“But that isn’t necessary,” Edward replied.
“Adoption is a wonderful thing,” Marybeth added. “I’m sure the orphanage in Evansville has other children in need of homes. Carrie, however, isn’t in need. She has a home and is much loved. I’m sorry, but the answer is no. I will not give up my sister.”
Mrs. Wandless looked to her husband and then to the pastor. “I thought you said that she wanted a better life for her sister.” Tears formed in her eyes.
“We have intruded where we should not have come. Pastor Orton, I will speak to you about this later,” Mr. Wandless said, taking hold of his wife. “Come, dear.”
“Wait. I’m sure we can make some sort of arrangement,” the pastor called out.
Mr. and Mrs. Wandless didn’t even look back. They headed for the front door as Mr. Wandless handed his wife his handkerchief.
Marybeth caught up to them. “I’ll pray for you,” she murmured as they exited the house. Pastor Orton was to blame forall of this, after all. It wasn’t the fault of two people who longed for a child. They were misled by the pastor, plain and simple.
“You two are not seeing reason. That poor couple is most desperate for a child, and you have denied them that dream. You should be ashamed,” Pastor Orton began.
Edward shook his head. “And you were bargaining with something that didn’t belong to you. I don’t know what you stood to get out of the entire arrangement, but you’re the one who should be ashamed.”
The man sputtered as he struggled to reply. “I ... well ... you have...” He stopped and shook his head. “I only wanted to help Marybeth and Carrie in their time of need.”
“And perhaps Mr. Wandless in turn would help you build that new church you’ve been dreaming of?” Edward asked.
Marybeth was surprised by that. She’d never considered that Pastor Orton might have an ulterior motive.
“If Mr. Wandless chose to show his appreciation in such a fashion, there would have been nothing wrong with that.” The pastor shook his head again. “You were wrong to marry, and you know it. It’s the reason you didn’t come to me for the job. You knew I would remember our conversation of just a few weeks back when you told me you’d never marry again because you could never love again. I know you didn’t marry for the right reasons.” He looked at Marybeth. “I presume you talked him into this so that you could selfishly keep your sister. God doesn’t honor such things. You’ve brought a curse upon yourself.”
Marybeth felt a tingle go up her spine. Had she done that?
“You preached not long ago that Jesus became a curse for us so that we need never come under such things,” Edward interjected. “You said that if we belonged to Him, we needn’t fear curses.”
“I did,” the pastor replied, “but it’s clear that you don’t belong to Him.”
“And how do you figure that? I gave my heart to Jesus some years ago. Marybeth did too. Who are you to judge us?”
“I’m your pastor, and I have that right.”
Marybeth could feel Edward tensing. She longed to put an end to the situation and gave Edward’s arm a pat. “We don’t have too long before we need to catch our train. Did you bring the crates?”
“George is on his way with them and my things.” Edward seemed to calm. “Pastor, we need to bid you farewell. Marybeth is right. We have a train to catch soon.”
Edward opened the front door again. “In fact, George has just come.”
“You two didn’t marry for the right reasons,” the pastor repeated as he followed Edward to the door. “God won’t honor that. You’re living in sin.”
Marybeth felt overwhelmed by the things he was saying. She’d never seen Pastor Orton act in such a manner. Was this truly all about money and a new church? She had once held such respect for the man, but now he was like a stranger to her.
Pastor Orton headed down the walk in a huff. He didn’t even bother to acknowledge George Weber as he passed him on the way.
George glanced over his shoulder as he reached the front door. “What’s with him?”
“I’ll tell you inside,” Edward replied. “Let’s go get those crates so we can finish packing.”
The men worked together to bring in two rather long wooden boxes. Marybeth was relieved to see their size. With the small boxes she already had, there would be plenty of room for all she needed to take.
“So what’s wrong?” George asked as they set the last box down.
“Pastor wanted to force Marybeth to give up Carrie to Mr. and Mrs. Wandless. I’d heard something that suggested Wandless was going to provide the money for a new church. I’m thinking this was part of the deal. Pastor Orton didn’t admit it, but it seems likely.”
George gave Marybeth a sympathetic smile. “Sorry he would put you through all that.”
