Bride of Second Chances Page 3

  Her sister-in-law who sat on Irene’s other side, whispered, “I can say I didn’t expect this sermon today,” to her husband who chuckled under his breath.

  Jane winced. Thank goodness they sat toward the back of the church so the preacher didn’t hear Susie, but as Jane scanned the room, she caught the mixture of concerned and amused expressions on people’s faces.

  Jeremy rubbed his forehead and paused for a long moment. Her heart went out to him. He hadn’t had a good year. First, Rebecca died and left him devastated. And now his father had passed on. She didn’t know how he managed to get up every Sunday to preach. If it was her, she’d hide in bed and never come out.

  “Let us rise for a word of prayer,” he finally said.

  Relieved, more for him than for her, that the sermon was over, she joined the others and stood. Once the prayer ended, she decided to linger back while most of the congregation headed on out of the church.

  “Aren’t you coming?” her brother asked as everyone else in their pew shuffled out.

  “Soon. I thought I’d offer a word of encouragement to Jeremy.”

  “Encouragement? You’d be better off offering a bag to put over his head.”

  She frowned at him. “Will, that’s a horrible thing to say. He was our brother-in-law, you know.”

  He chuckled. “Maybe, but that was the worst sermon I’ve ever heard.”

  “That’s not nice.”

  “Sorry.” He shrugged. “I’m going to take the family home. I’ll see you in a bit, alright?”

  Sighing, she nodded and proceeded to make her way through the group of people and stood in line with those who wished to talk to Jeremy. She saw Edith who was talking to a couple of women and waved. Edith returned the gesture and laughed at something one of her friends said.

  Jane clasped her hands below her waist and waited for her turn to talk to the preacher. Currently, she was three spots away from the person talking to him. Her gaze drifted out the small window where she saw Micah discussing something with her brother. A knot tightened in her stomach. She hoped Micah wasn’t asking if he could take her to the potluck on Tuesday. Micah spit tobacco from his mouth and she cringed. That wasn’t the worst of it, but it was bad enough. The line moved forward. Her mind temporarily off of Micah, she stepped closer to the preacher.

  “What a wonderful sermon, Preacher!” old lady Gerdy raved as she pressed her hands to her bosom. “I tell you, you get better with each one.”

  Jane wondered if Gerdy even heard the sermon or if she’d dozed off to sleep again. As Gerdy continued her comments regarding his eloquent speech, Jane had no doubt that she’d fallen asleep during the service and was covering up for this fact by rambling about things that had nothing to do with anything he actually said.

  When Gerdy was done, the couple in front of Jane also complimented him, and Jane was beginning to wonder if anyone ever listened to what he said when he was speaking. Well, anyone but Susie who thought it was a good idea to make fun of him during the service. After the couple invited him to supper at their house, which Jane thought was nice, it was her turn to talk to him.

  He shook her hand, and though he smiled, she detected his weariness. “How are you doing, Jane?”

  “I’m fine, but I was wondering how you’re doing.”

  “You were always the perceptive one in your family. Rebecca said it was both comforting and alarming at the same time.”

  Chuckling, she admitted, “Yes, I’m not sure if it’s a good thing or not. I try not to alarm anyone.”

  “I know. I think she liked it.”

  She glanced over her shoulder and since no one was behind her, she continued in a low tone, “Is there anything you need? Just because Rebecca is no longer with us, you’re still family. If you ever need anything, my brother and I will do whatever we can to help.”

  “I appreciate that, Jane, but I can’t think of anything short of bringing Rebecca back.”

  “If I could do that, I would.”

  “It hasn’t been easy for either of us.” He took a deep breath. “I don’t mean to sound so glum. Some days are easier than others. I know life goes on. There has to be a reason I’m still here, even if I’m not sure what it is.”

  “You’re not the first one who’s ever felt that way. I think all of us ask what our purpose is at one time or another. We wouldn’t be human if we didn’t.” After a moment of silence elapsed between them, she added, “We should have you over for supper this week. It’s been rude of us not to make the offer for a while now.”

  “No. You have your hands full already with Will, Susie, and the children. You don’t need one more person to add to the mix.”

  “It’s no bother, Preacher. We manage every meal.”

  “You manage every meal, you mean?” He offered a kind smile. “People think a preacher can’t figure out what’s going on because we’ve got our noses stuck in the Bible, but we do. Like today. I know what people really thought of my sermon, and who can blame them? I didn’t take the time to prepare what I was going to say and it showed.”

  Her first instinct was to assure him it wasn’t as bad as he feared, but then she decided it would do no good since he knew better. “I’m sorry to hear about your father, and I think everyone understands the situation, or at least those who matter do. I wouldn’t give the busybodies a second thought.”

  His smile widened. “It’s true you can’t control what others say. You do know you can call me Jeremy, right?”

  “Well, yes. But I thought Preacher was more respectful. After all, you spent years to get the title.”

  “Yes, but sometimes it doesn’t make me feel like I’m a part of the community.”

  “I’m sorry, Jeremy.”

  “There’s no need to apologize.”

  “So, will you come by this week for supper?”

  “As long as it’s not going to be a burden for you.”

  “No, it won’t. It’s just another plate to put on the table, and the children have been wondering about their uncle. I know you’re not technically their uncle anymore, but—”

  “Jane, it’s alright. I know what you’re saying, and you’re right. I haven’t been out to see them and should. What day would you like me to come by?”

  She thought it over for a moment and finally settled on the day she typically didn’t have the most chores. “Wednesday?”

  With a smile, he nodded. “I look forward to it.”

  Noting that a man came up behind her, she said good-bye to Jeremy, greeted the man, and then decided she better go home to get lunch ready. As she stepped out of the church, she saw that her brother was no longer talking to Micah and wasn’t sure if she should breathe a sigh of relief or not. Who knew what the two were discussing? She hoped her brother didn’t tell Micah she’d go with him to the potluck. She couldn’t think of a worse fate than that.

  Unfortunately, as soon as she got home, her brother made the dreaded announcement. “Isn’t this wonderful?” Will asked, looking surprisingly pleased with himself. “All this time we assumed you’d never get married because you’re as not as pretty or sweet as Rebecca was, but here we are with an eligible bachelor who’s willing to court you.”

  She stood, frozen to her spot by the front door while he remained seated in his favorite chair in the parlor, grinning like a boy who’d brought home high marks from his school. She tried to speak but nothing came out of her mouth.

  Susie instructed the children to get into their play clothes and stood up from the couch. “I thought I saw Micah here the other day when you were doing the wash. Had I known he was here to pay you a social visit, I would’ve invited him for lunch.”

  “But… I…” Jane swallowed. Too many thoughts were rushing through her mind, and if she could just put a stop to the onslaught, she might be able to form an intelligible response.

  “No need to thank me,” Will said as he picked up a cigar and lit it.

  “Thank you?” Jane blurted out. “You want me to tha
nk you?”

  Seeming not to notice her mortification, he said, “You’re welcome,” and put his feet up on the ottoman in front of him. Looking at Susie, he smiled. “It’s nice to do a good deed on the Lord’s Day.”

  Susie smirked at Jane. “It sure is. Tuesday ought to be interesting.”

  Jane blinked a few times. “No.”

  “No what?” Will asked as he flicked the ashes into an ashtray.

  “No, I’m not going to the potluck with Micah.” Even as overwhelmed as she was that her brother would, indeed, take it upon himself to speak on her behalf, she chastised herself for not seeing this coming. Micah had been approaching her more often lately, and she kept running off in the opposite direction. She feared this was the topic of conversation when he talked to Will. She should have gone out there and stopped the whole thing instead of talking to the preacher. “No, I’m not going.”

  “Why ever not?” he asked. “You should be glad a man even took notice of you.”

  “And have you noticed him?”

  Susie rubbed her stomach. “What’s wrong with him?”

  “Oh, seriously! You’re a woman. Him, I can understand.” She motioned to her brother and rolled her eyes. “Men don’t notice the disgusting things other men do.”

  “I take objection to that!” Her brother sat up and gave her a stern look. “Granted, he’s not the most charming man in town, but he’s a man and that counts for something.”

  Jane grimaced. “You can send him my regrets since I’ll be sick that day.”

  “Jane, I forbid it! You’ll go to the potluck with him or else.”

  “Or else what?” She crossed her arms and glared at him.

  He stared at her, his eyes wide and mouth hanging open.

  “Insolence.” Susie muttered with a shake of her head. “After all we’ve done for you since your parents died.”

  “All you’ve done for me? I’ve been the one making the meals, cleaning the laundry, and cleaning up around the house,” Jane reminded her. “I’ve earned my keep while all you’ve done is put up your feet and complain about the way I do things!”

  “Because she’s in a delicate situation,” her brother argued.

  “Well, that’s not my fault,” Jane snapped.

  “That’s enough, Jane,” he said, his tone firm.

  “You’re right, Will. It is enough.” Jane took a deep breath and made the request she’d been longing to make for months but had been too scared of the unknown to do. “I want my part of the inheritance.”

  Some ashes fell to his pants so he shot up out of his chair and brushed them off before checking the rug beneath his feet. When he was assured there was no fire, he stared at Jane. “What?”

  “My inheritance. You know, that good sum of money our parents left me.” She held out her hand. “I will take my part and leave.”

  Susie laughed. “You don’t have anywhere to go.”

  “That shows how much you know,” Jane replied. “Edith’s husband just landed a good job in Omaha, and she’s invited me to go with her.”

  “You wouldn’t have enough to live out the rest of your life,” her brother argued.

  “I don’t need to live out the rest of my life on it. I only need enough until I either find suitable employment or get married.” Ideally, it’d be the latter, but right now she wasn’t in a position to be picky.

  Will threw back his head and laughed. “And what skills can you offer? You didn’t get enough schooling to be a teacher or governess. What else can a woman possibly do besides that which would defile her body?” He shuddered.

  “I could do laundry or clean or cook,” she replied, bitterly noting he didn’t even consider marriage an option for her.

  “And you’ll likely be taken advantage of. Really, Jane. It’s a man’s world, and unless you have a husband to support you, you’ll never make it without us.”

  Jane glanced between Will and Susie and noted the smug look on Susie’s face. “Whatever happens to me is not your concern. It’s mine. I’ll take all of the money now, please.” She held her hand higher and waited.

  Her brother shifted from one foot to the other before he placed his cigar in the ashtray. With a step in her direction, he clasped his hands together and rubbed them. “Alright. You’ve forced my hand. You see, there was this situation that came up, and I needed some money, so…” His voice trailed off as his face turned bright red.

  Jane felt the color drain from her face. “Are you saying I don’t have any money?”

  He gave a slight laugh and shrugged.

  “Nothing at all?” she demanded, her shock quickly turning to fury.

  “No. At least not right now.”

  “Not right now? What is that supposed to mean?”

  “There was this investment opportunity. It was too good to pass up. You just watch, Jane. In a year, this business is going to take off.”

  “I don’t care about the investment. I want my money. I’m due for my share of the inheritance. If you’ve squandered mine, then I suggest you be a gentleman and give me yours. Then we’ll call it even, and I’ll be out of your way.”

  “Oh, yes, that would be an option,” he slowly began.

  “Good!” She kept her hand out and waited.

  “Except, I don’t have that either.”

  “What?” she screamed.

  “There’s no need to raise your voice,” Susie said.

  Ignoring her, Jane stomped her foot on the floor and stared at her brother. “You don’t have any money? Nothing at all?”

  “I have what my paycheck brings home,” he answered. “But I promise you that a year from now, we’ll be living like kings.”

  “No, you won’t.” Jane pressed her hands to her cheeks and fought the urge to break down and cry. “You’ve lost a good sum of money in a year. How can you believe you manage money effectively?”

  He shook his head and sighed. “The investment hasn’t paid off yet. Mark my word, four-wheeled bicycles are going somewhere.”

  “This is a stupid idea. No one will buy them.”

  “They will if they have a large basket to carry things. We’re talking grocery items. This will revolutionize the way women shop.” When no one said anything, her brother returned to his chair and picked up his cigar. “You’ll see, Jane. A hundred years from now, people will be riding four-wheeled bicycles all over the place. My children’s children will be rich.” He put his hands behind his head, smiled, and puffed on his cigar.

  Susie cleared her throat and motioned to her stomach. “My child is hungry.”

  Jane glowered at her. “So make your child something to eat!” Then she stormed out of the house and headed for Edith’s.

  Chapter Four

  Jane clutched her shawl and tried not to throw it over her head as Micah belched. Across from her at the long table, Susie looked at her and giggled. Jane averted her gaze from Susie and scanned the group of people who ate at the potluck. Jane’s plate remained full of food. She couldn’t bring herself to eat anything. Not with the noxious fumes of Micah’s farts hindering the pleasant smells of the foods. Clutching her stomach in hopes she wouldn’t gag at the loud sound of him chomping on his food, she wondered why she couldn’t fake an illness very well. She should have told Will the woman’s time of the month was upon her instead of claiming a fever.

  At another table, Marcy’s newborn let out a cry. Jane knew exactly how the poor child felt!

  “Ah, isn’t that baby cute?” Micah asked her while the food was still in his mouth.

  Susie nodded with a little too much enthusiasm. “Babies sure are cute. Jane is wonderful with children. Why, she loves taking care of her niece and nephew.”

  “Is that so?” Micah glanced at Jane and winked.

  Bile rose up to Jane’s throat, so she held the cloth napkin up to her nose to avoid breathing any more of his bad breath. She noted the way Susie nudged Will in the side.

  Will glanced up from his chicken and smiled. “Jane’s al
so a fine cook. She made the coleslaw.”

  Jane’s stomach churned. She really didn’t like the way Micah was looking at her—as if he was considering that she would cook for him or give him babies. There was no way either one was going to happen! For the first time in her life, she anticipated cleaning up after a meal. Once everyone was done, she could volunteer to wash dishes. That would require her to spend most of her time in the kitchen, if she went slow enough.

  When Micah turned his face away from her, she lowered the napkin and glanced around the three long tables that formed the letter ‘U’ on the front lawn of Jonathan and Marcy’s residence. From the other table, she caught Edith’s gaze. Edith sent her a sympathetic smile. Not knowing what else she could do, Jane shrugged and returned her attention to her table.

  “I hear the christening is this Sunday,” a woman said further down the table. “The girl’s gown is so lovely. Marcy made it herself.”

  “You don’t say,” another woman chimed in. “I remember when Marcy made her first skirt. She’s come a long way since then, hasn’t she?”

  Jane sighed and glanced at her plate. Maybe she could eat something on it. The fried potatoes were made by Gerdy, and Gerdy knew how to season them just right. Micah released another loud fart, and she gave up on any notion of eating.

  Placing her napkin on the table, she excused herself from the table and went in the direction of the outhouse. Once she verified no one was watching her, she veered off to the side of the house which was out of everyone’s sight. Relieved, she settled against the side of the house and took a few deep breaths. She would never take fresh air for granted again! She closed her eyes and placed her head in her hands. How could she avoid Micah for the rest of the day? Forget about the rest of the day. How about the rest of her life?

  “Jane?”

  Startled, she lowered her hands and turned her head in the direction of Jeremy’s voice. He was sitting on a barrel that had been turned upside down and placed under a portion of the wraparound porch that was in the shadows. She stepped forward so she could get a better look at him. “What are you doing back here?”