“Good. That will keep everyone busy while I speak with you.”
She looked back at him. “What kind of help do you need?”
“Since I’m portraying the clergyman, the constable and doctor want me to say a few words to the crowd and give them comfort.” He took a deep breath to continue, but stopped whenhe noticed her laughing. He scowled. “This is not humorous, Tabitha.”
She grinned, and the sparkle in her eyes turned them a deeper blue. Now he realized why he’d once referred to them asamazingeyes.
“Forgive me, my lord, but I happen to think this is very humorous.” She bit her bottom lip for a moment before saying, “Unless you have forgotten, you are still a rogue no matter how hard you try to act like a clergyman. Tell me, do you not find this situation funny at all? What did you expect when switching roles with your cousin?”
“Tabitha, please,” he sighed heavily, “I’m very much aware of how it looks, but I need help. I needyourhelp.”
“Why me?”
“Because you are the only person who knows my true identity, so you are the only one to ask.”
“What do you need me to do?”
“Well, to start with,” he scratched his head, “you could tell me what to say to the crowd.”
Slowly, her smile stretched as a laugh bubbled up from her throat. He really enjoyed seeing her like this. Her soft expression brought an unfamiliar flip to his heart.
“You really don’t know what to say to these grieving people?” she asked.
“As hard as it is for you to believe, I really have no idea.”
Her lips curled as if she wanted to laugh again. “Let the crowd know how they can turn toward the Lord for comfort, and how He will always be there for them. All we need to do is come before Him in prayer. Let these people know that you will prepare a special sermon on Sunday that will calm their souls.” She stood and reached through the window to touch his hand. “By Sunday, I’m sure your cousin will have put together a very touching sermon that will help everyone.”
He grasped her fingers, and even after a few moments she didn’t pull away. His heartbeat quickened. “You have helped me tremendously. I thank you.”
“Well, I understand why you’re doing this, and if I didn’t help you, who else would? We don’t need your true identity to be revealed so soon, now do we?”
“No, we don’t.” He stroked his thumb across her knuckles. “I’m more confident to face the crowd now.”
“Don’t forget to take the Bible with you. Seeing the Good Book in your hands will always give people more comfort.”
He smiled. “Indeed, it will.”
Inhaling slowly, she withdrew her hand from his touch and stepped back. “I better go before someone notices.”
“Yes, I agree. I thank you again.” He closed the window as he watched her walk to the women she’d been standing by. She looked so lovely in her blue dress. But it was more than her appearance that made his heart soften. It was seeing her face all lit up and smiling…and the way her eyes sparkled.
Just before she reached the other ladies, she peeked at him over her shoulder. His heart leapt and his grin widened. Knowing she cared about him—whether or notsherealized she cared—gave him the courage he needed to go outside and face the worried crowd.
Nic glanced around the room, hoping to find a Bible. Thankfully, the doc had one on the small table by the bed. Before leaving, Nic picked up the book and headed toward the front doors. With his head held high, confidence grew inside him.
Tabitha was one very special lady. She really did have a giving heart. She didn’t have to think before telling him what to say, as if that particular subject had been utmost in her mind. She’d definitely make a clergyman a fine wife. In fact, Nic should suggest such a match to his cousin. Frederick would make her happy…
Something in Nic’s gut twisted and a wave of sickness came over him. Bitterness coated his tongue, and he couldn’t figure out why this had come upon him all at once. He hadn’t eaten anything for a few hours. Hopefully, he wasn’t getting sick. He placed his palm on his forehead. He didn’t have a fever. So then why had he felt this ill all of a sudden? He’d been just fine until imagining Frederick and Tabitha married…
His stomach lurched again. Now he realized what had caused this. Chuckling, he shook his head. No, this couldn’t be right. He didn’t havethosefeelings for Tabitha. For heaven’s sake, she and Frederick would be the perfect match.
Yet, the more he pondered the idea, the more he didn’t want to see her on the arm of his cousin, presenting herself as Mrs. Woodland. Instead, he could picture her onhisarm, as he introduced her as the Marchioness of Hawthorne.
He snorted a laugh.Impossible!
*
Tabitha didn’t knowwho David was, but her heart still wrenched for these people who knew him as one of their own. She found her friends closer to the front of the house this time, off more to the side of the porch. Mrs. Stiles sniffed as tears streamed from her eyes. Sally stood next to the older woman, patting her arm.
