Or maybe that was Gertie’s way of distracting Mary from the foolishness of thinking she could help with Rose’s rescue.
Women. He’d never understand them, but at least in the battle of wills with Mary, he had a few allies he could count on.
Pastor Lassiter coughed, and Will turned his gaze to the other man long enough to catch his wink. He’d remain to talk to the older man alone.
As soon as the others left the room, Will turned to the pastor. “I’ll find a way to leave them behind.”
“I’m counting on it.” Pastor Lassiter nodded slowly. “Jasper’s father says that there’s no better man for the job than you. You’ll be in my prayers.”
Clearly the news of Will’s downfall had not been passed on. “Sir, I appreciate your faith in me, but you’ve got to know—”
“Henry Jackson believes you were set up.”
Will let out a long breath. Of course Jasper’s father would have good things to say.
“I’ve made my share of mistakes.”
“Of course you have.” The pastor gave a slow nod. “We all have. Which is why I’m grateful for a forgiving Lord.” Then his expression hardened. “What do you know of this Perry fellow?”
“There’s no greater evil walking this town than Ben Perry. He was the mastermind behind the Century City bank robbery and, as far as I can tell, behind a lot of other crimes.”
Will neglected to mention Ben’s propensity for harming women. The pastor didn’t need to have more to worry about with Rose being in Ben’s clutches.
“Sounds personal.”
The sympathy in the other man’s voice was a balm to Will’s soul. “My life was ruined because of that robbery. But many others have been harmed as well, and I won’t rest until Ben is brought to justice.”
His words seemed to change the expression on the pastor’s face. “Justice? Or vengeance?”
Will wasn’t sure how to respond, but then the pastor continued.
“Don’t fool yourself into taking a vengeful path. Vengeance turns a good man into the kind of man who needs taking down himself. We serve a good God, and even when our human plans fail, God will always prevail. Don’t make the mistake of taking what is God’s into your own hands.”
Easy enough for the pastor to say. Will had been asking for the Lord’s assistance in the matter, and the Lord had not seen fit to step in and stop Ben. An evildoer like Ben Perry had to be stopped. If the Lord wasn’t going to do it, well, Will was up for the challenge. He’d take care of Ben. No matter what the cost.
Chapter Sixteen
Mary had never witnessed anything as opulent as the Jackson mansion. Everything seemed to be plated in gold, or perhaps even encased in solid gold—from the wall fixtures, to the furnishings, to the scrollwork in the floors they walked upon. Despite her family’s newfound wealth, she’d never dreamed of being in a place so fine. Joseph had begun construction on a family home for them all to live in, but he’d said from the outset that they would not be spoiled by their wealth. As Mary ran her hand along the balustrade, she was grateful for her brother’s sensibilities.
She entered the ballroom, where Jasper and Emma Jane sat upon a raised dais, like two overstuffed, unhappy dolls. People mingled but mostly ignored the newlyweds.
They were only here for the prestige of attending a party at the Jackson mansion, a traitorous voice inside her said. Not one of them approved of the goings-on, and had Jasper been worth less money, they all would have snubbed Jasper and his new bride. At least the girls would no longer be unkind to Emma Jane’s face.
Still, as she passed by a group of giggling, whispering girls, Mary couldn’t help wonder if this was the worst fate. She marched right up to where Emma Jane and Jasper sat.
Mindful of Mrs. Logan’s eyes on her, Mary said simply, “I pray for God’s abundant blessings on your marriage.”
Emma Jane nodded slowly, her eyes filled with tears. Had anyone wished her friend well?
“Thank you,” Jasper responded. “You’ve been a good friend to us, and you’ll always be welcome in my home.”
He sent a glare in the direction of Mrs. Logan, almost as if he defied her to disagree. The best thing to come of this mockery was that at least Emma Jane would finally be out from under her mother’s thumb.
“Thank you.” Mary tried not to let her eyes fill with tears, but Emma Jane noticed her struggle. She leaned forward and hugged her.
“You are a true friend, and I am grateful for you.”
The room around them stilled, and Mary knew that others had taken notice.
“Pay them no mind,” Emma Jane whispered. “I’m Mrs. Jasper Jackson now. They can say all they want, but when the dust settles, they’ll be begging for invitations to our home. If they’re not kind to my friends, they won’t be welcome.”
There was no meanness in Emma Jane’s voice, only strength. Some of the weight fell off Mary’s shoulders. Emma Jane was going to be all right. Mary gave Emma Jane another hug. Funny how just a few days before, Mary was assuring Emma Jane that she would be using her influence to make sure none of the girls snubbed her. The tables had turned.
“Thank you for being my friend.”
Mary stepped away, making room for other well-wishers to have a chance to greet the bride and groom. None came forward but instead stood gawking. Mary had no doubt that they would come around eventually. At first because they longed for the prestige of being associated with one of the wealthiest families in town, but then they’d see what a good heart Emma Jane had.
She walked toward the refreshments, intent on finding something to drink. As she walked, she looked around the room for Will. He wasn’t in
