Mrs. Miracle Page 0,33
valuable time she sacrificed for the church's benefit. Subtly, of course. She didn't want him to think she was overly burdened or that she didn't enjoy being a slave for God's work.
Walking in from the parking lot, she clenched her purse against her side and strolled purposely past the pastor's office. The door was closed, and she sighed with disappointment. She'd hoped that the office door would be open and she could stick her head inside and say hello. She hesitated, wondering if she should knock, then decided against it. She'd much rather that their discussion appeared spontaneous and nothing that she'd planned beforehand. As it was, she'd carefully gone over exactly what she would say, after which she'd leave the touchy matter in his capable hands. Surely Pastor Lovelace would recognize what was happening and take decisive action. No man of God could allow this kind of behavior to continue within his own church.
Lyle Fawcett was a gentleman, a recent widower himself. He needed gentle concern, someone who could appreciate his grief, a woman who would take it upon herself to see to his comfort.
He needed someone like her, Harriett reasoned.
She'd lost her life's mate and could well appreciate Lyle's grief. What he didn't need was Ruth Darling hovering over him, making a nuisance of herself. As the Bible leader for the Martha and Mary Circle, Ruth had other responsibilities. More important, Ruth had a husband!
Apparently Fred Darling didn't even see what was going on right under his nose; he would never put up with his wife's blatant behavior if he did. Harriett would have thought better of the man, but then, as was so often the case, the spouse was the last to know. Men in particular were blind when it suited their purposes. To Harriett's way of thinking, Fred was acting like an ostrich with his head buried in the sand. She almost felt sorry for the poor soul.
Feeling thwarted and more than a little disappointed, Harriett headed for the sanctuary. She'd play the organ, and if luck was with her, Pastor Lovelace would hear the soothing sounds of her music and make himself available. It wasn't uncommon for him to enter the sanctuary when she played or to make last minute changes in the music.
Harriett was just inside the vestibule when she heard Pastor Lovelace's door open.
She whirled around, delighted. "Pastor," she greeted him warmly, excitedly. "How are you this fine day?" He was a young man in his early thirties, and wise for his years. Kind-hearted and generous, Pastor Lovelace made himself available to the people of his congregation. A good shepherd.
"Mrs. Foster." He smiled, looking a bit uncomfortable. "I thought I heard someone."
"You did," she said, speaking the obvious. "Me. I'm here to play the piano for practice with the children. The Christmas program is coming along nicely, even if I say so myself." She was about to remind him that she'd been the one responsible for finding a replacement for Milly Waters. Actually, she'd volunteered Jayne, but her niece had suggested Reba Maxwell, and that had worked out beautifully.
It went without saying that if Harriett hadn't stepped in when she had, the entire Christmas program might have been canceled. More and more it was becoming clear to her that she was not appreciated the way she should be. If it wasn't for her efforts, there was no telling what would happen to the church.
Pastor Lovelace glanced at his watch. "I didn't think practice with the children was for another hour."
"It isn't. I'm here to rehearse for the worship service." She looked pointedly at her hands. "With my arthritis as bad as it is, it's a wonder I can still play at all."
"We do appreciate your efforts, Mrs. Foster, but if ever you feel that you can't continue, then - "
"No, no, I'm fine. Of course there's a bit of pain, but then I'm accustomed to that." She smiled bravely, and Pastor Lovelace patted her shoulder in that caring, gentle way of his.
He started to retreat back into his office.
"Pastor," she said quickly, "it's fortuitous that we should meet like this, since there's a matter, a rather delicate one, I feel needs discussing. It has to do with one of the women of the church...a married woman," she added pointedly.
"I'm afraid I have an appointment, Mrs. Foster."
"This should only take a few moments, and its importance can't be underrated. I feel terrible to be the one to bring this unfortunate situation to your notice,