The Rescue (40 page)

“Here, sit on my knee a moment and listen to this.”

Anne slipped an arm around his neck to get comfortable and noticed that he was in the book of Jeremiah.

“This is from chapter 9. ‘Thus saith the L
ORD,
Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the L
ORD
which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the L
ORD.’

“I thought of you as I read that,” Weston told her when he finished. “On days when you might be tempted to question God’s timing, you can remember this verse. You can remember that our God is loving, a righteous judge who only does what’s best for us.”

“Thank you,” Anne said sincerely. She hadn’t even taken the time to open her Bible that morning. “I grow discouraged too easily these days. My father’s interest in Christ was such a lovely surprise, and the instant I heard about it I determined that God was going to save him before he died.”

“And He may have, Anne. Your father may have repented. What we need to remember is that we are not lost in the last moments of life. Most of us have years to accept or reject God’s offer. He never forces it on us, but it has to be on His terms.”

Anne nodded. “Which is only right, considering that He’s the potter and we’re the clay.”

Weston kissed her cheek.

“Did you come in for something in particular?”

“Just to be near you.”

Weston put both arms around her. “Are you a little down this morning?”

“I am, yes. I have much to be thankful for, but all I can think about is my hurting heart.”

“Can you do both?”

“How’s that?”

“Can you be thankful and still having a hurting heart? Can you have a hurting heart but not be consumed with it?”

Anne had to think about that. It was a challenging idea. She knew that Christ Himself understood mourning, so there certainly must be a righteous way to go about it.

“Another passage just came to mind,” Weston continued, paging in his Bible to the book of Matthew. “Remember the man in chapter 12 who had an unclean spirit? It would seem that he got rid of it but didn’t replace it with anything, so the spirit returned with seven other spirits, even more evil, and the man was in worse shape than ever before.

“I think believers do this. They try to overcome a sin without putting something else in their heart. You’ve lost your father, but you have the ultimate Father in God Himself. Fill your heart with God’s Word. Don’t let there be an empty space inside of you, and God will see you through every moment of pain.”

“Oh, Weston,” Anne breathed as she wrapped her arms tightly around him. “Thank you. Thank you so much. I haven’t known quite what to do. I do feel empty. I read my Bible and still feel so sad—not a righteous sadness, but one where I want pity. Now I know what to do. Now I can mourn but have joy and thankfulness in my tears.”

Anne buried her face in his shoulder. Weston smiled. She was trying to choke the life out of him, but it was worth it. To see her face light up with a plan to keep molding herself to Christ as she mourned was worth every second.

Tipton

“You don’t think it too soon after my father’s death, do you?” Anne asked of Palmer and Lydia.

“No, Anne, we don’t,” Palmer said immediately.

“And from what you’ve said, you’re not planning an overly large affair,” Lydia put in.

“That’s true.”

“So what can we do?” Palmer asked.

Anne lit up at that moment. The Palmers learned in an instant that she was very well organized and knew exactly what she was looking for. They listened, growing excited with her.

“What do you think?”

“We think it sounds wonderful.”

“It’s not a large group to invite, but do you think you’ll be able to keep it a surprise?” Lydia asked.

“I don’t know, but I’m going to try.”

“We won’t speak of it to the children,” Lydia said. “That will certainly help.”

“And you can tell Weston that you’re invited to dinner that evening,” Palmer put in. “Everyone can be here ahead of time, and he won’t suspect a thing.”

“That’s what I’m hoping.”

The three ironed out a few more details and Anne took her leave. She knew she’d been moping around Brown Manor long enough. Weston hadn’t said it in those words, but it was time to stop wallowing in her misery, replace the pain with Christ’s love and His Word, and stop thinking about only herself. As the carriage pulled away from Tipton to take her home, Anne was reminded of how wonderful it was to put others ahead of herself.

Brown Manor

Mansfield had all he could do not to laugh. The mistress of Brown Manor was nearly beside herself with excitement. She had given him a list of things she needed done, food she wished to have prepared, and instructions on how the evening should go.

“And it’s a surprise, Mansfield. We must do our best to keep it quiet.” This was all said very softly, even though they were quite alone in the kitchen.

“I shall do my best, Mrs Weston. Do you need me to devise a plan to get Mr Weston to Tipton?”

“No, I shall tell him today that we’ve been invited to dinner. Everyone will be there ahead of time. But now, Mansfield,” the lady went on. “His actual birthday is a few days later. I also want to have a special dinner that night. Ask Cook what she recommends, and please check back with me.”

“Very well, Mrs Weston.”

Anne watched him take a few more notes, waiting until he looked up.

“Do you think I’ve forgotten anything?” she asked, seeming younger than her years.

The servant looked thoughtful and then asked, “Do you have a gift in mind?”

Anne’s eyes grew large before she thanked the manservant and hurried on her way.

Alone at last, Mansfield gave in to the urge to smile. If he had to enlist the help of every servant at Brown Manor, this would be a party Mr Weston would never forget. And all the credit would go to his lovely wife.

Collingbourne

“I’m going to go to Benwick’s on my own,” Anne informed her spouse just as they came into town the next afternoon.

“Is there a reason?”

“Well, you said you had business with Mr Vintcent, so I thought I would head directly to Benwick’s.”

“All right. I’ll join you when I finish.”

“Why don’t we meet at Gray’s?”

“Oh, there’s no need for that. I’ll come and fetch you.”

“I have business at Benwick’s. There’s no need for you to come.”

“What business?”

Anne saw no help for it. “Weston, your birthday is this month.”

He looked stunned.

“It is, isn’t it?”

Anne had to laugh at him.

“Nevertheless, Anne, I don’t relish the idea of your going to Gray’s on your own.”

“It’s only across the street, Weston,” Anne pointed out. “I’ll just walk over as soon as I’m finished.”

“But if I finish first, I’ll come and find you at Benwick’s. I won’t come in, I’ll just wait for you outside.”

“But if you do that, you won’t know if I’m inside or already waiting for you at Gray’s.”

He hated to admit it but she had him. Anne hid a smile from her protective spouse and waited for him to speak.

“All right,” he agreed at last. “I’ll go to Gray’s and wait for you.”

Anne kissed his cheek and assured him, “I will be fine.”

Weston had no real reason to doubt that, and with a clear mind left her and went on his way.

In the shop, Anne browsed for a gift. She had some vague ideas but rather hoped she would spot something and know it was just right. She was still at a complete loss when someone called her name.

“Anne, is that you?”

“Lizzy!” Anne exclaimed with delight as she rushed to hug the friend who had entered the aisle. “How are you?”

“I’m very well,” Elizabeth Steele told her, smiling in delight of their meeting. “How are you?”

“I’m married,” Anne told her, her smile lighting her whole face. “I’m Mrs Robert Weston.”

“Oh, Anne, I’m so pleased for you.”

“But tell me, Lizzy!” Anne rushed on. “Are you visiting or have you moved back?”

“I’m back.”

“How long have you been here?”

“Only a week.”

“And what brought this about?”

“Several things, but mostly that my brother has left England to travel for a time.”

“Which brother?” Anne’s brows rose in surprise.

“Edward. He left in August, but it feels like forever. I told Henry that I was returning to Collingbourne, and surprisingly enough he wanted to move as well.”

“And is it just Henry, or are all your siblings back?”

“Everyone save Edward,” Elizabeth said with a smile. “A little peace and quiet in Newcomb Park would have been lovely, but we’re all home.”

“It’s so wonderful to see you, Lizzy. Things are busy just now, but when the holidays are over, I want you to come and visit.”

“I want you to do the same. I want to meet your Mr Weston.”

“And you shall. We’ll be in church tomorrow.”

“I shall seek you out.”

The two hugged again and parted. For a time Anne couldn’t think. It was so lovely to see her friend. They had not stayed in touch over the years but had been very good friends as girls.

In the midst of this rambling, she spotted it. Anne walked toward the shelf that held the perfect gift for her husband, picking it up with gentle hands. Benwick chose that moment to join her.

“How are you faring, Mrs Weston?”

“Very well, Mr Benwick. I’ll take this. And when you deliver it, please instruct your man to leave it with Mansfield.”

“Very well.”

Her step light and wanting to fly to Gray’s in her excitement, Anne made her way across the street some ten minutes later. She had spotted two other needs before exiting the shop but was now done and ready to join her husband.

Weston had ordered and was waiting for her, standing as she took her seat and then adjusting her chair.

“Dare I ask how it went?”

“It went very well.” Anne looked downright smug. “And I refuse to give any hints, but I will tell you that I met a friend I hadn’t seen in years. She just moved back into the area. You shall meet her tomorrow.”

“I look forward to it,” Weston said as Anne poured the tea. “Will we be visiting Lucy Digby today before we leave town?”

Anne stared at her husband, marveling all over again at his kindness.

“Weston, that’s a lovely idea.”

“I’m glad you think so. I look forward to meeting your friends.”

And that was just what they did. From Gray’s they made their way to the small house of Anne’s longtime friend. Weston was at his most charming, and in a matter of moments Lucy relaxed and enjoyed his visit. The little girls—especially Meg—were delightful, and Anne could see that Weston found them adorable. Billy came in early from work and Weston was able to meet him.

“Where are you working these days, Billy?”

“I’m at Ashridge right now, but I’ll be coming to your church soon.”

“Does the church need masonry work?” Weston asked.