The Jewel of Gresham Green by Lawana Blackwell

Author:Lawana Blackwell
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Published: 2008-07-31T20:00:00+00:00

Chapter 19

Andrew preached his sermon Sunday morning, baptized the Coggins infant, and made an announcement just before the closing prayer and doxology.

“As many of you are aware, I’m to have surgery tomorrow morning.”

There was a faint ripple of voices, heads leaning together.

“Mr. Nicholls of Whitchurch will fill the pulpit for the month of July. I realize I do not have to ask that you show him the same courtesy you have shown me, for you are the kindest congregation I have ever known.”

Julia smiled, remembering the grumblings fifteen years ago when Andrew and the girls arrived in Gresham. The general consensus was that no one could fill Vicar Wilson’s shoes—nor his pulpit. It had taken Gresham some time to warm up to him, just as it had taken her time to see this thickset, self-deprecating man in a romantic light.

“Which leads me to this request I make of you, dear ones. My family will have the unenviable task of nursing me. I fear too many calls will tax their strength. We would be most grateful for some quiet time to heal . . . and above all, we would be grateful for your prayers.”

Another ripple, accompanied by nods and smiles. He stood at the door twice as long, receiving handshakes and promises of prayers.

“If anything goes wrong . . .” Andrew said that night as Julia lay in his arms.

She put a hand up to his lips. “Shush, Vicar.”

He chuckled under the faint pressure of her fingers, then mumbled, “I need to say this.”

She moved her hand.

“I hope you’ll move back into the Larkspur. I can’t bear the thought of you in some lonely cottage while the children move on with their lives.”

“Then I shall,” she said.

“And if some old gent . . . perhaps one of your lodgers . . . takes a fancy to you, and you find yourself wanting to marry again, please know you have my blessing.”

“Andrew. I’ll never marry again.”

“I thought the same after Kathleen died. You can’t know what’s around the corner. I just want you to know that . . . whatever you do, I approve. I never want you to be lonely.”

“Very well,” she said to appease him.

“Unless it’s Donald Gibbs.”

Julia smiled in the darkness. “There goes my manor house.”

“M-m-m.” He nuzzled the top of her head with his chin. “It’s nice. Sleeping snuggled together like this.”

“Very nice,” she said. She did not plan to slip down into the parlor tonight anyway.

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