Helen was shocked one Sunday morning when a tall young man, unknown to the family, stepped forward at the gate of Merigomish Anglican Church and told Ann he’d like to see her home. Ann, however, did not look surprised. She smiled and turned to her parents. Patrick’s mouth formed a straight line and he shook his head. To the astonishment of onlookers, Ann frowned, turned away from her family, and, without a word, placed her hand on the stranger’s arm. He tipped his hat and he and Ann walked away together. Patrick made a move to follow them but Helen held him back.
“People will see,” she whispered. “We’ll follow them home and get to the bottom of this.”
“But who is that?” Patrick said, louder than was necessary.
Marion Beaton and her daughter Florence, who had been standing nearby, hurried toward them.
“I know who he is,” Marion offered. “That’s Will Harney. He works for Mr. MacDonald, doing odd jobs around the place. He’s been here for the last six months or so but this is the first time I’ve seen him in church. Nobody knows anything about his family. He doesn’t seem to have any relations around here.”
“He’s from Tatamagouche and very handsome but is no better than he should be,” Florence said, and giggled.
“Florence, hush,” her mother admonished in a loud whisper, looking pleased.
Marion continued: “It’s said he’s not that hard of a worker but Mr. MacDonald likes to play cards and he’s good company for him.”
It was well known throughout Pictou County that Reginald MacDonald was a drinker.
“Thank you, Marion. Good day,” Helen said, her face red with embarrassment.
Ann walking out with a strange man and defying her father in front of practically the whole congregation. What had gotten into her? Then she realized Beatrice was pulling on her arm.
“Come along, Mother. Good day, Mrs. Beaton. Florence, I’ll see you Wednesday at choir.” Beatrice pivoted her mother towards Patrick who was already across the road, pacing back and forth.
“I’m going to give that young man a piece of my mind,” Patrick fumed. “How dare he not introduce himself to me before making off with my daughter? I have never seen such gall in my life.”
“Very, very ill bred,” Helen said.
“I saw him in town last week when I went to Murphy’s,” Beatrice told them. “He was walking down Main Street tipping his hat at everyone.”
As Ann and her escort arrived at the front gate, Patrick picked up speed. “He’s not getting away from me,” he said over his shoulder.
The stranger was about to kiss Ann’s hand when Patrick came to a halt in front of them. The young man stepped back and smiled widely. Ann paled when she saw the look on her father’s face.
“Good morning again, Mr. and Mrs. Hennessey, Miss Hennessey. Thank you for permitting me to escort Miss Ann home.”
“Young man, we have not been introduced and I don’t know you from Adam,” Patrick spouted in anger. “And I didn’t give you permission to escort my daughter anywhere.”
The stranger held out his hand, still smiling. “Will Harney, at your service.”
“How do you know my daughter?” Patrick demanded, ignoring the offered handshake.
Will’s arm fell to his side. “I didn’t until I saw her in church this morning and so admired her that I thought I’d take the chance and ask to escort her home. I’m surprised that young men aren’t lined up around the corner to do so.”
He looked back at the blushing Ann and smiled.
“You’ve got a lot of gall, that’s all I can say,” Patrick told him, redder in the face than his daughter.
“Sir, Miss Hennessey’s beauty made me forget the manners my good mother took such pains to teach me. I do apologize,” Will said, bowing this time at Helen and Beatrice.
“Young man, I think we had all better step inside and get to know each other,” Patrick said, leading the way into the house.