before her, she complimented him on the fine furniture.
“My wife’s father made this for us many years ago. I fully intended to learn how to craft furniture until the War between the States broke out. I felt God’s call to the ministry and served the entire time as a soldier and chaplain. So I began carving names into the Book of Life instead of wood into furniture.” He paused and stared out the window. His face suddenly aged. “Now I don’t need to take up your entire afternoon with small matters. You asked me if I knew of someplace respectable for you to work.”
“Yes, sir, I did.” Casey’s heart pounded even faster.
“Well, I’ve been thinking and praying and talking to Sarah this afternoon. Sarah’s my sweet wife. We may very well have a possible solution. Goodness, where are my manners? Sarah would be appalled. Would you like a cup of coffee? I know I could use one.”
He wiped his hands on the apron before waiting for an answer and poured the fresh, hot liquid into a delicate china cup ribbed in gold. Casey’s fingers trembled, and she willed them to cease. The ladies she’d observed on the trains didn’t shake. She dared not, either.
“I make my coffee a little strong,” he said.
“I prefer it strong.” She lifted the cup to her lips. It tasted of brew made with part grounds and part dirt. Familiar but horrible. “It’s delicious.”
“Now I know better, but thanks just the same.”
He pulled out a chair for himself and sat across from her. Taking a deep breath, the reverend began again. “Miss Flanagan, I desperately need help here. I told you before about my wife sleeping. You see, she’s confined to bed. As much as I love her and want to take good care of her, I can’t seem to get anything done. The house needs attention, my cooking is terrible, and my sermons are suffering. The ladies from church are gracious to bring food and come to visit, but I need someone who can take care of Sarah and the house on a regular basis.”
Reverend Rainer stood again, and for a moment, she thought he resembled an old Indian chief with his silver hair and high cheekbones. “With someone reliable, I can tend to my responsibilities and still have time to spend with her. Oh no.” He grabbed a towel to pull a smoking, grease-laden skillet from the oven. He set it on the stove top and turned his attention back to the biscuits. “Guess that’ll teach me to check the oven before I fire it up. I normally cook outside in this heat, but I can’t get the biscuits to brown right.”
“Can’t I help you there?” she said.
He shook his head. “No, I won’t hear of it. Besides, I need something to do with my hands. Now where was I? Oh yes, we have two extra bedrooms upstairs, and I’m prepared to pay an adequate salary. I also think it best to give the lady who takes this position every Sunday afternoon and evening free. I like the idea of spending the Sabbath with my precious wife.”
His gaze rested upon her face. “I was praying over the matter when you rode up today. My Sarah’s a gentle lady, and she doesn’t complain about her ailments. She simply needs someone to care for her, keep her comfortable and the like. There’s medicine for the pain, except she rarely asks for it unless it’s unbearable.” He took a sip of coffee. “Miss Flanagan, would you consider a position as a nurse and housekeeper?”
Casey couldn’t believe what she’d heard. With her thoughts flying like a flock of geese headed south, she found it difficult to concentrate as the reverend continued.
“I understand if you can’t give me an answer right away, but do you mind meeting with Sarah and visiting for a spell?” He paused for a moment. “I can’t say how long nursing Sarah might last, because she isn’t getting any better. The doctor says she could live six months or six weeks.” He placed the biscuits atop the hot oven and seated himself across from her.
“What do you think about my offer, Miss Flanagan?”
Chapter 11
Casey had practiced the art of hiding her emotional responses for many years, and Reverend Rainer’s offer required her to use all those skills. While she scrambled for words with the sheriff’s face still fresh in her mind, she realized this good man would lose his faith if he knew he sat