Mrs. Haggerty returned the embrace, smiling. “I’d be honored. I’ve heard Pastor Lassiter preaches the best sermons around. You’re so fortunate to be living under his roof.”
She’d always known that being under the Lassiters’ roof was good fortune indeed, especially after the abuses she and her siblings had suffered at Aunt Ina’s. But now, hearing it emphasized by a good woman such as Mrs. Haggerty, and hearing Emma Jane’s tale, Mary considered herself doubly blessed.
Mary walked Mrs. Haggerty to the door, barely able to open it against the force of the wind.
“Stay inside where it’s safe, dearie. I’m sure we’ll meet again soon.”
With a bang, the door closed behind Mrs. Haggerty. Mary turned to find Mrs. Lewis to see if there was any chance she, too, could return home today.
Instead, she was met in the hall by Will. “With the storm moving in, we’re staying here. The doctor says Emma Jane shouldn’t be moved yet, and even if she could, I don’t think we can outrun the snow.”
Glancing out the window, Mary sighed. The snow was coming down harder now. One would think they’d be safe from the danger of a blizzard in September, but Mary had heard enough stories from the old-timers that Will’s worries were not unfounded.
“How is Emma Jane? Any change?”
Mary looked in the direction of the guest room where Mrs. Lewis had installed the injured woman, but the door was closed.
“She’s awake, but weak.”
“Why didn’t anyone tell me?” She pushed past Will and darted into the room.
Emma Jane lay on the bed, her eyes open, Mrs. Lewis sitting beside her.
Mrs. Lewis rose. “Oh, good. I was hoping you’d get here soon. I need to see to my other guests, but I don’t want to leave poor Emma Jane alone.”
“I can take over for you. Emma Jane can fill me in on what the doctor said.”
Once Mary was comfortably seated and the door closed firmly behind Mrs. Lewis, Mary took Emma Jane’s hand. “So tell me really. How are you? What did the doctor say? We were so worried.”
“You’d be the only ones,” Emma Jane said, her voice weak and thready.
“Stop that.” Mary squeezed Emma Jane’s hand. “When we get back to town, I’m showing you off as my dear friend, and once the other girls get to know you, they’ll say the same thing.”
She didn’t mention the part about how Mary herself had alienated many of the girls upon their departure. But with Polly’s help, they’d figure out a way to bring acceptance to Emma Jane.
“They said some horrible things to me last night.”
Was it only last night? It felt as though they’d gone through a lifetime. Years, at least.
“They’re just jealous cats. All they care about is impressing Jasper Jackson, and if making fun of you or some other unfortunate girl will get a laugh out of him, then they’ll do it.”
Emma Jane sighed. “That’s what Jasper said. He apologized for being unkind. He is rather nice to talk to. But I found that you were right. Our interests would never suit.”
This time, Emma Jane squeezed her hand. “Thank you for being such a wise counsel. I told Jasper about our conversation, and I think he appreciated that I will only see him as a friend, not the source of my family’s redemption.”
“You sound much stronger.”
“Physically and mentally.” Emma Jane smiled. “I’m still not looking forward to facing my family, or the other girls in town, but you’ve shown me true friendship I’ll not forget.”
Mary supposed it was wrong to puff up with pride, but Emma Jane’s words had that effect. She’d made a difference in this woman’s life, all for the price of friendship. Another benefit of living in the Lassiter household. She’d learned that all most people needed was to have someone care about them.
“Does that mean the doctor thinks you’ll have a full recovery?”
Emma Jane nodded. “He wants me to rest for several days, but he said that he sees no reason why I won’t recover.”
Mary leaned down and gave her friend a gentle hug. “I’m so glad my prayers were answered.”
“Mine, too.” A soft smile filled Emma Jane’s face. “I still don’t know what will happen with my family, but I’m choosing to trust what you told me and that the Lord will work it all out somehow.”
Though Emma Jane’s words were intended to encourage, they created a stirring in Mary’s heart. She’d been keeping her secret about Ben so tight because she wasn’t willing to trust that things would work out. Perhaps she needed to heed her own advice. Mary sighed. When she got back to town, she’d figure things out. There had to be a way for her to settle things with Ben without getting the authorities involved.
But for now...Mary turned her attention back to her friend. “Can I get you anything? Are you hungry? Thirsty?”
A soft smile crossed Emma Jane’s face. “The doctor said I could have some broth. I don’t think anyone’s taken as good care of me as you, Mrs. Lewis and Mrs. Haggerty. Even Jasper’s been so kind. I...”
Emma Jane looked away, toward the window, where Mary could see the snow starting to blow harder. Fortunately the Haggerty ranch wasn’t too far away. Hopefully, the Haggertys would be home safe soon.
“I don’t deserve such kindness,” Emma Jane finally finished, her voice muffled.
“Of course you do,” Mary said, rising. “Jesus died for the worst of sinners, forgiving even the thief on the cross next to him. When we get home, you should talk to Pastor Lassiter. He’ll help you understand.”
Getting broth for Emma Jane was a fine excuse for leaving the room before Mary’s heart combusted and the tears prickling the back of her eyes escaped. There was no question that Mary had been a good friend to Emma Jane. And she was glad to be able to share Christ’s love with the lonely girl.
But Mary Stone was the world’s biggest hypocrite. Who had she taken into her confidence about Ben? She hadn’t even taken the
