The Edge of Light by Ann Shorey

Author:Ann Shorey
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: ebook, book
Publisher: Revell
Published: 2009-01-01T05:00:00+00:00

16

“Why didn’t I hear about this sooner?” Matthew faced Molly, a pained expression on his face. Crusted snow lay heaped in scattered piles around them in the churchyard. Tied to a railing, his horse stamped and blew clouds of steam into the air through flared nostrils.

He grasped her shoulder. “Ben told me what happened. Why didn’t you come to me? You know there’s always room in my house for you and your children.”

Jiggling the heavily bundled Lily in her arms, Molly lifted her eyes to meet his gaze. It pained her to see her brother so upset. When she had accepted the blacksmith’s offer, she made it clear they’d only stay until she found another cabin. In the meantime, he provided space for her loom, the compelling reason behind her decision. “I needed to stay in town. Surely you saw the notice in Mr. Wolcott’s store about my weaving.”

He stepped to one side to allow a man and a woman to pass. Their glances lingered on Molly a moment too long. Matthew lowered his voice. “It looks bad. The preacher’s sister living in a house with an unmarried man.”

“As a housekeeper. It’s often done.”

“People will talk.”

“Are you worried about me? Or about yourself?” She turned her back, climbed the steps, and entered the church.

The building bore a faint aroma of fresh lumber although it had been completed nearly a year earlier. Tallow candles sputtered in sconces attached to the plastered walls, leaving trails of soot against the whitewash. Molly scanned the partially filled benches. Where were James and Luellen?

She started toward the front of the church when Charity Wolcott swooped over, enfolding Molly and Lily in a strong embrace. “There you are, my dear! My, you look lovely today. It’s good to see you getting some color back in those cheeks.”

Molly smiled at Ben’s wife. Sturdy, with graying hair and sharp blue eyes, her practical appearance concealed a warm and caring personality. Molly knew Charity’s public demonstration of affection would help squelch any gossip swirling around her move into Mr. Pitt’s house.

“Where’s Mr. Wolcott this morning? He’s usually here early.”

A guarded expression crossed the older woman’s face. “A passenger arrived last night,” she replied in a low tone. “He’s escorting him to the next stop.”

“A passenger?” Molly asked.

Just then, Ellie moved next to her and poked an elbow into her side.

Charity slid her forefinger over her lips, signaling silence. Then with her next breath, she raised her voice loud enough to carry to the ears of nearby worshippers. “Why don’t you bring that precious baby to see me next week? I’d enjoy the company.” She turned and bustled up the aisle of the church, leaving Molly staring after her.

Ellie tucked her hand under Molly’s elbow. “Let’s sit down. Mr. Foster’s tuning his pitch pipe.” She led the way to a bench where James and Luellen sat with their cousins.

While they walked, Molly unclasped Lily’s fingers from her black grosgrain bonnet ribbons. “Did Charity mean—”

“I’ll explain after church.”

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