The Preacher's Bride. Laurie Kingery

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СКАЧАТЬ blame you,” Faith said. “The married ladies will provide food for the preacher and his son, but those who can’t nurse could do this, too.”

      Polly closed her eyes and put up a hand as if volunteering for martyrdom. “I would do anything to help our preacher,” she declared in a tone more suited to the stage. “I’d be willing to work every day, if you like.”

      Faith guessed Polly was thinking a good deal more about how the old preacher’s illness would give her increased time around his son than she was of the reality of nursing a helpless, sick old man.

      “We’re all devoted to Reverend Chadwick, Polly,” Maude sniffed, clearly annoyed at Polly’s histrionics. “That’s why we’re here.”

      “I’ll remind y’all that we’re caring for our preacher so his son will be free to attend to pastoral duties as they arise, so he will not always be at the parsonage,” Faith said, hoping Polly got the hint. “Now, unless there are any other questions, here is a schedule for those willing to sign up,” she said, laying the sheet of paper she had prepared beforehand out on the table, along with a pencil. “Those of you who have never nursed before might like to pair up with someone who is more experienced the first time you go.” She had already signed up for several shifts herself.

      Faith watched as the members of the Spinsters’ Club milled around, the newer ladies partnering with the experienced ones, then stepped over to inspect the list. She was proud to see that every lady had committed herself for at least one shift over the next two weeks. That was far enough ahead to plan, she thought. Even Caroline, who must have a couple of dozen things to do before her wedding, had put herself down for the day after tomorrow.

      Her cousin Louisa’s face was troubled as she looked over the schedule. “But, Faith, you’ve signed up for the day of the wedding.”

      “It’s all right,” Faith said quickly. “Someone will have to be at the parsonage with Reverend Chadwick during the wedding, Louisa. I don’t mind.” It was probably best that she avoid the event. She was sure she could remain businesslike around Gil at the parsonage, when she was there in an official capacity. But at the wedding, with everyone dressed in their best and romance in the air, it would be far too tempting to flirt with Gil. If she wasn’t there, perhaps Gil would notice one of the other spinsters, and begin courting that lucky lady. The thought wrenched her heart, but it was for the best, she told herself, no matter what sort of spark she’d thought she’d seen in Gil’s eyes.

      It was only my imagination, she told herself firmly. All the more reason to sit with the old preacher while the others attended the wedding.

      “Oh, but I’ll switch with you,” Louisa persisted. “It would be a shame for you to miss it. You’ve known Caroline for a long time, while I’m still rather new here.”

      “What a kind, generous offer, Louisa,” Caroline said. “Faith, why don’t you take her up on it? Didn’t you tell me you’d already made a new dress for the wedding?”

      Faith blinked, wishing she hadn’t told the bride-to-be about the blue dress. She’d started making it right after Jack Collier had finally gotten serious about courting Caroline, when she realized she might have a chance with Gil after all. That was before she’d come to the realization she was the wrong woman for Gil.

      She was neatly caught now on the horns of a dilemma, despite her best intentions. If she didn’t agree to let Louisa switch with her, Caroline would wonder why. She might even think Faith didn’t want to celebrate with the happy couple, and be hurt.

      “That’s very nice, Louisa,” Faith said desperately. “But you haven’t had any nursing experience. Why don’t you sign up with any of the experienced ladies, or did you intend to work alongside one of them earlier in the week?”

      Louisa appeared surprised. “Faith, have you forgotten I took care of Papa before he passed on?” Louisa asked. “He was bedridden for months, remember?”

      Faith swallowed hard. She had forgotten about the lingering illness that had finally taken her uncle. Louisa was every bit as competent a nurse as she was, maybe more so.

      “I had forgotten,” she admitted. “All right, Louisa, thank you.” Surely, at the wedding, she could manage to keep from noticing Gil too much. And she’d contrive to stay away from the bouquet toss. Perhaps if she struck up a conversation with Mrs. Detwiler, the talkative older woman would keep her so occupied that she would not be tempted.

      The grandfather clock in the corner of the room struck nine.

      “Oh, look at the time,” Caroline said, rising. “I have to be getting home. Milly’s coming over to do my final dress fitting in the morning.”

      One by one, the other ladies started gathering their things.

      Except for Polly. “We haven’t even spoken of any Spinsters’ Club business yet,” she complained. “Haven’t there been any letters from bachelor candidates arrive at the post office lately, Caroline?”

      Caroline shook her head. “I’m afraid not. Oh, by the way, Faith, I’ve told Papa you’ll be stopping by to pick up any bachelor mail that might arrive.”

      Faith started to agree, but before she could open her mouth, she saw Polly’s lower lip jutting out dangerously.

      “I could do it,” Polly declared in a voice that dared anyone to disagree. “Sounds like Faith’s going to be pretty busy running the nursing corps when she’s not at the parsonage herself. And I see you took the lion’s share of the slots, Faith.”

      There was an unspoken accusation in the other woman’s voice, and from the indrawn breaths and shocked expressions around the parlor, everyone else noticed, as well.

      Faith forced herself to take a calming breath before speaking. “I’m not sure what you’re trying to say, Polly, but I did so out of a desire not to burden anyone else unduly. I only help Papa at the newspaper office when he needs me, and I don’t have younger brothers and sisters to mind, so I have more time to devote to the preacher’s care. Would you like to do it with me tomorrow?” she asked Polly. “I’d be happy to have your help.”

      The other woman’s eyes lost their pugnacious glint, and she looked away. “I can’t. Tomorrow I promised my mother I’d watch the younger children while she goes to San Saba. It’s just so boring keeping Teddy, Johnnie and Lottie out of trouble. I swan, Lottie is the worst of the three!” She tittered, but none of the other ladies joined in.

      “It’s fine with me if you want to pick up the bachelor letters, Polly,” Faith said. “That would be a big help.”

      “Perhaps after the wedding’s over and the preacher’s condition stabilizes, y’all could plan some new sort of event, or write a new advertisement in the newspaper for eligible bachelors,” Caroline suggested. “Good evening, ladies. Faith, I hope all goes well tomorrow,” she said as she left.

      One by one, all of the Spinsters’ Club members departed, until only Faith, Louisa and Polly were left.

      “I...I think I’ll go read for a while,” Louisa said, excusing herself with an uneasy glance toward Polly.

      Polly waited until Faith’s cousin went upstairs, then grabbed her reticule and motioned for Faith to follow her out onto the front step. “I...I’m sorry,” Polly murmured. “I don’t know what makes me snippy like that,” she said. “I admire you, Faith, I СКАЧАТЬ