The Rescue (17 page)

Brown Manor

“Robert!” his mother exclaimed for the fifth time, her eyes huge with delight as she took in her son’s home for the first time. It had been years since Lenore had been inside Brown Manor, but her joy stemmed from more than that. Her son had made it a home. It was warm and welcoming, and she couldn’t have been happier as he gave her a tour.

Weston was very pleased by his mother’s reaction. He was delighted with the outcome as well, but it was doubly rewarding to have his mother’s approval.

“Come outside with me now,” he invited. “I want to check on the conservatory work, and we might as well do that before we clean up from the trip.”

To please her son, Lenore complied. She was dusty and a bit tired, but her first glimpse of the gardens was worth the exertion.

“Oh, Robert, the colors! They’re amazing.”

“Aren’t they, though? I can’t take any credit. The gardens were in fine shape when I arrived. We’ve had only to spruce them up a bit.”

Lenore took in the numerous cobblestone and gravel pathways that crisscrossed their way toward what would obviously be the new conservatory. Lining every path and covering every spare inch of earth were flowers, bushes, shrubs, and plants of every conceivable color, type, and variety. The paths would take the strolling couple through the occasional archway, and each trellis dripped with climbing roses or clematis.

“There’s a kitchen garden around the side there,” Weston pointed as he began to explain the conservatory plans. “I have planned high glass on three sides, and the building itself will be 60 by 100 feet.”

Lenore listened intently, picking the occasional flower and working to take it all in. She was proud of her son—he had grown into a fine young man—but she hadn’t seen him take charge in this way. It pleased her but also gave her pause.

“Shall we go in?” Weston suggested, taking in his mother’s quiet face.

Lenore stopped and turned to him.

“It’s lovely, Robert. I’m so pleased for you.”

Weston smiled. For a moment he couldn’t read her thoughts, but the eyes she turned to him were the ones he knew: kind, warm, and supportive.

The twosome made their way indoors and relaxed for the remainder of the day. The trip from London had been tiring, and both wanted to be fresh for church in the morning.

The Manse

“I’ve disturbed your lunch again, haven’t I, sir?”

“Not at all, Weston,” Pastor Hurst said kindly to the younger man. “Come right in. Did you have a good visit with your mother?”

“Yes.”

“Is she still here?”

“She left Saturday. She had appointments and could only stay a week.”

“Well, how nice for you that she could come. We certainly enjoyed meeting her.”

Weston had no reply to this. Pastor had seen him to a chair and taken one himself but now gave him a few moments to initiate conversation.

“I’ve come seeking your advice today,” Weston began.

“All right.”

“What do you think of my asking Anne Gardiner to be my wife?”

The room was quiet for several heartbeats.

“May I ask you some questions?”

“Certainly.”

“Are you in love with Anne?”

“No, sir, I’m not, but I do care about her.”

“When did this begin?”

“It’s been coming for some weeks now, but my mind really began to move in this direction during her birthday party.”

“Did something happen?”

“Nothing and everything.”

“What does that mean?”

“I don’t know exactly, Pastor, except to say that she’s so unspoiled and sweet. I’ve never known anyone like her. I gave her the handkerchiefs, if you recall. They were nothing special or fancy, but she handled them with such delight and thanked me with great sincerity. I haven’t been able to stop thinking of her.”

“So you feel sorry for her.”

Weston laughed. “Not in the least. She doesn’t invite those types of feelings from anyone, but there is something very vulnerable about her, and I find myself nearly irresistibly drawn.”

There was something more here—Pastor sensed it—but he couldn’t put his finger on it.

“It bothers me that she’s being shunned in town,” Weston continued, his face pained as he looked across at the other man. “I believe that a marriage can be built on mutual respect and caring, and that’s what we would have. If we were to marry, I think her position in town would be restored to her. As my wife, I guess I’m hoping that her reputation would suffer no further.”

“And do you seek a real marriage—a marriage in every sense of the word?”

“Yes. It will certainly take some time to fully know each other, but I believe you would recommend Anne as a fine wife, and I’m hoping you’ll be able to recommend me to Anne.”

“You understand she comes with nothing, no income of any kind?”

“That is the least of my worries.”

“What are you most worried about?”

“That you won’t approve of me for Anne, and that Anne will go on having to pay for my actions on that day. Or that she’ll refuse me and never be comfortable in my presence.”

There’s more than just caring going on here, but he doesn’t even know it. He’s half in love with her and hasn’t a clue.

“In truth, Mr Weston,” Pastor’s thoughts scrambled before he found what he wanted to say, “I would be happy to give my consent. I know Anne very well, and I’ve come to know you over the summer. I find it hard to believe that your love for Jesus Christ and the Word is feigned. However, exactly how Anne will respond to this is yet to be known. I would never push her to do something she does not care to do, not even a little.”

Weston nodded in complete agreement.

“But if you’re quite sincere about this, I would be happy to broach the subject with her.”

Weston came forward in his seat.

“You would talk to her for me, Pastor? At least to begin with?”

“Yes. I don’t mind telling you that Anne’s welfare is often in my prayers. Having you marry and take care of her would certainly ease her situation.”

Weston nodded, but the interview had cost him. He felt very spent just then and out of words.

“Give me a few days, Weston, and I’ll see to the matter.”

“I thank you, sir.”

Pastor Hurst looked him in the eye.

“If Anne agrees to become your wife, I think you will be thankful, Weston. Anne Gardiner is very special. She’s sweet, godly, and kind. The man who wins her affections will be blessed among men.”

It was not what Weston expected to hear, but it did his heart good. He thanked the pastor several more times before leaving, his heart also thanking God that the doors were still open. What the next few days and weeks would bring, he would have to wait to see.

Chapter Nine

“Mother?” Jane Hurst caught that lady’s hand before she could leave the room.

“You’re stalling, Jane,” Judith said, fighting a smile.

Jane grinned up at her.

“Now, dear, Margaret is already asleep. You do the same.”

“But I did have a question.”

“All right. Ask quickly, and don’t question my answer.”

“Can Mary Clements come to visit tomorrow…maybe spend the day? We spoke of it on Sunday.”

“It will probably work out, but I’ll give you my final answer over breakfast.”

“Thank you.” Jane smiled up at her, and Judith leaned to kiss her once more. A swift check on the boys caused one more delay when five-year-old John complained of being cold, but at last all blankets were in place, everyone was kissed, and she was headed downstairs to find her husband. That that man had something on his mind all through dinner and the evening had been more than clear to her, but they had not been alone so she could question him. Asking didn’t mean she would get an answer, but tonight she was going to try.

“Judith, is that you?”

“Yes, dear,” she answered, following her husband’s voice at the bottom of the stairs and turning into the small salon to find him.

“Please come in. I wish to tell you something.”

Judith was not going to argue with that. She was most eager to hear. Nothing, however, could have prepared her for her husband’s news. Judith sat in stunned silence upon hearing Weston’s request for Anne’s hand. She seemed incapable of speaking or moving.

“I’ve shocked you,” Pastor said at last.

“Yes.”

“Is this the way Anne will react?” he asked.

“Much worse, I’m afraid.”

“And what will her answer be?”

Judith thought on this but honestly did not know.

“I think she could be talked into it, but I wouldn’t want to be the one to do that.”

Pastor was already shaking his head.

“No. I’ve told Weston I won’t push her. I told him I would introduce the matter, but I won’t push Anne.”

“What if she doesn’t know what to do and asks your advice?”

“I’ll tell her to marry the man.”

Judith had to think on this a little more. She cared a great deal for Mr Weston, and she adored Anne, but her heart couldn’t help but ask the question
What woman didn’t wish to marry for love?
Nevertheless…

“What can I do to help?” Judith now asked.

“Invite Anne over so we can both talk with her. Let me know what time works out for both of you.”

“All right. Soon?”

“Yes. There’s not going to be a lot of flowery courtship, but Anne should have a chance to think on her answer as soon as possible.”

It all sounded very neat and tidy, like some sort of business transaction, but both Hursts were very mindful of the hearts and emotions involved in this venture. They talked only a few minutes more on the subject before they knelt together to pray.

Thornton Hall

“Are the walls getting a bit close?” Anne asked of Marianne on her visit. The women had enjoyed tea and now were content to sit back and talk.

“At times. I’m tired, and that makes it easier to be confined, but Jennings,” Marianne’s voice went up a notch, “and the children tend to hover a bit.”

“I heard that,” a deep voice said good-naturedly as he passed the doorway.

The women exchanged a smile.

“I can see you’re simply miserable having an attentive husband,” Anne gently teased her expectant friend.

Marianne was laughing when the baby delivered a small kick. She didn’t say anything to Anne, but it was something she never grew weary of.

At moments like this Marianne asked herself what life must be like for Anne Gardiner. She had no one to take care of her and no prospect of a suitor. Marianne had been looked after her entire life. She wasn’t sure she would know how to survive in Anne’s world. At the same time, she recognized Anne’s strength in the Lord because of her adversity.

“Well, I’d best be off,” Anne said, effectively cutting into Marianne’s busy thoughts. “Pastor and Judith have asked me to lunch at the manse.”

“Let me call the coach for you, Anne.”

“Oh, Mari, I don’t mind the walk.”

But Mrs Jennings wouldn’t hear of it. It was a good distance to the church, and Anne had already walked to Thornton Hall. Marianne was not about to let her walk back. And as she was going by coach, they had more time. The two of them visited a bit longer before Anne took her leave.