In Dreams Forgotten by Tracie Peterson

Author:Tracie Peterson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Historical Fiction;Christian fiction;FIC042030;FIC042040;FIC014000
ISBN: 9781493413775
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Published: 2018-04-26T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER

16

Caleb, you’ve been less than charming company this evening,” Florence Brighton said, coming to stand beside him as he gazed into the blazing hearth. “I wouldn’t have come had I known you’d be in such a mood.”

“I presumed you came at the invitation of Mrs. Charles to view her latest painting,” Caleb replied. “That was the reason for this gathering, after all.”

She considered him for a moment, then shook her head. “Something about you is different. Ever since you returned from your ordeal, you’ve been quite changed. I suppose it’s all of that religious nonsense you were spouting a few weeks ago.”

Caleb thought about her comment. He knew he was different from the carefree man he’d been before being shanghaied. His experience had left him with a desire to see justice served and protect the less fortunate. Men like Ruef and Daniels had made this city a nightmare for many, and Caleb longed to see things made right. Then too, he was still trying to figure out what God wanted him to do with his life. Was he to preach full-time or continue in the law with Bible studies on the side? As Judge Winters had pointed out to him not long ago, he could serve God through his legal practice as well as from a pulpit.

“It wasn’t nonsense, Florence, but the fact that you see it as such has changed my opinion of you,” he said.

Her expression betrayed a momentary loss of confidence. “I’m sure I don’t know what you mean.”

“I’ve long loved God and sought to do His will, but as I told you, my experience facing death has given me a sense of urgency to know my true purpose. I’m determined to take spiritual matters more seriously.”

“You were always serious when it came to spiritual matters. I’ve never met a man more tediously devoted to his faith who wasn’t wearing priest’s robes. Honestly, Caleb, you really should learn to be less serious.” She leaned closer. “I could help you.” Her expression suggested far more than a proper lady should imply.

He shook his head. “When it comes to matters of faith, Florence, I could never do that. God is far more important to me than anything else.”

She tilted her head and shrugged. “Have it your way, but it isn’t a way that will include me.” She left him in a swirl of diaphanous silver fabric and sparkling diamonds.

He watched her make her way to a group of men he considered friends. She mentioned something, then glanced his way. Most of the people in the group laughed. No doubt he was the focus of their amusement, and this signaled to him an end to the evening.

Caleb made his way to his hosts. He commended them for their good taste in art, then thanked them for the evening. They protested his early departure.

“You’ve not even been here an hour,” his hostess said, glancing at her husband. “Surely we can entice you to stay.”

“I’m sorry, but I must go. Please forgive me.

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