by Debby Lee
As the massive pipe organ began to play at the front of the sanctuary, she breathed a sigh of relief. A signal that the service must surely be about to start. At least she could be thankful for Aunt Bridget’s stopping them. The delay had helped keep her from having to converse with strangers. But oh, how she wished that she could sit down and let her heart return to its normal rhythm. Maybe by the end of the service, she’d be able to do it all over again. And not embarrass herself.
Philip directed her into a pew where it was obvious that other baseball players waited for him.
“Wedge. Good to see you.” A skinny man with dark hair smiled at her. “Who’s this pretty lady?”
Philip held out his hand to his friend. “Tony. May I introduce you to Miss Jeni O’Brien?”
“Lovely to meet you.” She moved into the pew.
“And you, Miss O’Brien.” Tony waggled his eyebrows. “And where did you meet my friend, here?”
Unsure of how to respond, she gave a smile as they settled themselves. Safely ensconced between the two players, she ignored the question as the organ began to play louder. Thankful for the moment to collect her thoughts, she leaned closer to Philip. “Why does he call you Wedge?”
Philip gave a quiet chuckle. “I’ll explain after the service.”
At that moment, a loud chord was played on the organ and the congregation stood and burst into a song Reverend Richards called the Doxology. With its marble floors and high ceilings, the cathedral lifted up the sound like an angelic choir. Jeni couldn’t help but watch the people around her as the song continued.
Philip opened a hymnal and held it out for her. It seemed an intimate gesture—to share a hymnal with this man—but she found it made her feel special. Taken care of. Chosen.
The song finished, and Jeni found herself reflecting on the thought. For years, she’d worked and worked to provide and take care of herself and Aunt Bridget. She hadn’t realized that it would be almost a relief to have someone care for her for a change. Even just the simple act of sharing a hymnal.
As they sat, she relaxed and knew that Philip would guide her through whatever took place today. There was no reason to be on edge or to worry. So she might as well enjoy the service. The reverend prayed.
Then they stood again for another song. Philip pointed to the correct page for her so she could follow again.
When the singing was done, the reverend stepped to the pulpit and in a loud and booming voice told the people to repent.
“This morning’s sermon might be a tough one for many of you to hear. You see, my dear congregation, we’re going to talk about those less fortunate than ourselves.”
Jeni’s ears perked up. At a church where the wealthiest of society seemed to be gathered, this would be interesting to watch.
Even though she longed to be among their ranks, she wasn’t a fool. She’d seen how the upper classes treated the lower. But how was that going to change? It was the same way in Ireland and England. It must be the same way around the world.
Reverend Richards held his Bible up in the air. “Please turn with me in your Bibles to James chapter one.”
The sound of rustling pages echoed throughout the marble room. She had her own Bible but had paid a pretty penny for it. Most people she knew had to borrow one or look on with a friend. The contrast with the people in this sanctuary was startling.
“Please stand and read with me aloud from verse twenty-two to the end of the chapter.”
The congregation stood, and voices raised together as they read.
“‘But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: for he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
“‘But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.
“‘Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.’”
“Amen.” Hundreds of voices around the church spoke at the same time.
Shuffling sounded as everyone took their seats.
Jeni looked down at the words on the page.
The reverend paced for a moment and then stood behind the pulpit with his hands braced on either side. “Ladies and gentlemen, please take careful note of verse twenty-two. We are to be doers of the word and not just hearers. What does this mean? Well, let me ask you this. Did you hear the Word read this morning?”
To Jeni’s surprise, heads bobbed around the sanctuary.
“And are you willing to be doers of that same Word from this day forth?”
Again, heads nodded.
“Good. I’m glad to see that. Because if you look closely at verse twenty-six, it clearly states that if a man bridleth not his tongue and deceiveth his own heart, his religion is vain. This morning I want you to think about this next question very clearly. Reverently. Have you bridled your tongue this week? And I don’t just mean to keep your mouth from speaking profanity or taking the Lord’s name in vain, but have you spoken in an unkind way … in an unholy way, to anyone at any time?”
Reverend Richards looked around the room while he let his question sink in. Jeni was mesmerized. She’d never been taught this way before. Did that mean that her words to Aunt Bridget had been sinful? Because she hadn’t bridled her tongue? How many times had they had heated arguments between the two of them? Jeni thought it was normal because most Irish families seemed to be a bit hot-tempered. At least all the ones she knew.
It was quite convicting. As she mulled over all the conversations she’d had with people lately, Jeni realized that she needed to work on bridling her tongue. Perhaps a lot.
The reverend had continued speaking, but she’d missed it.
Shaking her head, she tuned in to what he was saying. “Let’s not ignore verse twenty-seven. Simply put, if you want to have pure and undefiled religion in the sight of God, you need to be taking care of the widows and the orphans. Now I know many of you contribute to organizations that help people less fortunate, but I’d like to ask you … When was the last time you visited a charity in person?” He let the question hang. “And then the last part of this verse is crucial. Are you keeping yourself unspotted by the world? It means to not be stained. My brothers and sisters, we are living in an age of defiance toward God. Everyone seeks the best for themselves. This needs to stop. To be unspotted in this world means we need to keep our eyes on what the Word of God says for our lives and not to be conformed to this world. Let us determine how we can help those less fortunate around us this week. Let us pray.”
Jeni bowed her head and thought about the words the reverend had spoken. She’d always come to believe that she was one of those less fortunate. And yet, hadn’t God blessed her in her work? She and Aunt Bridget no longer lived in the slums. They had plenty of food to eat and clothes to wear. Her heart ached as she thought about kids on the street. Kids that were just like Philip had been. Without parents. Without family. Working all hours of the day and night just to earn enough for a meal.
At that moment, she wanted to cry. She’d walked her own path for so long, but coming here today reminded her of the fire she’d had for God when her parents taught her as a young child. How she longed for that again. Gracious heavenly Father, I can’t even remember the last time I truly prayed, because I’ve been so focused on myself. But You’ve changed my heart today. Please help me to see how I can help others. Thank You for all You’ve given to me. All the blessings. And for Your Word to study.
During the last song, Jeni followed along with the words but felt a new sense of joy inside. She didn’t know what to do with it, but she ac
hed to find out more.
Chapter 11
With Jeni on his arm as they left the church, Philip felt a surge of pride. He’d heard all the comments about the beautiful lady on his arm. She took it all in stride and was gracious to everyone they passed.
When he noticed that Mrs. Astor Wilson was headed in their direction, he wasn’t sure what to think. The woman was an intimidating presence.
He gave a quick bow.
“Mr. March.” The woman clasped her hands in front of her. “You simply must introduce me to this enchanting friend of yours.”
“Of course.” He squeezed Jeni’s hand that was wrapped around his arm. “Mrs. Carrie Astor Wilson, I’d like you to meet Miss Jeni O’Brien.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Astor Wilson.” Jeni spoke confidently and clearly.
“I must say, Miss O’Brien, your hat is simply delicious. Might I inquire about your milliner?” The older woman smiled.
Philip wasn’t quite sure how to help. Mrs. Astor Wilson wasn’t accustomed to not getting her questions answered. And he didn’t want Jeni to be embarrassed in any way.
Jeni squeezed his elbow. “Thank you, Mrs. Astor Wilson. I designed it myself.”
“Really? It’s exquisite. You are quite talented.” The woman’s eyebrows raised. “Oh, I simply must hear more about this.”
Philip looked down at Jeni and saw the look she gave him. Did she need rescuing? “Mrs. Astor Wilson, I’m so sorry to cut our conversation short, but we really must be going. Perhaps you and Miss O’Brien could talk about this some other time?”
“I would love that.” Mrs. Astor Wilson nodded. “I wouldn’t want to keep you two young people away from your plans this afternoon.” She reached out a hand to Jeni. “Miss O’Brien, I look forward to meeting you again.”
“And I you.” Jeni gave a gracious nod of her head.
Philip led them out to the car, and they made it with just a few more simple introductions. As he opened the door for her, he lowered his voice. “What did you think?”
She put a hand to her chest. “It was wonderful, Philip. Absolutely wonderful.”
Her words put a bounce in his step as he walked around to the front of the car. “That makes me very happy.”
After he cranked the car, he settled himself in for a pleasant drive. Once they crossed the Brooklyn Bridge to Long Island, he meandered through the streets he’d known so well as a kid and then let the car gently ramble along a country road.
Their conversation had been light as they’d driven along, and a comfortable silence fell over them as Jeni seemed fascinated with everything around her. “So back there … that was the Brooklyn that you grew up in?”
“Pretty much. Have you never seen it before?”
She shook her head and shot him a smile. “No. In fact, I’ve never even been over the bridge before.”
“Why didn’t you tell me? I could’ve given you a tour.”
She laughed. “It’s fine. Next time, how about you give me that tour. Today, I just want to enjoy the drive and think about Reverend Richards’ sermon.”
“It was a good one, wasn’t it?” His comfort with this woman made him feel content. Was it the beginnings of love? They definitely had a solid foundation of friendship. But how did they get to that next step? Philip realized he had no clue.
Jeni shifted in the seat to face him and put her arm up on the seat behind her. “Tell me about your relationship with God.”
The comment made him look over at her. “I’m not sure what you mean.”
“Well, I guess I want to understand what I’m feeling. Your preacher inspired me this morning. I felt a fire within me that I haven’t felt in a long time. It reminded me of my parents. My da used to always talk about a personal relationship with Jesus. And I really want that. But after they died, Aunt Bridget didn’t take me to the same church anymore. Then we moved to New York, and she refuses to go to church because she’s certain that unless it’s with other Irishmen, we’ll be looked down upon.”
Philip found a lovely spot to pull off on the side of the road where they could see the water. He turned off the engine and shifted to face her. “Ya know, it wasn’t until a few years back that I think I truly understood what a real relationship with God meant. Oh, I’d prayed lots of prayers as a kid, ya know, hopin’ that I’d done it right so that God would save me. But I think I was more scared of hell than I was truly wantin’ to know about Him. I got into all kinds of trouble as a kid, but most of it was just tryin’ to fend for myself. I didn’t feel right stealin’ like some of the other boys. Sorry, I’m dropping my g’s again. Professor Montgomery would scold me.”
She laughed with him. “So when did you truly start to follow Jesus?”
“A few years ago. My manager invited me to church, and I went and met the reverend. He asked me if I was saved and I told him I wasn’t sure. So without knowing a stitch about me, he took me through the book of Romans and asked me several pointed questions. I knew I was a sinner in need of a Savior. I knew that Jesus had been the sacrifice for my sins and was resurrected. But it wasn’t until that moment that I longed to give my life over to Him.”
“Thank you for sharing that with me.”
“What about you?”
“I haven’t felt this alive in a long time.” She smiled. “Would you mind if I go to church with you again?”
“I’d love that. Next week?”
“Sounds lovely.”
They talked about the songs they sang in the service, which apparently were all new to Jeni. Then she talked about the fact that she had so much more now than she had before. She wanted to start giving back to help widows and the orphans.
Philip looked at the car he’d just purchased. Maybe there was more that he could do as well. A lot more.
He pulled out the picnic he’d asked the deli to put together for him, and they enjoyed a leisurely lunch and joked about Professor Montgomery’s techniques. They talked about their childhoods and favorite memories.
Jeni was scared of spiders.
Philip always slept with a light on because he grew up in the dark.
As they shared snippets of their lives with each other, Philip didn’t want the day to end. But he forced himself to say, “I better get you home before your aunt comes hunting for me.”
Jeni laughed and shook her head. “I just need to talk to her more. She’s built such a tough wall around herself lately that I’m not quite sure what to do. Maybe I should pray about it.”
“That’s probably the best idea.” He started the car up and headed back to the city. “I really enjoyed our day today. Thank you for spending it with me.”
“Thank you for asking. I really had a nice time.” The smile she gave him sent heat up his neck.
As they drove, the wind tugged at strands of her hair underneath the giant hat, and her neat coiffure came undone. Her dark hair was so pretty. He wanted to reach out and touch it, but it wasn’t his right to do that. At least not yet.
But with everything in him, he longed for that day.
Yep. He had it bad.
The thought made him smile.
“What’s caused that grin, Mr. March?” Jeni’s voice was playful.
“Oh, just a little secret.”
“You won’t tell me?”
“Nope. Not yet.”
“All right. Well, how about you tell me about your nickname.”
The reminder of his nickname made him chuckle. “Well, you see, Tony and I grew up on the streets together.”
“Oh, so now I know who to go to for all the secrets about the famous baseball player Mr. March.” He loved the way she sounded when she teased him.
“Yep. You do. Tony pretty much knows it all.” He shook his head. “Anyway, I was a husky kid. Sometimes, when I had to chase down a ball in the streets, I had to climb through fences, over walls, et cetera.”
He looked at her in time to watch her eyebrows raise.
“And I would often get wed
ged into tight places and Tony would have to come rescue me. So he started calling me Wedge, and the name stuck.”
“Do the other players call you that?”
“Yep. Most of the time.”
“That’s a fun story.”
“So now you know.”
The moment stretched out, and Philip chanced a glance at her. She just sat there smiling at him.
“What?” He couldn’t help but smile back.
“I really like you, Philip March.”
His heart thumped in his chest. “I really like you, Jeni O’Brien.” He took his right hand off the wheel and on an impulse, reached for her hand and lifted it to his lips and kissed it. “More than you know.”
Chapter 12
Bridget stomped up the stairs to their apartment. It hadn’t taken much to find out that Mr. Philip March was indeed a baseball player for the New York Giants and held the home run record. He was basically a celebrity and everyone loved him.
She’d even heard the famous “rags to riches” story about how he’d grown up on the streets of Brooklyn with no family and had made himself into the incredible man that he was today.
It made her sick.
When she’d snooped in her niece’s room the other day, she had no idea that the lass was planning on going to church with some rich baseball player. In fact, it didn’t seem that the girl had anything to hide, which had relieved her somewhat. But now to know that she’d been hanging out with that March fellow …
It didn’t bode well. The boy wasn’t Irish. And for goodness’ sake, he didn’t even have a real job; he played a stupid game with a stick and a ball! What was it with these Americans paying good money to go watch a bunch of men run around in the dirt? It made no sense.
And she wouldn’t stand for it.
There had to be a way to separate the two without Jeni knowing that she’d meddled. Bridget had a plan to get them out of this wretched city. But this good-looking man might present a giant obstacle. And she couldn’t stand for that.