Rescuing The Preacher (Christmas Rescue Series Book 1) Page 4

Grace laughed. “You sound funny.” Then she skipped away.

  “I didn’t mean it like that,” he said quietly, then headed for the front door. “See you at midday.”

  Rose cleaned up the kitchen, then prepared the children for their outing. Even after the short time she’d cared for them, there was already a place in her heart for Grace and Clara. Also for their father.

  They were not her own children, never would be, but it was beginning to feel that way.

  She shook herself. How could one become so attached so soon? “Come on, Grace. Let’s get ready for our stroll.”

  Little Grace came running. “Put on your socks and shoes, and we’ll prepare Clara.”

  “What about Papa?” Her little eyes implored Rose, but sadly she couldn’t comply.

  “Perhaps another time?”

  Grace clapped her hands and ran to get the perambulator. Rose was quickly behind her, not wanting the walls to be destroyed.

  As they strolled along the edge of the creek, Rose contemplated her new life. No longer was she bored. The children had brought joy into her life. Not to mention the preacher.

  When he arrived home at night, it was like a light turned on inside her. She wasn’t sure what that meant except that she liked him.

  He was a wonderful father, and she couldn’t begin to imagine what he’d been through after his wife had died, trying to raise those girls alone.

  In the short time she’d been here, she’d seen a distinct difference in him.

  He seemed more relaxed now. Grace seemed very happy, and Clara? Well, she mostly slept and drank. She did have some play time – Rose had seen to that.

  “Don’t go too far ahead, Grace,” Rose called as she took off.

  The child looked back over her shoulder. “Alright.”

  Then suddenly she was out of sight. Panic set in. Rose almost ran as she heard a child’s scream. She was certain it was her inquisitive charge.

  She quickly caught up to find Grace looking down at her bleeding finger. “What happened?”

  She kept her voice soft, although the mishap was a result of misbehavior which was unusual for Grace.

  “The plant bit me.” Tears rolled down her cheeks, and holding back a smile, Rose wiped her tears away with her kerchief.

  She glanced up at the offending plant. “Oh, blackberries! They would be nice for supper.” The distraction was enough to stop the flow of tears.

  Pulling Grace’s pinafore up to form a makeshift bowl, they collected just enough blackberries for supper. “Won’t Papa get a surprise?”

  Her smile faltering, Grace nodded. “He will.”

  They began to make their way home again, taking their treasure with them. “It’s nearly time for Clara’s feed anyway,” she told the older child. “And no doubt she is wet.”

  “Or smelly,” Grace added, and holding her nose. Rose couldn’t help but laugh.

  Life was certainly interesting now. And she felt safe – especially when Preacher Matthew Barnabas was around.

  * * *

  The preacher looked out across the room.

  The church was packed today. His congregation was growing, and it pleased him. It had taken a long time to earn the trust of the people of Dalton Springs. A very long time.

  Everyone loved Alice too. After all, what was there not to love?

  People were still moving around, and he waited. He watched as Grace wriggled about on the front pew, snuggled close to Rose. Clara was asleep in her lap.

  The three of them looked very comfortable together – almost like a real family. Rose had become like family.

  If it wasn’t for the fact she went back to Mrs Armstrong’s place every night, people would probably assume they were.

  Mrs Green began to play the organ, and quiet settled across the small building. The door suddenly opened and heads turned. He followed their direction, then sighed.

  The circuit Bishop had arrived for a visit. Normally he was advised ahead of time, but not this time.

  The visitor made his way to the front pew and sat next to Grace, chucking her under the chin. He spoke briefly to Rose and shook her hand. When he turned to face the front, his expression was stern.

  Was there a problem?

  Matthew hoped not.

  “Thank you everyone for coming today. I’d like to welcome Bishop Holloway to our service today.” He indicated the Bishop and continued on with his sermon.

  “Let us pray.”

  Everyone bowed their heads in prayer. He heard Rose shush Grace more than once, and it made him smile. Then Clara began to wail, and he looked up to see Rose rush out of the church with the two children.

  He’d missed that. Alice often had to run out. More often than not for a messy diaper than anything.

  Then it hit him. Those memories had not visited him for quite some time. Since Rose had arrived, happier times had been on his mind. Prior to that, he was far too busy and stressed to even think about them and could only recall the sad times.

  They were singing Onward Christian Soldiers when Rose and the children returned to their seats. He glanced across and saw the Bishop still wore that stern look he’d had earlier.

  Whatever was bothering him, Matthew had no idea, but he was certain he’d find out soon enough.

  “We will finish with the Lord’s Prayer.”

  Matthew walked slowly down the aisle toward the door. Rose and the girls followed him. He stood firmly and greeted everyone as they left, the Bishop included.

  “Can we talk later?” he asked quietly.

  “Of course, Bishop Holloway. Why don’t you have luncheon with us?” He accepted and Matthew indicated to Rose. “The Bishop is having luncheon with us,” he said quietly.

  “Oooh, lovely!” she said, obviously delighted.

  Normally Matthew felt that way, but today he felt nothing but dread.

  “You have no plans to marry, then?”

  Rose’s head shot up at the Bishop’s words. “Marry?” It was the second time in a week the suggestion had been flouted around.

  “Marry?” Preacher Barnabas echoed her words.

  The Bishop scooped more of the hearty beef soup into his mouth. “This is really good, Rose.” He reached for another piece of her homemade bread.

  She was becoming a good cook, if she did say so herself. She’d even made blackberry and apple pie for dessert.

  “Thank you, Bishop,” she said sweetly, feeling a little embarrassed at his praise.

  “She’s a good cook,” Preacher Barnabas said, beaming.

  He’d certainly enjoyed her cooking, even if it was basic compared to most.

  Rose stood and pulled the pie out of the oven, and began to slice it. She had her back to the two men when the Bishop spoke. “Rose,” he said. “Can you sit down a moment? I need to talk to you both.”

  The Bishop wanted to talk to her? How strange. But she complied.

  “Yes?” she asked, totally confused.

  She watched the preacher as he braced himself. Did he know what the Bishop was going to say? “It’s all very innocent, Bishop,” he said, preempting the other man’s words.

  Rose’s eyes opened wide. Was he suggesting what she thought he was suggesting?

  “Rose is staying with Mrs Armstrong. I can assure you it’s all above board.”

  Rose was fuming. She stood and pulled down four bowls from the overhead cupboard. She didn’t dare say a word in case she exploded.

  She dished up the dessert and placed a bowl in front of each of the men, and a smaller serve was given to Grace. “Be careful, Grace,” she said quietly. “It is very hot.”

  She placed a bowl of clotted cream in the middle of the table, dishing out a portion to Grace who needed the assistance.

  Then she turned away again, preparing coffee for the men.

  “Rose, please sit down. I didn’t mean to upset you. Either of you.” The Bishop dished some cream onto his pie and took a mouthful. “This is really good.”

  “We pick
ed the blackberries near the creek,” Grace said. “See – the plant bit my finger!” She held out her little hand for the men to see her almost indistinguishable cut.

  Bishop Holloway reached out and pretended to be concerned. “Goodness me,” he said. “Such a sacrifice you made.”

  Then he eye-balled Matthew, and glanced her way as well.

  “Speaking of sacrifices...” He took another mouthful.

  “But we haven’t done anything,” Rose said, wholly shattered at his inference. “I come in daily to look after the children, and go home after supper.”

  He looked at her gently. “You spend far too much time here,” he said calmly. “People are beginning to talk.”

  “What?” Rose was shocked. They’d done everything possible to sustain her reputation and that of the preacher. She blinked back the tears that were trying to force their way through. “Then I must leave,” she said softly.

  Grace began to sob. “No, you can’t leave me. I want you to stay.”

  Using great restraint Rose ignored the words. Instead she busied herself with cleaning up the luncheon dishes, not daring to look at either Matthew or the Bishop, lest she begin to sob herself.

  She’d begun to see this lovely little town as her home, these people as her family. Even Mrs Stapleton had softened to her.

  “Is there no other way,” she heard the preacher ask.

  She heard a chair push along the floor. “There is no other option,” Bishop Holloway said. “Unless Rose leaves. And it’s obvious no one here wants that.”

  Another chair scraped along the floor. “Thank you for a lovely luncheon, Rose,” he said. “Shall we meet in the church in say, half an hour?”

  And then he was gone.

  She had come here to escape one marriage of convenience, and now she was being forced into another. Rose swallowed hard.

  What was she going to do?

  Chapter Six

  Rose faced the preacher. “What just happened?”

  Her words faltered, as she knew they would.

  He stood stiffly and stared at her. “Honestly? I don’t know. I had no indication this was coming.”

  He glanced down at his still sobbing daughter, then walked over to her and hugged her tight. “It will be alright, sweetheart. Rose isn’t going anywhere.” He glanced up at her. “Are you?”

  Her heart tightened in her chest and she could barely breathe. She had to make a choice – leave this little town and her newly adopted family immediately, or marry the preacher.

  She looked from one to the other of them, then squeezed her eyes tightly shut, not allowing the tears to escape. Turning her back on them, she pretended to tidy up from the meal, despite having already done it.

  “Rose?” His voice was low and gentle. “I will not force you to do this, but you need to make a decision. Bishop Holloway will be waiting. If you decide against it...”

  She hurriedly intercepted his words. “I’ll do it.” What other choice did she have?

  Her words came out much quicker than she’d intended. She had no money, and no where to go. If she stopped looking after the children, there was no reason to stay here, and no means to pay rent to Mrs Armstrong.

  It was all a huge mess.

  He stood frozen. “You’re certain?” He looked as bewildered as she felt. She had no idea what caused this sudden turn of events, and was certain he was in the same situation.

  Obviously someone had contacted the Bishop. Was it Mrs Stapleton? Rose wouldn’t put it past her, but she had no evidence that was the case.

  “Grace, why don’t you go and play in the sitting room for a bit?”

  It was obvious Grace didn’t want to leave, but wanted to see how it all panned out. She couldn’t possibly understand what was unfolding, but the emotions were blatantly clear. That much was certain.

  When they were alone, Matthew approached her. “You don’t have to do this. I’m not going to make you.” His hands were on her arms. It was the first time he’d ever touched her, and it felt nice.

  His eyes suddenly fell on his hands and he snatched them away.

  “Where would I go?” she asked softly. “I have no choice. It wouldn’t be so bad, would it? Being married to me?”

  He was probably wondering the same thing, but didn’t hesitate. “No. It certainly wouldn’t. And not much would change – you would sleep here instead of at Mrs Armstrong’s. That’s it really.”

  He smiled at her, but she could tell it was a forced smile. “A preacher’s wife has certain obligations in the community. Do you think you could manage that as well as the children?”

  “What obligations?” It was the first she knew of it.

  “Helping with the Ladies Auxiliary. Preparing food for those in need. That sort of thing.”

  She nodded slowly. Rose had been pushed into a corner. There was little choice available to her, but at least this time she knew what she was getting in to and had a choice. “Whatever it takes. My choices are few.”

  “It will be a marriage of convenience, of course.”

  She didn’t answer but stared at him. She guessed it would be, he wouldn’t be interested in someone like her. “I’ll prepare Clara, and tidy myself up. Then we can go.” She started to walk away.

  “Rose.” She turned to face him. “Thank you. I know this is a huge sacrifice for you.”

  He reached out and took her hand in both of his. Her skin tingled.

  She’d seen him do this same thing with his parishioners, so it meant nothing to him. For some strange reason, it meant everything to her.

  * * *

  They walked into the church together. His church, but right now it felt like he was walking into a building that was unfamiliar.

  It was the strangest feeling.

  Bishop Holloway sat on the front pew, bible in his hand, head bent. He stood when he saw them enter. “Ah, good.” He seemed quite pleased with himself.

  “What about witnesses?” It wasn’t something Matthew had thought of before.

  The Bishop opened the vestry door. “I have them on standby.” Mrs Green and Mrs Armstrong entered the church, not meeting his eyes. Would it always be like this from now on? Would these two women who had always been big supporters, shy away in future? He hoped not.

  Rose settled Grace onto the front pew, and placed Clara in the perambulator beside her. “You sit quietly,” she said softly, handing Grace a book, then kissed her on the cheek. “It won’t take long.”

  Grace did as she was told, but like everyone else, appeared quite bewildered.

  The ceremony didn’t take long, as he knew it wouldn’t. He felt bad for Rose – she’d never been married before and deserved a big wedding. When it was foisted upon you like this had been, there was no time for any sort of preparations.

  When it had come time for the part where the Bishop should say you may kiss the bride, he omitted that part. Not really surprising given the circumstances.

  “Congratulations,” Mrs Armstrong said, not sounding very exuberant. She was probably peeved about losing rent. Matthew made a note to give her a bonus for her trouble.

  Mrs Green came up to him and gently hugged him, then Rose. She’d always been a hugger, so he wasn’t in the least surprise. “What a lovely outcome,” she said beaming.

  It made him wonder if she realized it was a forced marriage. No matter – it was better if neither woman understood. Word would spread around town quickly, and then people would wonder if Rose was with child.

  He groaned inwardly. People could be cruel.

  He watched as Rose wandered over to Grace and hugged her tight. “You’re a good girl,” she told Grace, then kissed her cheek and hugged her. She held her for the longest time, and he wondered if the enormity of what she’d just done had suddenly hit her.

  It was after all, a big undertaking. Not only had she become an instant mother, she’d taken on an entire parish.

  Although he’d been forced into this situation, he wasn’t unhappy about it
. Rose was a wonderful person and made a pleasing addition to his family.

  “I’m sorry it came to this,” the Bishop told him. “But it was taken out of my hands. After the complaint came in...”

  “Complaint? Who would...?” It took only a moment to process the answer. “Never mind, I think I know.” That nosey Mrs Stapleton – it had to be her. She was always looking out for him, according to her. But there was a difference between caring about his welfare and interfering. She’d over-stepped the line this time.

  “She was only looking out for you. And Rose,” the Bishop said gently.

  He shook his head. What did the woman think she would achieve in all of this? To force Rose out of the village? Or to force them to marry?

  If it was the latter, she got her way.

  According to what Rose had said, Mrs Stapleton hadn’t been the most welcoming to her. Hopefully that was all in the past.

  From this moment on, life would be different – for both of them. He needed to get home and sort out their new living arrangements. Had Rose realized there were no spare beds? She probably hadn’t thought about it. Until this point, there was no need for her to worry.

  The more he thought about it, the more he believed it would be upsetting to her.

  Time to face the music. He hooked his arm through his wife’s and escorted her and the children from the church, and headed next door to their home.

  His head was spinning with various thoughts, not all of them goodly.

  He stopped at the front door and unlocked it, then scooped Rose up in his arms and carried her across the threshold. Her arms snaked around his neck and she stared into his eyes.

  He liked the feel of her arms there, but knew he shouldn’t get used to it. Theirs was a marriage of convenience and nothing more.

  That’s what they’d both agreed to, and he couldn’t see Rose changing her mind any time soon.

  “What are you doing, Papa?” Grace’s voice cut though his thoughts. Just as well too, they were not very gentlemanly.

  Still holding Rose, he turned toward his little daughter. “Rose and I got married, Grace. She is your new Mama.”

  Grace squealed. “I have a Mama?” Tears of happiness streamed down her tiny face and she swiped at them. “Can I call her Mama now?”