Blacksmith by Wanda A. Wallace

Author:Wanda A. Wallace
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: romance, love, marriage, farm, shy, independent, ranch, wedding, strong, blacksmith, attached
Publisher: Champagne Books

Fourteen

Milking Marybelle in accordance with instructions, Harry heard a rider outside the barn. He took a break and strolled toward the sound with Howler alongside. A man with a parson’s collar dismounted and walked toward Harry with his hand extended. He shook it heartily, and then stepped back. “Howdy, Mr. Barton. I’m Parson Hastings, the pastor in town. I regret I could not be here for the barn raising. I’ve been out of town on business. Though I doubt anyone missed me, because I’m better with my tongue than my hands. Never took a liking to any of that manual work.

“I wanted to be certain you know about our Sunday service. We hold it at ten o’clock in the morning. Since everyone tends to be an early riser around here, that seems to work for everybody. Some are a fair piece from town, you understand.”

Harry noticed this man, clearly well accustomed to one-way conversations, needed no reply. Harry waited to see if he’d pause for an answer. He did not.

“We also have a church social about four times a year. One is at Easter time, the second is the Fourth of July, the third is Thanksgiving, and the last is at Christmastime. I’m sure you’ll want to be at all of those.” He stopped for a breath of air, but then continued.

“I do know how much work it is to get a place started, but no one can afford to forget the nurturing of the soul. I can tell you, work will be far easier if you spend some time praying with all the townspeople. The singing of hymns has a way of filling you with strength for all the toils.”

He was beginning to give a sermon, and Harry had work to do. “Parson, I’m sorry to interrupt, but I was in the middle of milking my cow. She’ll be mighty uncomfortable if I don’t get back to her.”

The parson frowned at the interruption, but seemed accepting of certain realities. “I understand. Can I count on you this Sunday?”

Harry hesitated. Then he remembered what Harriet had said about her collar being frayed on her Sunday dress. She went to church and that meant he was going. “Sir, I would not miss it for anything and I thank you for the invitation.”

Obviously pleased at his success, the parson nodded, climbed back onto his horse and tipped his hat. “Be seeing you then. You’d best put that cow out of her misery.”

“Thanks for stopping by, Parson. Sorry I don’t have a hearth as yet to offer you hospitality.”

“Another time, friend.” Then he was gone.

Harry returned to Marybelle, and spoke to her as she gave a nice quantity of milk. He and Howler would become accustomed to the treat. Today he planned the lighter work of planting all those seeds donated by neighbors and the ones he’d bought from Otis. The next day, he’d tackle every task that could be quickened the most with four hands at work. He wondered if Ben had any idea what was in store.

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