If he wouldn’t let her in, should she simply leave? She would stay and fight for him if it would help.
But she’d already fought through his defenses twice. The idea of having to do it again felt exhausting. And would he pull back every time the threat of danger touched their lives?
She couldn’t… She just couldn’t fight to keep her heart intactandheal his if he never joined the battle on her side.
If only Bea were here, with her gentle wisdom and knack for soothing ruffled feathers.
Mandie sighed and opened the door of her bed chamber.
Voices drifted from the main room, and she followed the sound to where the Balfour men sat in the main room, Bibles in hand.
Thomas looked up and smiled as she entered. “Ah, Mandie. You’re looking pretty in your Sunday finery.”
She returned his smile, appreciating his kindness even as her gaze drifted to Enoch.
He sat stiffly in his chair, his eyes fixed on the pages of his Bible. The shadows under them spoke of a restless night, and her heart ached. But she couldn’t fix what he wouldn’t acknowledge was broken.
“Thank you.” She settled onto the sofa beside Thomas, smoothing her skirts. “So, who is leading the service today?”
“I thought I might read the scripture, if no one objects,” James said. “And perhaps Robert could lead us in a hymn or two, and Thomas can read the sermon.”
Robert nodded. “I’d be happy to. Any requests?”
As the brothers discussed the order of the service, Mandie let her mind wander. She couldn’t help but steal glances at Enoch, hoping to catch his eye, to see some hint of the warmth and connection they’d shared before. But he kept his gaze turned away from her.
Finally, James cleared his throat and opened his Bible. “Shall we begin?”
The others murmured their assent, and James started to read, his rich baritone filling the room.
Mandie tried to focus on the familiar words, to let them soothe her heart. But her thoughts kept circling back to Enoch, to the chasm that had opened between them once again.
As the service passed, she had to pull her mind back to the teaching over and over, like a stubborn horse struggling against the lead rope.
At last, James led them in a closing prayer. It didn’t escape her notice that none of them had suggested Enoch take part in the proceedings. Maybe they thought it better to leave the bear alone instead of poking it. But maybe a reminder of God’s faithfulness would be good for him.
Of course, she knew better than to attempt to be another’s conscience. She couldn’t manage to keep herself free of sin, so she’d best let God handle Enoch.If You could see fit to help him trust You instead of taking the weight for everyone else on his shoulders, that would be good, Lord.
When James said “amen,” Mandie echoed it along with the others.
Silence settled for a moment, then Thomas cleared his throat. “I had a thought. Since we don’t have to work, why don’t we do something special this afternoon? A fun pastime to lift our spirits.”
Robert raised an eyebrow. “What did you have in mind?”
A mischievous twinkle entered Thomas’s eyes. “We haven’t had a proper dance in ages. And I happen to know that Robert here is a fine hand with the violin.”
Mandie widened her eyes. “You play, Robert? I had no idea.” The prospect of music and dancing released some of the heaviness in her chest.
Robert ducked his head, a hint of color rising to his cheeks. “It’s been a while, but I could manage a few tunes.” He glanced around at his brothers.
James grinned. “I think it’s a capital idea. We could all use a bit of cheer.” He turned to Enoch, who had remained silent throughout the exchange. “What say you? A dance this fine Sunday afternoon?”
Enoch’s jaw tightened. For a long moment, he didn’t respond, his gaze fixed on some distant point. Then, slowly, he nodded. “I have no objection.”
It wasn’t exactly a ringing affirmative, but Mandie would take it. The chance to dance, to perhaps coax a smile from Enoch’s stern face, sent a flutter of anticipation through her middle.
“It’s settled.” Thomas stood. “We’ll spruce ourselves up a bit and reconvene in, say, an hour’s time?”
The others murmured in agreement and began to disperse to their respective rooms to prepare.
