Page 25 of The Preacher's Wife
As she entered the peaceful courtyard of the church, she took solace in prayer. If this feeling continued, she would discuss it with Hubert on their evening stroll. Their walks had become a daily thing, even when it was snowing. They hadn’t progressed far from handholding, but he kissed her every night before bed, and there were little touches here and there throughout the days.
Today was a busy day for him. He was going to spend the morning at the Landry farm, helping Silas with a new project. As he left, he invited her to join him, but she declined, deciding to spend the day being available and helping in town. She first went to the church, where she cleaned and began working on a runner for the altar. For her, it felt like a way to make her presenceknown, as she was still somewhat of an outsider in this small town.
She’d also started blankets for each of the children in town and the coming babies as well. Sewing let her mind work through its thoughts and had been something she’d always enjoyed.She used it as reflection time.
Lately, it seemed all her reflections were on her husband and the growing desire to consummate their marriage. What would it be like to get that evening kiss at the door and not go in separate directions? She shouldn’t have such desires. The thoughts that were going through her mind, such as kissing Hubert, or coveting time with her husband, shamed her.
The shame was so great, she couldn’t even think of a Bible verse to recite to direct her thoughts away from marital things. A little giggle pulled her out of her thoughts, and she looked up to find Emily and Alexander Easton coming through the front gate. The almost three-year-old tugged at his mother’s hand in earnest.
“Oh, we weren’t expecting anyone to be here.”
“I can leave if you would like.” Prudence rose, but Emily shook her head.
“We can leave.”
“We both could also stay.”
Both women burst out into giggles at the silliness of the whole situation. Emily released the boy’s hand, and he dashed enthusiastically towards the fenced-in area, drawn to the growing pile of rocks that had become a makeshift climbing spot.
“He is so happy with those rocks,” his mother shook her head, perching on the other bench where between the two of them the women could now see the whole yard.
“I wish I could remember having that much energy.”
“If we could still take a midday nap and someone carried us to bed at night, we might.” Emily glanced around. “Is it just me, or is it quiet in town today?”
“It’s not just you. I assumed everyone had gone out to the Landry’s today. Hubert said the men were helping to finish the springhouse. Mrs. Holstead is with Amanda, who has been feeling poorly as of late. Chloe just went for a nap.”
“Ah. We are just getting over the croup. I could have sent supplies out, though. Perhaps on Sunday we will take a wagon out if they don’t make it to town for services.”
“Mama, look!” Alexander came running towards them, something cupped in his hands.
Prudence and Emily both leaned forward to see what he had. The little boy opened his palms, and the head of the tiniest rabbit she’d ever seen popped out.
“Oh, a bunny,” Prudence crooned over Emily’s yelp.
“Bun-bun,” Alex nodded.
“You should put him back so he can find his mama,” Prudence encouraged, watching as the boy raced back across the yard to deposit the rabbit in the bush near his rock mountain.
“That little boy is going to be the death of me,” Emily murmured beside her.
“It was only a rabbit.”
“And last year, it was only a snake. He loves his animals. I just wish he could love them without his hands.”
Prudence laughed. That was the silliest thing she’d ever heard, though she could imagine her mama feeling the same way.
“Perhaps he will be an animal caretaker as he gets older.”
“Perhaps. But right now, Joel has high hopes he’ll take over the store one day.”
The sound of horses coming into town at a quick clip had both women glancing at one another. That was a lot of noise, even if everyone came back at the same time.
Alex ran to his mother, ducking behind her skirt, but not before showing her that his hands were empty.
A stagecoach was coming. Which was odd, considering a stage had already passed through earlier in the day.
“Take him inside.” Prudence pushed against Emily.
