppose there’s any harm in letting the trustees know that Pastor’s marriage is over. The meeting’s on Wednesday, and Julia will be in Ohio by then. But I feel like, to be fair, I should let her know I’m going to tell it. I’m thinking she won’t mind. Between his taking the money and his wife leaving him, that should be enough for him to be terminated.”

  “Good Lord from heaven,” Claudia said, mildly shocked.

  “How much did he take?” Gracelyn asked.

  “Only around three thousand dollars. But what he took it for, that’s what’s so bad.”

  “How do you know what he took it for?” Gracelyn went on.

  “Honey, I made it my business to find out why. But I’d rather not say right at the moment. I don’t want anyone else to be hurt.”

  Gracelyn zeroed in.

  “Did he spend that money on a woman?”

  “Yes and no,” responded Rebecca. “Anyway, it’s delicate. We’ll talk about it again when this blows over. Julia deserves her privacy. She’s had a hard time being with that man, and Lord knows, we all know about that.”

  “We certainly do,” Claudia shot in. “I hope she’ll be blessed in her new life. Rebecca, what you said was true. The universe brings us what we need if we open our hands. I hope Julia has that in mind.”

  Claudia paused, somewhat nervous.

  “I have something to tell the two of you. You know, Wayne and I, we are getting really close. He’s become more than a friend. I guess you can say he and I are courting. Now, I know I’m still married to Timothy, but it’s not like he’s going to be around. And Wayne says if I need time, he can wait
for me to straighten things out. I didn’t tell him I don’t need any time at all, because it just sounded so brash to say that. But that marriage was over before it started. The only thing I need to do now is get it on paper. I know the Lord didn’t send me this tender man for me to turn him away.”

  “No, I’m sure He didn’t, Claudia,” Rebecca soothed her.

  “Claudia, what do you mean by ‘tender’?” Gracelyn teased, her voice sugary.

  Claudia, blushing, laughed. Rebecca rushed to her defense.

  “Gracelyn, you leave your sister alone. Wayne has always been one of my favorite people, and we all need a tune-up periodically. He’s has lots of character. Just leave Claudia alone.”

  “Rebecca, I don’t mind Gracelyn’s teasing me,” Claudia said quietly. “I’m not ashamed, and he’s not rushing me to do anything I’m not ready for. I always thought there had to be more to love-making between a man and a woman than I knew from being with Timothy. And now I know for certain.”

  She looked directly at Gracelyn.

  “Honey, we all missed out on something. I missed out on feeling like I was going to die from pleasure, then the next minute knowing for certain I had gone to heaven.”

  “This sounds serious!” Gracelyn exploded.

  “Darling, at my age, everything I do is serious.”

  “Well, just what have you done?” Gracelyn’s tone was supercilious.

  “Gracelyn, leave Claudia alone. If she wants to talk, she’ll talk.”

  “Wayne has a really nice butt. I love men whose legs are the same length as their torsos. They look so strong. I like a tall man too, but only if he’s filled out well. Otherwise, they get a little gangly when they’re tall.” Gracelyn looked sidelong at Claudia.

  “Sounds to me like you took a good look at Wayne.”

  “I did. But don’t worry. I would never stab my sister in the back. And I’m sure you’ve dazzled him, anyway. Any man who helps make tea sandwiches must really be whipped.”