Page 24 of The Preacher's Wife
“What are we working on?” He went back to his initial thought. Getting lost in a project was exactly what he needed to do for a little while.
“You can work on floorboards. Jackson is working on putting his lantern hooks up in the ceiling, and Irving is painting.” Silas swiped at the sweat on his brow. “I am working on bedframes.”
Agreeing with a nod, Hubert stepped over to the area where the installation of floor beams had paused. He seemed to possess a confidence in this task that was absent from other aspects of his life, and he immediately set to work.
After several hours, Hubert stepped back with pride to admire the newly finished floor. But as he looked around, he realized he was alone. He had been so focused on his work that he hadn’t noticed when the others left. He vaguely remembered Silas suggesting lunch, but he had brushed it off to continue working.
Hubert had prayed for guidance throughout the day, and as each board went down, memories of his time with Prudence flooded his mind. He recalled that her mother had passed away and her father was becoming increasingly obsessed with sharinghis faith through fear and pressure. Prudence hadn’t mentioned being hit, but he knew that someone had hurt her, based on her reaction to sudden movements. Their marriage and living arrangement had happened quickly, which surprised them both.
He knew she enjoyed cooking and singing and hated keeping secrets. A sudden desire to see her overwhelmed him. Putting down his hammer and wiping off the sawdust, Hubert made his way back to the busy boarding house in search of his wife. He knew he had made a mistake and needed to make things right.
The scene inside the boarding house differed completely from when he had left. It was now a hive of activity. In the front room, the men had congregated, each finding their own way to unwind and relax.
“Rev’s home,” someone called. Hubert nodded to the room before continuing his search for Prudence.
As he strolled down the hallway, Hubert’s attention was drawn to Mrs. Landry, seated at the table with a group of young children. They appeared to be working on some sort of project. It wasn’t the first time Hubert had thought Mrs. Landry would make an excellent teacher. Sterling didn’t seem to have any set rules for its schools, and it seemed ridiculous that only single women could be teachers. Maybe a married woman who was settled in the community could be just as effective, if not more so. He made a mental note to discuss this with John in the future.
Feminine voices rang out from the kitchen, a merry tone saying that all involved were enjoying themselves. He wondered if Prudence had come down at all since he’d been gone.
He should have made time to come back and check on her.
Swallowing his shame, Hubert let himself into the kitchen, happiness rushing through him to find her seated near thesideboard with Charlie and Amanda’s baby on her lap. Their eyes locked, and the noise seemed to fade away.
“Hey, there you are.” She beamed at him, and his heart jolted into a double rhythm.
He made his way through the room until he was standing beside her. “I’m sorry. I got caught up in my work.”
“Did you enjoy it?”
Hubert smiled. “Yeah. I did.”
“That’s all that matters then.”
He leaned down and touched the baby’s nose. “How was your afternoon, Mrs. Fitzgerald?”
“Good. I had a bath and then saw your note. I had a lovely nap. Mrs. Holstead made me a snack, and I feel much better now.”
Hubert leaned forward and kissed the top of her head, a smile permanently plastered on his face. “Did you know that using a hammer can be very cathartic?”
“I have no experience with that, but pounding bread can be. So, I guess it makes sense.”
The baby fussed, and Amanda swooped in, scooping him up. She leaned against Hubert, offering advice in a loud whisper. “Take her for a walk.”
Heat rose in his cheeks, and Prudence turned the prettiest color of pink. Offering his hand, he helped her from the chair, and the newlyweds slipped out of the kitchen into the warmish night air. The sun was just setting in the west.
“I really am sorry for the way I reacted this morning.” Prudence squeezed his hand, staring out into the distance.
“We were tired, and we’re both learning at this moment. I think we’ll find our way together if we try.” He didn’t want her to leave.
“You were right. God has a plan for us. I promise to talk to you, or at least tell you when I need to take a break. Can you promise me the same?”
As her blue eyes twinkled and lit up, he felt a rush of longing, knowing that she could make him fall head over heels in love with her if she kept looking at him like that.
“I promise.”
Chapter Eight
After a week in Sterling, Prudence had settled into her new home. She loved the friendly townspeople and the serene atmosphere of the quaint town. Yet she couldn’t shake off the growing sense of unease within her.
