The black woman nodded. “I sure was. A man just came into the house, bold as you please. He didn’t seem to think anybody was home, ’cause he was makin’ enough noise to wake the dead. I knew I needed to hide, but could hear him tearin’ through things. I figured he’d look in the blanket box, so I hid behind the drapes. Sure enough, he come into the room and went first thing to the box. I was shakin’ so hard, I figured he could see the drapes movin’, but if he did, he never paid it any attention. It was terrifyin’.”
“I can well imagine,” Bedelia replied. “Just the thought of what might have happened is most alarming.”
“Well, we’re glad it’s behind us now.” Nancy shifted in her seat and put a hand atop her abdomen. “I’m glad you accept Alma. She is a dear woman and has become our friend, just as you and Cornelia are.”
Bedelia began slicing her pancakes, and the conversation moved from the continued repairs of storm damage and to spring planting.
“I believe a garden would be a good thing to have,” Mimi began. “Since the yard has been damaged anyway, why not go ahead and plow up a large portion in the back, and we can plant vegetables and berries. It will help feed us, and frankly, I find gardening relaxing.”
“As do I,” Mrs. Weaver said, nodding. “Alma and I both enjoy it. However, we could hardly allow Alma outside.”
Nancy considered this for a moment. “I think a garden would be perfect. I’ll speak to Seth about plowing up a nice big plot. If he agrees, then we’ll do it.”
They were nearly finished with breakfast when a knock sounded at the front door. Nancy rose and excused herself despite Bedelia’s protest that she could answer on her behalf. While Nancy headed to the front door, Alma hurried to the back stairs and made her way to her room.
When Nancy returned, Gerome Berkshire trailed behind her like a well-trained puppy.
“Faith, Mr. Berkshire would like to speak with you.” Nancy reclaimed her place at the table.
Faith dabbed her napkin to her lips. “I can’t believe you allowed him in the house after all his threats.”
“I’ve also come to beg your forgiveness, Nancy. I’ve turned over a new leaf. I am not the man I once was,” Berkshire declared. “I am even working with the government to help secure information against my former associates.” He looked contrite. “I tell you this to prove myself. Should word get out, my former associates would see me dead. So you can see that I have put my life into your hands, ladies. Surely this proves my sincerity.”
“The Bible does say we are to forgive others,” Mrs. Weaver murmured.
Faith pushed away from the table. “Why do you want to speak to me, Mr. Berkshire?”
“In my desire to prove myself, I thought I would offer you a ride to the college. It’s quite cold, and I must go that way myself. It came to mind that perhaps I could be of some use to this family.”
“Thank you, Mr. Berkshire. That was thoughtful.” Faith got to her feet. She didn’t really believe him, knowing there wasprobably some other reason for his actions. Perhaps he’d been instructed by Lakewood to speak to her. “I suppose it would be prudent of me to accept.”
“Unchaperoned?” Bedelia questioned.
“I assure you, Miss Kenner will be quite all right in my company,” Berkshire countered. “After all, even if I were the man I used to be, I should not dream of causing trouble.” He smiled. “You would all know that I would be the one to blame.”
Again, Bedelia gave a huff and focused on her food. “People today care nothing for the respectful behavior of their parents and the rules that were put in place to preserve proper society.”
Faith smiled to herself as she went to her room to collect her things. Miss Bedelia would be more than a little alarmed if she knew some of the dangerous situations Faith had allowed herself to get into. Why, her visiting theMorning Starwithout a proper escort was itself enough to render Faith guilty of the most egregious of behaviors.
As she buttoned her coat, Faith wondered what Gerome Berkshire’s real purpose in coming was. No doubt it had to do with Samuel Lakewood. The older man had probably asked Berkshire to speak to her, but why, she couldn’t imagine. He had to know that she held no great esteem for Berkshire. For a moment she considered rescinding her acceptance of his offer, but there was always the slim chance Berkshire might say or do something that she could share with Seth. Something that might help the investigation.
She grabbed her satchel and headed for the front foyer. Berkshire was waiting for her and smiled as she arrived.
“You look lovely, Miss Kenner.”
Faith returned his smile. “It’s the same uniform and coat I’ve worn all winter.” She set her satchel on the table and tookup her dark blue felt hat. She continued to speak as she pinned it carefully atop her knotted hair. “I was just pondering what your true purpose might be in coming here today.”
“My true purpose? You wound me, Miss Kenner. Can a man not do a simple act of kindness without his motives being called into question?”
“Perhaps some might.” Finished with the hat, Faith pulled on her gloves. “I’m ready to go.”
Berkshire reached out to take her satchel. “My word, what are you carrying? Rocks?”
“Books. Very thick and heavy books.” She smiled. “I can manage them on my own, if you’d like.”
He frowned. “No. I wouldn’t dream of it.” He opened the door and held it for her. “After you.”
For a while Faith thought their ride to the college would pass in silence. Berkshire seemed to want to speak, but he appeared confused or perplexed about it. Finally, Faith could take no more.
