Jack dipped his chin. “I don’t ever mind sharin’ what the good Lord has done for me, Carter. I’ll be praying for you ... and Miss Briggs.” He winked and walked out, shutting the office door behind him.
There was no getting around it. He needed to put aside his growing attraction to Ellie. For her sake, and his own.
He rubbed his face. He should have taken time to actuallylistento Ellie instead of trying to shove Bible verses down her throat. Maybe then he would have seen what his mom did: a young woman wrestling with hard things and big questions.
Jesus was clearly trying to draw Ellie closer to Him, but instead of helping her, Carter had pushed and poked out of his own frustration and struggle.
Lord, this isn’t an easy one. I don’t want to do the wrongthing. I don’t want to fall in love withsomeone who doesn’t love You. Please guide my focus.Let me be a positive influence for You. But, Lord,please guard my heart. I’ve never felt like thisabout someone.
Usually, prayer left him feeling peace. But this time he almost felt worse than before he’d prayed.
Maybe it was already too late. Maybe he was already falling in love.
Lunch had just finished when Eleanor’s father announced another expedition. This one would take them back to the east side of the lands they wanted to set aside for the national park.
“We’ll take the train and then make our way from there. We won’t be gone long. When we’re done, we’ll catch the train again and return home.” Father put aside his napkin. “Should be back in time for the Fourth of July celebrations.”
Mr. Grinnell set aside his as well. “I’m glad we’re going to do this. I believe you’ll be equally impressed with the scenery and species of wildlife and vegetation. It’s majestic.”
“When do we leave?” Eleanor took out her journal and pencil.
“If you’ll excuse me.” Mr. Grinnell stood up and left them alone at the table.
Her father said nothing for a moment, and Eleanor looked up to find him wearing a pinched expression. “What’s wrong, Father?”
“Well, there are several other men going along on this trip. I think it would be best if you remained here with Mrs. Ashbury and the Judge. We talked about it last night, and Mrs. Ashbury said she would be delighted to have you stay and accompany her to her ladies’ group. She hopes to introduce you to more people.”
“You don’t want me to go?” Why did it hurt so much? Father had done many expeditions on his own when she was younger.
He took her hand. “My dear, I am anxious for this phase of my work to be over.” He cast a quick glance around the room. “It is wearying to me, and I wish to settle in and live a simpler, quieter life. But I promised George that I would help. And after the threats we received on the last trip, I think it would be best for you to stay behind. Stay safe.”
“I understand that ... it’s just ... my life has been in upheaval for a while, and there are so many things I wish to discuss with you. I haven’t told you about my restlessness and feelings of unease.” Why she’d chosen that moment to share, she wasn’t sure, but she longed for a closer relationship with him again.
He cupped her cheek with his hand. “I’ve seen it, my dear. And I apologize for not helping you through this. If you haven’t noticed, I’ve been on a struggle and search for truth myself.”
She’d seen it. But hadn’t understood until he voiced it. She shouldn’t be weighing him down with her worries right now. She lifted her chin and took a deep breath. “When you get back, we’ll work it out together.”
“Sounds like a wonderful plan.” He pulled back. “Besides, I’m sure Marvella will love having you all to herself. She’ll have you introduced to the entire town by the time I return.”
It was as if the older woman had heard her name and come to see what she could do. “Greetings, all. I hope you enjoyed your lunch.” She pulled off her gloves and handed them to the maid.
Father spoke up. “I was just telling Ellie that you had invited her to remain here while we men went on our trip to the east side of the park area.”
Mrs. Ashbury looked at Eleanor and smiled. “I am besidemyself with joy to have time for the two of us. My ladies’ group meets in two days for a luncheon, and I would like very much for you to speak to them about the national park plans and ideas. It would be such a nice thing to hear about it from a lady. Knowing you support your father’s and Mr. Grinnell’s ideas, I am so hopeful you’ll agree to speak.”
“Yes, Ellie. You could have a great influence over these ladies, and in turn they would influence their husbands. With enough support from everyone we will surely see the national park take top priority on the president’s agenda.”
So. The decision had already been made, and there was no use arguing against it. “I’d be happy to speak to the ladies, Marvella. Thank you for thinking that I might be able to persuade them.”
“Oh, my dear, you are talented, and I know that they will enjoy what you have to say.”
Eleanor turned back to her father. “When do you leave?”
“The day after tomorrow. George has already arranged everything.”
She smiled and carefully folded her napkin. “Well then, I should probably see to your packing. I wouldn’t want you to forget anything.”
The chair seemed unusually loud as she scooted back.
