Autumn's Angel by Robin Lee Hatcher

Author:Robin Lee Hatcher
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Published: 2013-07-17T21:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SEVEN

Clay went alone on Saturday morning to meet with Reverend Adair. Why subject Luvena to any embarrassment that might result from discussing their situation with the pastor? Besides, if they weren’t to marry, they had no need to speak to the minister as a couple.

“Well,” the reverend said when Clay had explained about the altered letters and Luvena’s nieces and nephew, “this is an odd turn of events, is it not?”

“It is.”

“And you’re certain the children make the union between you and Miss Abbott impossible?”

“I am.”

“I ask because my son-in-law’s nephew, Todd, was nine when he came to live in Grand Coeur, and he’s turned into rather a fine young man, despite his surroundings these past six years. Wouldn’t you agree?”

“That’s quite a different situation.”

“Is it?” The reverend steepled his fingertips and touched them to his lips.

“Yes. For one thing, Matthew’s job with Wells, Fargo was settled and secure from the start. He wasn’t embarking on a new venture that could well end in financial ruin. He could support his wife and nephew, and he had the time to dedicate himself to raising the boy well.”

“Yes, that is all true.”

Clay leaned forward in his chair. “Reverend Adair, this isn’t Miss Abbott’s fault, but neither is it mine. I was up front about not wanting a woman with children for a wife. My new opera house is no place for young kids and, like it or not, neither is this town. And I’m sure not the right man to become a father to them. I wouldn’t be good at it. I’m too much like—” He broke off abruptly.

Reverend Adair’s gaze was penetrating, and Clay began to fear the minister would see the things he wasn’t willing to talk about.

The older man broke the lengthening silence. “But because you’re willing to employ Miss Abbott, even for the short term, you will still have the children around the theater sometimes. Won’t you?”

“I suppose. But not for long. Not permanently. This is a temporary solution. As soon as other arrangements can be made, Miss Abbott and the children will leave Grand Coeur.”

Reverend Adair leaned forward. “I believe there is something you aren’t telling me, Clay. Something that has nothing to do with Miss Abbott. Something that weighs heavily on you and has for a long while.”

Clay tensed. “There’s nothing more to tell.” It was an outright lie, and he figured the reverend knew it.

“It might help to talk it through.”

“No.”

“Mmm. Well, it seems your mind is made up, then.”

“Yes.” It surprised Clay, the regret he felt.

“Would you mind if I paid Miss Abbott a call? Perhaps our church can be of some assistance to her. I might know of someone down in Boise City who could give her employment and find a suitable place for her and the children to live.”

“Sure.” He shrugged. “Sounds good to me.”

“Then I shall do so.” Reverend Adair rose. “And I shall continue to pray for you both.”

Clay stood too. “Thanks. I reckon we’ll need it.”

“Mmm.”

The two men shook hands, and Clay left the reverend’s office.

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