9

Abrianna offered a bowl of soup to a man she didn’t recognize. “Are you new to us?”

The old man lifted his head and smiled. “That I am. Name’s Jay Bowes. I heard about this place and thought it something I should look into. It’s a nice thing you’re doing here.” He seemed to linger, looking behind him as if to make sure no one else was coming.

“And where are you from, Mr. Bowes?”

“Nowhere important.” He sniffed the soup. “How about you? You live here all your life?”

“I have.” She spied several men entering the building. “I would love to talk more, but I must move you along. We have other hungry folks arriving.”

He smiled. “I’ll be around. We can talk anytime you want.”

The regulars knew the routine well. They took up their bread and bowls of soup without comment until the very last man came through. He winked at Abrianna. “I see yar havin’ me favorite today.”

“Oh, Captain Jack, I thought of you this morning when I was making the fish chowder. I knew you’d be pleased.” Abrianna couldn’t help but feel great affection for the old sea dog. She had known him for over ten years, and he often brought her something he’d carved.

“Gonna have ya a trinket afore long,” he said with another wink. “I know how ya enjoy ’em.”

“I do.” She laughed. “I’m the only girl in all of Seattle who has her own little wooden menagerie. Honestly, I don’t know where you’ve had opportunity to see all of those animals, but the carvings are wonderful.”

“I ain’t seen most of ’em face-to-face,” he admitted. “But I found me a book, and it shows ’em all proper like.”

“That’s wonderful. I shall look forward to the next masterpiece.”

The man nodded and headed off to join the others. Abrianna let a sense of accomplishment settle over her. She loved what God had done in this place.

“You look exhausted,” Militine said, coming alongside Abrianna. “Why don’t you let Wade take you back early? Thane and I can clean this up, and then he can bring me back to the house.”

Abrianna sighed. “That does sound good. Pastor Walker sent a card saying he plans to call this afternoon. I would like to be there when he arrives.”

“Do I detect some interest in our new pastor?”

“Of course I’m interested. I intend to figure the man out and know what he’s thinking. I don’t want to see our people lulled into a false sense of peace, only to learn the man is deviously taking the offering to line his own pockets.”

“Surely you don’t think he would do that. I mean, he’s just arrived.”

It was never wrong to be watchful, and had that church in Tacoma been of the same mind, they might not have known such a disaster. Still, she didn’t expect Militine to understand. The girl didn’t even like going to church, so why should she care what happened to its people?

“I’ll see if Wade agrees to take me back. If he thinks that would be acceptable, then I will go. Otherwise, I’m committed to remaining until we have everything cleaned up.”

Half an hour later, as the clock chimed two, Ralston Walker stood at the door to the Madison Bridal School. He thought the large estate house to be quite grand and could only imagine that it had cost a small fortune. Pity they hadn’t thought of what good that money might have done the church. Their little church needed so much work. Perhaps he would need to convince the elders that it would be smarter to rebuild elsewhere.

“Hello,” Miss Cunningham greeted him. “Won’t you come in, Pastor Walker?”

“Thank you.” He handed her his outer coat. “It’s a rather blustery day.”

She hung the piece on a coat-tree by the door. “Why don’t you come into the parlor and get warm. I’ll let my aunts know you’re here.”

“I thought we were to speak alone.”

She turned back. “I would be happy to do that, but my aunts will consider it bad manners if we do not include them at least for a time. Bad manners are something we do not allow at Madison Bridal School. Surely you are familiar with etiquette, aren’t you?”

“To a degree,” he said with a smile. “I don’t find etiquette lessons written in the Bible.”

She paused with a look of disagreement. “But of course there are. The greatest of them is written there for all to read and hopefully follow. John 13:34, ‘A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.’”

“That’s hardly an etiquette lesson, Miss Cunningham. That is a command of the Lord.”

“Exactly. It tells us how we are to treat one another. Etiquette does likewise. The Bible is full of such references for treating others as better than ourselves, treating others with kindness and forbearance. Just as I am with you right now. If I were to be rude to you, I wouldn’t bother to help you understand. I’d merely tell you that you’re wrong, and quite foolish for believing otherwise.” She smiled. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll fetch my aunts.”

He looked after her in dumbfounded silence. He’d never had anyone take him to task in such a manner. Especially where the Scriptures were involved. That this mere slip of a girl, hardly old enough to be a woman, should chide him for his behavior caused him no end of grief. He would wait his time, however, and find a way to put her in her place.

The older ladies came bringing refreshments on a tea cart. They were a funny lot whom he’d gotten to know a little at the church dinner. Mrs. Madison was of medium height and slender weight. She had her gray hair in a fashionable bun atop her head, but it was her piercing blue eyes that held his attention. She didn’t miss much. This was one woman who studied the details around her and weighed each one carefully. It was clear that she led this group of addlepated females.

Mrs. Gibson, a well-rounded widow, seemed only slightly more reserved than Mrs. Madison. Neither lady was what he would call obnoxiously bold, but they were opinionated, something he did not think respectable in women. At church they had both found it necessary to quiz him about his prior education and ministerial duties.

The last of the trio, Miss Poisie Holmes was a funny little thing. From what he’d observed at church, she appeared completely subservient to her sister. Short and petite, Miss Poisie had a penchant for bobbing her head and blessing the dead. She seemed harmless enough.

“We are glad you could join us today,” Mrs. Madison said, bringing him a cup of tea. “When Abrianna told us you had made an appointment to visit, we were quite surprised.”

“And why was that, Mrs. Madison? You are one of my parishioners.” He took the cup and saucer and offered her a warm smile. “Thank you.”

She nodded and Miss Holmes followed behind with a dish of shortbread. “I’ll just put this here on the table beside you.”

“Thank you, Miss Holmes.”

She bobbed her head several times and took her seat.

It was apparent that Miss Cunningham was watching him, studying his actions and words. Funny young woman, but if she thought to best him, she had another think coming.

“The elders tell me that you have been most faithful to support the church all these years. I commend you for your good stewardship. I’m certain it has blessed many and the Lord is pleased with your faithfulness.”

When no one uttered a word in comment, he continued. “I feel as though I’ve found a home.” He smiled and turned on the charm that he’d found worked so well with weak-minded women. “Of course with such lovely ladies and women of faith who not only sing like choirs of angels in the service but also cook dishes that taste as if they came from heaven itself, who could not feel at home?”

“How do you know what food from heaven tastes like?” Miss Cunningham asked.

He swallowed hard, determined to hold back the snide retort that came to mind. “I apologize. It is the quality and taste of which I would expect heaven capable. Of course, we cannot know for certain that such things will even matter.”

“Pastor Walker, we understand that you have studied the Scriptures for most of your life,” Mrs. Madison began. “Perhaps you might tell us what you have found personally most rewarding in such study.”

Her question caught him off guard. Usually people asked why he’d become a minister or whether or not he had ever considered other vocations. Some even asked if he intended to take a wife, but few ever asked about his Scripture study. He could see they were all awaiting his answer, however, and knew he would have to think fast. Hoping to appear humble, he bowed his head for a moment and then looked up with his best look of serenity. At least that was his goal.

“I find that few people care about such deep thinking. I’m pleased to know that you value this matter. It speaks highly of your spiritual maturity, something I often find missing in women.”

He hadn’t meant to take the conversation in that direction and quickly worked to interject some additional thoughts. “Perhaps in my experience the women were not nearly so desirous to know God as you three . . . four obviously are. However, since you asked about my reward in such study, I must say that God’s Word has opened my eyes to the truth of how He wishes His church to be. God has gifts for the body of believers, and in those gifts we see His completion of what the church is to do and be.”

“And what would that be?” Mrs. Madison stared at him while she sipped her tea.

“Theologically speaking, the church or body of believers has been created to do God’s work, to share the gospel and extend the love of God to all mankind. I am certain you are familiar with the diversities of gifts—faith, healing, wisdom, prophecy, and such. The body is a compilation of all those gifts, and with those gifts we see the church made whole. Some of the elders and deacons will teach or will administer. Still others will be prophets and discerners of spirits, both good and evil.

“God, of course, assigns one such as me to head the church. It is my job to be in authority over the rest of the body.”

Miss Cunningham cleared her throat. “Excuse me, but I thought Christ was the head of the church.”

He pushed aside his irritation. “God the Father is head overall, and Christ is head of the entire church. I merely meant that as pastor of a church, I have certain authority.”

This was clearly not going the way he’d hoped. Abrianna Cunningham fixed him with a look that made him begin to perspire. How was it this mere slip of a girl could make him feel so compromised? He’d faced off with lifelong theologians who prided themselves on having memorized the entire Bible and had never felt this way.

“I believe accountability is critical for each of us.” Miss Cunningham looked away after another testing moment and turned her attention to one of the cookies on her plate.

“I suppose we all have our various views,” Mrs. Madison interjected, “however, I am of a mind to agree with Abrianna. The Bible speaks of how we must all give of ourselves to the Lord, to take up our cross daily and follow Him. I believe that we should be not only accountable in our actions but hold others accountable, as well. Particularly those in positions of leadership. After all, the Bible does declare that such people will be held to a higher degree of accounting.”

“Ladies”—he rose from his chair and looked down on them—“I see you are quite knowledgeable.” Never mind that they were also very annoying. He would deal with them in time. “I find your knowledge of the Bible refreshing.” It was a lie, but it would no doubt soothe their womanly pride. “I understand that you have long been without a man in your home. For that I am very sorry. As your pastor, I do worry about your safety and protection. And because of that, I am happy to offer myself as your protector and adviser.”

Miss Cunningham snorted, and Mrs. Gibson gasped. Miss Holmes was the only one who didn’t seem upset by his declaration. Mrs. Madison most systematically took one last sip of tea and set her cup aside. Getting to her feet, she gave him a look that reminded him of a chastising mother.

“Pastor Walker, I am touched by your consideration, but we have many years of experience, and God himself has provided His Spirit as our counselor.” She moved to the tea cart. “Would you care for more tea? My sister and Mrs. Gibson must get back to their work, but you may stay on and speak with Abrianna, if you desire.”

Was she dismissing him? He didn’t want to leave them on a negative note. “Thank you, but no more tea. I had hoped for a few minutes to speak with Miss Cunningham. I do hope that I haven’t offended any of you.” He chose his words carefully. After all, these women were some of the church’s best financial supporters. It was a pity, especially given they didn’t understand their place, but he would find a way to soothe their riled souls. “I have found our discussion to be quite enlightening and hope to again one day visit you.”

“We would happily receive you,” Mrs. Madison offered without a hint of a smile. “It is our desire to know you better.”

He nodded. “I wish each of you a good day.”

One by one the ladies left him to the company of Miss Cunningham. Ralston turned to her and smiled. “Thank you for receiving me today. I wanted very much to answer that list of questions you had for me.” And put her in her place at the same time.

“Well, please do take your seat. I don’t wish to strain my neck staring up at you.” She set aside her now empty plate. She produced her list from her pocket. “I suppose a lot of people wouldn’t consider such matters important, but I feel that in order to decide if you are an acceptable leader for our church, we should be clear on your theology.”

He frowned, unwilling to take directions from her. “Do you not trust your deacons and elders to learn that?”

“Of course, but I feel it’s also my responsibility to test the spirits. After all, that is what the Word says. We are to be wise as serpents.” She cocked her head. “I do wish you would sit. I’m getting a pinch in my neck looking up.”

He decided it would be best to humor her. He’d learned early on to assess the people in his congregation and divide them into two groups: those he could easily manipulate and those he could not. She was clearly in the latter group. “I find you quite interesting, Miss Cunningham. You have a boldness about you that might shock a lesser man. I can say confidently that I like you and hope you feel likewise about me.”

“I don’t know about that.” She gave a shrug. “I cannot say whether I like you or don’t. We haven’t known each other long enough. I’ve heard you speak only the one time, and while it was interesting to hear of your life and calling, I found the shortness of your testimony did little to give me true insight.

“I suppose it is possible that you had been instructed by the elders to be brief. Was that it? I know sometimes men tend to limit such things, lest the speaker bore their listeners. Maybe they felt you needed to speak briefly and with minimal theology.” She looked at him as if it was finally his turn to answer.

Ralston held his temper in check. She was obviously headstrong and had too long been allowed to speak her mind unchecked. Even so, her aunts were wealthy women whose money was needed. He forced a smile. “I shall endeavor to answer each of your questions, Miss Cunningham.”

Abrianna joined the other ladies for the evening meal. It seemed that Pastor Walker was the subject of much discussion, although she would just as soon forget about the pompous man.

“Well, I thought he had lovely diction,” Aunt Poisie finally said, “for a Texan.”

“He acted in a rather secretive manner at times,” Aunt Selma said, shaking her head. “His temperament reminds me much too much of Mr. Gibson.” She put her hand to her throat. “You don’t suppose he read Darwin, do you?”

Abrianna didn’t much care what he read. She’d been completely put off by his belittling attitude. His answers to her questions suggested that he felt women in general were of very little value to the church. He hadn’t come right out and said as much, but the implication was there.

“I suggest we spend time in prayer for our new pastor and for the church,” Aunt Miriam suggested. The table of young ladies nodded. “We will soon enough see what his beliefs are, not only in his teachings, but even more so in his daily actions.”