Love's Story (39 page)

“But with the baby coming…”

“The baby won't be here for six more months. We'll certainly have found her a place by then.”

“If she isn't stoned first.” Seeing the doorknob rotate, Robert changed his tone instantly. “How was your walk?”

Rachel's eyes were red and it was obvious she'd been crying. “I think I'll go freshen up before dinner. Do you mind, Maria?”

“By all means, Rachel. Use our room; there's clean water and a towel on the dresser.”

With Rachel out of the room, Robert addressed Chase angrily. “What have you done now?”

Chase lifted his hands. “I assure you, Robert, this time I'm innocent. Mrs. Steele is behind this.” As soon as he said the words, he knew they were not entirely true. He'd had no right to embrace Rachel. He had made no profession of his feelings, no suggestion of commitment toward her.

Rachel would be the talk of the town again, and this time it would be
his
fault. “I really must be going. Please tell Rachel I said good-bye.” Chase decided it best to plead Rachel's case to Mrs. Steele.

Rachel sat on the Lathrop's bed and wept, using the towel to drown her sobs. She felt an arm around her, and Maria's head came to rest upon her shoulder. “It's all right; let it out.”

“Maria, why? Why would God let this happen?”

“I don't know, Rachel. That's not really for us to question. God always knows what's best for His children. We must remember that evil is at work in Searsville right now. We must pray, pray for the women who torment us.”

“Why would I want to pray for them, Maria? I don't care if they—”

“Rachel, don't say such things! It is precisely because you don't want to pray for these women that we must.”

Rachel knew Maria's words were true. She had heard her mother telling her to pray for those who persecute since before she knew what the word meant. But now, as the enemy became so real, it was a much more difficult task.

“Maria, you wouldn't pray for them if you knew what they said about
you.”
Rachel spat out the words like a child.

“You mean, that I'm always barefoot and pregnant or that I smell like Mexican spice?” Maria laughed while Rachel's mouth gaped.

“You know what they say?”

“You know, the funny thing is, most of them have more children than I do. That's why I can't let it bother me, Rachel. God's truth is eternal. Theirs lasts until the next rumor proves otherwise.”

“Maria, I'm afraid it isn't all lies.”

“What do you mean?”

“During our walk, I allowed Chase to embrace me.”

“Has he declared his feelings toward you?”

“No.”

“I see.” Maria paused to word her next question carefully. “And do you think you were seen together?”

“Yes, I know we were. By Mrs. Steele and Henry.” Maria closed her eyes and Rachel understood her frustration.

“Let's not worry about it now. I've got dinner on the table. We'll pray about it and decide what to do after dinner. By the way, Robert and I think it best if you stay here for a while.” The words brought instant comfort, and Rachel relaxed about finding a new home.

Chase knocked briskly three times. He would have to contain his anger if he was to speak rationally to Gretchen about the events of this evening.

“Chase. What a delight to see you. I want to make it clear, I'm not upset with you. But certainly you must take my advice on how it looks for you to be seen with the likes of that schoolteacher.”

“Gretchen, I think we need to talk.” His tone was firm.

“Of course, Chase. Please come in and make yourself at home. I've got coffee brewing; I was expecting you.”

Chase took a seat in the parlor on the burgundy chair near the window. Gretchen followed him closely and sat upon the footrest adjacent to the chair, rather than the sofa across the room. Uncomfortable with her proximity, Chase slid back in his seat, arranging his long legs so that his right ankle rested on his left knee.

“Gretchen, I need to speak with you about Miss Phillips… Where is Henry, by the way?”

“Don't worry, Henry's in bed. Chase, what more can I tell you? If you want to salvage your reputation, you need to forget about her.” She continued without giving him a chance to answer. “It's obvious you've let yourself be blinded by her beauty. You must know what kind of woman they say she is.”

“She is a very sweet and naive young woman who has been sorely misjudged by this town.”

“Not according to what I just witnessed by the lake,” she sniffed.

“I allowed myself to comfort Rachel in an inappropriate fashion, and I will apologize to her for that, but I would appreciate it if word of this did not spread.”

“Chase, you know
I
would never say anything, but this did happen at the lake. Who knows who might have been peering out their window as you
touched
her? You know, Chase, I have to think about my son. It's bad enough that he must be taught by her, but if you're going to continue embracing the young women in town, perhaps Henry shouldn't spend any more time with you either.”

“Gretchen, you're making more of this than is necessary. I will explain everything to Henry.”

“I don't want you explaining your immoral behavior to my son.”

“Gretchen, you're being unreasonable.”

“Why, because I don't want my son learning scandalous conduct?” They sat eye to eye, locked in battle, Chase witnessing her true character for the first time. He would have to relent; he must think of Henry.

“Very well, Gretchen. I can see we're not getting anywhere. I hope we'll be able to discuss this later. Good night.” Chase rose to leave, and Gretchen was visibly upset.

“Chase, please don't go. I'm sorry,” Gretchen said, tugging on his plaid shirt. His demeanor softened.

“Gretchen, what I did was not right. I have admitted that and now I think a little forgiveness is in order. You know perfectly well that I would never do anything to harm my relationship with Henry.”

“Yes, I know, Chase.” Gretchen reached for Chase's hands and held them firmly.

“Now, I'm asking you as longtime friends…” Chase's blue eyes pierced her own. “Will you please let this go?”

“Yes, Chase. Consider it forgotten.” And for the moment, it was.

“Thank you, Gretchen.” Chase gripped the widow's hands briefly and turned to exit.

“Chase, the coffee should be ready,” she mentioned quickly.

“I can't stay, but thank you.”

“Will we see you Tuesday? For Henry?”

“Of course,” Chase answered kindly.

“Rachel, where have you been? I was beginning to worry; it's well past dark.” Mrs. Hopper was waiting in her sitting parlor, staring out the large window.

“I've been looking for a room, Mrs. Hopper,” Rachel responded without emotion.

“Did you find one, honey? I'm sorry I didn't provide more notice, but you do understand, dear,” Thelma replied guiltily.

“Yes, thank you. I will be living at the Lathrops, starting tomorrow.”

“The Lathrops? But, my dear, they have a child, with another on the way. And she's a Calif—”

“Yes, I know. I'm afraid I have very little choice in the matter, but to impose upon them. I'll be helping with some of the household responsibilities.” As she said the words, she was reminded of her stepfather's words,
“Of course, we'll need help with the baby for the first year, but then you'll be free to pursue your teaching career.”
Would the Lathrops feel the same way? Would she be in the way there, too?

“Miss Phillips, are you all right?” Rachel found it interesting that Thelma was now addressing her formally, just as her stepfather had always done. Rachel felt as though she'd come full circle.

“I'm fine. I'll be turning in now.”

“Good night, Miss Phillips,” Thelma called after her.

Rachel walked upstairs and sat on her bed. She would miss the fine furniture and surroundings at Mrs. Hopper's. She had never even met Mr. Hopper, and yet she had lived in his home for nearly a month. If only Thelma had given Rachel the benefit of the doubt. She rested her head on her pillow and thought warmly of Chase Dylan and his handsome face; it was a pleasant diversion that sent her dreamily to sleep.

The next morning Rachel awoke for the last time in her cheery, sunlit room. She began the morning by packing her dresses and few personal items in her trunk. She placed her leather Bible on top and closed the heavy lid. She sat on the trunk and gazed one last time at the lovely view. A mallard duck and his mate floated lazily across the tranquil waters, enjoying the bright morning sunshine and its blinding reflection.

“Miss Phillips!” Mrs. Hopper shouted from downstairs, causing Rachel to start from her peaceful reverie.

Wearing only a thin cotton nightgown, Rachel cracked the door. Peering out, she answered, “Yes, Mrs. Hopper.”

“Chase Dylan is here for your things.”

“Thank you.” Rachel tried to sound calm. “If you'll give him a cup of coffee, I'll be right down.” Rachel hurried to wash her face and dress. She brushed her hair, quickly pinning it rather sloppily, and ran down the stairs.

“I'm sorry, Rachel. I should have let you know I was coming. I saw Robert in town this morning, he was on his way to get your things, and I took his place.” Rachel breathed quickly with excitement.

“Wonderful. I should have packed last night, but I was overly tired.” They exchanged a harrowed look. “My trunk is upstairs. I'll help you bring it down.”

“That's okay, I'm sure I can handle it.” Rachel felt her unkempt hair and was suddenly self-conscious. She excused herself and ran upstairs to fix her hair. When she returned, she was rewarded by the most sincere smile she had seen on a man since her father died two years earlier.

“Rachel, would you mind if I had a word with you outside before you leave for the schoolhouse?” Chase opened the door at the bottom of the stairs and looked to Rachel expectantly. Mrs. Hopper watched with meddlesome interest.