13
Why is he here?” Abrianna asked Lenore. She cast a side glance across Lenore’s parlor to where Kolbein Booth and Wade were entertaining Pastor Walker.
“Kolbein wanted to invite him to dinner, since we hadn’t yet hosted him in our home. I thought having you and Wade here would round the number out nicely and give us a time to chat. Honestly, Abrianna, what have you against the man?”
“He is a thorn in my flesh.” Abrianna smoothed out the elegant satin of her gown’s skirt and sighed. “I do not wish to say anything more.”
“Now, that is a surprise. I don’t think I’ve ever known those words to come from your lips.”
“It wouldn’t do any good to speak on the matter. Suffice it to say, we have our differences. I’m praying fervently for the man. He seems to need it.”
“I honestly know very little about the him. I can’t say that I enjoy his preaching as much as I did Pastor Klingle’s, but I suppose every minister has his own style.”
“And agenda.”
The butler came to announce supper, and Lenore and Abrianna rose. Lenore moved to stand beside her husband. “Might you offer a prayer of thanksgiving?” she asked Pastor Walker.
Abrianna grimaced but bowed her head. Pastor Walker gave a short blessing, much to her relief. She wanted most fervently to hold her tongue for Lenore’s sake, if for no one else’s.
When he concluded, Lenore took hold of his arm. “I would be honored to have you escort me in to dinner.”
Abrianna stiffened at the sight of her dear friend on the arm of the pastor. She had to give her feelings of frustration over to the Lord. To do otherwise would only prompt sin in her heart. Please, Lord, help me to see the good in this man.
“You’ve been awfully quiet, Abrianna. Are you ill?” Kolbein asked as he offered his arm.
She took hold. “I’m quite fine, just deep in thought. There are a great many things on my mind these days.”
“I wouldn’t expect it to be otherwise.” Kolbein led her to the dining room. He assisted her into a beautifully carved mahogany chair before leaning down to whisper, “Try to behave yourself.”
She looked at him and caught a wink. “I will endeavor to do nothing that will shame you or Lenore.” She looked across to Wade, who was now seated. He smiled but said nothing. He looked quite handsome in his black suit. Unlike Pastor Walker, who was wearing the same boring gray suit that he preached in every Sunday. Goodness, but couldn’t the man dress in black like most respectable ministers? And that mustache of his was abominable. He should preach with a clean-shaven face, lest others think he had something to hide.
She shook her head. She was again allowing thoughts of the man’s shortcomings to occupy her thoughts. God, help me to move beyond such thinking.
“I do want to thank you and Mrs. Booth for having me to your home for dinner. I am eager to know you better,” Pastor Walker said as a servant placed the first course in front of him. “My, what beautiful china and silver.”
“Thank you,” Lenore replied. “They were wedding gifts from my parents.”
“You come from a wealthy family?”
Everyone around the table looked surprised except for the man who’d posed the question. It was appalling bad manners to speak of finances in public, but apparently he didn’t realize this.
Kolbein took charge of the matter. “Her father is now retired, but in his younger years he was a prosperous businessman. Now, I understand that you are new to the Northwest. What prompted you to leave such a warm climate as Texas?”
Abrianna sampled her soup and tried not to act as though she cared in the least what Walker had to say. The delicate flavors of the leek soup were soothing to her stomach, which had been in knots since arriving to find the pastor in attendance.
“The climate is of no concern,” Pastor Walker replied. “When God calls you to a place, you must obey.” He tasted his soup and then picked up a piece of bread on the dish to his left. With no concern for table manners, he tore the piece up and plopped it into the bowl to soak up the liquid.
No one said a word, and while the silence was most uncomfortable, Abrianna knew better than to promote a topic of conversation. For several awkward minutes they did nothing but eat. Finally the servants arrived with the next course, a buttery fish served atop steamed asparagus. There was no telling what the Texan would do with this.
“I have to say your cook does a wonderful job,” Pastor Walker praised. “However, I am accustomed to much simpler fare. I’m afraid the wages earned by a man of God are often quite inadequate.”
Kolbein cut into his fish and, without looking to meet the man’s gaze, said, “I find the meal to be perfect.” He gave Lenore a smile. “You have outdone yourself in the planning, my dear.”
“Of course such finery as you have here could go a long way to benefiting the church and spreading the gospel. The setting on the table is a thing of beauty, but providing adequate funding to do God’s work is perhaps more honorable. Your church has a great many needs, and the proper funds could benefit the congregation and make my living arrangements much better. For example, the silver you have here. There is quite a bit of it, and I assume the value of such is high.”
Lenore coughed into her napkin, and Abrianna shook her head in protest. “Sir, you offend with this constant discussion of money.”
“I would think you might be on my side where this subject is concerned,” Pastor Walker declared. “After all, you seek support for that food house you have. Think of the money that could be offered on behalf of the poor should wealthy people live more simply. If more money were provided the church, we might not have need for our fairer sex to be doing business on the wharfs.”
Wade looked to Abrianna and shook his head. She knew it was his unspoken warning to say nothing more, but she couldn’t help it. Pastor Walker made her ministry sound like she was instead running a brothel.
“I trust in God to provide for the needs of His ministries. I answered the call prior to there even being financial support. I find that when we obey God, He always provides. Not only that, but you did agree to a particular salary and provision when you took on the pulpit of our church.”
“While that is true, Miss Cunningham, I did so on the assurance of God that the small wages would soon be increased to better support my needs.”
“I’m sorry, Pastor Walker,” Kolbein interjected, “but I do not approve of such a discussion over dinner. You and I can speak more at length about these things afterward. As a deacon of the church, I feel confident that we can look into any concern you might have.”
Walker speared a stalk of asparagus and drew it to his lips. He was completely undaunted. “I must say, asparagus has never been a favorite of mine. I would think a good potato might serve better.”
“Potatoes are not served with fish, Pastor Walker. However, if you would rather, I can have your asparagus removed,” Lenore offered.
“I cannot bear this,” Abrianna declared as she sprang to her feet. “Such rudeness shouldn’t be tolerated. This man is a guest in your house, and yet he acts with far less manners than the men I serve on the docks.”
Kolbein rose. “Abrianna, please don’t let this ruin your time with us. It is apparent that Pastor Walker isn’t used to formal dinners. Let us be considerate and advance him some grace for his indiscretions.” He helped her retake her seat. Turning to Walker, he added, “Perhaps we might speak on a lighter subject.”
Something was mentioned about the uncommonly nice weather, and then someone else brought up the beautiful abundance of flowers blooming in the parks and neighboring lawns. Abrianna began to relax a bit. The last thing she wanted to do was make things difficult for Lenore and Kolbein. Aunt Miriam had always said that if a person couldn’t say something nice about or to someone, then perhaps it was best to say nothing at all. It was a most difficult proposition for Abrianna, so she kept her mouth full of food in order to stave off words.
By the time the servants cleared the table for dessert, it appeared that Pastor Walker finally understood appropriate dinner conversation. He complimented Kolbein and Lenore on their home without any reference to money and then shared some of his insights about the city of Seattle. Everyone seemed less guarded as the desserts were set on the table. But the peace was not to last. Once the chocolate-rose pound cake had been topped with a warm cream sauce and served to each person, the conversation once again plunged headlong into dangerous waters.
“Wade, how are things going with your Bible study on Daniel?” Lenore asked.
“Very well. We have nearly twenty men who attend each Thursday evening. I must say at first I wasn’t at all certain it would be something the men would want to attend. Most are hardened, grizzled men, whose lives have been lived around superstition and self-determination. At first, I think they came to get out of the cold and damp, but now they seem to be genuinely interested. We had a rousing conversation about King Nebuchadnezzar last week.”
“Am I to understand that you, a common layman, are teaching the Word of God?” Pastor Walker looked quite disapproving.
“I am,” Wade replied.
“Wade is an elder at the church, so he’s hardly just a layman,” Kolbein offered.
“I’m sorry, but I disagree about your doing such a thing. You come under my authority, and I have given no such permission to teach, nor would I. You have no formal training and cannot possibly understand the Bible. That is why you have a minister to interpret it for you.”
Abrianna nearly spit chocolate cake from her mouth. She forced the bite down and quickly took up the water goblet to keep from choking.
“I didn’t see any reason to seek your approval.” Wade’s expression suggested that he was more than willing to take the pastor’s objections head on. “As I helped Abrianna with the food house, it came to me that perhaps some of these men—men I might add who’ve been rejected as acceptable by many of the churches—would find encouragement in the Word of God. I prayed on the matter and felt God wanted me to offer teaching in our casual setting, where the men might feel comfortable and welcome.”
The pastor shook his head. “No. That is not acceptable. You are not ordained to teach the Word. You have no background or education.”
“I beg to differ with you, Pastor Walker.” Wade very slowly put his fork down. “I have studied God’s Word since I was a boy. I learned Greek and Latin in my studies and from time to time have even sought out guidance in Hebrew from a local rabbi. I’ve not only read the Bible but have also studied a variety of commentaries and listened well to the sermons given over the years by Pastor Klingle. It was he who first convinced me that we needed no formal education in order to share God’s love and the gospel message. After all, Jesus said to go into all the world and preach the gospel, and my little part of the world has a need that I am seeking to fill.”
“That was spoken to the eleven disciples who were with Jesus after His resurrection,” the pastor countered. “That was not given to you.”
“I believe it was given to all of us who call ourselves children of God,” Wade countered. “Otherwise, how do you explain Paul and others who taught?”
“They were given direct teaching from the disciples and then those taught and trained others in the truth. It was a specific gift given first to the disciples by Jesus and then by the disciples to additional disciples and so forth. It is the lineage of the priesthood. You are not of that lineage, Mr. Ackerman, and therefore you must cease what you are doing.”
“You’re wrong!” Abrianna could no longer refrain. “We are all disciples of Jesus and gifted by the Holy Ghost to serve the body and others. How dare you!”
Lenore burst into tears and fled the room, prompting Abrianna to go after her. As much as she wanted to stay and give Pastor Walker a further piece of her mind, she wanted more to offer comfort to her friend.
“Lenore, stop.” Abrianna hurried down the hall to catch up with the tearful woman. “I apologize if my outburst caused you pain, but that man had ruffled my last feather.”
“It’s not you. My dinner is ruined,” she sobbed, falling into Abrianna’s arms. “Utterly ruined. How can that man say such contrary things? I do not pretend to know the Bible as well as he, but it would seem to me that his attitude is not very loving.”
Abrianna hugged Lenore and then pulled back a bit in order to see her face. “He’s wrong. Jesus asks all of us to be living witnesses of God’s love. We are all ambassadors called to share the truth. Pastor Walker is wrong to believe he alone has that calling.” She glanced back down the hall. “I feel confident your husband and Wade will make certain Pastor Walker hears the truth. I pray also that Kolbein will escort him from the house and tell him never to return, but that’s just my own personal desire.”
“It’s mine, as well,” Lenore said, pulling a lacy handkerchief from her sleeve. “Oh, Abrianna, I do apologize. You told me how argumentative he could be. I thought perhaps it was just because . . . well . . . because you are outspoken . . . for a woman.”
Abrianna nodded. “That I am, but I assure you that is not where my misgivings regarding that man were borne. He has done nothing but offer false teaching and unsound doctrine, and I believe it is time the deacons and elders are apprised the situation. I hope Kolbein and Wade will approach them. I’m certain that their opinion would hold more weight than ours.”
Lenore dried her eyes and dabbed the cloth to her nose. “He seems to be such a vulgar man. I do not understand all his focus on money.”
“Perhaps he is like that man who stole offerings from the church in Tacoma,” Abrianna said, then immediately regretted it. “I apologize. I am angry and should not make false judgments. If Pastor Walker is doing anything underhanded, it will be realized in time. Until then, my hope is that when his six-month trial period is up, the elders will dismiss him and find someone else to lead our church.”
Kolbein came down the hall just then, and Lenore made her way to him immediately. “Did you ask him to leave?”
“Yes. What a pompous man. I am so sorry I encouraged you to host him here. I’ve had better behavior out of my sister’s theatre friends.” He looked to Abrianna. “Wade is waiting to take you home. I told him I thought it best we conclude the evening.”
“I understand. I would expect no less.” She came to Lenore and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “I love you most dearly, Lenore. Please do not give that man another thought.”
“I shan’t,” she promised, then paled. “Oh dear, we will have to see him again on Sunday.”
“No we won’t,” Kolbein declared. “I do not intend to sit under his teaching anymore. I had found very little positive in my experience of churches until meeting Pastor Klingle, and now I find myself back to the same opinion.”
“But no one leaves the church of their youth.” Lenore shook her head.
“It is not the church of my youth, and that man’s attitude leaves a bad taste in my mouth.”
“Oh, Kolbein, do not say you’ll never attend church again,” Abrianna said, touching his arm. “Not every man who claims himself to be a preacher is like Pastor Walker. Don’t despair and turn away from God.”
“I have no intention of turning away from God, Abrianna. Just from Pastor Walker.”
She shook her head in sorrow. “But if we do not fight for our church, who will?”
Wade held his silence as he walked Abrianna back to her home. The damp evening air further dampened his mood. He wanted to talk over the events of the night, but he had no desire to get Abrianna worked up by speaking about his anger. Thankfully, she seemed to understand.
“I was sorry that the rain last week kept us from our picnic. I would very much have enjoyed missing out on the monthly reception, but I’m also intrigued by Thane and Militine’s courtship. Do you suppose anything can come of it? Militine has never had a true interest in marriage. Of course you mustn’t say anything, or Aunt Miriam might send her from the school.”
“I won’t,” he promised.
“And then there’s the matter of the June seventh bridal ball. A patriotic theme will require a great deal of red, white, and blue. Aunt Miriam has taken advantage of the situation to teach the young ladies how to dye cloth without staining their hands in the process.” She paused and shook her head. “It has not been completely successful.”
He halted at the bottom of the steps that led up the long walkway to the house. “I’m sorry for being so out of sorts.”
She shook her head. “You did nothing wrong. God will bless you for your desire to share the Word, and I, for one, am very proud of you.” She stretched up on tiptoe and kissed his cheek. “You are a good and faithful man, Wade, and I’m proud to call you my friend.”
He smiled against his will. Abrianna could always bring a smile from him, whether due to her zany antics or her long-winded soliloquys. He loved her company. Loved the way she trusted God. Loved her. But where would that love lead him? She seemed completely oblivious to his heart. It hadn’t been easy to accept that he had gone from loving her as a zany little sister to a potential mate for life.
“Do you ever think about what you will do with the rest of your life?” The question left his lips before he had time to consider how it might sound.
“Of course. I hope to continue doing whatever it is God has for me to do. I certainly don’t want to run the bridal school, as Aunt Miriam wishes.”
“What about marriage and a family of your own?”
She shrugged. “I don’t know. I haven’t seen that God has called me to that as of yet. Paul did say to the unmarried and widows that it was good for them to abide even as he had.”
He also said it was better to marry than to burn. Wade pushed the thought aside. “But wouldn’t you like to have children of your own, a husband to care for?”
“What a strange conversation for us to have.” She shook her head. “I try not to long for anything. God knows I longed for many years to have my mother and father returned to me. Instead, He taught me the value of love through my aunts. Their kindness and generous charity has been richer for me than many ever know. I am content to trust that if God has a husband and children for me, He will bring them to me.” She drew a deep breath. “Now I must go inside and explain the evening to my aunts. Goodness, but I do not look forward to Sunday.”
“I think I might go to the Lutheran church. What with Pastor Swanson being a close friend of Pastor Klingle, I thought I’d ask him some questions and seek his counsel. I don’t intend to just hand over our church to a man like Walker. Even so, I want to approach this in a manner that is biblical.”
“That seems very wise of you, Wade. I will pray for you to have peace about this.” She kissed his cheek once again. “Good night.”
“Good night, Abrianna.”
He watched her make her way up the stairs and across the lawn. Once she was in the house, he let out a heavy sigh. How was he supposed to share his feelings with her, knowing that she wanted to serve God rather than a husband? Could there ever be room in her life for both? After all, he wanted to serve God, as well.