The Rescue by Lori Wick Read Free Book Online Page A

eye contact with each one.
    “Let us stand now,” he said when he broke the silence. “Open your hymnals, and we’ll raise our voices in praise to God.”
    From where Anne was sitting, she had felt Judith squeeze her arm but only nodded in acknowledgment. She feared that if she had eye contact she would become emotional. Neither did she join the singing when the flock began the first hymn. She was too busy praying.
    Please, Father, please don’t let this congregation suffer for my father’s imprudent words or my actions. I see now that I was caught off guard and should not have stayed at Brown Manor all those days. Mr Weston didn’t slow down and think about his response before leaving me so abruptly. You know that while at Brown Manor I did not act improperly with Mr Weston—in that we are innocent—but my largest concern, Father, is for the church family. Regardless of how the community views me, please help people to see that this church is fully committed to You.
    Anne prayed through the entire first song, finishing up by thanking God for Pastor Hurst and the church family and working to prepare her heart for the message.
    She was completely unaware of the fact that Robert Weston was running late this morning. Just before the song ended and everyone took a seat, he slipped in to sit in a rear pew.

Chapter Four

    The sermon ended with prayer, and almost before Weston could open his eyes, Palmer was there to greet him.
    “Welcome to Collingbourne,” Palmer said to Weston as he introduced himself.
    “Thank you. Robert Weston,” Weston filled in as they shook hands.
    “Are you passing through?”
    “No, I’m moving into Brown Manor.”
    At Palmer’s questioning look, Weston informed him who he was.
    “Alice Dixon was my grandmother.”
    “I’m sorry for your loss. I hadn’t seen Mrs Dixon in years, but my memories of her are very fine.”
    “Thank you. I feel the same way.”
    “It’s marvelous news about your joining our community, Mr Weston. I haven’t visited Brown Manor for some time. Will you have many repairs?”
    “No, the former tenants valued the property as my family has, and things are in fine order. You’ll have to come and visit when I get settled.”
    “I’ll do that. Oh, here’s my eldest. Frank, come and meet Mr Weston.”
    Introductions were made and the threesome visited for some moments. Frank had ridden his horse near Brown Manor some weeks earlier and was able to converse articulately about the land. While they visited, the three other Palmer children joined them.
    “Walt is my next eldest,” Palmer explained. “And this is Lizzy and this is Emma.”
    “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Weston said, and he meant it. He liked children, and the ease with which these children approached their father told Weston that the relationship was a good one.
    The group talked all the way out to the carriages and horses, and before Weston went on his way he repeated his invitation to visit, even going so far as to tell Palmer to visit anytime.
    “Who knows how long it will take for the dust to settle, but if you don’t mind the disruption, feel free to stop in.”
    “I’ll plan on that. Thank you.”
    They parted company, Weston well content, but Palmer with a niggling thought in the back of his mind. Lydia was sure to be disappointed in Anne’s refusal to visit, but something told him she would find Mr Weston’s presence today as curious as he did.

    Tipton
    “What reason did she give?” Lydia asked as soon as she saw her husband’s face.
    “She does not want our reputation to suffer with her own.”
    “Is it that bad, Palmer?”
    “Yes. Pastor even addressed the issue before the congregation,” Palmer said, before giving her a brief account.
    Lydia looked crestfallen.
    “Does she think that we—” Lydia began, but Palmer shook his head.
    “No, but she’s being protective of us and would not be swayed.”
    “What are we to do?”
    “We’re going to go on praying