Page 5 of Into the Starlight (Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing #3)

Chapter Five

“My mother would probably chide me for saying this, but you appear a bit nervous.” Burke’s expression was almost sheepish, as if he expected Joanna to reprimand him. How could she, when he’d spoken the truth?

It was a beautiful Sunday morning, cooler than many at this time of the year, with a light breeze. The rest of the family preceded them on their way to church, Emily and Louisa walking beside their husbands and little Noah, and Della engrossed in a discussion with Mrs. Carmichael. The first half block had been uneventful, with Burke commenting on how different the weather was from Alabama. And then he’d said that.

As Joanna’s steps faltered, she turned toward him, shocked that he’d read her emotions so easily. No one—not even her family—had done that. She paused for a second, not sure how to respond, then realized there was no reason to dissemble.

“It’s probably silly of me to be nervous, but this will be the first time I’ve seen someone other than my father standing in the pulpit.” That thought had disturbed her sleep and wakened her far too early this morning. And then there’d been breakfast. It had seemed somehow wrong to eat what had been their traditional Sunday meal when her parents weren’t here to enjoy it. Emily and Louisa may have become accustomed to the changes in their lives, but this was Joanna’s first Sunday in Sweetwater Crossing without her parents.

Though breakfast had been difficult, the worst was yet to come. Soon she’d be entering the building that had played such a vital role in her life. It would look the same. Joanna knew that. But the service wouldn’t be the same.

“Pastor Lindstrom seems like a good man.” Burke’s words and his gentle smile were designed to reassure her. “When Aunt Della and I met him yesterday, he struck me as sympathetic.”

“I’m sure he is.” But he wasn’t Father, and that was the problem. Trying to distract herself, Joanna continued. “Emily said Reverend Lindstrom is the third minister since Father. Apparently the first one wasn’t right for Sweetwater Crossing, and the second minister was temporary from the beginning. He married Emily’s friend Alice, the one who used to be the librarian, and moved back to Louisiana.”

Though she wasn’t babbling, Joanna felt as if she were on the verge of it. “Emily assured me I’d like the new minister and would have a chance to get to know him better when he joins us for lunch today. I should be happy. It’s just ...”

“A change.” Burke completed the sentence. “And you’ve already had too many of them.”

Joanna nodded, once again surprised by his understanding. Coming home had been so different from her expectations. “You’re right. I feel overwhelmed by the way everything in my life has changed, but how did you know?”

Burke’s green eyes deepened with what might have been sorrow. “I’ve had some changes in my life that left me feeling that way.”

“Changes like leaving your practice, if only for a month or so, to come here?”

He shook his head. “That was actually a good change. Others weren’t as benign.”

Though Joanna wanted to delve into what those other changes had been, she knew better than to pry. Besides, they’d reached the church and, as was the family’s custom, did not linger to speak to anyone despite curious glances directed at her and Burke. Instead, she followed the rest of the family into the sanctuary to the second pew.

That was yet another change, another reminder of Father’s death. Previously she’d sat in the first pew, the one reserved for the minister’s family. Now that pew remained empty, because the current minister had no family.

Afterward Joanna could not have told anyone what subject Pastor Lindstrom had chosen for the sermon or which hymns they’d sung. She was dimly aware of Miss Heppel playing the piano in the loft and had the fleeting thought that her former teacher wasn’t as skilled as she recalled, but that seemed unimportant when a thin man no taller than she took his place behind the pulpit. Though Father had been gone for more than a year, the reality of his death came crashing over Joanna as she watched someone else lead the congregation in the familiar liturgy.

Burke was right; change was difficult. And yet as the service ended and Pastor Lindstrom pronounced the benediction from the sixth chapter of Numbers, Joanna felt her spirits lift. The Lord had indeed given her peace.

Burke smiled and gave thanks for the way Joanna relaxed after the benediction, as if a burden had been lifted from her shoulders. One of his prayers had been answered.

She rose to exit the pew, her lips curved in a wry smile. “I need to warn you that you may feel as if you’re running a gauntlet when we step outside. Folks will want to meet you and Della.”

“And talk to you.” Under most circumstances, people would have been welcoming her home, but Burke had seen the speculative looks that had been directed their way and heard the whispered, “It’s about time the middle Vaughn girl returned. Imagine, staying in Europe after her parents died. She should have been here with her sisters.”

Joanna shrugged. “There’ll be some of that, but you and Della are the main attraction, particularly for those who remember your uncle. Are you ready?”

“As ready as I can be.” He touched Della’s shoulder to get her attention. “How about you, Aunt Della?”

“I’m looking forward to meeting the townspeople. I know I shouldn’t have been staring, but some of them look old enough to have known Clive.” Her smile broadened. “Pastor Lindstrom’s sermon couldn’t have been more appropriate. ‘Ask and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall find.’ Matthew 7:7 was the encouragement I needed.”

“That’s a message we should all remember.” And one whose truth was evident, for another of Burke’s prayers had been answered. Despite the string of disappointments Della had encountered since they’d arrived in Sweetwater Crossing, her normal optimism had returned.

He left the church, Joanna on one side, Della on the other, while the rest of their party followed. As they emerged into the sunlight, two middle-aged men approached them, their expressions curious. Though both were brunets of the same height, one man’s hair was light brown and his eyes blue, while the other had darker hair, brown eyes, and a paunch.

“Welcome to Sweetwater Crossing,” the lighter-haired man said, extending his hand to Burke. “I’m Malcolm Alcott, the town’s mayor.” The gesture and words were courteous, but the mayor’s blue eyes radiated barely veiled hostility.

Apparently unaware of his companion’s reaction, the other man extended his hand. “And I’m Sheriff Andrew Granger. Welcome to the finest town in the Hill Country.” His welcome rang with sincerity.

If Sweetwater Crossing was like many other towns, these men were among the most powerful and were exercising that power by being the first to greet a newcomer. Though common courtesy dictated that they include Della in their welcome, neither man appeared eager to acknowledge her presence, leaving Burke to suspect they were like Della’s father and held women in low regard.

The mayor’s eyes narrowed. “You remind me of someone I used to know.”

“Good morning, Mr. Mayor and Sheriff Granger.” Though the men were ignoring her as well as Della, Joanna wasn’t allowing that to continue. “Please let me introduce you to Miss Della Samuels and Burke Finley. They’ve come from Alabama and are staying with us at Finley House.”

The men gave Della the briefest of nods before turning their attention back to Burke. “Your name’s Finley?” The sheriff studied him. “Are you Clive’s son?”

“No, sir. I’m his nephew. Miss Samuels is the woman he’d intended to marry.”

The mayor nodded, his gaze never veering from Burke. “That explains it. The resemblance is remarkable.”

“So I’ve been told.”

Della took a step forward, her eagerness to speak to someone who might have known her fiancé evident. “I came to learn what I could about Clive’s time here.”

When there was no response, Burke spoke. “If you two knew him, perhaps we could talk to you when you’re not busy.” A casual conversation in the churchyard wouldn’t be enough for him, particularly given the mayor’s hostility that had yet to fade and the way both men were ignoring Della. Burke wanted to sit with them, not leaving until he was satisfied he and Della had learned everything they knew.

The men exchanged an uncomfortable glance. “It’s been a long time,” the mayor said.

“Yes, it has,” Joanna agreed. Unlike Della, who seemed to have accepted the men’s behavior, she refused to be nothing more than a bystander. “But even after all these years, you might recall something. I’m certain you want to help Miss Samuels in any way you can.”

The mayor’s nod seemed perfunctory. “I’ll think on it, and so will the sheriff. Right, Andrew?” When the other man inclined his head in agreement, they took their leave, their spots quickly claimed by others who wanted to meet the newcomers and speak to Joanna. To Burke’s relief, none of the women who’d been so critical of her was among them.

A woman with almost black hair and gray eyes was one of the last to leave the church. While others walked in pairs or small groups, she remained alone as she approached the Vaughn family, her eyes fixed on Joanna.

“Joanna, my dear, I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw you walk into the sanctuary. Welcome home!” She touched Joanna’s hand. “I can see that you’re busy now.” Though she gave Della an appraising look, to Burke’s surprise, she merely glanced at him, then averted her head. “Please say you’ll visit me tomorrow. I want to hear all about your studies. Shall we say 10:00?” Without waiting to be introduced to Della and him, she hurried away.

“My apologies,” Joanna said when the dark-haired woman was out of earshot. “Miss Heppel isn’t usually so abrupt. I think my return caught her off guard. She’s our church pianist and the woman who taught me to play.”

“She seems very fond of you. Were you her protégé?”

Joanna smiled at Della’s question. “I hadn’t thought of myself in that way, but perhaps.”

Half an hour later, when Burke was convinced he’d met everyone in Sweetwater Crossing, though he could recall only a few names, Joanna said, “We can leave now.” The crowd had dispersed, the few who remained conversing with her sisters and their husbands.

Moments later, a new couple approached them. Joanna’s expression changed from pleasure to concern, perhaps because the woman, who was almost as short as Emily, appeared on the verge of fainting. She gripped her husband’s arm for support, then seemed to regain her composure.

Taking a step toward them, Joanna greeted the woman whose blue eyes were fixed on Burke. Her light brown hair and features were unremarkable, but her gaze was piercing, reminding him of his first schoolteacher, who’d always seemed to know when mischief was afoot and frequently stopped the perpetrators before they could play their pranks.

“Miss Albright—oh, excuse me, Mrs. Neville—I’m so glad to see you. And, Mr. Neville, please accept my congratulations on your marriage. You couldn’t find a better woman.” It appeared that Joanna was going to ignore Mrs. Neville’s previous discomfort.

Turning to Burke and Della, Joanna continued. “When she was still Miss Albright, this lady was our schoolmarm. She taught my sisters and me the three Rs and so much more.”

He’d been right in thinking this woman had taught school. Had marriage been the reason she’d retired, or did she suffer from an ailment that left her so pale and dependent on her husband? Not wanting to make her uncomfortable with his assessment, Burke turned his attention to Mr. Neville. Like his wife, he had no distinguishing features. His brown hair and eyes were ordinary, but the way he regarded his wife was not. Mr. Neville was clearly infatuated with the woman who wore his ring.

“First of all, Joanna, you’ve reached the age where you can address Thomas and me by our first names. More importantly, it appears you’ve forgotten some of the manners I taught you.” Burke wasn’t certain whether the former schoolmarm’s disapproval was real or feigned, but he was relieved to see color return to her cheeks and that she was no longer in danger of fainting.

“Aren’t you going to introduce your friends?” she asked, her voice tart.

“My apologies, Gertrude.” Another woman might have been chagrined by the criticism, but Joanna’s demeanor remained calm as she performed the introductions.

Gertrude Neville nodded at Della before returning her gaze to Burke. “He looks just like Clive, doesn’t he, Thomas?”

“He certainly does.” Thomas fixed a warm smile on Della. “I can see why Clive built that house for you. It’s a beautiful home for a beautiful woman.” Turning back to his wife, he said, “Don’t you agree, Gertrude?”

“Indeed.”

“Where in Louisiana do you live?” Harold Lindstrom asked as he passed the mashed potatoes to Della. “Several of the parishioners told me that’s where you’re from.”

Joanna watched, amused by the way the gregarious pastor who’d insisted they address him by his first name kept his attention focused on Della. There were eight other people at the table, but though he’d addressed each of them at the beginning of the meal, now the majority of his questions were directed at the woman for whom Finley House had been built. Though it might be because they were of a similar age, Joanna suspected a different cause. The way Harold watched Della reminded her of the way she’d regarded George, the man who’d become Emily’s first husband.

George Leland had been the most handsome man Joanna had ever seen, a blond, blue-eyed prince, or so she’d thought at the time. And, though she was now embarrassed to admit it, she’d believed her heart was broken the day he asked Emily to be his bride. It was only after she’d met and married Kurt, another handsome blond, blue-eyed man, that Joanna had realized what she’d felt for George had been nothing more than infatuation.

“We live in Samuels, Alabama, not Louisiana.” Burke’s explanation brought Joanna back to the present. “And, yes, before you ask, the town was named for Aunt Della’s family. Her great-grandfather was one of the first residents.”

“Is your family still there?” Once again, Harold’s question was for Della.

She shook her head and placed a spoonful of potatoes on her plate. “Only family of the heart—Burke’s two sisters. But let’s not talk about me. What brought you to Sweetwater Crossing?” The sparkle in Della’s eyes left no doubt that this was more than a casual inquiry.

When Emily had mentioned the new minister, she hadn’t said much other than that the church elders were impressed with his credentials. If she knew why he’d left his last church, she hadn’t told Joanna.

Harold wrinkled his nose, as if the answer were unpleasant, and reached for the gravy boat. “My last congregation decided they wanted a younger minister, one with a wife and children. They said a married man would be better able to counsel the town’s increasing number of young families.”

Laying down her fork, Della sniffed in indignation. “Jesus wasn’t married, nor are Catholic priests.”

A rough laugh was Harold’s response. “I’m neither Jesus nor a priest. I will admit that I was unhappy with their decision at first. I’d been there more than fifteen years and thought I was part of the community. But when the invitation to come here happened almost immediately, I suspected this was part of God’s plan for me.” He started to pour gravy onto his potatoes. “Now that I’m here, I know it was the right move.”

“Based on today’s service, I would agree.” Della’s expression was earnest, underscoring her words. “You preached a fine sermon. It doesn’t often happen, but I felt as if you were addressing my personal needs. Was that because we met yesterday and you knew why I’d come to Sweetwater Crossing?”

Though obviously pleased by her praise, Harold shook his head. “The inspiration for the sermon came before I met you. Friday afternoon, to be exact.”

Once again, the conversation seemed limited to Della and Harold, with Joanna feeling like an onlooker. It didn’t matter, though, because she found the subject interesting and the couple’s fascination with each other intriguing.

Rather than being disappointed, Della seemed encouraged by the timing of Harold’s decision to base his sermon on the seventh chapter of Matthew. “That’s when Burke and I arrived. Some might say it was a coincidence, but I don’t believe that.”

For the first time since he’d tipped the gravy boat, Harold looked at his potatoes, seemingly surprised that he’d flooded them with gravy. “Nor do I.”

“We need to talk,” Joanna told her sisters, gesturing to the kitchen table after they finished washing the dishes. Harold, Della, Burke, and Mrs. Carmichael were seated on the back veranda with Craig and Josh while Noah napped. Though Emily and Louisa had started to follow the others outside, Joanna had stopped them, knowing this was a conversation the three of them needed to have.

“It was an interesting lunch, wasn’t it?” Emily said. “I had the hardest time not laughing when Harold poured half the gravy on his potatoes.”

Louisa chuckled. “I have to give him credit. He ate it as if it was his normal serving, when we all know it wasn’t.” Her chuckle deepened. “I could almost see the attraction between him and Della. It was like iron filings near a magnet.”

That was part of what Joanna wanted to discuss. “At first I thought it was one-sided, but it didn’t take long for me to realize Della was just as entranced as Harold.”

“Smitten.” Emily smiled as she twisted her wedding band. “It reminded me of the way Alice and David looked when they first met.”

Louisa nodded. “It sounds like the stories about Mama and Father. Do you suppose there’s something about being Sweetwater Crossing’s pastor that brings love to people who weren’t expecting it?” She tipped her head to the side as she asked, “Do you suppose she’ll stay?”

Joanna had had the same thought. “Maybe. I know Della and Burke plan to visit for only a couple weeks, but you heard her. She has no blood relations in Alabama. For the right reason, Della might be convinced to stay here.”

Her smile once more restored, Louisa nodded. “For the right man.”

It was time to broach the subject that might change all their lives. “I’ve been thinking about something,” Joanna told her sisters. “What happened at lunch only confirmed my thoughts. That’s why I wanted to talk to you two.”

“Why do I have the feeling we won’t like what you’re going to say?” Emily asked.

“Because you might not.” She gave them a second for her warning to register. “I realized this is Della’s house. Clive built it for her. Yes, he asked Father to take care of it while he was gone, but the truth is, even though we’ve lived here and paid the taxes, we aren’t the rightful owners. Della is.”

Emily and Louisa remained silent for a long moment, absorbing the implications. At last, Emily spoke. “I recall Father saying Clive gave him a document that stated he wanted our family to have Finley House if he didn’t return.”

“And he didn’t return.” Louisa seized the only claim the Vaughn family had to the house.

“That’s true,” Joanna agreed, “but we know it was supposed to be Della’s home. None of us thought we’d ever meet Clive’s fiancée, but now that she’s here, I believe we owe her the house.”

Louisa and Emily exchanged a look before Emily nodded. “You’re right, Joanna. We need to offer it to her.”

Something had happened while the three sisters had stayed in the kitchen after lunch. Their tension was unmistakable, their smiles more than a little forced as they asked him and Della as well as their husbands to join them in the parlor, leaving Mrs. Carmichael to wait for Noah to waken from his nap.

“Is something wrong?” Burke asked when they were all seated. “You look very serious.” Though the question could have been directed to any of the sisters, he looked at Joanna as he spoke.

“We are serious.” She turned to Della, her expression more somber than Burke had ever seen it. “My sisters and I have discussed it, and we agree that this is your house, not ours. Clive built it for you.”

Della’s shock mirrored Burke’s. Blood drained from her face, then rushed back as the magnitude of the sisters’ offer registered. She was silent for a moment, perhaps trying to marshal her thoughts. Finally, she leaned forward, tears glistening in her eyes.

“Oh, my dears, do you mean you’d give me your home?”

“It’s not truly our home. My family have simply been caretakers. Finley House was meant for you.” Emily, perhaps in her role as the eldest, provided the explanation, although Burke suspected the idea had been Joanna’s.

Della ignored the single tear that made its way down her cheek. “It’s very generous of you to even offer me the house, but I cannot accept it. First of all, I have no need for another house. Now that my father’s gone, I have the one in Alabama. But more importantly, Clive built the house for us to share.”

She looked around the parlor, clearly admiring the furnishings and the crown molding. “When I came here, all I wanted was to see the building. You’ve given me far more than I expected.”

Tears continued to well in her eyes, evidence of the deep emotions that the sisters’ generosity had aroused. “You didn’t have to, but you welcomed me into your home and treated me like part of your family.”

Burke understood Della’s feelings, for he too felt as if he’d become an honorary member of the Vaughn family. He and Della had been here a mere two days, but those days had brought him a sense of belonging that surprised him with its intensity.

Della’s gaze moved from Emily to Louisa, resting on Joanna. “I could never, ever take your home from you, but thank you for offering it. That’s the kindest thing anyone has done for me in many years.”

Joanna nodded slowly. “If you change your mind, the offer stands. My sisters and I believe this is your house in ways it was never ours. From everything we’ve heard, Clive designed each of the rooms with you in mind, imagining you entertaining people here, setting the dining room table for your family, spending hours deciding which book to read next. Finley House was made for you, Della. As Emily said, my family have been caretakers.”

Della shook her head. “That’s where you’re wrong. Your family turned this house into a home. I have no desire to take that from you. Simply spending a few days here has been a dream come true.” She paused, her expression becoming wistful. “If only I knew what happened to Clive, my life would be complete.”