Page 22 of A Groom for Heather
“It was terrible, Mr. James. So much loss. So much death. I don’t ever want to have to worry about the weather again.”
“Is that why you are leaving?”
Heather shrugged. “I’m leaving for a lot of reasons.” She glanced up the road. “Oh bother.”
“What?” Dalton looked in the same direction. He didn’t see anything but a clergyman walking alongside a young woman.
Heather grabbed Dalton’s arms and pushed him in front of her. “You have to make sure he doesn’t see me.”
“Why’s that?”
“It’s a long story. But I did something stupid and now I need to leave.”
“I’m not following.”
“Pride is a terrible thing, Mr. James. A terrible, terrible thing.”
“I can’t imagine you doing something that terrible.”
“I did. I let my frustration get the best of me.”
“Now, that I can imagine.”
Heather moved a little closer to Dalton. She smelled of lye soap and sunshine with a hint of flowers. He closed his eyes savoring her scent. “Is he still over there?”
“Who? The preacher? He’s coming this way.”
Heather popped her head around Dalton so quickly she nearly lost her balance. Dalton grabbed her by the waist steadying her. Heat seared his hand and he quickly let her go. Heather’s eyes flashed to his.Interesting. She must have felt it as well.
“Mrs. Barnes,” the long-legged clergyman said running towards them. “Mrs. Barnes, I’ve been meaning to talk to you.”
Heather gave a little cough and stood as tall as her petite height would let her. “Pastor Collins, I have been rather preoccupied. In fact, I’m on my way to a meeting right this very minute. This will have to wait.”
“My dear Mrs. Barnes… is it true?” The clergyman took off his felt hat and worried it in his hands. “Are you leaving Last Chance?”
“Yes, Pastor Collins, I am. This is Mr. Dalton James. He has purchased the property. I must insist that you let me by. I need to get to my appointment.”
Pastor Collins gave an exaggerated bow. “Mr. James. It is my most humble pleasure to meet you. I do hope you’ll like Last Chance.”
“I like what I’ve seen. I liked it enough to purchase a home here.”
“Please know that although we have services every Sunday, the rectory is open anytime you need to find Godly counsel.”
“I will try to remember that.” He pushed past the preacher. “We do have to be getting to our appointment.”
“I do not want you to fret, Mrs. Barnes. I have graciously forgiven you for the words you said in haste. As my own dear sister, Beatrice, told me …” he raised his eyes heavenward, “Barnaby she said, it is your Christian duty to do the right thing and forgive those that oppress us.” His lips curled up in a smile that was more pain than pleasure. “I have most deeply forgiven you, Mrs. Barnes.”
Heather started walking a little faster. “I am most appreciative of your sentiments, Pastor Collins, but I am already late.” Dalton watched as she nearly ran around the corner and disappeared towards the attorney’s office.
He looked at the pastor that was smiling sheepishly at him. “Pastor Collins, was it?”
“Yes sir. Pastor Barnaby Collins at your service.” The pastor glanced down the road where Heather disappeared. “I do not know what is going on with that woman.”
Dalton furrowed his brow. “That woman lost her husband.”
“That is why she must remarry.”
“Remarry?”
