Harriett was just inside the vestibule when she heard Pastor Lovelace’s door open.
She whirled around, delighted. “Pastor,” she greeted him warmly, excitedly. “How are you this fine day?” He was a young man in his early thirties, and wise for his years. Kind-hearted and generous, Pastor Lovelace made himself available to the people of his congregation. A good shepherd.
“Mrs. Foster.” He smiled, looking a bit uncomfortable. “I thought I heard someone.”
“You did,” she said, speaking the obvious. “Me. I’m here to play the piano for practice with the children. The Christmas program is coming along nicely, even if I say so myself.” She was about to remind him that she’d been the one responsible for finding a replacement for Milly Waters. Actually, she’d volunteered Jayne, but her niece had suggested Reba Maxwell, and that had worked out beautifully.
It went without saying that if Harriett hadn’t stepped in when she had, the entire Christmas program might have been canceled. More and more it was becoming clear to her that she was not appreciated the way she should be. If it wasn’t for her efforts, there was no telling what would happen to the church.
Pastor Lovelace glanced at his watch. “I didn’t think practice with the children was for another hour.”
“It isn’t. I’m here to rehearse for the worship service.” She looked pointedly at her hands. “With my arthritis as bad as it is, it’s a wonder I can still play at all.”
“We do appreciate your efforts, Mrs. Foster, but if ever you feel that you can’t continue, then—”
“No, no, I’m fine. Of course there’s a bit of pain, but then I’m accustomed to that.” She smiled bravely, and Pastor Lovelace patted her shoulder in that caring, gentle way of his.
He started to retreat back into his office.
“Pastor,” she said quickly, “it’s fortuitous that we should meet like this, since there’s a matter, a rather delicate one, I feel needs discussing. It has to do with one of the women of the church…a married woman,” she added pointedly.
“I’m afraid I have an appointment, Mrs. Foster.”
“This should only take a few moments, and its importance can’t be underrated. I feel terrible to be the one to bring this unfortunate situation to your notice, but someone must.”
“Perhaps we could talk later.”
“If I don’t say this now, I might never have the courage again.” Harriett planted her hand over her heart, as if speaking the words pained her. “It has to do with—”
Ruth Darling’s name never left her lips. Just then, with impeccable timing, the church door opened and the very woman herself strolled inside.
Harriett almost swallowed her tongue.
Ruth hesitated, then smiled and nodded. “Hello, Harriett.”
“Ruth.” The name fell stiffly from her lips.
“Perhaps we could talk another time,” Pastor Lovelace suggested, directing the comment to Harriett.
“Of course,” she murmured, and turned away, but not before she saw Ruth enter Pastor Lovelace’s study. Whatever the other woman had come to discuss required an appointment. The subject was plainly serious.
Harriett had seen it coming. The Darling marriage, after forty years or longer, was in deep trouble. Rightly so, with Ruth making goo-goo eyes at Lyle Fawcett.
Chapter 14
A successful marriage isn’t finding the right person, it’s being the right person.
—Mrs. Miracle
Humming to herself, Sharon Palmer read over the recipe and assembled the necessary ingredients. She was tired of tossing and turning the night away in the guest bedroom, tired of pretending she enjoyed sleeping apart from her husband.
The chocolate-chip cookies, his favorite, were a peace offering, a subtle one. A means of telling him she was sorry. That she regretted this whole business and wanted it to end.
Jerry had left earlier that morning to play a round of golf with his friends, other retirees. The way Sharon figured, the cookies would be warm from the oven by the time he returned. Warm and gooey, just the way he liked them best.
Then perhaps they could sit down and talk. Really talk. They hadn’t communicated in months. Not the way they should for a couple married close to forty years.
As she added the chocolate chips and walnuts to the dough, she smiled, pleased with this recent decision to work out the bumps in her marriage. They were both strong-willed and stubborn. Both old fools.
Jerry wanted to take a trip through the Panama Canal. There would be other cruises, other vacations, and next time she could choose when and where. It was silly for them both to be so unreasonable with one another.